Auburn Truck accident attorney | Comprehensive And Compassionate Legal Help For Accident Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Auburn, Alabama, the aftermath can be overwhelming. The pain alone can be immense, but there’s often a long list of other challenges: accumulating medical bills, lost income, and the uncertainty that comes with dealing with insurance companies. You may feel pressure to act fast while managing a difficult recovery.
At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we understand how life-changing truck accidents can be and believe that everyone injured by a negligent truck driver deserves full and fair compensation for their injuries and losses. An experienced Auburn truck accident lawyer from our team is ready to fight for every dollar you deserve so you can focus on healing and regaining control of your life.
Don’t wait to seek justice. The trucking company and its army of lawyers and insurers are already at work on your case. Make sure you gain the advantage with the experience, resources, and strength of an Alabama-bred national personal injury law firm in your corner.
FREE CASE REVIEWWhy You Need an Auburn Truck Accident Lawyer Who Will Fight for You
Truck accidents often have devastating effects that reach beyond the injured person to impact your future life plans, your family, and even entire communities. Recovery from a truck collision is about more than medical care; it involves securing financial stability and justice.
As home to Auburn University, Auburn is a place where students, faculty, and community members are deeply connected. When a severe accident occurs, it disrupts not only the lives of those involved but also affects the surrounding Auburn University community and the city as a whole.
Truck accident claims are incredibly complex, much like the accidents themselves and all the issues of causation and liability that they introduce. We understand trucking industry laws and regulations and how they affect your claim. With Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, you have an advocate committed to fighting for your maximum compensation, including your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
The Reality of Truck Accidents in Auburn, Alabama
Truck accidents are especially dangerous due to the size, weight, and unique design of commercial vehicles, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. This massive size difference not only increases the potential for severe injuries but also presents unique hazards, such as longer stopping distances, substantial blind spots, and higher ground clearance.
A fully loaded commercial truck traveling at 65 mph requires about the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop. This lengthy stopping distance means that any unexpected slowdowns or obstacles pose significant crash risks, especially on I-85, US-280, Alabama State Route 14, and other heavily traveled routes in and around Auburn.
Additionally, trucks have extensive blind spots, or “no-zones,” on all sides, where smaller vehicles may go unnoticed. These areas make lane changes, merging, and turns especially hazardous for other drivers. The high ground clearance of commercial trucks further increases the risk of dangerous underride accidents, where smaller vehicles can slide underneath a truck’s trailer in a collision.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than half a million large commercial truck accidents were reported in a recent year, resulting in 5,936 fatalities and 160,608 injuries nationwide. Many of those injured in truck accidents suffer severe, life-changing injuries that require long-term care.
Our team of Auburn personal injury lawyers has seen firsthand the lasting impacts of these incidents on victims and their families, and we understand that the recovery process is about more than simply treating physical injuries.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Auburn
Recovering from a serious accident can be overwhelming, and it’s normal to feel unsure about what to do next—especially when physical pain and stress are already taking a toll. You can still take steps to protect your legal rights and strengthen your claim, even if you couldn’t take action at the scene.
The following actions are essential ways to start building a strong case and giving yourself the best opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries and losses:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, see a medical professional. Injuries like internal bleeding, concussions, and whiplash are not always immediately apparent but can worsen without treatment. - Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer in Auburn
Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer as early as possible helps ensure you gather essential evidence and communicate effectively with insurance adjusters. - Document the Accident Scene if Possible
When possible, capture photos or videos of the scene, the truck, your injuries, and any damages. If witnesses were present, try to obtain their contact information. - Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer
Insurers may reach out soon after the accident, sometimes before you even leave the hospital. They may offer a quick settlement that falls far short of what you truly need. Refer all communications to your attorney, who will fight for the compensation you deserve. - Keep Track of Your Injuries and Related Costs
A detailed record of your medical treatments, therapy sessions, medications, and other costs is essential. This documentation will play a crucial role in building your claim.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Auburn
Truck accidents are complex crashes. They often involve more than just the driver, vehicle, or cause, making it challenging to investigate and identify all liable parties. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, most truck accidents stem from some form of human error. Some of the major causes are:
- Driver Fatigue
Commercial truck drivers frequently face tight schedules and may drive for long hours, leading to mental fatigue. Drowsy driving can significantly impair a driver’s reaction time and decision-making ability. - Distracted Driving
Distractions such as cell phone usage, GPS systems, or even eating while driving can cause drivers to miss critical signals and increase the risk of a crash. - Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding and driving too fast for road conditions reduces the driver’s ability to control the truck, and Auburn’s hilly and sometimes congested roads can create hazardous situations. - Improper Vehicle Maintenance
Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their fleets. Failing to perform regular inspections and repairs can lead to dangerous mechanical failures, such as brake or tire issues. - Improper Cargo Securement
If cargo is improperly loaded or secured, it can shift and cause the truck to tip over or lose control. Overloaded trucks are particularly susceptible to this issue.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in Auburn
The immense weight, high center of gravity, and shape of commercial trucks create conditions for certain crashes that are often catastrophic for other motorists. These are some of the most common types of crashes that our Auburn truck accident attorneys see:
- Jackknife Accidents
These occur when the trailer swings out and forms a “V” shape with the cab, often due to sudden braking. Jackknife accidents can obstruct multiple lanes, posing a threat to nearby vehicles. - Rollover Accidents
With a very high center of gravity, loaded tractor trailers that speed, make tight turns, or carry unbalanced loads can easily tip or roll over, potentially harming other motorists. - Underride and Override Collisions
In underride accidents, smaller vehicles get trapped beneath the trailer, while in override accidents, the truck runs over a smaller car. Both types of crashes are highly dangerous and often lead to fatal injuries. - Blind Spot Collisions
Large trucks have extensive blind spots on all sides, which increases the risk of side-swiping other vehicles. Proper mirror adjustment and attentive driving are essential to prevent these incidents.
The Importance of FMCSA Regulations in Truck Accident Cases
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations that govern the commercial trucking industry are vital in determining liability in your case.
While there are dozens of important safety regulations, some of the key FMCSA rules include:
- Hours of Service (HOS) Rules
Truck drivers are limited to specific hours of driving and required rest breaks to reduce fatigue-related accidents. Violations of these regulations can strongly indicate negligence in your case. - Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance
Trucking companies are required to conduct regular inspections and ensure that trucks are safe for the road. Neglecting these standards can lead to mechanical issues like brake failures, tire blowouts, and other risks. - Cargo Securement Standards
The FMCSA has guidelines for properly securing different types of cargo to prevent load shifts and spills, which can cause a truck to lose stability or create hazards on the road.
A skilled Auburn truck accident attorney familiar with FMCSA regulations can analyze inspection logs, driving records, and other data to uncover any regulatory violations that contributed to the accident.
FREE CASE REVIEWTypes of Injuries Sustained in Auburn Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents are the deadliest type of traffic accidents on U.S. roads; for those in Auburn and the Auburn University community, these injuries can disrupt daily life, studies, or work, creating an urgent need for financial relief and medical support. Knowing the common injuries associated with truck accidents can help in understanding the potential compensation needed to cover long-term care, rehabilitation, and lost income.
Here are some common injuries our clients experience in these cases:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Head trauma, concussions, and other brain injuries can result in cognitive impairments and affect a person’s personality, emotions, and ability to function daily. - Spinal Cord Injuries
Debilitating spinal cord injuries range from herniated discs to permanent paralysis, leading to a lifetime of medical care and rehabilitation. - Broken Bones and Fractures
High-impact collisions often result in broken bones, which can require surgery and physical therapy for proper recovery. - Internal Organ Injuries
The blunt force of a truck accident can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs, which may not be apparent immediately but can be life-threatening without prompt treatment. - Burns and Lacerations
Fuel spills or fires following a collision can lead to severe burns and lacerations, requiring long-term medical care.
Why You Shouldn’t Negotiate with Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer
Insurance companies seek to settle claims quickly for far less than the true value of the damages. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, often offering early settlements that don’t cover the costs of long-term medical care or other losses. These settlements can be especially tempting if you are financially strained after a truck accident.
Alexander Shunnarah’s Auburn truck accident lawyers have extensive experience negotiating with insurers. Insurance companies know that, as trial lawyers, we are always prepared to take them to court if they refuse to offer a fair settlement, giving us more leverage to settle claims quickly and fairly.
Determining Liability in Auburn Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident cases sometimes involve multiple parties who may bear some responsibility for the accident. Potentially liable parties include:
- Truck Driver
If driver negligence or recklessness contributed to the crash, the driver may be held accountable. - Trucking Company
Trucking companies may be liable for failing to maintain their vehicles, pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, or neglecting safety checks. - Cargo Loaders
If improper loading or securement of cargo led to the accident, those responsible for loading the truck could be held accountable. - Vehicle and Parts Manufacturers
Manufacturers may be liable if defective parts, such as brakes or tires, contributed to the accident.
At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, our Auburn truck accident lawyers work tirelessly to investigate each case thoroughly, identifying and holding all responsible parties liable.
Compensation Available After an Auburn Truck Accident
A truck accident can leave victims with overwhelming financial burdens and lasting injuries. We help clients pursue compensation that addresses all aspects of their damages, including:
- Medical Expenses
Including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and any necessary future medical care. - Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
Reimbursement for lost income and compensation for reduced future earning potential. - Pain and Suffering
Damages for physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. - Property Damage
Coverage for vehicle repairs or replacement, as well as personal items damaged in the accident. - Punitive Damages
In cases of extreme negligence, additional compensation may be awarded to penalize the responsible party.
How Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Can Help
When you’ve been injured in a truck accident, the support of a knowledgeable and relentless legal team can make all the difference in your recovery. At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we provide dedicated, strategic, and comprehensive legal assistance to ensure you’re not left alone to navigate this complex process. Here’s how our Auburn truck accident lawyers can empower your journey to justice and full compensation:
Proven Track Record
With over $1.5 billion recovered for more than 250,000 clients across the U.S., our results testify to our commitment to helping people through some of the toughest times of their lives. Our Auburn truck accident attorneys don’t just settle; they fight to secure maximum compensation for each client.
Knowledge and Experience in Trucking Regulations
Strict federal and state trucking regulations govern truck accident cases. We have a deep understanding of these complex laws, and our experience applying these laws allows us to build stronger, more precise cases for our clients.
In-Depth, Strategic Investigations
Every truck accident involves layers of potential liability. From the truck driver and trucking company to parts manufacturers and maintenance crews, we analyze truck accidents from every possible angle. Our thorough investigations are designed to identify every party that may have played a role in the accident, expanding the potential sources of liability and the value of your truck accident claim.
Local Insight, National Resources
While our roots are deep in Alabama and the local Auburn community, our reach extends nationwide. Backed by a network of over 500 legal professionals, we combine local understanding with vast national resources, ensuring that your case benefits from both close personal attention and broad legal power.
No Fees Unless We Win
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay a single dollar unless we recover compensation for you. This structure allows us to focus entirely on your success, making your fight our fight and your victory our victory.
Our team isn’t just here to help you navigate the legal process; we’re here to stand by you and advocate for your future. By choosing Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, you’re choosing a firm that’s ready to stand with you and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Alexander Shunnarah for Your Auburn Truck Accident Case?
If you need an Auburn truck accident lawyer to help you through the aftermath of a truck accident, Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys has the experience, resources, and local knowledge you need.
There is no need to fight this battle alone. You can have top-tier, aggressive, and effective legal representation with no upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses and come out on top.
Call us today at (800) 229-7989 or through our online contact form for a free consultation with one of our dedicated Auburn truck accident lawyers, and leave the fight to us.
FREE CASE REVIEWAlexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys – Auburn Office
Address: 2298 E University Dr
Auburn, AL 36830
Phone: (800) 229-7989