Millions Recovered for Personal Injury Victims & Families in Alabama
At Jaffe & Erdberg, our 18-wheeler attorneys have years of experience compiling lawsuits and recovering compensation for those who are injured-or for families of those who have died-in truck accidents in Alabama. We have a great history in this community and are well-known for our quality relationships with our clients. Our familiarity with the ins and outs of complex personal injury laws allows our car accident attorneys to help injured parties recover the compensation they deserve so they can move on with their lives.
We remain available for regular communication, answering your questions and providing reliable insight through every step of the process. We work hard on your behalf, knowing that your trusting your case to us is a great honor. Our Birmingham truck accident lawyers deal with insurance adjusters and insurance lawyers on a daily basis.
18-Wheeler Accidents Can Be Caused By Distracted Driving
If you suspect that the driver that hit you was distracted by a billboard, cellphone, other passenger, and so on, it is crucial that you do what you can to prove it. Insurance companies will often see any form of serious distraction as grounds to drop 100% of the liability onto that driver. A negligent driver who knows about this inclination will be eager to defend themselves and try to shirk their accountability. You must be prepared for their resistance and assume that your claim will require litigation.
Why 18-Wheelers Cause Accidents
About one in every eight traffic fatalities results from 18-wheeler trucking accidents. In fact, the larger motor vehicles are, the more dangerous they tend to be.
This is primarily due to the fact that large commercial trucks, such as 18-wheelers, tend to:
- Need more time to come to a stop
- Have larger blind spots on both sides of the vehicle
- Carry heavy loads, which can scatter potentially hazardous debris in the event of an accident
- Rollover more often than smaller cars due to truck’s higher center of gravity
Additionally, given the size of 18-wheeler trucks, the tragic reality is that accidents involving these large vehicles are more likely than typical traffic accidents to cause serious injury or even death.
Some of the most common causes of 18-wheeler accidents include:
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- Aggressive driving, which can include tailgating, cutting off other drivers, speeding, failing to comply with signals or traffic signs, and more
- Animals or objects in the road
- Driver distractions, which can include using cell phones, playing music, applying makeup, reading maps, and so on
- Driver fatigue
- Driver intoxication, meaning the use of alcohol or drugs immediately prior to driving
- Improperly secured loads
- Mechanical failures
- Weather conditions such as snow, sleet, and rain
18-Wheeler Accident Statistics
The following statistics, compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), outline the prevalence and severity of 18-wheeler accidents:
Each year in the United States, over 5,000 people die as a result of 18-wheeler trucking accidents.
About 86% of trucking fatalities and roughly 77% of truck accident injuries affect those in non-commercial vehicles. This means that, in most cases, truck drivers walk away with little or no injuries.
Although large commercial trucks only account for 3% of all registered vehicles on the road, they are responsible for about 12% of all traffic accident fatalities. This disproportionate number highlights the dangers of these vehicles.
We Are Well-Versed in the Insurance Claims Process
Leveraging decades of shared experience negotiating and litigating insurance claims, we have an intimate understanding of the insurance claims process and how insurers handle claims. We know the obstacles that insurers often put up for clients and the challenges that victims like you face when dealing with adjusters. Nothing substitutes hands-on experience, and we bring a wealth of knowledge and insight into the insurance side of each case.
We Can Help You Recover Compensation
At Jaffe & Erdberg, we understand the trauma and devastation that comes with 18-wheeler accident injuries. Our firm has committed a large part of our personal injury practice to fighting on behalf of injured parties and their families. Most 18-wheeler accidents result in catastrophic injuries, such as brain and spinal injuries that can and do change our client’s lives forever.
For a free consultation with an experienced Birmingham 18-wheeler accident attorney, contact Jaffe & Erdberg today to learn more. Our team has over 30 years of combined experience handling automobile accidents and a reputation for winning. We are here to answer your questions and to tell you more about your rights and options!
We fight to hold those responsible accountable and help recover compensation for:
• Past hospital bills
• Ongoing treatment costs
• Lost wages
• Permanent disabilities
• Future costs of living
• Pain and suffering
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We offer appointments throughout the week, including evenings and weekends.