Do I Need A Truck Accident Lawyer?

Post By admin in  liability, serious injury, Truck Accident 

Birmingham Truck Accident LawyerBirmingham Truck Accident Lawyer

Whether they are called semi-trailer trucks, tractor-trailers, or simply “Big Rigs”, large commercial trucks have the potential to cause some of the most serious accidents possible. This is largely since the mass of the semi-trailer truck is so much larger than that of a typical passenger automobile. Smaller cars involved in these crashes literally do not stand a chance against these huge trucks as they are pushed off the road, flipped over, or worse shoved into lanes of oncoming traffic.

If you or someone close to you has been involved in a truck related accident, seek the professional service of a semi truck accident attorney today. Having an attorney on your side who specializes in these accident types can greatly impact the amount of compensation you or your family may be entitled to. For further information contact a Houston 18-Wheeler accident lawyer , many offer consultations and will be glad to help.

Truck Accident Data and Injuries

Despite being slightly down from previous years, truck accidents are still commonplace in Alabama. In 2008, there were:

• 7,546 Total Truck Related Accidents

• 1,769 Injuries due to Truck Accidents

• 132 Truck Accident Fatalities

About 24% of all truck accidents in Alabama result in a serious personal injury, nearly a 1-in-4 chance. The key difference here compared to other automobile crashes is the severity of the injury imparted to the victim. Truck accidents are notorious for being incredibly violent. Victims of these crashes can experience:

• Head Injuries

• Traumatic Brain Injuries

• Broken or Fractured Bones

• Traumatic Amputations

• Crush Injuries

• Burn Injuries

• Spinal Cord Injuries

• Paralysis

• Wrongful Death

Representation for Compensation

Medical bills alone associated with these types of accidents can easily reach in the tens of thousands of dollars, if not more, for the victims who suffer severe injuries. Sadly, for those who are afflicted with some of these injuries they will require medical attention or further procedures for the rest of their lives — resulting in a constant stream of bills and expenses. Due these financial hardships, and even the emotional pain and suffering that comes with them, consult with a top 18-Wheeler accident lawyer today to begin the process of pursuing the compensation you need in this hard time. While monetary compensation may not fully alleviate the emotional pain and suffering you may be feeling, it can certainly take the pressure of many of these unexpected expenses you may be experiencing.

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Alabama State Troopers Issue 14 Texting While Driving Citations During First Month of Enforcement

Post By admin in  distracted driving 

On August 1 Alabama joined 38 other states in enacting a statewide ban on texting while driving. During the law’s first month in effect Alabama State Troopers issued 14 citations, and at least two other citations were issued by local law enforcement agencies.

Signed in May, the law prevents drivers from using wireless communications devices to check email, read messages or send messages while driving.  This is a primary stop statute, meaning that officers may pull over a driver for the sole violation of texting and driving; no other violations need to be present. There are exceptions to the law; drivers can contact emergency services or use a GPS device while driving. They can also text when the vehicle is stopped and in neutral or park.

The fines for texting while driving in Alabama are $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second and $75 for the third and subsequent offenses. The fines may be minor, however each violation equals two points on the driver’s record which can lead to hikes in insurance costs. Alabama Governor Robert Bentley believes that although the penalties are not extreme, the law alone will remind drivers to think twice before picking up their device to text or email.

“Statistics show that people are 23 times more likely to be in an accident if they are texting while driving,” Bentley Press Secretary Jennifer Ardis said in a prepared statement. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 3,092 people died in the United States in 2010 from “distraction-affected” accidents, which includes texting and dialing a cellphone. According to the Alabama Crash Facts Book, drivers “distracted by passenger/electronic device” were involved in 1,846 wrecks statewide in that same year. Those wrecks in Alabama resulted in seven deaths. Governor Robert Bentley is confident that this bill will save lives.  It is important to seek the legal help of an expert car crash attorney if you are involved in an accident caused by the negligence of another individual.  Causing an accident because of texting and while driving is considered a negligent action.

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Alabama Outlaws Texting While Driving

Post By admin in  Uncategorized 

 

This month Alabama added itself to the list of 39 states to have enacted a ban on texting while driving.

What does the new law mean for you? On the surface, offenders can receive up to $75 fines for  their third and subsequent violations as well as two points added to their driving record at the State Department of Public Safety. Beneath the surface, it means the state is shedding light and tackling a very serious and dangerous issue facing Alabamians: distracted drivers.

Did you know…

  • 1 in 5 accident reports cite Distracted Driving as the cause for the accident.
  • Cell phones are involved in nearly 1,000 fatal car accidents every year.
  • Cell phone use while driving reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37 percent (Carnegie Mellon)
  • Even the use of hands free devices can decrease reaction time the same if one were drinking and driving with a BAC of .08 (Source: University of Utah)

For more interesting facts and information about distracted driving check out distracteddriveraccidents.com.

While it is good to be aware of the dangers, it is even better to be prepared. Having the right legal representation from the beginning can greatly lower the stress and get you through your case with the resolution and settlement you deserve.  Contact an experienced Montgomery personal injury lawyer for a free legal consultation.

 

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Alabama Train Accidents

Post By admin in  liability, railroad accident, serious injury, Uncategorized 

Train Wreck

According to Amtrak, last year over 27 million people in the U.S. rode one of their trains with the number expected to increase in 2012. Their success can be attributed to our countries enriched history of Train rides. Naturally, Alabama is one of the states most deeply rooted in our nations ties to the railroad system. With over 30 different lines operating in Alabama, it is one of the states most long lasting and trusted means of transportation.

As trusted and reliable a train ride may be, unfortunately train accidents are also very much a prevalent possibility when hopping aboard. According to the Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis, in 2011 nearly 2,000 train accidents occurred in the U.S. In just the past week, 4 train accidents have been reported in Jefferson County, Chilton County, and Bessemer leaving 5 dead and dozens injured.

In many cases, negligence on part of the railroad system or city have been considered the cause of these tragic accidents. Whether it be a lack of traffic barriers or misguiding street signs, no one should have to endure the pain and hardship cause by a train accident alone. You can find an experienced railroad accident lawyer in Birmingham, Montgomery, and most other metro areas in Alabama.  Having the right legal team on your side can make the difference between carrying the burden of an accident on your back or getting the justice and compensation you deserve.

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Car accidents in Birmingham

Post By admin in  car accident 

Car accidents that take place on busy city streets or on rural highways have the potential to cause victims serious personal injury — or even wrongful death. Sometimes the emotional pain and suffering that follows physical injuries can be every bit as debilitating for the victims who survive these accidents. Due to this, it is imperative to have a reputable Birmingham car accident lawyer on your side, representing your rights in court, after your accident.

Local Accident Data

 Compared to the national average, the state of Alabama as a whole generally follows the same trends for accident frequency as the rest of the country. In 2007, the city itself reported

• 11,149 Total Car Accidents

• 2,216 Total Car Accident Injuries

• 24 Total Fatal Car Accidents

From this data it can be seen that more than one car accident occurs in the city of Birmingham every hour. Additionally, more than six people will suffer an extent of personal injury in a car related accident every day with two people each month tragically losing their lives in one of these accidents.

Negligent Drivers

In order for a claim of personal injury or wrongful death after a car accident to be successful, you’ll first need to show that the other party involved in the crash was negligent. Negligence is often described as a behavior that other drivers engage in that directly puts the lives and safety of others they share the road with in great danger. Examples of negligence that greatly contribute to Birmingham car accidents includes:

• Distracted Driving ( for a great site on distracted driving click here)

• Drunk Driving

• Fatigued Driving

• Failing to Yield

• Ignoring Posted Signage

• Driving in Wrong Lane

• Driver Inattention

• Speeding

All of these behaviors, and more, are considered negligent and if a driver engages in them — then subsequently causes an accident, they can be ordered by a court to pay monetary compensation to the victims they injure. An experienced Birmingham car accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need after you suffer a personal injury in a car accident or lose a loved one to a wrongful death.

 

Seek Professional Expertise

After you or a loved one’s accident, it is vital to speak with a professional car accident attorney right away. Avoid disclosing information to the at-fault party’s insurance provider or lawyer before you first consult with a Birmingham car accident lawyer. Electing to engage in conversations or negotiations with the negligent party’s insurance provider without your own attorney present can severely limit the compensation you are entitled.

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