Birmingham Truck and Tractor-Trailer Unsafe Road Conditions Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by unsafe road conditions, you may be entitled to compensation. Accidents of this nature can be catastrophic and life-changing, and you should not be forced to pay out of pocket for the negligence of a government entity that should have made sure the road was safe for travel. Lawsuits involving commercial trucks and improper road management can be incredibly complicated and require an experienced attorney to secure a favorable outcome.
Determining who is liable in a case where a truck driver is involved is difficult. When infrastructure concerns are added to the mix, lawsuits can become convoluted and messy. In the aftermath of an accident you are likely dealing with a host of physical and emotional issues. Working with a lawyer will assure you that your case is being properly conducted, allowing you to focus on the most important thing – your recovery – with complete confidence.
At Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP, we know how to handle personal injury cases. We have teams in place to handle even the most complex legal concerns, including accidents involving unsafe road conditions and trucks. For over 20 years our firm has worked diligently to advocate for all our neighbors here in the Birmingham area. We have built a reputation of dependability and high quality care, earning the trust of our community.
You may be dealing with significant financial hardship due to high medical costs and being forced to miss work after your accident. We believe no one should ever struggle to make ends meet after being injured through no fault of their own. To honor our commitment to advocacy, we work on a contingency fee basis. Our fee structure means you will never see a bill from us unless we recover compensation on your behalf. For a free consultation, call us today at (205) 324-1212 or fill out our online form to get started with a Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP Birmingham unsafe road conditions lawyer.
Why Do I Need a Truck and Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer?
After an accident involving a truck or tractor-trailer on an unsafe road, you are likely incredibly frustrated. Your accident was caused through someone else’s negligence and might have been avoided if those involved had been more responsible. Your frustrations could grow exponentially if you attempt to take on a complicated court case all on your own. Trucking companies employ teams of combative lawyers who will do anything to avoid blame. Likewise, trying to bring a lawsuit against the government entity responsible for maintaining the unsafe road you had to travel on will be incredibly complex. More often than not, normal legal procedures are cast aside when the government is the defendant.
A firm with a history of success in cases against trucking companies and local municipalities will almost certainly bring the best results. An experienced lawyer can build a sound case on your behalf and will help you recover as much as possible. Injury victims who work with a lawyer are, on average, awarded three and a half times more in compensation.
The right lawyer will be able to go beyond their duty of providing you with legal guidance. As you face physical and emotional issues, your team will help you find the resources you need to get back on your feet.
Why Should I Choose Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP?
At Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP, our Birmingham truck accident attorneys have handled many successful cases involving trucks and tractor-trailers. We understand the unique challenges presented by lawsuits involving negligent truck drivers, aggressive insurance companies, or local government agencies. Our experience has taught us how to provide the quality and ethical legal guidance a complex lawsuit requires, while treating you with the empathy and care you deserve as you recover from your accident.
We will handle all of the logistics of your case, giving you the freedom to work on healing and spend time with your loved ones. We will fight for your rights and make sure the negligent party responsible for your injuries is held accountable.
Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP is a name you can trust and work with confidently after you have suffered an injury. Our top priority is protecting our neighbors here in Birmingham by providing as many legal and charitable resources possible. We focus heavily on supporting local causes as we sponsor the annual Music & Miracles Birmingham Radiothon in support of Children’s of Alabama.
Our team is also active in promoting safety, as we have hosted numerous educational seminars on ways to combat distracted driving. Our firm has built a culture of giving, as many of our team members take time out of their schedules to provide free legal assistance for the Domestic Relations Help Desk. We aim to support our community in every way we can. Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP approaches each client in the same way, striving to care for every need as we guide you on your legal journey.
Common Causes of Unsafe Road Accidents
Traveling on an unsafe road can lead to injuries and leave you facing a financial disaster. If you encounter a truck or tractor-trailer while navigating unsafe road conditions, the results can be life threatening and costly. Unsafe road conditions contribute to thousands of accidents each year. Some of the most common conditions include:
- Confusing signage
- Missing/lack of signs
- Ice or snow
- Potholes or broken roadways
- Objects in the road
- Hazardous work zones
- Steep shoulders/drop-offs
- Lack of guardrails, reflective road markers, or other safety infrastructure
- Faulty design
Truck drivers and motorists subjected to unsafe or poorly maintained roads are incredibly vulnerable due to negligence on the part of those tasked with keeping our roads safe. Working with an attorney to investigate the crash site, as well as the area’s safety records, is critical in determining who is responsible. Despite being injured by a truck or tractor-trailer, the maintenance team behind the unsafe conditions of the road itself may be liable for your injuries.
Who is Responsible for Maintaining Roads?
Responsibility for maintaining roads is a shared task that requires cooperation between the city, county, and state. Each level of government is charged with maintaining different aspects of a road. Often, the state is responsible for infrastructure maintenance, such as fixing potholes and replacing guardrails. Other jobs, like snow and ice removal, may fall on the shoulders of city or county crews. Determining the exact condition that caused your accident is critical in bringing a successful suit.
If unsafe road conditions, and not a negligent truck driver, led to your accident, your Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP legal team will pursue a case against the government rather than a trucker or their employer. Filing a claim against the government is tricky and the rules differ from a traditional lawsuit. Working with a lawyer is the best way to ensure every requirement for bringing a government lawsuit is properly met.
How Do I File an Injury Claim Against a Government Entity?
The rules and regulations when suing the government are vastly different from a traditional case. The state has “sovereign immunity,” which means that Alabama itself cannot be made a defendant in a lawsuit. Alabama has few exceptions to this statute. Individual government employees can be sued in Alabama civil courts, but they are also afforded protections under “state immunity” statutes. However, a suit can be brought if your lawyer can prove why an exception is applicable. Exceptions often involve:
- Willful negligence
- Malice
- Operating in bad faith
- Acting beyond one’s legal authority
- A flawed interpretation of the law
If a suit can be brought, the timelines are strict. If the defendant is a state level employee or entity, a civil claim must be filed within two years. When a local employee or municipality is responsible, a civil suit must be brought within six months of the injury date. Bringing a suit requires written notice be given to the agency responsible for the accident.
What Compensation Could I Recover?
The unfortunate reality of surviving an accident is the financial difficulties that often follow. Caring for your injury may bring high, ongoing medical costs. Additionally, you may be unable to work, which can be incredibly devastating, especially if you are the primary earner in your household. While no amount of money can erase your pain, it is natural to be curious about the compensation you may recover. Under the Federal Tort Claims Act, you may be able to recover compensation to cover the following:
- Injury
- Property damage
- Wrongful death
Working with our team here at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP will ensure that your compensation is maximized and your case is properly handled.
Contact Birmingham Truck and Tractor-Trailer Unsafe Road Accidents Lawyer Today
As you and your loved ones work to pick up the pieces after your accident, allow our team to help guide you along the way. At Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP, you will find a dedicated and compassionate team of personal injury attorneys ready to fight for your rights and compensation. We can help track down those responsible for your injuries and bring them to justice.
Call a knowledgeable Birmingham truck accident lawyer today at (205) 324-1212, or fill out our online form for a free consultation.
