Martinson & Beason, P.C.
Martinson & Beason, P.C.
A collision with a commercial vehicle can result in life-changing injuries that disrupt your ability to work and support your family. Your Huntsville commercial vehicle accident lawyer with Martinson & Beason Injury Lawyers can help you pursue the financial compensation you need to cover your medical treatment and lost wages.
Founded in 1937, our firm has decades of experience handling truck accident claims. Our car accident lawyers in Huntsville, AL will help you through this difficult time and get back on your feet.
Determining liability in a commercial vehicle accident depends on several factors, including who owned the vehicle, who was responsible for maintenance, and whether the driver was performing work-related duties at the time of the crash. In many cases, multiple parties may share responsibility, from the driver to the company that hired them. Identifying the liable party is essential to securing the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Employers may be held responsible for truck accidents if the driver was operating within the scope of their employment. Under vicarious liability laws, a company can be held accountable for the actions of its employees, particularly if negligent hiring, improper training, or lack of supervision contributed to the crash. If the employer fails to enforce safety protocols or requires excessive driving hours, they may be liable for damages.
Some companies attempt to avoid liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. However, if the company maintained significant control over the driver’s work schedule, vehicle use, or operational procedures, liability could still fall on them. Investigating employment records, training logs, and company policies can provide critical evidence in these cases.
Commercial vehicles require frequent maintenance to ensure they are safe for road use, and failure to perform necessary repairs can lead to catastrophic accidents. If a third-party maintenance provider was responsible for servicing the vehicle and neglected critical repairs, they may be held liable for an accident. Issues such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions could point to negligence in maintenance practices.
Liability may also extend to manufacturers if defective parts contributed to the crash. If an investigation reveals that faulty brakes, defective tires, or engine malfunctions played a role in the accident, the parts manufacturer or distributor may be responsible for damages. Reviewing maintenance records and conducting a thorough vehicle inspection can help determine whether mechanical failure was a factor.
Commercial vehicles that transport cargo must adhere to strict loading requirements to prevent shifting loads or imbalanced weight distribution. If a cargo loading company improperly secures freight, causing a vehicle to overturn or lose control, they may be liable for the accident. Cargo-related accidents can result from overloaded trailers, unsecured materials, or uneven weight distribution that affects maneuverability.
Federal trucking regulations establish weight limits and securement requirements to reduce the risk of cargo-related crashes. If a loading company ignores these regulations or fails to inspect the load before transport, they may be responsible for injuries and property damage. Investigating weigh station records, loading procedures, and company policies can help establish liability in these cases.
Commercial vehicle accidents often occur due to a combination of driver behavior, mechanical issues, and external road conditions. Some crashes result from driver fatigue, while others stem from vehicle malfunctions or errors made by other motorists. Some of the most common causes of commercial vehicle accidents include:
When commercial vehicle accidents occur, multiple parties may be at fault, from the driver to the companies responsible for vehicle upkeep and cargo loading. Investigating the cause of the accident and gathering the right evidence can make a significant difference in your ability to recover fair compensation.
Commercial trucking accidents can involve large semi-trucks, smaller delivery vehicles, and everything in between. These crashes often result from driver fatigue, mechanical failure, or road hazards that make it difficult for truck operators to maintain control. Your commercial truck accident attorney in Huntsville with Martinson & Beason, P.C. can help determine liability and the best course of legal action going forward.
Amazon delivery trucks are a common sight in Huntsville, and drivers are often under pressure to meet strict delivery deadlines. Speeding, distracted driving, and sudden stops can increase the likelihood of collisions, especially in residential areas. If an Amazon delivery driver causes an accident, liability may fall on the driver, a third-party contractor, or Amazon itself.
Many Amazon drivers are classified as independent contractors, which can complicate liability claims. Determining whether Amazon, the delivery driver, or a third-party contractor is responsible requires a detailed investigation into employment records and insurance policies. Because Amazon has high insurance policy limits, securing compensation often involves negotiating with aggressive legal teams.
Rideshare accidents can occur when Uber and Lyft drivers fail to follow traffic laws, drive distracted, or engage in reckless behavior. Determining liability in these cases depends on whether the driver was actively transporting a passenger, waiting for a ride request, or off-duty at the time of the crash. Rideshare companies provide insurance coverage, but it only applies under certain conditions, which your Huntsville Uber accident lawyer can discuss with you further based on the specific circumstances of your case.
Passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians can suffer serious injuries when a rideshare driver makes a critical mistake. Insurance coverage limits vary depending on whether the driver was logged into the app and actively engaged in a ride. When the rideshare company’s insurance applies, you may be entitled to higher compensation amounts than a standard personal auto policy would provide. We will know more after your Huntsville Lyft accident lawyer reviews your collision in greater detail.
DoorDash drivers are often in a rush to complete deliveries, leading to reckless driving behaviors such as speeding and failing to yield. Accidents involving food delivery drivers can result in severe injuries, especially when they occur at busy intersections or in parking lots. Liability in an accident depends on the outcome of your DoorDash accident lawyer’s investigation and whether the driver was actively engaged in a delivery at the time of the crash.
Food delivery drivers use their personal vehicles, and their auto insurance may not always cover commercial use. DoorDash provides liability coverage when a driver is actively delivering an order, but coverage gaps may leave injured parties struggling to secure compensation. Holding both the driver and DoorDash accountable often requires gathering ride records, app data, and insurance policy details.
Instacart drivers frequently travel to grocery stores and residences, making frequent stops and navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods. Distracted driving, failure to check blind spots, and rushing between deliveries can contribute to accidents. Liability in Instacart accidents depends on whether the driver was using the app at the time of the crash.
Instacart offers some insurance coverage, but disputes often arise regarding when their policy applies. Injured parties may need to file claims against both the driver’s personal auto insurance and Instacart’s corporate policy. Reviewing app records and determining the driver’s status at the time of the accident can help establish liability.
Bus accidents can involve public transit vehicles, private charter buses, or school buses, each presenting unique liability challenges. These crashes can result in serious injuries for passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists due to the size and weight of the vehicles. Determining fault often requires reviewing driver records, maintenance logs, and whether the bus company followed federal and state regulations.
Some bus accidents occur due to driver fatigue, inadequate training, or mechanical failures. Public transportation agencies and private bus operators are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly licensed and that their vehicles are well-maintained. In cases where negligence plays a role, injury victims may be entitled to significant compensation for their damages.
If you suffered injuries in a commercial vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your financial losses and long-term suffering, also known as economic and non-economic damages. The amount of compensation available depends on factors such as medical costs, lost income, and the severity of your injuries. Several types of compensation may be available based on the details of your case:
Punitive damages may apply if you were injured in a commercial truck accident caused by wanton or reckless misconduct. Unlike compensatory damages, which cover medical expenses and lost wages, punitive damages are designed to punish the responsible party and prevent similar actions in the future. If the trucking company or driver knowingly violated safety regulations, ignored maintenance requirements, or engaged in reckless driving, they may be held accountable under Alabama Code § 6-11-20, which allows punitive damages when there is clear and convincing evidence of malice, fraud, or recklessness, or wanton conduct.
You may be entitled to punitive damages if the trucking company forced drivers to exceed legal driving limits, ignored failed inspections, or failed to properly train its employees. If the truck driver was intoxicated, excessively speeding, or intentionally driving aggressively, the court may increase the compensation awarded in your case.
After a commercial truck accident, you may be left with significant medical expenses, lost income, and lasting physical or emotional trauma. The financial burden can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with aggressive insurance companies or trucking corporations that try to limit payouts. Understanding the different legal options available can help you take the right steps toward securing the compensation you need.
In many commercial truck accidents, the trucking company may be held liable for your injuries. If the company failed to properly train its drivers, ignored maintenance requirements, or pressured employees to exceed legal driving hours, it could be responsible for your damages.
Holding a trucking company accountable often requires gathering extensive evidence, including driver logs, company policies, and vehicle inspection records. Many trucking companies carry large insurance policies, but their insurers will likely attempt to minimize your claim.
Not all commercial truck accidents are caused by the driver or their employer. In some cases, a third party may be responsible for the crash. Cargo loading companies that improperly secure freight, mechanics who fail to complete necessary repairs, or even government agencies responsible for road maintenance could be held liable.
Claims involving third-party liability often require detailed investigations to determine exactly how the accident occurred. Reviewing maintenance records, obtaining surveillance footage, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts can provide the evidence needed to prove negligence.
If insurance negotiations do not result in a fair settlement, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary. A lawsuit allows you to present your case in court and seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Be sure to take action quickly, however, as the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Alabama is typically just two years from the accident date per Alabama Code § 6-2-38(l).
Recovering from a commercial vehicle accident is difficult, especially when you are left dealing with serious injuries and uncooperative insurance companies. Our firm is prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery without the added stress of legal battles. Call your commercial vehicle accident attorney with our office today or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and take the first step toward financial relief.
