By Chuck James

In Traffic Accident Articles

The commercial trucking industry plays a vital role in our economy. Manufacturers depend on trucks to deliver materials across the country. Operating a commercial truck on the same roads that are used by regular motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians requires skill, care, and caution. If a driver is unqualified, improperly supervised, or fatigued, the likelihood of a collision increases significantly.

Some trucking companies are negligent in the hiring, training, and supervision of employees. Others might fail to maintain their fleet of vehicles to save money, putting dangerous trucks out on the road. When trucking companies prioritize profits over safety, you need a strong advocate on your side who will fight for your fair recovery.

If you were injured in a truck accident, contact Serious Injury Law Group today to speak with a truck accident lawyer. We can explain how our firm can help you pursue a claim for financial compensation from the trucking companies at fault for the crash and your injuries. 

Commercial Trucking Accident Statistics 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that 499,000 accidents involved commercial trucks for the most recent year reported. Of these, 107,000 caused injuries and 4,415 caused death. In 82 percent of cases, fatalities were to people not in the truck. 

Which Companies Have the Most Trucking Accidents?

Under federal law, trucking companies are required to report truck accidents if any of the following occurs:

  • The accident resulted in a fatality
  • The accident resulted in injuries that required medical treatment away from the accident scene
  • One or more vehicles in the accident was disabled and had to be towed away from the scene

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s SAFER System tracks information for crashes that use these reporting requirements. According to this data, trucking companies with the most accidents over a recent two-year period include:

  • UPS with more than 2,600 crashes, 56 fatalities, and 950 injuries
  • Swift Transportation, with approximately 1,500 crashes
  • U.S. Xpress, also with approximately 1,500 accidents
  • Werner Enterprises, with almost 1,000 crashes, 24 fatalities, and 306 injuries
  • Averitt Express, Inc., with more than 400 crashes, 8 fatalities, and 130 injuries 

FedEx and Amazon are among the top 10 trucking companies that are involved in trucking accidents each year. However, these companies operate their transport and delivery services under multiple subsidiary companies in multiple states, which makes it difficult to accurately determine how many crashes occur that involve trucks operating for these companies. 

How Our Alabama Lawyers Can Help You

You don’t have to pursue a claim for compensation against the largest trucking companies on your own. Let the Alabama injury lawyers at Serious Injury Law Group help you effectively pursue your legal rights and options by:

  • Investigating the facts and circumstances of the accident to recover all available evidence that might be used for your case
  • Documenting the full extent of your financial and personal losses so that we pursue maximum compensation on your behalf
  • Ensuring you understand your legal rights and options to obtain financial recovery from those at fault for the accident
  • Filing claims for compensation with the trucking companies and their insurers
  • Handling settlement negotiations to fight for fair recovery on your behalf 
  • Taking your case to court when litigation presents the best option for you obtaining the results you want and deserve in your case

If you have been hurt in a collision involving a commercial vehicle in Alabama, the truck accident lawyers at Serious Injury Law Group can help. Let us demand justice and fair compensation for you. We’ll be ready to discuss your case during a free consultation when you call us or contact us online. 

Attorney Chuck James

Chuck James is a Mobile, AL, native who graduated from the University of Alabama. Chuck has been practicing law since early 2000. Contact Chuck James today for help with your personal injury case. Free consultations. Locations in Birmingham and Montgomery.