A truck accident can disrupt your life in ways you never imagined. One moment you’re on the road; the next, you’re injured, facing medical bills, lost wages, and a vehicle that’s beyond repair. As if that weren’t enough, you’re now dealing with insurance companies more focused on minimizing payouts than helping you recover.
Receiving a settlement offer that barely covers your losses only adds to your stress. Worse, the insurer might question your version of events or try to shift some of the blame onto you.
This is where an experienced Montgomery truck accident attorney can make all the difference. At Strickland & Kendall, L.L.C., we help victims fight back to get the compensation they deserve. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you—here’s what you need to know.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different
Truck accidents are more complex than car crashes. Multiple parties may be liable, strict regulations apply, and insurance policies favor trucking companies over victims. Understanding these factors is key to building a strong case.
Multiple Parties Involved
In most car accidents, liability is straightforward and usually involves the drivers involved. But in truck accidents, responsibility is often shared among several parties.
Here are some examples:
- Truck Driver: Were they distracted, drowsy, or under the influence?
- Trucking Company: Did they neglect training, supervision, or enforce unsafe schedules?
- Maintenance Crew: Was the truck poorly maintained or overdue for repairs?
- Cargo Loaders: Was the load unsecured or overweight?
- Manufacturer: Did a faulty part or mechanical failure cause the crash?
To prove fault and get the compensation you deserve, you need a strong investigation. A Strickland & Kendall attorney can handle that for you.
Strict Regulations
Truck accident cases aren’t just about what happened during the collision. They also involve compliance with state and federal trucking regulations, such as those set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
These rules cover:
- Driving Hours: Limits to prevent driver fatigue.
- Weight Limits: Trucks can’t carry more than allowed.
- Maintenance Checks: Regular inspections to keep trucks safe.
Failing to follow these rules can serve as key evidence in proving negligence, but uncovering these violations requires legal expertise and access to critical records such as driver logs and inspection reports.
Big Insurance Policies, Bigger Battles
Trucking companies have large insurance policies to cover accident costs, but that doesn’t mean getting fair compensation is easy. Insurers often fight harder to avoid big payouts, using tactics like denying fault or delaying claims.
Without an attorney on your side, it’s tough to take on their legal teams and win the compensation you deserve.
How Insurance Companies Work Against You
Insurance companies often use tactics designed to protect their bottom line—not your recovery. Understanding these strategies can help you recognize when you’re being treated unfairly and why having an attorney is crucial.
Lowball Settlement Offers: Don’t Sign Too Soon
After a truck accident, the insurance company may offer quick cash. It might seem helpful, but these low offers rarely cover long-term costs.
They’re designed to:
- Pay only immediate bills, ignoring future medical care.
- Pressure you into settling before you know your rights.
Once you sign, you can’t ask for more—even if your injuries get worse. Talk to a Strickland & Kendall attorney first to make sure you get the full compensation you deserve.
Shifting Blame
In Alabama, even a small degree of fault on your part can bar you from recovering compensation due to the state’s contributory negligence law. Insurance companies know this and may try to shift blame onto you by:
- Suggesting you were speeding or distracted.
- Pointing to minor details in the accident to reduce their liability.
A skilled attorney can counter these tactics by gathering evidence and building a case that clearly establishes the other party’s negligence.
Delay Tactics
Insurance companies often stall the claims process to frustrate victims into accepting less than they deserve. This can include:
- Delaying responses to your inquiries.
- Repeatedly requesting unnecessary documentation.
- Prolonging settlement negotiations.
An attorney knows how to push back against these bad-faith practices and keep the process moving forward.
You’re Not Alone with Strickland & Kendall By Your Side
A truck accident can turn your world upside down. Between painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages, the last thing you need is a battle with an insurance company that’s only looking out for itself. You deserve someone in your corner who knows how to fight for what’s fair.
That’s where Strickland & Kendall comes in. We understand how overwhelming this process can be, and we’re here to take the legal burden off your shoulders. Our team will handle the insurance companies, gather the evidence needed to prove fault, and fight to get you the full compensation you deserve. You don’t have to do this alone. Contact Strickland & Kendall today for a free consultation. Let us fight for you while you focus on healing.