Understanding Your Rights as a Commercial Trucking Accident Injury Victim in Alabama



If you've been involved in a commercial trucking accident in Alabama, it's imperative that you understand your rights and options under state law. It can be an overwhelming situation, and as a victim you might be confused about what steps to follow. Having the right legal representation from experienced trucking accident attorneys, such as Stephen Thompson, is crucial in getting the compensation you deserve. Being involved in a trucking accident lawsuit can be a complex process, which is why having a comprehensive understanding of your rights can make a significant difference.

Alabama Trucking Laws and Liability

In Alabama, all commercial vehicles are expected to adhere to specific federal and state laws. These laws govern how long a driver can be on the road, the truck's maintenance and safety standards, and much more. Violations of these laws contribute to many trucking accidents.

When an accident occurs, liability is often determined by who was negligent or reckless. If the truck driver, trucking company, or anyone connected to its operation acted negligibly, they could be held liable. Therefore, if you sustain injuries in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, establishing negligence is vital to ensure justice is served.

Rights of Commercial Trucking Accident Victims

It's important to know that as a victim, you have every right to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, loss of income, emotional distress, and property damage. Alabama law allows the victim to file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party within a stipulated period, known as the statute of limitations. This period is two years from the date of the accident. If the victim does not file a claim within this period, they may lose their right to seek compensation for their losses. 

Moreover, if you face severe injuries, ongoing medical treatment, or devastating financial losses from the accident, you have every right to demand compensation beyond just your immediate medical expenses.

As a commercial trucking accident victim in Alabama, you have legal rights that protect you and allow you to seek compensation for damages. These rights include:

  • Right to compensation for damages: Victims have the right to pursue compensation for damages in Alabama such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Right to medical treatment and recovery: Victims in Alabama have the right to seek medical treatment and recover from their injuries.
  • Right to legal representation: Victims have the right to hire a personal injury lawyer to represent them in Alabama and protect their legal rights.
  • Right to file a lawsuit: Victims have the right to file a lawsuit in Alabama against the at-fault party to seek compensation for damages.

 

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Understanding Contributory Negligence in Alabama

One crucial aspect of Alabama law to understand is the concept of contributory negligence. Alabama is among the few states that still use this rule, which states that if the victim is found to hold any liability in the accident, even just 1%, they may not be entitled to recover damages under the law. This is why having an experienced attorney like Stephen Thompson is vitile, as he's familiar with the intricacies of Alabama laws and he can help to solidify your case against the liable party with clear and compelling evidence.

Key Steps to Follow After a Commercial Trucking Accident

While it's important to understand your rights, it's equally vital to follow key steps post-accident to protect these rights:

  • Seek immediate medical attention — even if you don't feel injured, some symptoms can appear later.
  • Report the accident — call the police to the scene and ensure an official accident report is filed.
  • Document the accident — collect as much evidence as you can at the scene (pictures of the vehicles involved, your injuries, the accident scene) and note down all the details of the accident.
  • Notify your insurer — report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.
  • Consult with an experienced trucking accident lawyer — seeking legal advice is paramount, especially in a commercial truck accident, as these cases tend to be more complex. 

Navigating the aftermath of a commercial trucking accident can be a strenuous and complicated process, especially without experienced legal representation. Should you find yourself in such a situation, contact personal injury lawyer Stephen Thompson in Alabama, who boasts a robust background in handling commercial trucking accident cases. Our law firm is dedicated to protecting victims' rights, fighting tirelessly for the compensation they deserve, and helping them through a difficult time in their lives. Contact us today, and let us help you understand your rights and legal options.

Free Initial Strategy Session

All Initial Strategy Sessions are Free. If you would like to discuss your options, you are invited to fill out one of the Contact Forms. I will attempt to contact you if I think I can help you.

During your Initial Strategy Session, I will asist you in creating a strategy on how to best pursue your claim, whether it be the result of a Car Accident Claim, 18 Wheeler Injury, or, Alabama Workers' Compensation Claim. At your Initial Strategy Session, you will receive the following:

  • First - I will listen to your story. You will have a chance to tell everything to someone who wants to hear what happened to you.
  • Based on the information that you provide, I will give you my best advice on both what claims you have, and the next steps you should consider to proceed with your claim(s).
  • If your claim is something that I think I can help you with, I will explain the services that I can provide for you, and what the next steps are that we should take. We will start working immediately.
  • If your matter is something that I do not think I can help you with, then I will attempt to put you in contact with another lawyer that might be able to help you.
  • Either way, what should happen is we will put to rest some of the unkowns that you may be experiencing. We will start to shed some light on what you can expect, and how to best pursue the benefits you deserve.


Don't delay getting the recovery you deserve! Contact us today for your free Strategy Session!

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