Truck Injury Attorney

What to Do After a Truck Accident

America depends on the goods moved by trucks on the interstate highway system. Even though trucks are heavily regulated by the government, accidents still occur.

​​

At Jinks Crow, our truck accident attorneys have represented clients in truck accident cases for more than 40 years. Because of the complexities involved in truck accidents, it is often necessary for the investigation of a truck accident to begin as soon after the accident as possible, including prior to the accident scene being cleared. 

Critical evidence must be preserved, and any potential spoliation issues must be brought to the court’s attention immediately. Therefore, the truck accident attorneys at Jinks Crow are available any time of the day or night to take client calls and visit the scene of the accident if necessary.

If you have been injured in a truck accident or have lost a loved one due to a truck accident, no matter where you live or where the accident occurred, contact us today to schedule a free and confidential consultation. 

​

Truck Accidents Statistics

According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, over 10,000 accidents involving large trucks (delivery truck, 18-wheeler, tow truck, dually, or work truck) occur annually, resulting in over 2,600 injuries and 120 fatalities.

​

Being injured or losing a loved one in a truck accident can leave a family in emotional turmoil and financial ruin. Hospital bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and funeral expenses are just a few of the potential consequences of such an accident. If you or a family member has been involved in a truck accident, you are not alone. Our attorneys can help.

​

What happens when a truck driver has an accident?

Although truck accidents are similar to car accidents in many ways, investigating and litigating crashes involving an 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, or semi-truck is much more complex. There are several federal and state laws that regulate the trucking industry.

​

The FMCSA is the regulatory body responsible for oversight of the trucking industry on a federal level, and there are laws that touch on nearly every aspect of trucking. For example, truck drivers must obtain and keep a current special driver's license, limit the number of hours they drive each day, and keep detailed logs of their driving time and trips taken. Trucking companies must regularly inspect and maintain their trucks, and abide by other federal and state regulations. It is therefore imperative that anyone who has been injured in a truck accident contacts an experienced truck injury attorney.

​

Who is liable in a truck accident?

In addition to being subject to a complex system of laws, a truck accident may involve multiple sources of liability, including the truck driver himself, the trucking company, and insurance companies. Sorting out whose actions led to the accident and who holds the liability for those actions is best left to experienced truck accident attorneys who know how to handle trucking cases.

​

Damages available to victims of 18-wheeler accidents include compensatory damages for items such as medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Depending on the circumstances, punitive damages, or damages designed to punish a defendant for particularly bad conduct, may be available as well. A family member pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit brought on behalf of a loved one may seek only punitive damages. We can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.