Gadsden Truck Accident Lawyers

18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different from Car Crashes

Crashes involving large commercial trucks aren’t just bigger wrecks, they’re a different kind of case. Here’s why:

• The damage is often much worse
• More than one person or company may be responsible (even if they weren’t at the crash)
• Action on the trucking company’s behalf tends to move more quickly and has

more money behind it

Trucking companies have lawyers and insurance adjusters who move fast. They may push for a quick settlement before you know how serious your injuries are. They may also try to blame you.

Before you accept any settlement offer from a trucking company’s insurer, talk to an experienced commercial truck accident lawyer. Our attorneys are ready to take your call today and explain your rights in plain English.

Schedule a No-Risk, No-Obligation Case Review With a Gadsden Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a crash with an 18-wheeler or commercial truck, call Cusimano, Roberts, Mills & Knowlton at (256) 543-0400 to schedule an initial no-cost, no-obligation case review with one of our experienced Gadsden truck crash lawyers today. We welcome clients from all areas of Alabama seeking justice after serious injury.

Where Truck Crashes Happen Around Gadsden and Across Alabama

Gadsden is a busy area where trucks are a part of everyday traffic. Because of that, 18-wheeler accidents often happen:

• On major routes like I-59 and AL 77 near and through Etowah County.
• On busy U.S. routes used by freight traffic, commuters, and local drivers, such as US 431, US-278, and US-11.
• Near job sites, industrial areas, and distribution routes where large vehicles merge.

Truck crashes don’t only happen in Gadsden. 18-wheeler crashes are common throughout Alabama, often impacting drivers along I-65, I-20, and I-85, and other highways like I-459 and I-565. Even when some roads limit through-truck traffic, delivery trucks still need access to local businesses and terminals. That means big rigs still share the road with cars, which raises the risk of serious injury in a crash.

Most Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Alabama

Our Gadsden truck accident lawyers have seen all types of commercial vehicle collisions. We commonly encounter:

• Rear-End Collisions. These occur when a truck can’t stop in time. They may be a result of distraction or driving too fast for conditions.
• Rollover Accidents. These occur when a tractor-trailer and/or cab rolls onto its side. They can be caused by sudden swerves and imbalanced cargo.
• Override Collisions. These occur when a semi-truck goes up and over a smaller vehicle. They may be a result of tailgating or driving too fast for conditions.
• Underride Accidents. These occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a tractor-trailer. They may be a result of sudden braking and dangerous blind spots.
• Jackknife Accidents. These occur when a truck’s trailer swings to the side and folds toward the cab. They can be caused by a trailer being overloaded or a trucker losing control on a curve.
• Wide Turns and Squeeze Accidents. These occur when a truck swings wide to make a tight turn, causing smaller vehicles to get trapped. They may be a result of a trucker misjudging lanes or rushing to turn.
• Falling Cargo Accidents. These occur when cargo becomes dislodged, such as from a logging truck, and falls onto the roadway or into other vehicles. They may be caused by improperly secured loads, faulty equipment, or shifting cargo during sudden maneuvers.

In a major study by the FMCSA (the Large Truck Crash Causation Study), driver mistakes were the top cause of truck crashes. When a trucker makes a mistake, and you or someone you love pays the price, you need an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer on your side. It’s one of the best ways to pursue the money you are owed. 

A Closer Look at the Leading Causes of Truck Accidents

The Large Truck Crash Causation Study groups truck crashes into three categories:

1. Critical Event (How the Crash Happened)

• Nearly one-third of truck crashes occur when a truck crosses a lane line or departs the highway.
• Around 29% of truck collisions occur when the trucker loses control of their vehicle.
• Approximately 22% of truck crashes happen when another vehicle enters the truck’s travel lane.
• About 10% of truck accidents happen when a truck is turning or crossing at an intersection.

These four situations explain most of what happens right before a crash. Two big problems show up again and again: trucks drifting out of their lane and drivers losing control.

2. Critical Reason (Why the Crash Happened)

In the study, truck-related problems were listed as the main reason for crashes more often than car-related problems. Here are the top reasons the study found:

• Decision errors (bad choices): Such as truckers driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, and misjudging the gap between themselves and other vehicles.
• Recognition errors (not noticing danger): Including trucker inattention and distraction, and failure to recognize a potentially dangerous situation.
• Non-performance errors (not responding at all): For example, when truck drivers fall asleep at the wheel or become incapacitated by a medical emergency.
• Performance errors (poor control): Such as truckers freezing up, overcompensating, and executing poor directional control.
• Vehicle failures (truck problems): Including brake failure, mechanical issues, and improperly loaded cargo.

Environmental factors, such as slippery or icy roads and poor visibility, can also contribute to truck crashes, though they aren’t a leading cause.

Why the crash happened matters for one big reason: it helps to prove who should be held responsible. The Gadsden truck accident lawyers at Cusimano, Roberts, Mills & Knowlton work with trusted experts, including crash reconstruction specialists, who can help identify the causes and make sure all liable parties are held accountable.

3. Associated Factors (What Else May Have Played a Part)

Many truck crashes include more than one associated factor. These are things happening at the time of the crash that may have played a part, such as:

• Driver fatigue
• Driver distraction
• Drug use (illegal and legal)
• Traveling too fast for conditions
• Unfamiliarity with the roadway
• Inadequate surveillance
• Illegal maneuvering

The study also found that some drivers feel pressure from the trucking company to deliver on an unrealistic schedule. Pressure from a motor carrier can lead to truckers speeding, using drugs, skipping sleep, or engaging in other reckless behaviors. When a trucking company pushes speed over safety, they should be held responsible for the harm that follows.

Stories From Our Gadsden Community

Real Clients. True Stories. Successful Fights.

“Emily is a rottweiler attorney with such a nice approach. She’s so sweet and everyone is so drawn to that. Before you know it, the defense attorney and their client are being hit with a deer in the headlight kinda look after she’s done in the courtroom!!!! I will hire her over and over and over again. I’ve seen her in action on my behalf for 2 different cases now and she is absolutely incredible!!!“

–Charity Haney

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Who Can Be Held Responsible in an Alabama Truck Accident Case?

One of the biggest differences between car wrecks and commercial truck crashes is how many parties might be liable. Depending on what happened, the responsible parties may include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company/motor carrier
• The company that owns the truck or trailer
• A maintenance or repair provider
• A shipper or cargo loading company
• A manufacturer of defective parts

It’s common for a truck crash case to involve several people or companies, each with insurance companies and legal teams dedicated to paying as little as possible. They may even try to pin the blame on you.

At Cusimano, Roberts, Mills & Knowlton, our Gadsden truck accident lawyers have seen every trick in the book. We know what the defense will try to argue. We start on day one by identifying and preserving evidence to support your case, and we have the resources and experience needed to fight to make sure you aren’t blamed for a crash you didn’t cause.

How Long Do I Have to File an 18-Wheeler Crash Claim in Alabama?

In most cases, you have two years to file a truck crash lawsuit in Alabama. It’s important to talk to a truck accident attorney as soon as possible so you don’t lose your right to file a lawsuit.

It’s also important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after an 18-wheeler wreck in Alabama because evidence can be lost, witness memories can fade, and establishing the facts of your case can become more difficult.

When you come to Cusimano, Roberts, Mills & Knowlton with your commercial vehicle collision claim, we’ll get to work right away to preserve and analyze evidence, including:

• Scene evidence like skid marks, gouges, and debris fields
• ELD data (electronic driver logs) to see if the driver broke Hours-of-Service rules
• ECM data (the truck’s “black box) that can show speed, braking, and other key events
• Dashcam footage from the truck and surrounding vehicles
• Driver qualification files, including training, licenses, and driving history
• Dispatch communications that indicate pressure to deliver, route changes, and timing demands
• Inspection and maintenance records to check for lapses or poor quality
• Shipping papers (bills of lading) and load documents to see how cargo was weighed, loaded, and secured
• Post-crash tests to see if drugs or alcohol played a role

The faster you get in touch with our Gadsden truck accident lawyers, the sooner we can investigate your crash, obtain the necessary facts, and build a case that seeks every dollar you are owed.

Compensation You Can Seek After a Truck Wreck in Alabama

No two truck crashes are the same, but compensation that is commonly sought through legal action includes:

• Past and future medical costs
• Rehabilitation and long-term care
• Lost income and reduced ability to earn a living
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional struggles like PTSD and anxiety
• Disability, scarring, and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment in life
• Property loss and out-of-pocket expenses
• Punitive damages for wrecks resulting in wrongful death

The Gadsden truck accident lawyers at Cusimano, Roberts, Mills & Knowlton thoroughly evaluate damages. We take a detailed approach and seek compensation to cover your needs now and in the future.

Why Choose Cusimano, Roberts, Mills & Knowlton for Your Truck Accident Claim?

Cusimano, Roberts, Mills & Knowlton aims to be Alabama’s go-to personal injury law firm by offering:

• Respect and Authenticity. To us, you’re never just another case. You’re someone who deserves to be treated with respect and fought for all the way.
• Clear Communication. We keep communication straightforward. You’ll know what’s happening, what it means, and what comes next.
• Knowledge of Alabama Tort Law. Our experienced attorneys are known for their deep legal knowledge. Not only do our results speak to this, we’ve also written respected legal publications that are relied upon by fellow lawyers, judges, law students, and other legal professionals.
• Detailed Case-Building. We build your case around the details that win: timelines, data, records, and proof. Our trial-tested lawyers assemble and prepare every case like it’s going to court, making sure we can support your claim no matter what’s required.
• Access to the Right Experts. We work with accident reconstructionists, trucking safety analysts, medical experts, life-care planners (experts who map future care needs), and more to build the team your case needs.
• Personalized Storytelling. We tell your story in a way that everyday people can understand. We know how to present your story so that it lands with the folks who matter, including juries and judges.

With nearly two centuries of combined legal experience, the truck crash lawyers and our entire team at Cusimano, Roberts, Mills & Knowlton respect the proven fundamentals of hard work, credibility, and preparation. But we also use modern tools that help us understand what juries find clear and convincing. We work harder and smarter to protect your rights and help you seek the fair compensation you deserve.

Schedule a No-Risk, No-Obligation Case Review Today

If you are dealing with injuries from an 18-wheeler accident or you have lost a loved one in a commercial truck wreck, use our online contact form or call our Gadsden office to schedule a no-risk, no-obligation case review today. We’re here to have a real conversation about what happened and how it’s affected your life, give you a clear, honest explanation of your rights, and help you secure the fair and full compensation you deserve.

Based in Gadsden, our truck crash lawyers help clients throughout Alabama pursue justice after serious and fatal collisions.