Dothan Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

When commercial vehicle operators cause crashes, the consequences can be significant. Typically, they involve high medical expenses, tough recovery periods, and financial losses. At Gartlan Injury Law, an experienced and dedicated Dothan commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help you to hold the parties responsible for your injuries and expenses accountable for the harm you have suffered. Don’t wait to act. Contact us today to receive a free consultation, discuss your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Is Considered a Commercial Motor Vehicle?

A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is any vehicle used primarily for business purposes such as transporting goods, people, or equipment. Commercial vehicles typically carry a heavier load. They are larger than passenger vehicles, and they require special licensing to operate. Examples of commercial vehicles that you may encounter on the streets and highways of Dothan include:

• Delivery trucks
• Semi-trucks
• Tractor-trailers
• Buses
• Cargo vans
• Dump trucks
• Tow trucks
• Cement mixers
• Refrigerated trucks.

These vehicles play a crucial role in business operations. They can also cause serious accidents due to their size and weight, and due to the demands that companies place on the operators of these massive and potentially dangerous vehicles.

What Is a Commercial Vehicle (CMV) Accident?

A commercial vehicle accident occurs anytime a commercial vehicle collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, or stationary object. These accidents can range from minor fender benders to severe crashes that cause significant injuries and property damage. They can happen on highways, streets, and even in parking lots. Due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, the impact of these accidents is often severe. Everyone involved is at risk of suffering serious injury or death.

What Are Some Common Causes for Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Dothan?

Commercial vehicle accidents can happen in Dothan for a variety of reasons, including challenges which arise from the size, weight, and complexity of these vehicles. Some common factors that can lead to dangerous commercial vehicle accidents and put everyone on the road at risk include:

• Driver fatigue or long hours on the road
• Distracted driving such as texting or using a mobile phone
• Poor vehicle maintenance or faulty equipment
• Weather conditions like rain, fog, heavy winds, and sunlight
• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Improper loading or overloading of cargo
• Inexperienced or unqualified drivers
• Failure to follow traffic laws or road signs.

What Types of Injuries Happen in a Commercial Vehicle Accident?

Commercial vehicle accidents often result in serious injuries that cause long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges for victims and their families. Victims may face life-altering consequences that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, making it essential to pursue full and fair compensation. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Broken or fractured bones
• Internal injuries and organ damage
• Severe abrasions, bruises, and lacerations
• Burns caused by fires or exposure to hazardous materials
• Whiplash or other neck injuries
• Amputations or traumatic limb loss.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dothan Commercial Vehicle Accident?

Determining liability in a commercial vehicle accident can be challenging and complex. Multiple parties may share responsibility. However, identifying everyone who is liable will help strengthen your claim and maximize your potential compensation for injuries, property damage, and other losses. Some parties that may be held liable in a commercial vehicle accident include:

• Commercial vehicle driver — Drivers may be at fault for reckless actions such as speeding, distracted driving, or operating the vehicle while impaired or fatigued.
• Trucking company or employer — Employers can be liable for failing to properly train their drivers, neglecting to enforce safety regulations, or requiring excessive work hours that lead to fatigue.
• Vehicle owner — If the vehicle owner failed to maintain the vehicle by neglecting brake repairs, tire replacements, or other basic maintenance, they could be held accountable.
• Cargo loaders — Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo can destabilize the vehicle, causing accidents. The party responsible for loading the vehicle may bear liability in such cases.
• Manufacturers — Defective vehicle parts such as faulty brakes or steering systems may lead to accidents. In these cases, the manufacturer of the defective component could be liable.
• Other third parties — Additional parties, like contractors or maintenance providers, can also cause accidents through their neglect.

What Should I Do If I Am Involved in an Accident with a Commercial Vehicle in Dothan?

If you are involved in a commercial vehicle accident, you may not be able to act immediately, depending on the severity of your injuries. However, once you are safe and able to act, taking certain steps can help protect your health and strengthen your personal injury claim. Below are the steps you should consider:

• Seek medical attention immediately — Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show immediate symptoms. A doctor’s evaluation safeguards your health and establishes a record of your injuries.
• Call the police — Report the accident and request that an officer document the scene. The resulting police report can be critical evidence in your case.
• Exchange information — Collect contact and insurance details from the commercial vehicle driver as well as information about their employer or company.
• Document the scene — If possible, take photos or videos of the vehicles, road conditions, damage, and any visible injuries.
• Gather witness information — Collect the names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident. Their accounts of what happened may support your case.
• Contact a commercial vehicle accident lawyer — A Dothan commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help you to protect your rights, investigate the accident, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.

Can I Sue for Compensation for My Injuries?

Yes, if you suffered injuries in a commercial vehicle accident, you might be eligible to sue for compensation to cover the resulting medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. To do so, you need evidence showing that the responsible party’s negligence caused the accident. Additionally, under Alabama’s contributory negligence law, you could be barred from recovering any compensation if you share any fault for the accident. This is why it’s so necessary to work with a Dothan attorney to build a strong case.

Contact a Dothan Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

If you suffered injuries in an accident with a commercial vehicle, let Gartlan Injury Law provide the aggressive representation you need to pursue the results you deserve. Our team will take the time to understand your situation and your needs, and we will always put your needs first. Contact us today to meet with an experienced and compassionate Dothan commercial vehicle accident lawyer in a free initial consultation.

Visit Our Dothan Commercial Vehicle Accident Law Offices