Understanding Factors that Affect the Value of Your Commercial Trucking Accident Claim in Alabama



In Alabama, commercial trucking accidents can have devastating impacts. Given the magnitude of these vehicles and the speed at which they travel, it is not uncommon for victims to sustain severe injuries, sometimes even leading to fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident in Alabama, understanding the factors that influence your personal injury claim’s value can help gain fair compensation. 

Alabama-based personal injury lawyer Stephen Thompson, who emphasizes commercial trucking accident injuries, provides detailed insight into these factors. This article will discuss some key aspects that may impact your trucking accident claim’s value, aiding you in your quest to seek due restitution.

1. Severity Of Injuries

The most crucial factor affecting your claim’s value is the severity of sustained injuries. Generally, the more severe the injury, the higher the potential compensation. This stems from larger medical bills, long-term treatments, loss of wages, and the emotional suffering tied to traumatic injuries. In catastrophic cases involving permanent disabilities, the claim's value can significantly increase due to lifelong medical expenses.

2. Medical Expenses

Direct medical costs attributed to the accident are a significant factor in determining your claim’s value. This encompasses past, present, and estimated future costs. It involves hospital bills, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment, surgeries, and other treatments required to fully recover or manage the injuries.

3. Loss Of Earnings

If your injury has caused you to lose work and wages, this can substantially increase your claim's value. This factor considers not just the income lost during the medical recovery period, but also future earning capacity if you’re unable to return to your job or work in the same capacity.

4. Pain And Suffering

Alabama law acknowledges that injuries aren't just physical; there are non-economic damages such as emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering, which come into play. These damages, although harder to quantify, can significantly add to the claim's total value.

5. Evidence of Liability

Proving liability in trucking accidents can be complex due to the number of potentially liable parties including, the driver, the trucking company, and the vehicle manufacturer. Solid proof of the other party’s negligence significantly increases the claim's value.

6. The Insurer's Perception Of Jury Sympathy

If your case proceeds to trial, the insurer's perspective on how a jury might respond to your case can affect the claim's value. If they believe a jury would be sympathetic to your hardship, they might be inclined to offer a larger settlement to avoid trial.

7. Comparatively Negligent

Alabama operates by a 'contributory negligence' rule. If you're found to be partially at fault for the accident, you may be barred from receiving compensation. Your attorney’s ability to demonstrate that you weren't at fault will play a crucial role in defining your claim’s value.

8. Quality Of Legal Representation

The expertise of your attorney can significantly affect your claim. An experienced Alabama accident attorney like Stephen Thompson can skillfully negotiate with insurers, accurately calculate your damages, and advocate for your best interests, ensuring fair compensation.

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Why Hire Stephen Thompson for your Truck Accident Claim?

For victims of trucking accidents in Alabama, moving past the accident can be daunting. By understanding the factors that might affect your claim’s value, you are better equipped to navigate the whole process. 

Seeking professional legal advice is crucial. Stephen Thompson, with his extensive experience and expertise, can guide you throughout the complex procedure, maximizing your chances of receiving full and fair compensation for your injuries. As one of Alabama’s top personal injury lawyers, he is committed to fighting for justice for victims of trucking accidents. 

Remember, each trucking accident case carries its unique facts and circumstances. Therefore, individual results vary based on these factors. For a detailed evaluation of your potential trucking accident claim in Alabama, get in touch with Stephen Thompson today. His adept understanding of Alabama’s personal injury law will put you in an excellent position for a successful claim. 

Free Initial Strategy Session

All Initial Strategy Sessions are Free. If you would like to discuss your options, you are invited to fill out one of the Contact Forms. I will attempt to contact you if I think I can help you.

During your Initial Strategy Session, I will asist you in creating a strategy on how to best pursue your claim, whether it be the result of a Car Accident Claim, 18 Wheeler Injury, or, Alabama Workers' Compensation Claim. At your Initial Strategy Session, you will receive the following:

  • First - I will listen to your story. You will have a chance to tell everything to someone who wants to hear what happened to you.
  • Based on the information that you provide, I will give you my best advice on both what claims you have, and the next steps you should consider to proceed with your claim(s).
  • If your claim is something that I think I can help you with, I will explain the services that I can provide for you, and what the next steps are that we should take. We will start working immediately.
  • If your matter is something that I do not think I can help you with, then I will attempt to put you in contact with another lawyer that might be able to help you.
  • Either way, what should happen is we will put to rest some of the unkowns that you may be experiencing. We will start to shed some light on what you can expect, and how to best pursue the benefits you deserve.


Don't delay getting the recovery you deserve! Contact us today for your free Strategy Session!

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