Fleet vehicles move goods, services, and people every day across Montgomery, AL. But when these large trucks or vans are involved in a crash, the outcome can be serious. These accidents can cause major injuries, property damage, or even death, especially when large commercial vehicles hit smaller cars or motorcycles. If you were hurt in a fleet crash, you may be facing medical bills, missed work, and a long recovery.
Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers helps victims of truck accidents involving fleet vehicles. Our team understands how the trucking industry operates, and how hard it can be to get a fair outcome. We go up against the insurance companies and hold trucking companies accountable. If you or a loved one was injured, we’re here to fight for full compensation.
A fleet accident involves a truck, van, or other commercial vehicle used for business purposes. These vehicles are part of a group owned or leased by a trucking company, delivery service, or public agency. Drivers may be making deliveries, transporting goods, or providing on-site services.
When one of these vehicles is in a crash, the case often becomes more complex. Unlike a typical car accident, fleet collisions may involve company policies, federal safety rules, or maintenance records. These details can impact who is responsible, and how much a victim may recover.
In Montgomery, fleet crashes can happen on highways, in neighborhoods, or at loading zones. No matter where it happens, the size and weight of fleet trucks often cause serious injuries to others on the road. Victims need legal help to deal with medical costs, lost wages, and complex claims.
Fleet accidents are often caused by negligence. In Montgomery, these crashes tend to involve commercial drivers working under pressure or companies cutting corners to save time or money.
One of the most common causes of a fleet truck accident is driver fatigue. Many fleet operators drive long hours without enough breaks, increasing the chance of mistakes. Some may fall asleep behind the wheel or lose focus due to exhaustion. Others may get distracted by cell phones, radios, or navigation devices while driving. These distractions can lead to a crash in just seconds.
Fleet drivers must remain alert at all times, especially in heavy traffic or city areas. But when companies don’t limit shifts or check for drowsy driving, the risk of motor vehicle accidents increases. In many truck accident cases, investigators discover that the driver was too tired to be on the road. That puts both the driver and other vehicles in serious danger.
Driving a fleet truck takes skill and training. These vehicles are heavier, harder to stop, and more difficult to control than normal cars. If the driver isn’t trained to handle blind spots, turns, or large loads, accidents can happen easily. Some companies skip proper training just to get new drivers on the road faster.
In Montgomery, companies are required to follow safety standards, but not all of them do. When training is rushed or missing, the truck driver may not know how to handle real-life challenges. That includes reacting to sudden stops, road hazards, or bad weather. An unprepared driver puts everyone at risk. When poor training leads to a crash, the company can be held responsible under Alabama law.
Fleet vehicles must be inspected and serviced often. Worn tires, broken lights, or faulty brakes can all cause a serious truck accident. Some companies delay repairs to avoid the cost or ignore minor issues that later lead to failure on the road. In some cases, the trucking company may not even keep records of maintenance at all.
Vehicle defects can also come from the manufacturer. If the truck or one of its parts was poorly made, it may fail even with proper use. These types of truck accident claims require a close look at service logs and inspections. When mechanical failure plays a role, both the trucking company and outside repair shops or manufacturers may be held liable for your injuries.
Fleet drivers often feel pressure to make deliveries on time. Some are encouraged -- directly or indirectly -- to speed or skip breaks to stay on schedule. But speeding a semi truck or delivery van makes it harder to stop, especially in traffic. The faster a truck is moving, the worse the crash will be.
Speeding to meet a deadline may also cause drivers to take unsafe routes, ignore red lights, or make risky lane changes. This behavior can lead to severe injuries or even death, especially for car accident victims in smaller vehicles. In these cases, the employer may be just as responsible as the driver, especially if they promoted unsafe driving habits.
Liability in a fleet accident depends on several factors. In Montgomery, multiple parties may share blame, including the truck driver, their employer, or even a maintenance team. Knowing who is responsible is the first step toward building a strong truck accident claim and getting the compensation you deserve.
The truck driver is often the first person looked at after a crash. If they were speeding, distracted, tired, or breaking traffic laws, they can be held personally responsible. Some drivers operate recklessly to meet deadlines or simply lack the training to control a large vehicle safely. That behavior can put other vehicles and people at serious risk.
Even though the driver works for a company, their own actions still matter. A driver who was texting, ignoring signs, or falling asleep behind the wheel can be found negligent. In some truck accident cases, a driver may also be found to have a history of crashes or violations that the employer ignored. Whether it’s a small mistake or a serious violation, the driver's decisions on the road are a key part of any case.
The company that owns the fleet vehicle can often be held responsible for the crash. Employers are expected to hire qualified drivers, provide proper training, and maintain safe work policies. When they fail to do so, they may be liable for any harm caused in a truck accident.
Some companies push their drivers too hard or create schedules that require speeding. Others skip background checks or ignore past safety violations. In Montgomery, if a company knew or should have known a driver was unfit or unsafe, they can be named in your truck accident claim. They may also be at fault for poor fleet maintenance, broken safety equipment, or failing to follow trucking industry regulations.
Sometimes the cause of a fleet accident isn’t the driver, it’s the vehicle itself. If the crash was caused by brake failure, tire blowouts, steering problems, or engine defects, the blame may fall on a maintenance company or manufacturer. Fleet owners often hire outside mechanics or shops to handle inspections and repairs. If that work was done poorly or skipped, they can be held accountable.
Vehicle manufacturers may also be to blame if a part or system was defective from the start. In these truck accident cases, victims may have to go through product liability claims to recover damages. Proving this requires expert review and detailed evidence, which is why it's important to work with an experienced truck accident lawyer who knows how to investigate mechanical issues properly.
In some cases, unsafe road conditions play a role in fleet vehicle crashes. Poor lighting, missing signs, worn-out lane markings, or dangerous intersections can all lead to a serious traffic accident. If the local or state government failed to keep the roads safe, they may share some responsibility.
Lawsuits against government entities are different from regular personal injury claims. They involve shorter deadlines and specific legal procedures. If a government agency designed a road poorly or didn’t fix a known hazard, they may be legally liable. An experienced attorney can help you determine if a government entity played a role in your truck accident and guide you through the right steps to hold them accountable.
If you were involved in a fleet vehicle crash in Alabama, taking the right steps can help protect your health, your rights, and your ability to file a strong truck accident claim.
Fleet crashes often result in serious injuries, especially when large trucks hit smaller vehicles. These injuries can affect every part of a victim’s life, from physical health to their ability to work.
Some of the most common injuries seen in truck accident cases involving fleet vehicles are:
A blow to the head during a truck accident can cause a traumatic brain injury. These injuries vary in severity. Some victims experience memory loss, confusion, headaches, or blurred vision. Others suffer permanent brain damage that impacts speech, mobility, and mood.
TBIs often require long-term treatment, rehabilitation, and supervision. Victims may be unable to return to work or live independently. Even with insurance, medical costs for brain trauma can be extremely high. If your brain injury was caused by a truck driver’s negligence or a trucking company’s unsafe practices, you may be entitled to full compensation under Alabama law.
The spine is extremely vulnerable in high-impact motor vehicle accidents. A sudden jolt or twist can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or total paralysis. These injuries are life-altering, often requiring months or years of physical therapy and the use of mobility aids like wheelchairs.
A semi truck accident can easily cause this level of trauma due to the sheer weight and force of the vehicle. Victims may lose sensation, bladder control, or muscle function. In addition to physical pain, spinal injuries can also cause emotional suffering, depression, and financial stress due to the inability to work. These cases require aggressive legal support to hold all responsible parties accountable.
Broken arms, legs, ribs, and hips are common after a fleet truck accident. While some fractures heal with time, others require surgery, pins, or plates. In more serious crashes, shattered bones can limit mobility for life. When bones break from crushing impact, recovery is longer and more painful.
Internal injuries, such as bleeding, punctured organs, or lung damage, may not be visible at the scene. Without fast treatment, these can become deadly. Anyone involved in a car accident with a fleet vehicle should seek immediate medical care, even if they feel okay at first. Internal injuries are often overlooked but can be just as dangerous as visible wounds.
Fleet accidents also cause whiplash, especially in rear-end collisions. This injury occurs when the neck jerks back and forth quickly, straining muscles and ligaments. Whiplash may lead to stiffness, headaches, dizziness, or nerve pain.
Other soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, tendons, or ligaments. These may not appear on X-rays, but they can cause chronic discomfort or reduced mobility. Even though insurance companies may try to downplay these injuries, they still impact your quality of life and may prevent you from working. Don’t ignore soft tissue pain after a crash.
Unfortunately, some truck accidents result in fatalities. If a loved one dies in a fleet accident, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim. These cases allow families to seek compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.
A Montgomery truck accident attorney can help guide families through this difficult process. While no amount of money can bring someone back, a truck accident claim can provide financial stability and hold negligent parties accountable. If your family has lost someone in a crash caused by a trucking company, don’t wait to speak to a lawyer.
Getting hurt in a fleet accident can change your life in an instant. You may face long hospital stays, missed work, and constant calls from the insurance company. The legal process can feel overwhelming, especially while you’re trying to recover. That’s where our team steps in.
At Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we help truck accident victims across Alabama get the compensation they deserve. We investigate the crash, gather evidence, review safety records, and identify every party that may be responsible, whether it’s the truck driver, the trucking company, or another business.
Our legal team knows how the trucking industry works and how to deal with powerful insurance companies that try to reduce payouts. We handle every part of your case so you can focus on healing. Whether you’ve suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one, we’re ready to fight for justice and help you move forward.
Do I need a semi truck accident lawyer after a fleet crash?
Yes. A semi truck accident lawyer understands the complex rules and legal strategies involved in auto accidents with commercial vehicles. These crashes are very different from a typical car wreck, especially when federal regulations and company policies are involved. A skilled attorney can perform a thorough investigation, deal with the insurance claim, and help you pursue full financial compensation.
What if I was driving a smaller vehicle when the accident happened?
Most injury victims in fleet crashes are in passenger cars, which are no match for large trucks. These drivers often suffer the most serious harm. Whether you were in a car, SUV, or motorcycle, you still have the right to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. These cases often require strong legal support to prove fault and damages.
Can I still recover damages if the truck driver had a commercial driver’s license?
Yes. Having a commercial driver's license does not protect the truck driver or their employer from being held accountable. In fact, drivers with a CDL are held to higher safety standards under both state and federal regulations. If they caused a crash due to carelessness or company pressure, you may still have a strong case for financial compensation.
What kinds of damages can I recover after a fleet accident?
You may be entitled to several types of compensation, including coverage for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and future care. In cases involving life altering injuries, the compensation amount can be much higher. A lawyer can work with medical professionals and economists to calculate the full impact of your injuries on your daily life and long-term future.
What should I do after the crash to protect my case?
Start by calling 911 and filing an accident report. Get medical help right away, even if you feel okay. Take photos of the scene, collect contact information from witnesses, and avoid speaking with the insurance company until you talk to a lawyer. The right steps early on can make a big difference in your insurance claim later.
If you were injured in a fleet crash, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. At Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our Montgomery truck accident lawyer is here to help you understand your rights and fight for the outcome you deserve. We know how devastating a fleet or semi truck accident can be, and how hard it is to deal with the aftermath.
Whether you were seriously hurt, lost a loved one, or are dealing with mounting bills, we’ll guide you through every step. An experienced accident lawyer in Montgomery can help you collect evidence, file your claim, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
You may be entitled to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. There are no fees unless we win for you.
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