Posted on Saturday, November 8th, 2025 at 9:21 am
When a trucking company fails to maintain its vehicles, hire qualified drivers, or enforce safety standards, victims suffer serious injuries and financial losses. Understanding trucking company negligence in Alabama helps you recognize when you have a valid claim and what steps to take next. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
Why Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP Handles Trucking Accident Cases
Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP handles trucking accident cases throughout Alabama. Our team understands the regulations governing commercial vehicles and the federal standards that apply to the trucking industry. We also know the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts. We’ve recovered millions in compensation for clients injured by negligent trucking companies. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. Our commitment is straightforward: hold negligent trucking companies accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. Our experienced attorneys have successfully handled hundreds of truck accident cases.
How Trucking Companies Become Liable for Accidents
Vicarious Liability and Employer Responsibility
Under Alabama law, trucking companies are responsible for their drivers’ negligence. This applies when the driver acts within the scope of employment. This is called vicarious liability. Employers must use reasonable care in hiring, training, and supervising employees. When a company fails in these duties, it becomes liable for the harm caused by its drivers. This means you can pursue a claim against the company even if the driver made the mistake. Our truck accident attorneys understand these complex liability theories and know how to build compelling cases. Federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establish strict standards that trucking companies must follow.
Direct Negligence by the Company
Beyond vicarious liability, trucking companies can face direct negligence claims. These claims address the company’s own failures. Examples include failing to maintain vehicles properly, providing inadequate driver training, pushing drivers to violate safety regulations, and ignoring federal motor carrier regulations. When a company’s own actions or inactions contribute to an accident, victims can pursue compensation directly against the company. Direct negligence claims often result in higher damages. This is because they demonstrate that the company knowingly created dangerous conditions. Companies that fail to conduct proper vehicle maintenance expose themselves to significant liability.
Common Types of Trucking Company Negligence
Trucking companies commit negligence in many ways. Inadequate vehicle maintenance and inspection failures allow dangerous trucks on the road. Hiring unqualified or impaired drivers puts everyone at risk. Violating hours-of-service regulations forces tired drivers to operate vehicles unsafely. Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of commercial vehicle accidents. Overloading trucks beyond safe limits compromises braking and handling. Failure to provide proper safety equipment leaves drivers and other motorists vulnerable. Understanding these negligence patterns is critical when proving liability in a truck accident case. Many accidents result from commercial carrier negligence in maintenance or driver management.
Proving Negligence in Your Alabama Truck Accident Case
Building a strong negligence case requires specific evidence. Driver logs and electronic logging device (ELD) records show hours-of-service violations. Vehicle maintenance records reveal whether the company neglected critical upkeep. Company safety policies and training documentation demonstrate what standards the company sets. Accident scene evidence, police reports, and expert testimony support your claim. The more evidence you gather early, the stronger your case becomes. This is why contacting an attorney immediately after a truck accident is essential. Our team knows how to obtain and analyze the critical evidence needed to prove negligence, including black box data and maintenance records.
Understanding Your Rights as a Victim
You have the right to pursue compensation for all damages caused by the trucking company’s negligence. This includes medical expenses and ongoing treatment costs. You can also recover lost wages and loss of earning capacity. Pain and suffering damages are also available. Alabama’s strict contributory negligence rule is important to understand. If you are found even partially at fault, you cannot recover compensation. This makes having experienced legal representation critical. The statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims in Alabama is typically two years from the date of the accident. Learn more about how long after an accident you can sue in Alabama. Understanding comparative negligence in Alabama is essential to protecting your rights.
Steps to Take After a Trucking Accident
Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries appear hours or days later. Document the accident scene with photos and videos if possible. Gather witness information and contact details. Report the accident to law enforcement and obtain a copy of the police report. Most importantly, contact an experienced attorney promptly. The sooner you have legal representation, the sooner we can preserve evidence. We can also begin building your case. Insurance companies move quickly. You need an advocate on your side from day one. Review our results and case outcomes to see how we’ve helped other truck accident victims. Our testimonials demonstrate our commitment to client success.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help you better understand your legal rights after a truck accident in Alabama, we’ve answered some of the most common questions our clients ask.
What is negligence per se in Alabama trucking cases?
When a trucking company violates federal safety laws, Alabama treats it as negligence per se. Under Alabama law, negligence per se applies when a defendant violates a statute or regulation enacted to protect public safety, and that violation causes the injury. The violation itself can prove negligence. You don’t need additional evidence of carelessness. If the company violated a safety regulation, that violation may establish negligence automatically.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also establishes critical safety standards for commercial vehicles, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulates overall vehicle safety.
Can I sue the trucking company if the driver was at fault?
Yes. Under vicarious liability, the trucking company is responsible for the driver’s negligence. This applies if the negligence occurred during employment. Additionally, the company may be directly liable for its own negligence. This includes negligence in hiring, training, or supervision. You can pursue claims against both the driver and the company. Our attorneys have extensive experience pursuing claims against both parties to maximize your recovery.
What is Alabama’s contributory negligence rule?
Alabama follows a strict contributory negligence law. If you are found even partially at fault, you cannot recover compensation. This makes having strong legal representation critical. Your attorney will work to establish that the trucking company’s negligence caused the accident. Understanding comparative negligence in Alabama is essential to your case strategy. This is why our experienced legal team focuses on building ironclad cases that clearly establish the defendant’s liability.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Alabama’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the accident date. However, certain circumstances may affect this deadline. Consult an attorney immediately. Waiting too long could result in losing your right to compensation. Contact Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP today to ensure your claim is filed within the required timeframe.
What damages can I recover in a trucking accident case?
You may recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent disability. The amount depends on the severity of your injuries. It also depends on the accident circumstances. Trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. This means higher damage awards. Learn more about how personal injury settlements work in Birmingham, AL. Our case results showcase the substantial settlements and verdicts we’ve obtained for truck accident victims.
Contact Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP for Your Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident caused by company negligence, Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP is ready to help. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us at (205) 324-1212 today for your free case evaluation. Time is critical in these cases. Reach out now to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Our Birmingham office is ready to assist you with your truck accident claim.
