Alabama Commercial Trucks & U-Turns
Large trucks are on Alabama roads every day, shipping the things we need from Point A to Point B. These vehicles require a special set of skills to drive, but given their size and speed, it is sadly not uncommon for drivers to make mistakes. One of the most common has to do with U-turns. An illegal U-turn is one of the most dangerous maneuvers a truck driver can engage in, and the potential for injury or even death is high.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck crash where an illegal U-turn was made, do not despair. The Birmingham truck accident attorneys from Goldasich, Vick & Fulk can help you and your family determine how best to proceed, both in terms of the legal process and in terms of trying to get your life back on track.
Not Explicitly Prohibited
Alabama law states that no person shall “turn a vehicle” or “move right or left” on a road unless they can observe two rules: first, that the turn can be made in “reasonable safety;” and second, that the driver use the correct turn signal for at least 100 feet before turning. While it is not explicit, this law has been construed as applying to large trucks and their drivers, and to U-turns in general. Other states have actually prohibited commercial trucks from making U-turns within certain confines (such as city limits), but Alabama does not currently do so, instead simply urging caution.
That said, there is a difference between a proper U-turn and an improper U-turn. Commercial trucks can make proper U-turns by observing the state’s two rules – but far too often, a driver may choose to cut corners by speeding, failing to signal, or simply being unaware of the size and strength of their vehicle. If someone is injured directly because of their actions and lack of care, the driver – and in some cases, their employer – may wind up on the hook, so to speak, for any medical bills or other damages.
Vicarious Liability Does Not Always Apply
An improper U-turn can be the catalyst that leads to several different types of truck accidents, depending on the location of the crash. For example, it is common for crashes to happen when a truck driver attempts a U-turn only to be unaware of a vehicle in their blind spot. Another scenario seen more frequently on Alabama roads is a T-bone crash that happens when a trucker overestimates the distance they have in which to make the turn. If you can establish that the U-turn was improper or negligent, you may have a case against the driver or their employer.
Be advised that the concept of vicarious liability – that is, holding an employer liable for the actions of their employee – is not applicable across the board in Alabama. In order for this doctrine to apply, the employer must (1) have had control over their employee; and (2) the employee must have been acting within the “course and scope of their employment” at the time. It is sometimes difficult to establish exactly what constitutes “control,” but in general, a truck driver is acting within the course and scope of their employment if they are en route to make a delivery.
We Can Help Shoulder The Load
An accident with a commercial truck is often a very serious event to survive; if your injuries are serious, we can help get you through the legal process so you can focus on physical recovery. Our Birmingham truck accident attorneys from Goldasich, Vick & Fulk are ready and willing to try and assist. Contact our office today at (205) 731-2566 to schedule a consultation.
