Alabama Truck Accident Laws & Resources

Truck accidents can cause painful injuries and leave you with many unanswered questions. Below, our truck accident lawyers have summarized the most critical laws surrounding truck accident claims and helpful resources.

The Rules of the Road for Commercial Vehicles

State and federal regulations govern the operation of commercial motor vehicles (CMV) in Alabama. Some of the rules that trucking companies and drivers must follow include:

Speed Limits

Alabama law states that drivers shall not exceed a speed that is safe for current conditions and potential hazards. Commercial truck drivers must follow the same speed limits as passenger vehicles unless signs indicate otherwise. These speed limits are typically:

30 mph in urban areas
35 mph on unpaved roads
45 mph on paved, county-maintained roads in unincorporated areas
55 mph on non-interstate highways with fewer than four lanes
65 mph on highways with four or more lanes
70 mph on interstate roads

If the truck is carrying hazardous cargo, it must not exceed 55 mph.

Weight Limits

Weight limits for trucks traveling across Alabama vary based on the number of axles, road type, and specific exemptions. The maximum weight for a single axle for regular operations is 20,000 pounds. For tandem axles, it is up to 34,000 on interstate roads. Trucks with six or more axles can weigh up to 84,000 pounds on non-interstate roads. However, certain trucks do not have to follow these requirements. Oversized vehicles can carry loads up to 150,000 pounds with the appropriate permit.

Size Limits

Alabama also has special rules about the height, width, and length of commercial trucks, as follows:

Height – Up to 13.5 feet
Length – Up to 40 feet for individual vehicles or 57 feet for truck-semitrailer combinations
Width – Up to 8.5 feet on highways with lanes 12 feet or wider or 8 feet on narrower roads, excluding mirrors and safety devices

Certain types of vehicles must meet additional criteria. For example, semi-trailers over 53.5 feet can only operate on designated highways and must install rear underride guards. Trailers that transport motor vehicles must comply with additional rules, including those involving limits on cargo extension.

Commercial Driver’s License Requirement

To lawfully operate a commercial vehicle, a driver must obtain a commercial driver’s license. This requires first obtaining a commercial learner’s permit that is valid for 180 days. After waiting at least 14 days following the issuance of the permit, the driver can take the CDL test. Drivers self-certify the type of commercial operation they will be working in.

Medical Requirements for CDL Drivers

CDL drivers must meet specific medical standards to show that they can safely operate the vehicle. They must undergo medical examinations every other year and obtain medical cards issued by doctors certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. They must keep these cards with them while operating the truck.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements

Commercial truck drivers must meet drug and alcohol testing requirements. They are subject to testing at the time of hire, random testing, and after accidents.

Hours of Service Regulations

Truck drivers must adhere to hours of service guidelines, which limit the hours they can drive to prevent drowsy driving accidents. Truck drivers can drive up to 11 hours per day within a 14-hour workday after taking a minimum of 10 hours off duty.

Electronic Logging Device Requirements

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires that commercial trucks be installed with electronic logging devices and that these devices record driver activity. This ensures drivers comply with hours of service regulations.

Vehicle Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance Rules

Federal regulations require that commercial trucks be regularly inspected, repaired, and maintained. Trucking companies must keep detailed records to show they comply with these safety standards.

Load Securement Rules

Devastating accidents can occur when cargo in a truck falls off or shifts during transit. This is a leading cause of dangerous jackknife accidents. Trucking companies must comply with cargo securement rules, which regulate the types of materials they must use to secure cargo and when they must use them. These materials must meet specific strength standards and be in good working condition.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration establishes the minimum amount of liability insurance commercial trucks must carry. The amount of insurance coverage varies based on the type of cargo, vehicle size, and passengers, ranging from a low of $750,000 to $5 million.

How to Get an Alabama Commercial Vehicle Crash Report

The Alabama Department of Public Safety uses a Uniform Traffic Accident Report through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website. Here, you can access and purchase your crash report. Alternatively, you can fill out a crash report request form and mail it to the ALEA.

In the event that the truck accident was serious and resulted in an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), you can request a copy of the NTSB report.

Accident reports can be crucial pieces of evidence for your claim because they are prepared by objective investigators. They may indicate factors that contributed to the accident, list noted violations that could impact your claim, and provide additional support for your case.

Filing a Truck Insurance Claim

Because commercial trucks are so much larger and can cause more destruction than typical passenger vehicles, insurance requirements are much stricter and have much higher minimum levels of coverage. While this can mean that you stand to obtain more compensation than you would in a car accident claim, it will also likely mean that the insurance company will fight harder to avoid making large payouts.

Some of the biggest sellers of commercial trucking insurance in Alabama include the following:

When making an insurance claim, it is essential that you do not say or do anything that could damage your case. For example, you should not admit any degree of fault for the accident because Alabama uses a contributory negligence system that eliminates the possibility of recovering any compensation if the victim was at all at fault for the accident. You should not agree to give a recorded statement unless your truck accident lawyer advises you to do so.

Hiring an experienced attorney is often best when dealing with these commercial insurance providers. Multiple parties could be involved, so insurance companies and defendants could try to blame others. An experienced truck accident lawyer can investigate the case, gather and analyze critical evidence, and handle your claims in a professional manner so you don’t have to worry about jeopardizing your claim.

Understanding the Legal Process

After a collision, a truck accident lawyer helps guide you throughout the insurance claims process, which involves several steps, including the following:

Investigating the accident
Gathering evidence
Sending preservation of evidence letters
Requesting access to electronic logging devices, event data recorders, and other evidence in the trucking company’s possession
Compiling information about the full extent of your damages
Preparing a demand package
Negotiating with insurers

If the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, your lawyer may recommend taking your case to court to demand the financial compensation you deserve.

Dealing with Multiple Defendants

Multiple parties could be responsible for a truck accident, including:

Truck drivers who drive unsafely, make mistakes, or violate federal or state regulations
The employer of the truck driver under the legal theory of respondeat superior
Trucking companies that hire unqualified drivers or fail to follow applicable rules
Third-party contractors, such as mechanics or cargo-loading companies whose negligence contributed to the accident
Truck or part manufacturers that made defective parts

An experienced truck accident lawyer can investigate the case and determine who is responsible for your injuries.

First Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Alabama

The first step to take after a truck accident in Alabama is to call 911. Truck crashes are often serious, and you may require immediate medical attention. Additionally, a police officer can respond to the scene to complete a crash report, which can serve as critical evidence to support your personal injury claim.

Seek medical attention immediately, as truck accidents tend to result in severe injuries. Follow all of your doctor’s orders and keep all your medical records.

While you wait for the ambulance, ask the truck driver for their information, including their employer and insurance information. Write down all wording on the truck and its U.S. DOT number. Document the scene by photographing the truck, road conditions, and any visible mechanical failures. Ask any witnesses for their information.

Finally, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer who understands the complexities of these cases and can protect your rights.

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