Birmingham Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer

When Should You Hire a Birmingham Truck Accident Lawyer?

Commercial trucks are a necessary part of America’s economy. However, due to their colossal size and weight, they can also present significant dangers for other drivers on the road. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to damages for your injuries and losses.

In such cases, a Birmingham truck accident lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you are entitled to.

At Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann, we have been securing compensation for accident victims for over 30 years. We have the experience to maximize the damages you receive. Our attorneys are familiar with the low settlement offers and negotiation tactics commercial trucking insurance companies may employ.

Get in touch with us at (205) 322-8880if you or a loved one have been injured or harmed in a truck accident. We treat all of our clients with the utmost care and respect and provide the attention needed for a successful claim.

How Are Commercial Truck Accidents Different Than Other Car Crashes?

A commercial truck accident is any type of road accident involving at least one large commercial truck. These accidents are often highly damaging and even deadly, especially for passengers riding in smaller, non-commercial vehicles.

Commercial trucks are also known by other names like:

18-wheelers
Big rigs
Semi-trucks
Tractor-trailers
Commercial trucks

Those recovering from a major car accident face numerous burdens. The challenges are physical, emotional, and financial. As you recover, the thought of hiring an auto accident attorney may not even cross your mind.

That’s understandable, and it’s often the common response. But if you have been in an accident and are reading this page, you have found one of the most experienced auto accident law firms in Birmingham. At Pittman Dutton & Hellums, we have represented thousands in severe auto accidents involving cars, commercial trucks (including 18 wheelers), and trains.

Commercial licensing
Insurance
Vicarious liability (when the employer is held liable for the driver’s acts)

Because of these factors, truck accidents often require legal action. A qualified truck accident lawyer can sort out liability and help the victims recover full compensation.

What Kinds of Injuries, Crashes, and Damages Are Involved in Truck Accident Lawsuits?

Truck Accident Injuries

Compared with accidents involving smaller cars, truck accidents can be extremely catastrophic and may involve multiple vehicles and drivers. Truck accident injuries can include:

Spine and neck injuries
Brain injuries and concussions
Broken bones
Paralysis
Loss of limbs
Wrongful death

These may often involve major life changes, and insurance might not always cover the resulting costs and expenses.

Types of Crashes and Accidents

Commercial trucks can create hazardous crash situations due to their build and parts. These can include:

Jackknife accidents: This is where the trailer folds up toward the cab, potentially blocking the entire road and creating a pile-up situation

Cargo spills: Trucks can carry cargo such as logs, slabs of concrete, and chemicals that can spill onto traffic during transit or in an accident

Roll-overs: Due to their height, trucks can often roll over upside down, especially when traveling downhill or near a cliff

Underride accidents: This is where a smaller vehicle gets lodged underneath the truck or its trailer, creating a frightening and potentially deadly scenario

Brake failures: Large trucks take more time to stop, and their weight creates tremendous strain on brakes, especially when moving downhill. Failure to keep the brakes maintained is often a factor

Damages in a Truck Accident Lawsuit

These types of accidents may require legal action in order for victims to recover expenses and losses. Damages in a truck accident lawsuit can cover expenses such as:

Hospital and medical bills
Lost wages and lost earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Costs of ongoing treatment
Punitive damages (in certain cases)

The amount of damages awarded to the plaintiff depends on many elements, including the severity of their injuries and losses, the degree to which the truck driver was negligent, and other factors.
‍
Also, the attorney representing the victim plays a substantial role in the amount of damages they can recover. A skilled and experienced attorney will be able to present the evidence and interpret the laws in a way that benefits the victim the most.

Do you want to speak to a lawyer?

What Truck Accident Settlements Has Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann Won?

At Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann, we take our clients’ legal rights seriously and do all we can to see that they receive the justice they deserve. To date, we’ve recovered over $820 million in awards and settlements for our clients. A few outstanding example case results include:

$7 Million Verdict in a Misdiagnosis Case
Our attorneys helped return a jury verdict in the amount of $7 million for a patient who passed away as the result of a tumor diagnosis error. The case was later settled confidentially.

$1.6 Million Verdict in a Bad Faith Insurance Case
In a case involving bad faith concerning a business insurance policy, our team obtained a $1.6 million jury verdict for the client. The damages award included $600,000 in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages.

What Should You Do After a Truck Accident?

After a truck accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Your health and safety are top priority. Certain injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, may not fully manifest until days or even weeks after an accident. Thus, you should seek medical care even if you don’t think you are injured at first.

If you are able to after an accident, you should:

Contact local authorities: File a police report, as it will help with records of the accident
Contact your insurance company: They will be able to guide you regarding the next steps towards a possible claim
Gather information from all parties involved: However, don’t make any statements regarding your fault or liability — these could be used against you later in court
Preserve any evidence from the scene before it’s cleaned up: This includes pictures and video of the scene and damage to the cars
Contact a Birmingham truck accident lawyer: You may not be able to take action on your own immediately after a truck accident; a lawyer can help handle many of the steps for you

‍
In many cases, the victim in a truck accident may be incapacitated, hospitalized, or otherwise unable to tend to these types of matters. If this is the case with a loved one of yours, contact an attorney who can help gather evidence and information.

How Common Are Large Truck Accidents?

Many people don’t realize just how prevalent large truck accidents can be. Consider the following statistics from a report by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):

In 2017 there were approximately 450,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks; of these, 4,237 were fatal crashes, and 344,000 involved injuries
“Speeding of Any Kind” was the most frequent driver-related factor for truck crashes, with “Distraction/Inattention” being the second most common factor
In 82 percent of crashes, the fatalities were occupants of other vehicles and not the large truck

This last statistic shows that the occupants of the passenger vehicle, not the truck driver, usually suffer worse injuries and more fatalities in a truck crash. Again, this is due to the discrepancy in size and weight between large trucks compared with smaller passenger vehicles.

Other common causes of truck driver accidents include:

Driver fatigue (often due to ignoring or violating truck driver break and shift laws)
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Overloading cargo — this can often change the way the truck reacts
Inadequate/poor training, often linked to negligent hiring practices
Poor maintenance, especially of the brakes
Reckless driving

Thus, drivers should be aware of the great risks involved with trucks and other large commercial vehicles. If an accident occurs, it is likely to involve severe, life-changing injuries or fatalities.

How Can You Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Truck accidents are among the most dangerous and damaging types of road accidents. They can cause major, permanent injuries and can involve complex insurance and legal issues. If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck crash, you should contact an experienced Birmingham truck accident lawyer who can assist you.

At Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless you win your case. We will respond in 24 hours or less when contacted, and will remain responsive throughout the entire process from beginning to end.

We strive for thoroughness and excellence in every case we take on. All five of the partners in our firm have extensive trial experience and were selected for the 2020 and 2021 Best Lawyers America award.

Contact us today at (205) 322-8880 for a free, no-obligation consultation to determine your legal rights and options. We have the experience to ensure that you obtain the recovery and justice you deserve.

‍

What Do Our Clients Say?

Ruth Weakley

I highly recommend this law firm. I was always kept informed of any progress in my case. Any time I called them my concerns were met. Attorney Jon Mann was always very through in his responses. I can't thank this law firm for taking excellent care of my case.

‍

Lee Huffstutler

Outstanding firm! Extremely pleased with the service, consistency & hard work of the firm as a whole and Michael Bradley as my representative.

Without a doubt, I would recommend anyone who is in need of a personal injury attorney to give Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann a call - good people that strive to look after your interests. Thanks for all you have done!

Larry Smith

I have nothing but great things to say about this firm. Initially I mostly spoke to Rebecca & she made me feel very comfortable in a stressful situation. Later many of my calls were with Jon Mann & he also spoke to me with respect & thoughtfulness. Kind of strange but a close bond between lawyers & a client but not only did we discuss the matter at hand but we would discuss our personal lives & the good & bad going on in my life & their concern for my health was comforting. I would definitely recommend this firm! Keep up the great work guys.

Doris M.

I feel very fortunate to have met this firm. During the first conference, my attorney made me feel totally at ease when sharing my situation with him. He has a way about him that makes you feel his sincerity and honesty. Thank you for taking my burden and for the wonderful job that you did to complete my case successfully. I am VERY PLEASED!

Cathye H.

My case was one that was a part of a nationwide claim. I researched and prayed for the appropriate attorney and I found that in Mike Bradley. While my case lasted, Mike and his assistant Karen stayed current and knowledgeable on the status and updates. I never once called or emailed that one of them didn't respond to me immediately. Mike would call to answer an email because he felt it would be more personal and efficient than typing. I highly recommend this firm.

Tyna B.

I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Jon Mann of Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann. I am so grateful for your knowledge, passion, dedication, and professionalism you have exhibited through this entire ordeal. Mr. Jon Mann took in all the relevant information, analyzed it and created a plan to settle my case. Again, I value the help you've given me. Thank you!!

Emily W.

I was very pleased with the work that Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann did for us. I had been injured in a car accident and was in quite a bit of pain for sometime. They always treated me like a person and not a case—never failed to return a call and kept us apprised of what was going on. I had a time when I had to be totally focused on recovery, they were able to take care of the situation and I didn’t have to worry about it. I owe this firm a lot of thanks.

Luxi Choi

Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann prides themselves on hard work and proven results.They earnestly work to provide the best outcomes for their clients. It's truly been an honor to work with them.

Andre Madison

Skilled attorneys that are extremely knowledgeable of the Law. There friendly staff and environment helps you in any way that they can. I would highly recommend this firm! And Attorney Austin Whitten.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

Do most truck accident cases go to trial?

Not necessarily. In certain cases, the issues can be resolved through an insurance claim. However, trucking companies carry commercial policies, which can be more complex than a standard car accident claim.

Furthermore, big commercial insurance companies often don’t want victims recovering the full amount they are entitled to. Thus, any settlement offer might not cover the victim’s losses. Legal action is usually necessary to ensure that the proper parties are held liable and that the victim gets the damages award they deserve.

Are expert witnesses necessary in a truck accident case?

In certain instances, yes. Truck accidents can involve several different cars and victims, especially in pile-ups or multiple vehicle crash situations. Issues like liability can be complicated to sort through. Expert witnesses are typically top professionals in their field and can help reconstruct the accident to determine liability.

Also, calculating damages is an important part of any truck accident lawsuit. An expert medical witness can help testify regarding the victim’s injuries and how much compensation they need for a full recovery. A skilled attorney will also be able to fight for the maximum amount of damages for the victim.

How long does a truck accident lawsuit take?

There is no set time length for a truck accident lawsuit. In many instances, the process can take anywhere from six months to a year, and sometimes longer depending on the case. More complex cases may take longer.

You should be aware that there may be a specific filing deadline involved, known as the “statute of limitations.” This is a set period in which the trucking accident lawsuit must be filed. If you wait until after this date passes, you may lose your chance to file altogether. It’s important to take action promptly if you’ve been in an accident. Get in touch with us today at Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann at (205) 537-2805 if you need representation for a truck accident lawsuit.

How can a truck accident lawyer help?

Being in a truck accident can be traumatizing, and you might not know where to begin. Contacting a trucking accident lawyer can help ease much of the burden. A qualified truck accident attorney can help:

Organize documentation and evidence for your case
Communicate with insurance companies and trucking company reps
Review the relevant laws to maximize the amount of recovery you obtain
Contact and prep any expert witnesses who will be involved

‍
At Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann, we are passionate about helping those who have been severely injured. We understand the difficulties that result from a major truck accident, and are here to provide guidance and legal advice. Contact us today at (205) 322-8880 if you or a loved one have been in a truck accident. We provide free, no-obligation consultations to determine your next steps.

FREE CONSULTATION

Are you ready to tell your story?

Using the web form below will begin the process of your free consultation, which is confidential and carries no obligation to hire our firm. Considering your safety, our consultations may be done via telephone or a video call format. During business hours expect to receive a return phone call within an hour. You will speak with one of our top-rated attorneys during your consultation who will attempt to provide you with reliable answers to your legal questions. We look forward to assisting you!

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

PHONE NUMBER

(205) 322-8880

OUR OFFICE

2001 Park Place
Suite 1100
Birmingham, AL 35203

WORKING HOURS

We are open and available 24/7!

I agree to receive emails, text messages, and phone calls regarding my legal inquiry, which may be considered advertising material. Emails, text messages, and phone calls may be automatically generated using the information from the above form to better coordinate communication. I understand my consent to this is not necessary to obtain legal services from Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann, P.C. MSG and Data Rates may apply. Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann, P.C. will not share your information with any 3rd party marketing and sales organizations.

Need to talk to a lawyer today?

CALL us today

HIGHLY AWARDED LAW FIRM

IN YOUR CORNER

Our law firm has received top awards from the country's most prestigious organizations recognizing leading law firms.

Have you been injured in an accident?

Schedule now

Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann is a team of personal injury lawyers in Birmingham, Alabama. We serve clients throughout the United States for all types of personal injury cases.

Navigation

Get Social

The recoveries and testimonials on this website are not an indication of future results. Every case is different, and regardless of what friends, family, or other individuals may say about what a case is worth, each case must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances as they apply to the law. The valuation of a case depends on the facts, the injuries, the jurisdiction, the venue, the witnesses, the parties, and the testimony, among other factors. Furthermore, no representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.