The aftermath of an 18 wheeler crash can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps is vital for protecting your rights and potential compensation. Shelnutt & Varner, Attorneys at Law, offer expert guidance for truck accident victims in Alabama, outlining six essential actions to take after a collision. These steps include prioritizing safety, obtaining medical attention, contacting law enforcement, gathering evidence, notifying insurance, and consulting legal representation. Experienced truck accident lawyers can provide comprehensive support, from thorough accident investigations to skilled negotiation with insurance companies. Shelnutt & Varner’s expertise in federal and state trucking regulations allows them to identify all liable parties and fight for maximum compensation.
18 Wheeler Crash in Alabama: At a Glance
- Take six essential steps after an 18 wheeler crash, including getting medical attention and gathering evidence.
- Experienced truck accident lawyers can help navigate complex legal challenges and maximize compensation.
- Liability in an 18-wheeler accident can extend to multiple parties, such as the driver, trucking company, and parts manufacturers.
- Compensation for truck accidents can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs.
- Shelnutt & Varner offers expert legal representation for truck accident victims throughout Alabama, serving in Gadsden, Birmingham, and Huntsville.
The aftermath of an 18 wheeler crash can be overwhelming and chaotic. Knowing the right steps to take immediately following such an accident is vital for protecting your rights and potential compensation.
Don’t Know What to Do After an 18 Wheeler Crash in Alabama?
Know Your Rights After an 18-Wheeler Crash in Alabama
After an 18 wheeler crash, truck accident victims must know their rights to secure fair compensation.
Here’s what you should consider:
- Immediate Medical Care: Seek prompt treatment for serious truck accident injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries—and keep detailed records of all medical bills.
- Evidence Preservation: Secure all accident scene information, such as ELD data, driver logs, and witness statements, which are vital in truck accident litigation.
- Legal Representation: Consult an experienced truck accident attorney to protect your rights during a truck accident lawsuit.
- Full Compensation Claims: Demand damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage from liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and even truck manufacturers.
Understanding these rights is essential for every truck accident case and for achieving the best outcome for truck accident victims. Call us today at (256) 547-4988 for a free case evaluation.
6 Steps to Take After an 18 Wheeler Crash in Alabama
Taking the right actions after an 18 wheeler crash is essential for protecting your rights and potential compensation. Here are six vital steps:
Step #1: Prioritize Safety and Get Medical
Move to a safe location if possible. Get immediate medical care, even for minor injuries.
Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, so always get checked by a medical professional.
Step #2: Contact Law Enforcement
Call 911 to report the accident. A police report is essential for documenting the incident.
Shelnutt & Varner can help you obtain and interpret the police report for your case.
Step #3: Gather Evidence and Information
Document the scene with photos and videos. Collect contact information from witnesses and the truck driver.
Step #4: Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance provider right away. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault.
Step #5: Avoid Discussing Fault or Making Statements
Refrain from discussing fault or making recorded statements without legal counsel.
Let your truck accident lawyer handle communications with insurance companies.
Step #6: Contact an Experienced 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer
Reach out to a skilled truck accident attorney as soon as possible for guidance and protection.
For expert legal assistance after an 18-wheeler crash in Alabama, contact Shelnutt & Varner, Attorneys at Law, at (256) 547-4988.
Understanding Liability in 18-Wheeler Crashes
Due to the complex nature of the commercial trucking industry and the challenges faced by truck accident victims in an 18 wheeler crash, multiple parties may share liability in truck accident cases.
These include:
- The Truck Driver: Negligence is established if the truck driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or under the influence, leading to serious injuries.
- The Trucking Company: Under respondeat superior, the trucking company is liable if its driver acted within the scope of employment. Gadsden truck accident attorneys often pursue these claims.
- Maintenance or Repair Companies: Poor maintenance on a large commercial truck can contribute to a crash, making these companies liable.
- Loading or Shipping Companies: Improperly secured or overloaded cargo can cause loss of control.
- Truck Manufacturers: Defective components like brakes or tires may render manufacturers responsible under product liability.
Contact Shelnutt & Varner for Expert 18 Wheeler Accident Representation
After an 18 wheeler crash, you need a skilled truck accident lawyer to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation. Our team understands the complexities of truck accident cases and fights aggressively for maximum compensation.
- Phone: (256) 547-4988
- Free Case Evaluation: Click here to schedule your consultation
- Email: receptionist@shelnuttlawfirm.com
- Address: 517 Broad St, Gadsden, AL 35901
Alabama Communities We Serve
Shelnutt & Varner, Attorneys at Law, offers skilled legal advocacy for truck accident victims across Alabama.
Our experienced truck accident lawyers are ready to fight for your rights in the following locations:
- Gadsden
- Birmingham
- Huntsville
- Mobile
- Montgomery
- Tuscaloosa
- Auburn
- Dothan
- Hoover
- Decatur
18 Wheeler Crash FAQs
How long does an 18 wheeler lawsuit take in Alabama?
An 18 wheeler crash lawsuit in Alabama typically takes between one to three years. This timeline can vary depending on factors such as accident scene evidence, negotiations with the insurance company, and whether the case is settled or goes to trial, as managed by an experienced Gadsden truck accident attorney.
What are most lawyer fees for an 18-wheeler accident in Alabama?
Most truck accident attorneys in Alabama work on a contingency fee basis for 18 wheeler accident cases, typically charging a specific percentage of the final settlement or verdict. This fee structure is common among personal injury lawyers handling truck accident litigation, guaranteeing that truck accident victims pay nothing upfront.
Is Alabama a no-fault 18-wheeler accident state?
No, Alabama is not a no-fault state for 18 wheeler accidents; it follows a strict contributory negligence rule. This means that if truck accident victims are even slightly at fault, they may be barred from recovering damages in a truck accident lawsuit.
How much will you get paid if an 18 wheeler hits you in Alabama?
A: The compensation for an 18 wheeler crash in Alabama depends on factors such as the severity of truck accident injuries, lost wages, and medical bills, and can range from tens of thousands to multi-million dollars. An experienced truck accident lawyer will evaluate your case to determine the exact amount based on truck accident claims and evidence from the accident scene.
How much are most 18 wheeler crash settlements?
Most 18 wheeler crash settlements in Alabama typically range from several hundred thousand dollars to several million dollars. Settlement amounts depend on the extent of serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, and are determined through rigorous truck accident litigation by good truck accident lawyers handling commercial vehicle accident cases.
What 18 wheeler accident law firm is close by in Alabama?
Shelnutt & Varner, located at 517 Broad St, Gadsden, AL 35901, provides aggressive legal representation for 18-wheeler accident victims throughout Alabama. To reach out to us, call 256-547-4988 or contact us here.
