Wrongful Death After a Truck Crash: Your Legal Options in Alabama

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Wrongful Death After a Truck Crash: Your Legal Options in Alabama

Losing a loved one in a catastrophic truck accident is a devastating tragedy - one no family should have to endure. At Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann, P.C., we represent families in Alabama who are navigating the emotional, legal, and financial aftermath of a fatal truck crash.

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If your family has been affected, you may have legal options under Alabama wrongful death law.

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What Is a Wrongful Death in a Truck Accident?

A wrongful death occurs when someone is killed due to the negligence or misconduct of another party. In the context of truck accidents, this often involves:

• Driver fatigue or impairment
  
• Speeding or reckless driving
  
• Poor truck maintenance
  
• Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
  
• Violations of federal trucking regulations
  
• Negligence by the trucking company, such as hiring unqualified drivers
  
  

When a fatal truck crash happens, both the truck driver and the trucking company may be legally responsible.

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Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Alabama?

Under Alabama law, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. This is typically a spouse, adult child, or parent - but they must be formally appointed by a probate court.

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Even though the claim is filed by the estate, any compensation awarded goes directly to surviving family members, not to the estate itself.

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What Compensation Can Be Recovered?

Alabama’s wrongful death statute is unique. It does not allow for recovery of typical economic damages like medical expenses, lost income, or funeral costs. Instead, the law focuses solely on punitive damages—meant to punish wrongdoing and deter similar conduct in the future. 

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In fatal truck crash cases, punitive damages can be substantial if the driver's actions were especially reckless or negligent. This might include violations of Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, speeding, distracted driving, or operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

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How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

In Alabama, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of death. If the lawsuit is not filed within this period, you may permanently lose your right to recover damages.

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It’s important to speak with a Birmingham truck death attorney as soon as possible. Trucking companies often deploy legal teams immediately after a crash to minimize their liability. Acting quickly allows your legal team to gather and preserve evidence in order to protect your rights.

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How Our Law Firm Can Help

At Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann, P.C., we have decades of experience pursuing justice for families affected by fatal truck accidents and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for families. We work with investigators, gather electronic data from trucks, and build strong cases to hold all negligent parties accountable.

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We understand the emotional toll this process takes. Our goal is to guide you with clarity, compassion, and strength.

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Contact Us Today

If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, we are here to help you seek justice - with compassion and experience. We offer free, confidential consultations, and there are no fees unless we win your case. Call us at (205) 322-8880 or complete our secure online case evaluation form.

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Your loved one deserved safety on the road. If that safety was taken from them, we are here to hold the responsible parties accountable.

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