Auburn Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accidents can result in severe, life-altering injuries. It is not uncommon for the victims of these incidents to suffer broken bones or traumatic brain injuries. These losses can also affect a person’s ability to earn a living and have a significant impact on their overall quality of life. Even so, an injured individual is powerless to demand compensation for these losses unless they can prove that a truck driver’s negligence was the cause of the collision. This can involve investigating the scene of the accident, talking to third-party witnesses, and even hiring an accident reconstruction expert to evaluate the incident.
If you or a loved one suffered losses in a wreck with a tractor-trailer, an Auburn truck accident lawyer at Bence Law Firm, LLC may be able to help. A seasoned personal injury attorney like David Bence could gather the evidence needed to build a strong case and protect your legal right to financial recovery.
Special Rules that Govern Truck Drivers
Truckers must obtain specialized licenses to operate on Auburn roads. They must also adhere to certain federal regulations that are specific to the trucking industry. One major example of these rules concerns the maximum weight of vehicles on the interstate highway system. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, trucks with one axel cannot exceed a total weight of 20,000 pounds. This maximum limit increases to 34,000 pounds for tandem axel groups. In no case can a semi-truck weigh more than 80,000 pounds.
Similar laws control maximum drive times. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mandates that a trucker cannot drive for more than 11 hours in a day in most cases. Additionally, a truck driver cannot be behind the wheel for more than 60 hours in seven consecutive days.
A violation of these laws puts every person on the road in danger. Proof that a trucker broke these laws is powerful evidence in demonstrating negligence and, thus, liability for a collision. A proactive Auburn truck accident attorney could evaluate the driving logs of a trucker to determine if their actions were in violation of any of the federal trucking regulations.
How a Collision with an 18-Wheeler Could Affect a Person’s Future
The potential impact of a truck collision cannot be underestimated. Of course, the first thing on many people’s minds is the physical injuries that are common following a truck accident. These can include:
- Broken bones
- Separated joints
- Severe cuts and bruises
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Severe burn injuries and disfigurement
- Amputations
- Wrongful death
A semi-truck crash claim will always demand payments for all medical care to date. However, in situations where a plaintiff suffers permanent injuries, a case must also estimate the cost of all future medical care and demand compensation for that as well.
Permanent injuries can also affect a person’s ability to earn a living. Economists can help evaluate the impact of the accident on a person’s future economic prospects and demand that negligent truckers and their employers provide reimbursement for those losses.
Lastly, a wreck with a heavy commercial vehicle can have a profound effect on a person’s emotional health. It is not uncommon for victims to suffer from nightmares, flashbacks, or PTSD related to the incident. An experienced tractor-trailer crash lawyer in Auburn could help measure the full impact of the accident on a person’s life and demand appropriate payments. They could also help a victim pursue a case within the legal timeframe. The Code of Alabama § 6-2-38 gives an injured person only two years from the date of the accident to seek damages, which is why it is crucial to reach out to a diligent legal professional like David Bence as soon as possible.
Allow an Auburn Truck Accident Attorney to Fight for You
Collecting full compensation from a negligent truck driver is not an easy task. The trucker, their employer, and their insurance company will fight to protect their own profits and limit their liability as much as possible whenever an accident occurs. This can include questioning the validity of evidence, the extent of your losses, and even arguing that the wreck was your fault.
An Auburn truck accident lawyer at Bence Law Firm, LLC is prepared to help. Dedicated attorney David Bence could stand by your side and prove that a truck driver’s negligence was the singular source of the collision. Contact us today to protect your legal rights and hold at-fault parties accountable for their actions.