18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys for Lee County, Alabama
When 80,000 Pounds Shatters Your Life on Lee County Roads
It happened fast. Too fast. One moment you’re heading home to Auburn after work, or driving through Opelika on US-29, or cruising past the university on I-85. The next, an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer has changed everything.
Lee County sees more than its share of commercial truck traffic. Our position between Montgomery and Atlanta puts thousands of 18-wheelers on our interstates and state routes every single day. These trucks carry agricultural products from our fertile fields, manufactured goods to our growing industrial parks, and hazardous materials through the heart of our community. When one of these giants loses control, the physics aren’t fair. Your 4,000-pound sedan doesn’t stand a chance against 20 times its weight.
If you’re reading this after a trucking accident in Lee County, you’re probably angry, scared, and overwhelmed. You’re dealing with medical bills that grow faster than cotton in an east Alabama summer. You’re facing phone calls from insurance adjusters who sound friendly but work for the trucking company. And you’re wondering if your life will ever get back to normal.
You didn’t ask for this fight. But you need someone willing to wage it for you. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable—and we know exactly what it takes to win in Alabama’s tough legal environment.
Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. Evidence from your Lee County crash is disappearing right now.
The Lee County Trucking Corridor Reality
Lee County isn’t just any Alabama county when it comes to commercial vehicle risk. Our geography creates unique dangers that truck drivers and their companies often fail to respect.
I-85: The Georgia-Alabama Gauntlet
Interstate 85 slices through the northern portion of Lee County, connecting Atlanta to Montgomery. This corridor carries massive freight volumes—tankers heading to the refineries, flatbeds hauling construction materials for Auburn’s expansion, and refrigerated trucks carrying time-sensitive agricultural products. The mix of high-speed interstate traffic with local commuters creates a pressure cooker where one moment of distraction becomes catastrophic.
The Auburn exits—particularly Exit 51 near the university and Exit 57 toward Opelika—see intense truck traffic merging with passenger vehicles driven by students, professors, and families. When an 18-wheeler misses an exit and tries to force its way across lanes, or when a fatigued driver drifts across the median, Lee County families pay the price.
US-29 and US-431: Rural Death Traps
While I-85 gets the attention, US-29 (Glenn Avenue/Drive through Opelika) and US-431 (the highway north toward Phenix City) present deadlier risks. These two-lane highways feature sharp curves, limited sight distances, and shoulders that crumble under heavy loads. Agricultural trucks hauling timber, poultry, or crops from rural parts of the county regularly travel these routes, often exceeding safe speeds for the winding road conditions.
US-431 in particular has earned a reputation as one of America’s most dangerous highways. When you combine aggressive trucking schedules with two-lane passing zones and impatient drivers, Lee County sees horrific head-on collisions that leave our volunteer fire departments and EAMC trauma teams handling mass casualty events.
The Agricultural Harvest Surge
Lee County’s agricultural economy means seasonal trucking spikes that bring inexperienced drivers and overloaded equipment. During cotton harvest, peanut season, or when poultry operations are processing, local roads see a flood of tractor-trailers, many operated by day-labor drivers without proper training. These trucks haul on rural routes like Lee County Road 10 or through Beauregard, creating dangers for local residents who’ve lived here for generations.
Weather Extremes That Surprise Truckers
East Alabama weather turns violent without warning. Spring tornado season can toss 18-wheelers like toys. Summer thunderstorms flood low-lying sections of road near Halawakee Creek or the Tallapoosa River basin, causing hydroplaning incidents. And when Hurricane remnants push inland from the Gulf, Lee County’s hills and valleys create sudden fog banks that blind drivers on I-85.
Trucking companies that don’t train their drivers for these conditions—or that push them to maintain schedules despite tornado warnings or flash flood alerts—endanger everyone in our community. When they cause crashes in Opelika or Auburn, we hold them accountable.
Alabama’s Brutal Contributory Negligence Law—And Why You Need a Fighter
Here’s what most Lee County residents don’t know until it’s too late: Alabama is one of only five states that still follow “contributory negligence.” This archaic rule destroys injury claims. It means if you were even 1% at fault for your accident—just 1%—you recover nothing. Zero.
Insurance companies know this. Their adjusters descend on Lee County crashes looking for any excuse to blame the victim. Maybe you were going five miles over the speed limit. Maybe you didn’t signal exactly 100 feet before turning. Maybe your brake lights had a speck of dust on them. They’ll find something, and under Alabama law, they’ll use it to deny your claim completely.
This makes choosing the right attorney critical. You can’t afford a lawyer who handles a few car wrecks and thinks trucking cases are the same. You need a firm that understands federal trucking regulations (which trump state law when interstate commerce is involved) and knows how to prove the truck driver—and the company behind them—were 100% at fault.
Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been admitted to federal court and has fought trucking companies for 25 years. He knows that when an 18-wheeler violates FMCSA regulations in Lee County, federal law may provide avenues of recovery that bypass Alabama’s harsh state negligence rules. And our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for national insurance defense firms—he knows exactly how adjusters will try to pin blame on you, and he counters those tactics before they destroy your case.
That’s your advantage. While other firms might accept a denial because the trucking company claims you were partially at fault, we keep fighting. Because under Alabama law, proving the trucker was 100% responsible isn’t just important—it’s everything.
The Clock Is Already Ticking
Alabama gives you just two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a lawsuit in Lee County Circuit Court. That sounds like a long time, but in complex trucking cases, it’s not.
Critical evidence disappears within days. The electronic control module (ECM)—the truck’s “black box”—can overwrite data in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted within a week. Driver logbooks (now electronic logging devices or ELDs) might be “lost” after six months. And witnesses to crashes on I-85 near Auburn move away or forget details.
We don’t wait. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately deploy our rapid response protocol to Lee County. We photograph the scene before rain washes away skid marks. We subpoena the truck’s ECM data before the company downloads and deletes it. And we send spoliation letters to every potential defendant—putting them on legal notice that destroying evidence will result in sanctions or adverse jury instructions.
Why Lee County Trucking Cases Are Different from Car Wrecks
Think you can handle a trucking accident like any other fender-bender? That’s exactly what the trucking company hopes you believe. The truth is, 18-wheeler cases involve layers of complexity that ordinary car accident attorneys miss.
Multiple Insurance Policies—$750,000 to $5 Million
Unlike regular Alabama drivers who might carry only $25,000 in liability coverage (state minimum), commercial trucks carry massive federal insurance minimums. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations mandate:
- $750,000 minimum for general freight trucks
- $1,000,000 minimum for trucks hauling oil, petroleum products, or heavy equipment
- $5,000,000 minimum for trucks carrying hazardous materials
These policies exist because trucking accidents cause catastrophic damage. But accessing them requires knowing how trucking insurance works. The cab and trailer might have separate insurance. The cargo might have another policy. And the freight broker who arranged the shipment might carry additional coverage.
At Attorney911, we don’t just look at the driver’s insurance card. We investigate every entity that touched that truck—from the loading company at the Port of Mobile to the maintenance shop that last inspected the brakes. More defendants means more insurance pools means maximum recovery for your Lee County family.
Ten Potentially Liable Parties—Most Lawyers Miss Eight of Them
Most people think you just sue the driver. We know better. In an 18-wheeler crash on Lee County roads, responsibility might rest with:
- The Driver – For speeding, distraction, or hours-of-service violations
- The Trucking Company – For negligent hiring, training, or maintenance
- The Cargo Owner – For overloading or improperly secured loads
- The Loading Company – For failing to distribute weight properly
- The Truck Manufacturer – For defective brakes or steering systems
- Parts Manufacturers – For faulty tires or defective airbags
- Maintenance Companies – For negligent repairs or missed safety issues
- Freight Brokers – For hiring carriers with terrible safety records
- The Truck Owner – If different from the operating company
- Government Entities – For dangerous road design or missing signage
When a truck rear-ends you on I-85 near the Auburn University exit, we don’t just get the driver’s name. We subpoena the driver qualification file to see if he had a history of accidents. We get the maintenance records to see if the company knew the brakes were failing. We examine the cargo manifest to see if they were hauling overweight poultry feed that made the trailer unstable.
That’s how you win in Alabama’s contributory negligence system. You overwhelm the defense with evidence that they—not you—were 100% at fault.
The FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence
Commercial trucks don’t operate under Alabama traffic laws alone. They’re bound by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399), and every violation is evidence of negligence.
Here are the critical regulations we look for in Lee County trucking accidents:
Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)
Alabama’s long interstate corridors invite dangerous driving. Federal law limits truck drivers to:
- Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- No driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
- Mandatory 30-minute breaks after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70 hour weekly limits with required 34-hour restarts
When a truck driver falls asleep on I-85 near the Lee County line, we immediately subpoena his ELD records. If he was driving 13 hours straight to make a delivery deadline, that’s a per se violation that proves negligence—and supports punitive damages for reckless disregard of safety.
Driver Qualification Failures (49 CFR Part 391)
Before a trucking company lets a driver operate an 18-wheeler on Lee County roads, they must verify:
- Valid commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- Current medical certification
- Clean driving record (three years of history)
- No drug or alcohol violations
- Proper training on vehicle operation and safety
When we find that a company hired a driver with a suspended license, or failed to check his previous accident history, we pursue negligent hiring claims. Under Alabama law, this makes the company directly liable—not just vicariously liable for their employee’s mistakes.
Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396)
Every trucking company must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their fleet. They must complete:
- Pre-trip and post-trip inspections by drivers
- Annual comprehensive vehicle inspections
- Immediate repair of all defects noted
When a truck’s brakes fail on the downhill grade approaching Opelika, we demand the maintenance records. If the company skipped inspections to save money, or if the driver noted brake problems on his post-trip report but the company put the truck back on the road anyway, that’s evidence of reckless indifference.
Cargo Securement Failures (49 CFR Part 393)
Agricultural loads from Lee County farms must be secured to withstand specific forces: 0.8g forward deceleration, 0.5g rearward acceleration, and 0.5g lateral force. When a load of timber shifts on a curve near Beauregard and causes a rollover, we examine the tiedowns. If they used improper straps or failed to follow the specific securement rules for lumber, the loading company shares liability.
These federal regulations exist because trucking companies will cut corners to maximize profit. When they do, and when they hurt Lee County families, we make them pay.
The Devastating Types of Truck Accidents We See in Lee County
Not all trucking accidents are the same. Each type requires different investigative approaches and proves different violations. Here are the crashes we handle most frequently in Lee County:
Jackknife Accidents on I-85
Jackknifes occur when the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, creating a sweeping wall of metal that blocks multiple lanes. They happen when drivers brake too hard on wet pavement, when empty trailers (which are lighter and less stable) hit curves too fast, or when brake systems fail asymmetrically.
On Interstate 85 through Lee County, a jackknifed 18-wheeler doesn’t just endanger one car—it causes multi-vehicle pileups at highway speeds. We investigate the ECM data to prove the driver was traveling too fast for conditions, and we examine the maintenance records to see if the company knew the brakes were poorly adjusted.
Underride Collisions—The Most Fatal
Underride crashes happen when your car slides under the trailer of an 18-wheeler. The trailer height often shears off the roof of the passenger compartment at windshield level. These are almost always fatal or result in catastrophic brain and spinal injuries.
Federal law requires rear impact guards (49 CFR § 393.86) on trailers manufactured after 1998. Many older trailers still operate in Alabama, and even compliant guards sometimes fail. Side underride guards are not federally mandated yet, making side impacts particularly deadly on two-lane roads like US-431.
When we handle underride cases from Lee County, we preserve the trailer itself for engineering analysis. We measure the guard height and strength. And if the trucking company removed or weakened the guards, we pursue punitive damages for conscious indifference to human life.
Rear-End Collisions from Following Too Close
An 18-wheeler needs nearly two football fields to stop at highway speed—525 feet at 65 mph. Yet we constantly see truck drivers tailgating passenger vehicles on I-85 through Auburn.
When a distracted or fatigued trucker rear-ends a family on US-29, we subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction, and ELD data to prove fatigue. We also examine the driver’s training records—did the company actually teach him about stopping distances, or just hand him keys?
Rollover Accidents on Rural Curves
Lee County’s topography includes rolling hills and sharp curves, particularly on county roads and state highways outside Opelika. When a tanker truck takes a curve too fast, or when an improperly loaded flatbed shifts its center of gravity, the result is a rollover that crushes any vehicle in its path.
These cases often involve cargo securement violations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) or drivers who falsified their logs to hide that they were rushing to meet delivery windows.
Tire Blowouts and Debris
The combination of Alabama summer heat and heavy loads destroys tires. When a truck tire explodes on I-85, the “road gator” debris strikes windshields, causes swerving accidents, or leads to loss of control when truckers panic.
Tire blowout cases require examining maintenance records. Did the company use retreads against manufacturer recommendations? Did they ignore wear indicators? When did the driver last inspect his tires during a pre-trip check under 49 CFR § 396.13?
Wide Turn Accidents in Opelika and Auburn
18-wheelers need massive space to turn. When a truck swings left before turning right—creating the “squeeze play” gap that unwary drivers enter—crushing accidents happen at intersections throughout downtown Opelika and near the Auburn Tiger Transit stops.
We examine the driver’s turn signal usage, mirror adjustment, and training on urban maneuvering. Delivery trucks to Lee County businesses must operate safely in tight spaces; when they don’t, we hold them accountable.
Blind Spot (No-Zone) Collisions
Trucks have enormous blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and large areas on both sides. When a truck changes lanes on I-85 without checking mirrors, or when a truck merges onto US-431 without seeing a passenger vehicle, catastrophe follows.
We use ECM data to prove the truck’s lane position and speed, and we examine whether the company equipped the truck with collision avoidance systems or proper mirrors as required by 49 CFR § 393.80.
Brake Failure on Downhill Grades
The hills approaching Auburn from the north can overheat brakes on heavy trucks. When a driver doesn’t use proper gear or ignores smoking brakes, total brake failure leads to runaway trucks that cannot stop for red lights or traffic backups.
These cases inevitably reveal maintenance fraud—companies that adjusted brakes improperly, used cheap aftermarket parts, or ignored driver reports of brake problems.
Cargo Spills and Hazmat Incidents
Lee County sees tanker trucks hauling fuel, chemicals, and agricultural pesticides. When these tankers roll over or spill, they contaminate our soil and water while exposing first responders and residents to toxic fumes.
Hazmat hauling requires $5 million in insurance and strict compliance with 49 CFR Part 397. We investigate whether the driver had proper hazmat endorsements, whether the cargo was properly labeled, and whether the company followed emergency response protocols.
The Catastrophic Injuries That Change Everything
18-wheeler accidents don’t cause bruises and sprains. They cause catastrophic, life-altering injuries that require millions in lifetime care.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
When an 80,000-pound truck crumples your vehicle’s roof or causes your head to strike the window, traumatic brain injuries result. These range from concussions with lasting cognitive effects to severe TBIs requiring 24-hour care.
TBI symptoms often don’t appear immediately. You might feel fine after the crash on I-85, only to develop headaches, memory problems, mood changes, or difficulty concentrating weeks later. That’s why we tell Lee County clients: get medical evaluation immediately, even if you feel okay.
Our brain injury cases have recovered settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million—because we document the full extent of cognitive impairment, lost earning capacity, and the lifetime care costs that TBI victims face.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The massive forces in trucking accidents fracture vertebrae and sever spinal cords. Incomplete spinal injuries cause chronic pain and limited mobility. Complete injuries cause paraplegia or quadriplegia.
A young father from Auburn who will never walk again faces lifetime costs exceeding $4 million for medical care, equipment, and home modifications. When we handle spinal cord cases from Lee County, we bring in life care planners and economists to calculate these long-term costs—and we demand the trucking company pay them.
Amputations
When a truck underride or rollover crushes a vehicle, limbs may be severed at the scene or damaged so severely that surgical amputation is necessary. Prosthetics cost $5,000 to $50,000 each and must be replaced every few years. Phantom limb pain, psychological trauma, and lost earning capacity make these cases worth $1.9 million to $8.6 million or more.
Severe Burns
Tanker explosions on I-85 can engulf vehicles in flames. Third-degree burns over large body areas require skin grafts, create permanent disfigurement, and leave victims vulnerable to infections. The psychological trauma of burn injuries lasts a lifetime.
Wrongful Death
When a Lee County family loses a loved one to a trucking accident, Alabama law allows recovery for funeral expenses, lost future income, mental anguish, and loss of consortium. While no amount replaces a spouse or parent, we fight to ensure the family has financial security and that the trucking company pays for their negligence.
Internal Organ Damage
The blunt force trauma from truck accidents causes liver lacerations, ruptured spleens, and kidney damage. These injuries often require emergency surgery and can result in permanent organ dysfunction.
The Evidence Preserv Protocol—48 Hours to Save Your Case
Trucking companies don’t play fair. Within hours of a serious crash on Lee County roads, they dispatch rapid-response teams to the scene. These investigators—working for the trucking company’s insurer—take photos, interview witnesses, and collect evidence to protect the trucking company, not you.
Meanwhile, critical evidence starts disappearing:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Overwrites in 30 days or with new truck operation
- ELD Logs: May be “lost” after 6 months legally, but often disappear faster
- Dashcam Footage: Deleted within 7-14 days routinely
- Driver Drug Tests: Must be done quickly after crashes; results can be hidden
- Witness Statements: Memories fade; witnesses move away from Auburn or Opelika
That’s why we move immediately.
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we:
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Issue Spoliation Letters within 24 hours to every potential defendant—the trucking company, the maintenance shop, the loading company, and their insurers. These letters put them on legal notice that destroying evidence will result in court sanctions and adverse jury instructions.
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Subpoena Electronic Data immediately. We demand the ECM download showing speed, braking, and RPMs before the crash. We get ELD logs proving whether the driver violated hours-of-service rules. And we secure GPS data showing exactly where the truck traveled.
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Preserve the Physical Evidence. The truck itself is evidence. If Lee County authorities impound it, we ensure it isn’t released for repairs or scrapping until our experts inspect the brakes, tires, and mechanical systems.
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Document the Scene. We send investigators to photograph Skid marks on I-85, debris patterns on US-29, and sight lines at intersections before rain, traffic, or time destroys this evidence.
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Interview Witnesses Immediately. We locate and interview witnesses while their memories are fresh, securing sworn statements before the trucking company’s lawyers can influence their testimony.
Don’t Wait—Evidence Is Disappearing Now
If you were hit by an 18-wheeler in Lee County yesterday, the trucking company already has lawyers working. Their insurance adjuster has already called you. The truck’s black box may already have new data overwriting your crash information.
The clock is not your friend. But we are. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.
Insurance Company Tricks—and How We Beat Them
The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will call you within days of the Lee County crash. They’ll sound sympathetic. They’ll say they just need a “quick recorded statement to process your claim.” They might even offer a fast settlement.
Don’t fall for it. Here’s what they’re really doing:
The Recorded Statement Trap
Adjusters are trained to ask questions that make you admit partial fault. “Did you check your mirrors before changing lanes?” If you say “I think so,” they’ll claim you were inattentive. “How fast were you going?” If you estimate wrong, they’ll accuse you of speeding.
Under Alabama’s contributory negligence law, any admission—no matter how small—can destroy your case. We advise clients: Never give a recorded statement without your attorney present. Let us handle the trucking company while you focus on healing.
The Quick Lowball Settlement
Insurance companies know TBI symptoms take weeks to manifest. They know spinal injuries worsen over time. So they offer $10,000 or $20,000 immediately, hoping you’ll sign a release before you realize the full extent of your injuries.
At Attorney911, we never let clients sign releases until we know the full medical picture. As client Glenda Walker told us after we handled her case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We don’t settle for pennies when your future is at stake.
The “You’re Just a Number” Approach
Big firms and insurance companies treat you like a claim number. We don’t. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
When you hire Attorney911 for your Lee County truck accident, Ralph Manginello personally oversees your case. Lupe Peña brings his insider knowledge of how insurance companies evaluate claims. And our entire team treats you with the respect you’ve earned by surviving a traumatic crash.
The “Independent” Medical Exam
After you hire a lawyer, the trucking company will demand you see their “independent” doctor. This doctor works for them, not you, and will minimize your injuries every time. We prepare our clients for these exams and counter with objective medical evidence from your treating physicians.
We know these tactics because Lupe Peña used to work inside the insurance defense system. He knows their playbook because he used to write it. Now he uses that knowledge to protect Lee County families from the very tricks he witnessed.
Damages and Compensation in Lee County Trucking Cases
Just because Alabama has contributory negligence doesn’t mean you can’t recover substantial damages. When we prove the trucking company was 100% at fault—by showing FMCSA violations, falsified logs, or negligent hiring—we pursue every category of damages available.
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Out-of-pocket costs for travel, medication, and equipment
- Home modification costs for wheelchair accessibility
- Lifetime care costs for permanent disabilities
Non-Economic Damages
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium (impact on marriage)
Punitive Damages
When trucking companies act with reckless indifference—like hiring drivers with multiple DUIs, falsifying maintenance records, or destroying evidence—we pursue punitive damages to punish their misconduct and deter future violations.
Real Results for Real People
We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for trucking accident victims:
- $5+ million for traumatic brain injury victims
- $3.8+ million for amputation cases
- $2.5+ million for commercial truck crashes
- $1.9 million to $9.5 million for families who lost loved ones
While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, they show our commitment to maximizing recovery for every Lee County client we serve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lee County Trucking Accidents
How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Alabama?
You have two years from the date of the accident to file suit in Alabama. However, waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases, and the trucking company is building their defense right now. We recommend calling within 24-48 hours if possible.
What if the trucking company says I was partially at fault?
In Alabama, contributory negligence means you cannot recover if you were even 1% at fault. This seems harsh—and it is—but it means we must prove the truck driver was 100% responsible. That’s why we investigate thoroughly, subpoena ECM data, and hire accident reconstruction experts. We don’t accept blame-shifting by trucking companies.
Who can be sued in an 18-wheeler accident?
Multiple parties: the driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts manufacturers, maintenance companies, freight brokers, and sometimes government entities for dangerous roads. We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your insurance coverage.
What is a spoliation letter?
It’s a legal notice demanding preservation of evidence. We send these immediately to prevent the trucking company from destroying ECM data, deleting driver logs, or repairing defects before inspection. Once they receive our letter, destroying evidence becomes a serious legal violation.
How much is my Lee County trucking accident case worth?
Every case is unique. Value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, available insurance ($750K to $5M federal minimums), and whether punitive damages apply. We provide realistic valuations after investigating your specific facts—not inflated guesses to get your business.
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That preparation often forces better settlement offers. If the trucking company won’t offer fair value, we have the trial experience to take your case to an Alabama jury.
How do I afford a lawyer for a trucking accident?
We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs and only get paid if we win. Our fee is 33.33% pre-trial or 40% if we go to trial. You never get a bill from us.
What if I speak Spanish?
Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation. No interpreters needed. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
What if another attorney already rejected my case?
We take cases other firms won’t. If your injuries are serious and the trucking company was negligent, we investigate thoroughly before declining. As client Donald Wilcox said, “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.”
How quickly should I get medical treatment?
Immediately. Many injuries aren’t apparent initially. Under Alabama law, gaps in treatment allow insurance companies to claim your injuries weren’t caused by the crash. See a doctor today, and follow all treatment recommendations.
Can I still recover if the truck driver was from another state?
Absolutely. Interstate trucking falls under federal jurisdiction. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission and 25 years of experience handling multi-state trucking cases mean we can pursue drivers and companies from Texas, Georgia, Florida, or anywhere they call home.
What happens to the truck driver who hit me?
They may receive traffic citations or face criminal charges if they were DUI or driving on suspended licenses. However, criminal cases are separate from your civil claim for compensation. Even if they aren’t criminally charged, we can still hold them and their company financially responsible.
The Attorney911 Difference for Lee County Families
When you’re facing the aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident in Lee County, you have choices. Here’s why families across Alabama choose Attorney911:
25 Years of Experience Against Fortune 500 Companies
Ralph Manginello didn’t just handle fender-benders for 25 years. He’s gone toe-to-toe with BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation, recovered millions against Walmart and Coca-Cola transportation divisions, and knows how to handle complex corporate defendants who have teams of lawyers.
Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Your Side
Lupe Peña spent years working for the insurance companies. He knows their defense strategies, their valuation software, and their pressure tactics. Now he uses that insider knowledge against them. When the trucking company’s adjuster makes a low offer, Lupe knows exactly how much they really have available—and he fights to get it.
Federal Court Experience
Trucking cases involving interstate commerce often belong in federal court. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and understands the FMCSA regulations that govern every commercial truck on Lee County roads. This federal expertise often provides advantages over state court limitations.
Multi-Million Dollar Resources
Trucking companies have millions in insurance and teams of lawyers. You need a firm with equal firepower. We’ve recovered over $50 million for our clients, with individual trucking settlements ranging from $2.5 million to $9.8 million for catastrophic injuries.
Personal Attention—You’re Family Here
At big billboards firms, you’re a case number. At Attorney911, you’re family. Ralph Manginello gives clients his cell phone. Our staff—including Leonor and Crystal who’ve been praised in client reviews—keeps you updated every 2-3 weeks. As Chad Harris put it, “You are FAMILY to them.”
Three Offices Serving Alabama
While our headquarters is in Houston, we handle cases throughout the United States, including Lee County, Alabama. We offer remote consultations via Zoom and travel to Auburn and Opelika when necessary to meet your needs. You’re not hiring an out-of-state 800 number—you’re hiring a firm that treats Lee County like our community.
24/7 Availability
Trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 day or night, weekends or holidays. We answer.
Call Now—Before Evidence Disappears
Lee County families deserve justice when trucking companies put dangerous drivers on our roads. At Attorney911, we’ve spent 25 years making those companies pay for the damage they cause.
The trucking company already has lawyers working to protect them.
What are you doing to protect yourself?
You have two years to file suit, but only days to preserve critical evidence. That 18-wheeler’s black box may overwrite tomorrow. Witnesses may leave Auburn or Opelika next week. And every day you wait, the trucking company builds their defense.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. The consultation is free. The representation costs you nothing out of pocket. And the peace of mind knowing experienced fighters are handling your case—that’s priceless.
Attorney911. Because trucking companies shouldn’t get away with it.
Ralph Manginello, Attorney at Law
The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Managing Partner, Attorney911
Admitted to Federal Court, 25+ Years Experience
1-888-ATTY-911
Hablamos Español—Llame a Lupe Peña
Serving Lee County, Alabama including Auburn, Opelika, Phenix City, Beauregard, and Smiths Station
