Mobile Truck Accident Attorney

Billions Obtained for the Injured throughout Alabama

At Cunningham Bounds, we have handled cases on behalf of thousands of clients who have been seriously injured by another’s negligence. Since 1958, we have become known as a top personal injury firm in Alabama. As such, we have the resources and experience necessary to handle any case, no matter how complex.

Truck accident cases often involve going up against large insurance companies and fierce litigators. Our firm is committed to excellence and can fight for an outcome that perfectly meets your needs and circumstances.

Backed by Proven Results

  • $50 million verdict: Truck accident case involving the death of a truck driver
  • $10 million settlement: Woman was killed after being hit by a truck on Interstate 65
  • $9 million verdict: 17-year-old was paralyzed during a truck rollover due to defective design
  • $7.5 million settlement: Motorcyclist was killed in a crash caused by a delivery driver
  • $6.5 million settlement: Truck accident caused by a truck driver impaired by drugs
  • $4.5 million verdict: Family suffered severe injuries in a head-on collision with a truck

Hear from one of our former clients, Delana, about her truck accident case:

We're uniquely equipped to handle your truck accident case. Contact us today.

Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different

Truck accident claims are not handled the same way as standard vehicle collision cases. Commercial trucking companies and their insurers often begin investigating immediately after a crash. Their goal is usually to reduce liability and minimize payouts.

Trucking cases may involve:

  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations
  • Electronic logging devices and driver hour records
  • Truck maintenance records
  • Cargo loading documentation
  • Black box data
  • Multiple insurance policies
  • Corporate defendants

Because of these complexities, it is important to work with our Mobile truck accident attorney who understands how to investigate and build strong commercial vehicle accident claims.

Common Types of Big Rig Accidents

Truck accidents occur in various ways, each presenting unique challenges for investigation and reconstruction. Some of the most common types of "big rig" accidents we handle in Mobile include:

  • Jackknife Accidents: This occurs when the drive wheels of the tractor lock up, causing the trailer to swing out at a 90-degree angle. A jackknifed truck can sweep across multiple lanes of traffic, hitting several vehicles at once.
  • Rollover Crashes: Due to their high center of gravity, trucks are prone to rolling over, especially if they take a turn too fast or if their cargo is improperly balanced.
  • Underride Collisions: These are among the most lethal accidents. They occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the back or side of a trailer, often resulting in fatal head injuries for the occupants of the car.
  • Blind Spot Accidents: Also known as "No-Zone" accidents, these happen when a truck driver merges or changes lanes without seeing a smaller vehicle traveling in one of their significant blind spots.
  • Tire Blowouts: A blowout on a heavy truck can cause the driver to lose total control of the vehicle, sending it careening into other lanes or off the road.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents

Determining the cause of a truck accident is the first step in building a winning claim. While every case is different, most 18-wheeler accidents in Alabama are caused by one or more of the following:

  • Driver Fatigue: Truckers are often under intense pressure to meet deadlines. Despite "Hours of Service" (HOS) regulations, many drivers push past their physical limits, leading to drowsy driving that is just as dangerous as drunk driving.
  • Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Because trucks take much longer to stop than cars, speeding is particularly deadly.
  • Distracted Driving: Using a mobile device, eating, or using a navigation system while operating a 40-ton vehicle is a recipe for disaster.
  • Improper Loading: If cargo is not secured correctly or exceeds weight limits, it can shift during transit, causing the driver to lose control or causing the trailer to tip.
  • Mechanical Failure: Neglecting maintenance on brakes, tires, or steering systems is a common form of negligence by trucking companies looking to cut costs.
  • Impaired Driving: The use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or even over-the-counter "stay-awake" pills can severely impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

The injuries sustained in a truck accident are frequently "catastrophic," meaning they result in permanent disability or a long-term change in the victim’s quality of life. Common injuries include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From concussions to permanent cognitive impairment.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Often resulting in partial or full paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia).
  • Crush Injuries and Amputations: The immense pressure of a truck’s weight can crush limbs beyond repair.
  • Internal Organ Damage: Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding and damage to the kidneys, liver, or lungs.
  • Severe Burns: If the truck was carrying hazardous or flammable materials, victims might suffer third-degree burns.
  • Broken Bones: Multiple fractures are common in high-impact commercial collisions.

Call (251) 299-0101. Let us take a look at your case in a free consultation.

Where Do Truck Crashes Often Occur in Mobile?

Mobile, Alabama, is a major hub for maritime trade and interstate commerce. With the Port of Mobile being one of the busiest in the nation, our local roads are constantly flooded with heavy commercial traffic. Our firm frequently sees accidents occur on:

  • Interstate 10 (I-10): A primary east-west artery where heavy congestion and high speeds lead to frequent rear-end and lane-change collisions.
  • Interstate 65 (I-65): The main north-south route that sees thousands of log trucks and freight carriers daily.
  • The Wallace and Bankhead Tunnels: These narrow passages are high-risk areas for commercial vehicle accidents.
  • U.S. Route 90 and Highway 98: These routes often see a mix of local traffic and heavy trucks, leading to dangerous intersection accidents.
  • The Port of Mobile Area: The surface streets surrounding the docks are heavily trafficked by drayage trucks and industrial vehicles.

Who is Liable?

One of the reasons truck accident claims are so complex is that multiple parties may share responsibility for a single crash. Unlike a typical car accident where you usually only sue the other driver, a truck accident may involve:

  • The Truck Driver: For negligence, such as speeding or driving while fatigued.
  • The Trucking Company: Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, companies are often liable for their employees' actions. They can also be held liable for negligent hiring or training.
  • The Owner of the Truck/Trailer: If the vehicle was leased or owned by a third party.
  • Cargo Loaders: If a third-party company loaded the trailer incorrectly.
  • Manufacturers: If a defective part (like a tire or brake system) caused the crash.
  • Maintenance Facilities: If a mechanic failed to properly repair the vehicle.

How Evidence Can Help Your Truck Accident Claim

Strong evidence is critical in truck accident cases. Important evidence may disappear quickly if it is not preserved.

Evidence commonly used in truck accident claims includes:

  • Police reports
  • Black box data
  • Driver logbooks
  • Truck maintenance records
  • Dash camera footage
  • Witness statements
  • Accident scene photographs
  • Cell phone records
  • Toxicology reports
  • Electronic logging device data

Your attorney may also work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to strengthen your case.

Compensation Available to Injured Victims

If you have been injured, you may be entitled to "damages"—the legal term for financial compensation. At Cunningham Bounds, we fight to recover:

  • Medical Expenses: Including emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing physical therapy.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for the time you missed at work while recovering.
  • Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at all.
  • Pain and Suffering: For the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
  • Property Damage: To repair or replace your vehicle.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence, these may be awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior.
  • Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one has passed away in a truck accident caused by negligence, you and your family may be eligible to recover burial and funeral expenses, lost income, and other damages.

Contact a Mobile Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Truck accident injuries can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you were injured in a collision involving a commercial truck, Cunningham Bounds is prepared to help you pursue justice and financial recovery.

Contact Cunningham Bounds. Begin your journey to just compensation with an experienced truck accident attorney in Mobile, AL.

Our FAQ

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 251-299-0101 today!

  • What Should I Do if I Am Involved in a Truck Accident?

    If you’re hit by a truck, protect your well-being and your rights by following these steps:

    • Move away from the accident if possible. Gas or dangerous cargo could spill and present a fire hazard.
    • Report the accident to police.
    • Make a note (or voice recording) of what you remember about the accident, take photographs, and write down the other driver’s name, license information, and employer.
    • Talk to witnesses and take down their names and contact information.
    • See a doctor—even if you don’t think you’re hurt, you might just be in shock.
    • Call your insurer to make a report.
    • Don’t talk to the driver’s insurance or sign anything they send you. They could be trying to take away your chance for compensation.
    • Find an attorney to help you navigate the minefield of commercial insurance in the aftermath of the accident. Professional advice can be the difference between getting an insurance settlement and having high medical costs affect your pocketbook.
  • How Do I Find out Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

    Dealing with commercial insurance isn’t always easy, but first, you must identify the insurer that is liable for damages. In commercial accidents, it’s not always the driver’s coverage that will kick in.

    Depending on the circumstances of the accident, your case may go to:

    • The driver’s commercial insurance
    • Commercial insurance held by the company that employs the driver
    • A manufacturer’s insurance

    Determining who should pay may be an extended process because if an insurer can find a reason to pass the expense to someone else, they will certainly do so.

  • How Do I Negotiate an Insurance Settlement After an Accident?

    Though we strongly recommend letting an attorney handle all communications with insurance adjusters, we understand that sometimes you want to take care of things on your own.

    If you’re in the process of negotiating a settlement, keep these tips in mind:

    • Don’t sign anything you haven’t read and understood 100%. An insurance adjuster may offer to explain a contract—but they can gloss over important details that work in their favor.
    • Don’t admit to anything the insurer could use against you. Even if they can only prove you hold 1% of the blame, that is enough to absolve them from paying you any damages.
    • Keep in mind that distracted driving, speed limit violations or any other unsafe driving behaviors your opponents can prove could make you ineligible for a settlement.
    • Know how much you deserve. Not only should you total all your medical and car repair bills, but you should also factor in the cost of missed work, ongoing care, and pain and suffering.
    • Ask for more compensation than you need, because the insurance company will negotiate you down.
    • Don’t accept their first offer. Often, insurers try to take advantage of accident victims who may not know the full worth of their damages. Ask for the reasoning behind the number and dispute it wherever you can.
    • Keep records of discussions (writing notes if they were conducted by phone) and ask for any offers to be made in writing. The final settlement should be signed and dated by both parties.
    • Hire an attorney if you’re getting stonewalled. Sometimes, insurers try to frustrate claimants into agreeing to accept a low settlement. Enlisting an attorney to help shows the insurance agent you’re serious about receiving a fair settlement.
  • How Is a Truck Accident Different From a Car Accident?

    Truck accidents often result in more severe outcomes compared to car accidents due to several factors:

    • Size and Weight: The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks can lead to more substantial damage and injuries in a collision.
    • Stopping Distance: Trucks require longer stopping distances, making it harder to avoid accidents.
    • Cargo: Improperly secured or heavy cargo can contribute to accidents or exacerbate their impact.
    • Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often face long hours, which can increase the risk of fatigue-related accidents.
    • Regulations: The trucking industry is subject to complex regulations governing factors like hours of service, maintenance, and safety standards. These regulations can significantly impact the outcome of truck accident cases.
    • Insurance Coverage: Insurance policies for trucks may have higher limits or different coverage than those for cars, affecting the potential compensation available.
    • Legal Complexity: Truck accident cases can involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, and cargo owners, making legal proceedings more complex.
  • How Do Truck Regulations Affect My Case?

    Truck regulations can significantly impact a personal injury case in Alabama if a commercial truck is involved. These regulations outline specific requirements for truck drivers, trucking companies, and the vehicles themselves. Violations of these regulations can be used as evidence of negligence in a personal injury lawsuit.

    • Hours of Service: If a truck driver was fatigued due to violating driving and rest time limits, it can indicate negligence.
    • Vehicle Maintenance: Poorly maintained trucks can increase the risk of accidents.
    • Driver Qualifications: A driver without the proper license or endorsements may be more likely to cause an accident.
    • Cargo Securement: Unsecured cargo can lead to accidents if it shifts or falls off.
    • Company Policies: Trucking companies must enforce safety policies to prevent accidents.
  • How Long Will My Truck Accident Case Take to Resolve?
    Truck accident cases can take months or even years, depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to settle, and whether the case goes to trial.
  • What Evidence Is Needed for a Truck Accident Case?

    When involved in a truck accident, gathering the right evidence is crucial for building a strong case. Essential evidence includes police reports, eyewitness accounts, photographs, medical records, truck driver and maintenance records, and expert witness testimony. Consulting with an attorney can help you identify the most relevant evidence and navigate the legal process.

The Cunningham Bounds Experience

A HISTORY OF LEGAL EXCELLENCE
  • With Us, It's Personal
    Throughout your case, our team will always be accessible, responsive, respectful, honest, and compassionate. Our clients can attest to our high level of service and the longstanding relationships we have forged with them.
  • Committed to Our Community
    We believe in giving back to our community. We provide pro bono (no cost) legal services to those in our community who can’t afford legal representation. We also support local charitable organizations by donating our time, money, and expertise.
  • With You to the End
    Unlike most plaintiff law firms, we have our own appellate practice, which means we can stay involved in your case throughout the appeals process. We keep fighting until the case is over.

Millions Paid to our Co-Counsel Attorneys Across the Nation

  • $50 Million Verdict in Death of Truck Driver

    Cunningham Bounds’ attorneys achieved a $50 million verdict in this product liability case wherein a truck driver burned to death in a post-accident/rollover fire.

  • $9 Million Truck Rollover Case

    Verdict for 17-year-old who was paralyzed during truck rollover due to defective design.

  • $7.5 Million Settlement for Family of Motorcyclist Killed in Crash by Delivery Driver

    In 2021, attorneys of Cunningham Bounds obtained a $7.5 million settlement for the family of a motorcyclist who was killed in a crash by a delivery driver.

  • $6.5 Million Client Injured in Head-On Collision

    Plaintiffs alleged that the defendant Smith Oil Company acted both negligently and wantonly in entrusting its company truck to an employee who was impaired.

  • $5.007 Million Rear-End Collision With Federal Express Delivery Vehicle

    Cunningham Bounds’ attorneys achieved a $5.007 million jury verdict for the victim of a rear-end collision involving a Federal Express delivery vehicle.

Building Lasting Relationships
"These guys are just that good."

There are not many plaintiff’s firms that impress the way these guys do.

- Benchmark Litigation: The Definitive Guide to Americas Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys

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