When an 80,000-pound logging truck barreling down I-22 near Fayette loses control and crosses into your lane, you don’t get a second chance. You get an aluminum war zone, a life changed in an instant, and a trucking company that already has lawyers working to minimize what they owe you.
In Fayette County, where the timber trucks rumble through the pine forests along Alabama Highway 171 and the poultry haulers race the clock on US-43, these aren’t just statistics—they’re the calls we answer at Attorney911. We’ve spent over 25 years standing between our neighbors and the trucking companies that think they can push Alabamians around.
This is your guide to what comes next. No legal jargon. No empty promises. Just straight talk about your rights, the tricks trucking companies play, and how we make them pay when they hurt people in Fayette County.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Fayette County Are Different
The Physics Don’t Lie
Your sedan weighs about 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded timber truck coming out of the Bankhead National Forest area can hit 80,000 pounds. That’s not an accident—that’s an annihilation. When an 18-wheeler hits a passenger vehicle at highway speed on I-22, the forces involved are roughly 20 times greater than a typical car-on-car collision.
But the weight is only half the story. These trucks need nearly two football fields—525 feet—to stop from 65 miles per hour. When traffic backs up near the Fayette city limits or a light turns red at the intersection of State Route 18 and US-43, that truck driver doesn’t have room to stop if he was following too closely or distracted by his dispatch radio.
Federal Regulations That Protect You
Every commercial truck on Fayette County roads must follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations—49 CFR Parts 390 through 399. These aren’t suggestions. They’re federal law, and when truckers break them, we use those violations to prove negligence.
Critical regulations we investigate in every Fayette County trucking case:
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49 CFR Part 395 (Hours of Service): Drivers can’t operate more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. They must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. Yet we see drivers pushing through fatigue to make deliveries to the poultry plants near Winfield or the warehouses in Berry, falsifying their Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to hide violations.
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49 CFR Part 391 (Driver Qualification): We subpoena the Driver Qualification File for every trucker who injures our clients. If the trucking company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or suspended CDLs—common problems on rural Alabama routes—that’s negligent hiring, and the company pays.
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49 CFR Part 396 (Inspection and Maintenance): Those timber trucks and livestock haulers traversing Fayette County’s back roads face brutal conditions. Federal law requires systematic inspection and maintenance. When brake failures cause rear-end collisions on County Road 25 or tire blowouts send trucks careening into oncoming traffic on Highway 171, we prove the company skipped maintenance to save money.
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49 CFR Part 393 (Vehicle Safety/Cargo Securement): Alabama’s logging industry requires proper cargo securement. When a load of pulpwood shifts and causes a rollover near Fayette’s industrial park, that’s a federal violation.
Attorney911: Fighting for Fayette County Families
25 Years of Making Trucking Companies Pay
Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has built Attorney911 into a firm that trucking companies fear. We’re not a billboard-mill operation. We’re a litigation firm that prepares every case for trial, and that reputation gets results.
What does 25+ years mean for your Fayette County case? It means we’ve seen the playbook. We know that when a logging truck jackknifes on the curve near Berry or a poultry truck overturns on the bridge over the Luxapallila Creek, the trucking company sends a rapid-response team within hours. They photograph their driver, coach him on what to say, and start destroying evidence before the ambulance leaves the scene.
We stop that. We send spoliation letters within 24 hours demanding preservation of:
- ECM (black box) data showing speed and braking
- ELD logs proving hours-of-service violations
- Driver Qualification Files
- Maintenance records
- Dispatch communications
The Insurance Defense Advantage You Won’t Find Elsewhere
Here’s what separates us from other Fayette County law firms: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for the insurance companies. He defended trucking companies. He knows exactly how they evaluate claims, what triggers their settlement algorithms, and when they’re bluffing about “policy limits.”
Now he’s on your side. When a major carrier tries to lowball a Fayette County family after a catastrophic underride collision on I-22, Lupe recognizes the tactic immediately. He knows their reserve limits, their pressure points, and when to push for a multi-million dollar recovery versus when to take the case to trial.
Hablamos Español. For the Hispanic families working in Fayette County’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors—families who might not speak English as a first language—Lupe provides direct representation without interpreters. No misunderstandings. No lost nuance. Just fierce advocacy.
Real Results for Real People
We don’t hide behind vague promises. Our track record includes:
- $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by falling equipment
- $3.8+ million for a client who suffered amputation after a car crash
- $2.5+ million in truck crash recoveries
- Multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements for families destroyed by 18-wheeler negligence
We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity—a case that made headlines on KHOU 11, ABC13, and the Houston Chronicle. That same aggressive litigation energy? We bring it to Fayette County.
As client Glenda Walker put it: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
And Chad Harris told us: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
Three Offices Serving North Alabama
With offices in Houston (1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600), Austin (316 West 12th Street), and Beaumont, we’re never far from Fayette County. We know the local courts, the state troopers who investigate crashes on I-22, and the particular dangers of Alabama’s timber and poultry trucking corridors.
Alabama Law: What You Need to Know
The Two-Year Clock Is Ticking
In Alabama, you have two years from the date of your 18-wheeler accident to file a lawsuit. Miss that deadline, and you lose your rights forever—no matter how severely you’re injured or how clearly the trucker was at fault.
But waiting is dangerous for another reason: evidence disappears. That ECM data showing the trucker was speeding? It can overwrite in 30 days. The dashcam footage? Often deleted within a week. The driver’s logbooks? They “get lost.”
This is why Fayette County residents call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. We preserve evidence before the trucking company can hide it.
Contributory Negligence: Alabama’s Harsh Reality
Alabama is one of only five states still using pure contributory negligence. If you’re found even 1% at fault for the accident, you recover nothing.
This makes hiring an experienced trucking attorney critical. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will try to blame you—claiming you stopped too suddenly, were speeding, or merged improperly. We fight back with black box data, accident reconstruction, and eyewitness testimony to prove 100% liability lies with the trucker.
Punitive Damages Can Punish Gross Negligence
While Alabama limits punitive damages to $500,000 or three times your compensatory damages (whichever is greater), these “punishment” damages are available when trucking companies act with reckless disregard for safety—like knowingly keeping a driver with multiple DUIs on the payroll or instructing drivers to falsify logbooks to meet unrealistic delivery schedules.
The 10 Liable Parties We’ll Investigate
When an 18-wheeler crashes on Highway 171 near the Fayette city limits, most people assume only the driver is responsible. They’re wrong. We pursue every potentially liable party because more defendants mean more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.
1. The Truck Driver
Speeding, distracted driving, fatigue violations, or impairment. We pull cell phone records, ELD data, and drug test results.
2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier
Under Alabama’s doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for their drivers’ negligence. Plus, we sue for negligent hiring, training, and supervision. If a Fayette County carrier hired a driver with a suspended CDL or failed to train him on mountain-grade braking for those hills near Glen Allen, they pay.
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper
Timber companies and poultry producers who overload trucks or pressure drivers to violate hours-of-service rules share liability.
4. The Loading Company
Third-party loggers who improperly secure pulpwood or weight distribution companies who create rollover hazards on Fayette County’s winding roads.
5. Truck/Trailer Manufacturer
Defective brakes, faulty steering systems, or inadequate underride guards.
6. Parts Manufacturers
Defective tires that blow out on I-22 or brake systems that fail on the descent into the Luxapallila Creek valley.
7. Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed negligent brake jobs or ignored critical safety issues.
8. Freight Brokers
Intermediaries who arranged the shipment but negligently selected an unsafe carrier with poor CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores.
9. Truck Owner (if different from carrier)
In owner-operator situations, the owner who negligently entrusted the vehicle to an unqualified driver.
10. Government Entities
If poor road design or inadequate signage on State Route 18 contributed to the accident (though sovereign immunity limits apply).
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Fayette County
Jackknife Accidents on I-22
When a truck driver brakes suddenly on the interstate near the Fayette County line, the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, blocking all lanes. These often result from:
- Following too closely (violating 49 CFR § 392.11)
- Speeding in wet conditions
- Improper brake adjustment (49 CFR § 393.48)
Rollovers on County Roads
Fayette County’s timber trucks navigating sharp turns on narrow county roads are rollover risks. Causes include:
- Improperly secured cargo shifts (49 CFR § 393.100)
- Speeding on curves
- Driver fatigue from long hauls to the Port of Mobile
Underride Collisions
When a passenger vehicle slides beneath a trailer—which can happen at intersections on US-43 or Highway 18—the results are often fatal. We investigate whether the trucking company maintained proper rear impact guards as required by 49 CFR § 393.86.
Rear-End Collisions
Given the stopping distance requirements, rear-end crashes often indicate:
- Distracted driving (violating 49 CFR § 392.82 on mobile phone use)
- Fatigue violations
- Brake failures from poor maintenance (49 CFR § 396.3)
Tire Blowouts
Alabama heat and heavy loads cause tire failures. We examine whether the tires met minimum tread depth standards (4/32-inch on steer tires per 49 CFR § 393.75) and whether pre-trip inspections were performed.
Cargo Spills
When logging trucks lose loads on Highway 171 or poultry waste spills create hazardous conditions, we examine compliance with cargo securement regulations (49 CFR §§ 393.100-136).
The Evidence We Preserve Within 48 Hours
The trucking company is already building their defense. Before the ambulance leaves the scene near Berry or Winfield, they’ve dispatched their own investigators. You need someone moving just as fast.
We immediately preserve:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Speed, braking, throttle position. Overwrites in as little as 30 days.
- ELD Logs: Electronic proof of hours-of-service violations.
- Driver Qualification Files: Complete employment and driving history.
- Maintenance Records: Proof of negligent upkeep.
- Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days.
- Witness Statements: Before memories fade.
- Physical Evidence: The truck itself before it’s repaired or sold.
We send formal spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and any third parties, putting them on notice that destruction of evidence will result in court sanctions and adverse jury instructions.
Catastrophic Injuries and Life Care Costs
Traumatic Brain Injury ($1.5M – $9.8M+ Range)
When an 18-wheeler strikes a passenger vehicle on I-22, the forces can cause the brain to impact the skull, resulting in:
- Permanent cognitive impairment
- Personality changes
- Loss of executive function
- Inability to return to work
Lifetime care costs often exceed $3 million.
Spinal Cord Injury ($4.7M – $25.8M+ Range)
Paraplegia and quadriplegia from underride or rollover accidents require:
- Wheelchairs and mobility devices
- Home modifications (ramps, accessible bathrooms)
- 24/7 nursing care
- Lost lifetime earnings
Amputation ($1.9M – $8.6M Range)
Crush injuries from override or underride accidents often necessitate amputation, requiring:
- Prosthetic limbs ($50,000+ each, replaced every few years)
- Chronic pain management
- Career retraining or permanent disability
Wrongful Death ($1.9M – $9.5M+ Range)
When a Fayette County family loses a loved one to trucking negligence, we pursue:
- Lost future income
- Loss of consortium and guidance
- Mental anguish
- Funeral expenses
- Punitive damages for gross negligence
Insurance: Why Trucking Cases Are Different
Federal law mandates that commercial carriers carry minimum liability coverage far exceeding typical auto insurance:
| Cargo Type | Minimum Federal Coverage |
|---|---|
| General Freight | $750,000 |
| Oil/Large Equipment | $1,000,000 |
| Hazardous Materials | $5,000,000 |
Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage, with excess policies on top. But accessing these funds requires knowing how to navigate commercial insurance endorsements, including the MCS-90 endorsement that guarantees payment to accident victims even if the policy technically excludes coverage.
The trucking company has teams of adjusters trained to minimize your claim. They use software like Colossus that lowballs pain and suffering. They’ll offer a quick $50,000 settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries, hoping you’ll sign away your rights.
Don’t take the bait. Our firm, with its insider insurance defense knowledge, knows when an offer is garbage and when we’re approaching policy limits.
Fayette County 18-Wheeler Accident FAQ
How much time do I have to file a claim in Alabama?
Two years from the date of the accident. But evidence disappears much faster—call 1-888-ATTY-911 within days, not months.
What if the trucking company says I was partially at fault?
Alabama’s contributory negligence law is harsh—if you’re even 1% at fault, you recover nothing. This makes aggressive legal representation critical to prove 100% liability on the trucker.
Can I afford an attorney?
We work on contingency. You pay zero upfront. We advance all costs. You only pay if we win. The trucking company has lawyers paid hourly to fight you. You deserve representation just as strong.
What if my loved one was killed?
Wrongful death claims in Alabama must be brought by the personal representative of the estate. We handle these sensitive cases with compassion while fighting for maximum compensation under Alabama’s Wrongful Death Act.
Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
Never. They record statements and use them against you. Let us handle all communications.
What if the driver was an independent owner-operator?
We sue both the driver and the motor carrier they were hauling for. The company often maintains liability insurance even for “independent” contractors.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases: 6-12 months. Complex litigation involving multiple defendants: 1-3 years. We work efficiently while maximizing your recovery.
Do you offer Spanish-language services?
Sí. Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides direct representation for Fayette County’s Hispanic community without interpreters.
What causes most trucking accidents in Fayette County?
Fatigue from long hauls on I-22, improper loading of timber, distracted driving on rural highways, and speeding on county roads to meet delivery deadlines.
Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Today
The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. Their safety director is already “revising” the driver’s logbook.
What are you doing?
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Fayette County—whether on the interstate near Glen Allen, on Highway 171 near Berry, or on the back roads of Bankhead National Forest—you need a fighter in your corner. You need a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows their tricks. You need 25+ years of experience backing your case.
Call Attorney911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Free consultation. No fee unless we win. 24/7 availability.
We’re not some out-of-state law firm that bought a billboard in Birmingham. We’re Attorney911, and we treat Fayette County families like family—because to us, you aren’t a case number. You’re a neighbor who needs help.
As Donald Wilcox said after we took his case when another firm rejected it: “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”*
Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Don’t let Alabama’s harsh contributory negligence law scare you into settling for pennies. Don’t wait until the black box data is gone and the witnesses have moved away.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
The clock started the moment that truck hit you. Let’s make them pay before time runs out.
