18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Monroe County
When 80,000 Pounds of Metal Changes Everything
One moment you’re driving home on I-65 through Monroe County, or perhaps navigating US-84 near Monroeville on your way to work. The next moment, an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer destroys your world. It happens that fast. No warning. No chance to react.
We’ve seen it too many times. A family traveling through Monroe County on their way to the Gulf Coast. A local worker commuting to a job site. A parent running errands near the Alabama River. All of them sharing the road with commercial trucks hauling timber, agricultural products, and manufactured goods through our rural county. And all of them paying the price when a trucking company puts profits over safety.
At Attorney911, we don’t just handle personal injury cases—we fight for families whose lives have been shattered by 18-wheeler accidents. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years standing up to trucking companies, and our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how those companies try to dodge responsibility. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries, and we’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured hundreds more.
But here’s what you need to know right now: the trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to minimize your claim or blame you for the crash. In Monroe County, Alabama, there’s something else you need to understand—our state follows pure contributory negligence. That means if you’re found even 1% at fault for the accident, you could recover nothing. Zero. The trucking companies know this, and they’ll use it against you.
That’s why you need to call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. Evidence disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Witness memories fade. And every day you wait, the trucking company is building their defense. We send spoliation letters within 24 hours to preserve every piece of evidence. You pay nothing unless we win—zero upfront costs. And hablamos español—Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters.
The Physics of Devastation: Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Monroe County Are Different
When a passenger car collides with an 18-wheeler, physics isn’t on your side. Your vehicle weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh 80,000 pounds—twenty times heavier. At 65 miles per hour, that truck needs nearly 525 feet to stop. That’s almost two football fields. By comparison, your car needs about 300 feet. On the rural highways of Monroe County, where reaction times are everything and escape routes are limited by narrow shoulders or dense timberland, that difference kills.
The forces involved in these collisions don’t just cause injuries—they cause catastrophic damage. We’ve seen vehicles crushed beneath trailers on I-65. We’ve seen victims trapped in mangled metal on county roads near Excel or Peterman. The injuries aren’t simple fractures or whiplash. We’re talking about traumatic brain injuries that leave victims unable to remember their own families. Spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis. Amputations required at the scene because the damage is too severe to save a limb. Burns from fuel fires that create permanent disfigurement.
Every year, over 5,000 people die in trucking accidents across America, with more than 125,000 suffering serious injuries. In Alabama, I-65 serves as a major north-south corridor for freight traffic moving between Mobile and Montgomery, cutting right through the eastern portion of Monroe County. US-84 brings heavy truck traffic east-west through Monroeville. Timber trucks hauling pine and hardwood from local logging operations navigate rural county roads. Agricultural trucks transport poultry and livestock. Each of these vehicles presents a deadly risk when drivers are fatigued, distracted, or when trucking companies fail to maintain their equipment.
The trucking industry knows these dangers exist. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations exist specifically to prevent these tragedies. But too many companies cut corners. They push drivers beyond the 11-hour federal driving limit. They skip brake inspections. They hire unqualified drivers and fail to check their backgrounds. And when those decisions cause devastation in Monroe County, they bring in rapid-response teams to protect themselves—not you.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Monroe County
Jackknife Accidents on I-65
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, creating a V-shape that blocks multiple lanes of traffic. On I-65 through Monroe County, where the interstate narrows and curves, a jackknifed truck can sweep across all travel lanes before the driver regains control—or before surrounding vehicles can escape.
These accidents typically happen when drivers brake suddenly on wet roads, take curves too fast, or carry improperly balanced loads. The FMCSA prohibits sudden braking that creates unsafe situations under 49 CFR § 392.6, which requires speeds appropriate for conditions. When a timber truck loaded with pine logs jackknifes on a rainy Alabama afternoon, the results are catastrophic for anyone caught in the trailer’s path.
Investigating these accidents requires analyzing skid marks, examining load distribution records, and downloading ECM data that shows exactly when and how hard the driver braked. We look for violations of 49 CFR § 393.100 regarding cargo securement, because shifting loads often trigger these events.
Rear-End Collisions and Underride Accidents
Perhaps the most deadly scenario on Monroe County highways involves a passenger vehicle striking the rear of a slow-moving or stopped 18-wheeler. Due to the height difference between cars and trailers, these collisions often result in underride—the car slides beneath the trailer, shearing off the roof and decapitating occupants.
Federal law requires rear impact guards under 49 CFR § 393.86, designed to prevent exactly this outcome. But guards fail. They deteriorate. Companies remove them for maintenance and forget to reinstall them. Or the guards meet minimum standards but fail at highway speeds. When these guards fail on an I-65 shoulder where a truck has stopped for mechanical issues, the results are fatal.
The physics are brutal. A car traveling at 65 mph closes distance at approximately 95 feet per second. If a truck ahead is moving at 20 mph or stopped entirely, the driver has fractions of a second to react. Fatigued drivers—those who’ve violated the 11-hour driving limit under 49 CFR § 395.3—often lack the alertness to brake in time.
Rollover Accidents on Rural County Roads
Monroe County’s rural roads weren’t designed for 80,000-pound vehicles. Narrow lanes, soft shoulders, and sharp curves create hazards that experienced truck drivers should recognize. When companies push drivers to take shortcuts on county roads to avoid I-65 traffic, or when drivers unfamiliar with local geography attempt to navigate curves at excessive speeds, rollovers occur.
A rollover happens when the truck’s center of gravity shifts—often due to improperly secured cargo—and the vehicle tips onto its side or roof. Tanker trucks hauling fuel or chemicals pose additional dangers of fire and hazardous material spills. Under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, cargo must be secured to prevent shifting that affects vehicle stability. When logging trucks fail to properly secure loads, or when tankers take curves too fast, rollovers crush anything in their path.
We investigate maintenance records to determine if the trucking company inspected tires, brakes, and suspension systems as required under 49 CFR § 396. We examine driver training records to see if they were qualified to handle the specific routes through Monroe County’s rural terrain.
Tire Blowout Accidents and Road Gators
The extreme heat of Alabama summers creates dangerous conditions for truck tires. Underinflated tires overheat and explode. Worn tires shred, creating “road gators”—strips of rubber debris that lie in wait for unsuspecting motorists. When a steer tire blows out at 70 mph on I-65, the driver often loses control, causing the truck to veer into other lanes or overturn.
Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.75 require minimum tread depths and proper tire conditions. Drivers must inspect tires during pre-trip inspections under 49 CFR § 396.13. But too often, companies defer maintenance to save costs. We subpoena maintenance records to prove when tires were last inspected and whether the company knew of dangerous conditions before sending trucks onto Monroe County highways.
Wide Turn and Blind Spot Accidents in Monroeville and Small Towns
In downtown Monroeville or smaller communities like Beatrice and Excel, 18-wheelers must navigate tight turns where roads narrow. Trucks swing wide to the left before making right turns—a maneuver that traps passenger vehicles in the “squeeze play.” Drivers who fail to check mirrors or signal intentions cause crushing injuries when they trap vehicles between the trailer and curb.
Commercial trucks have massive blind spots—called “no-zones”—on all four sides. Under 49 CFR § 393.80, mirrors must provide clear views to the rear, but they can’t eliminate blind spots completely. When trucking companies fail to train drivers on proper mirror checks and turn signals under 49 CFR § 392.11, or when they pressure drivers to make impossible delivery schedules through tight spaces, innocent motorists pay the price.
Brake Failure Accidents on Descents
While Monroe County doesn’t have the steep mountain grades of some states, the undulating terrain along I-65 and rural highways still requires proper braking. Brake failures account for approximately 29% of large truck crashes nationwide. When brakes overheat from excessive use, when they’re poorly maintained, or when air brake systems leak, trucks become 40-ton missiles that can’t stop.
Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.40-55 mandate specific brake system requirements. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections under 49 CFR § 396.11. But trucking companies defer expensive brake repairs. They hire unqualified mechanics. They ignore driver complaints about “spongy” brakes or delayed stopping. We examine brake adjustment records, inspection reports, and mechanic work orders to prove negligence when brake failures cause crashes in Monroe County.
Cargo Spills and Hazardous Material Accidents
Monroe County’s economy relies on timber and agriculture, meaning logging trucks and agricultural transports frequently share our roads. When loads aren’t secured properly under 49 CFR § 393.100—when chains break, when tiedowns are insufficient, or when cargo shifts during transit—spills occur. Logs roll across I-65. Grain spills create slick surfaces. Hazardous materials leak into the Alabama River watershed.
These accidents require immediate evidence preservation. We need the cargo manifest, loading company records, and driver inspection reports. We determine if the shipper provided proper loading instructions or if the trucking company pressured the driver to accept an overweight load. Federal weight limits exist for a reason—overloaded trucks have longer stopping distances and greater instability.
Federal Regulations That Protect You—And How Trucking Companies Break Them
The FMCSA establishes strict standards under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These aren’t suggestions—they’re federal law. When trucking companies violate them, they’re negligent per se, meaning the violation itself proves negligence.
49 CFR Part 391—Driver Qualification Standards
Before a driver can operate a commercial vehicle, they must meet strict qualifications under Part 391. They must be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce. They must read and speak English. They must have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and pass a physical examination under § 391.41, certifying they have adequate vision (20/40), hearing, and no medical conditions that impair driving.
Most importantly, motor carriers must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File under § 391.51. This file must include:
- The employment application
- Three-year driving history from state records
- Road test certification or equivalent
- Annual driving record reviews
- Medical examiner’s certificate (renewed every 2 years maximum)
- Previous employer inquiries for the past 3 years
- Drug and alcohol test records
We subpoena these files in every case. Time and again, we find trucking companies hired drivers with suspended licenses, failed to verify previous employment, or ignored medical restrictions. When a company puts an unqualified driver on I-65 in Monroe County, they’ve committed negligent hiring—a direct basis for liability regardless of the driver’s specific actions in the crash.
49 CFR Part 395—Hours of Service
Fatigue kills. The FMCSA knows this, which is why Part 395 strictly limits driving hours:
- 11-hour driving limit: No driving beyond 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14-hour on-duty window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
- 30-minute break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70-hour rule: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
- 34-hour restart: The weekly clock resets only after 34 consecutive hours off duty
Since December 18, 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) under § 395.8. These devices track driving time automatically and prevent falsification of paper logs. This data is gold in litigation—it shows exactly how long the driver had been on the road, when they took breaks, and whether they violated federal limits.
In Monroe County, where trucks run between Mobile, Montgomery, and Birmingham, drivers often face pressure to meet unrealistic delivery schedules. We download ECM and ELD data to prove fatigue violations. When we find a driver exceeded the 11-hour limit, we prove negligence per se.
49 CFR Part 393—Vehicle Maintenance and Cargo Securement
Part 393 mandates specific equipment standards. Brakes must meet performance criteria under § 393.40-55. Tires must have minimum tread depth (4/32″ for steer tires). Lighting must include proper headlights, taillights, and turn signals.
For cargo securement, § 393.102 requires securement systems to withstand specific forces:
- 0.8 g deceleration forward (sudden stop)
- 0.5 g acceleration rearward
- 0.5 g lateral force (side-to-side)
Tiedowns must have aggregate working load limits of at least 50% of cargo weight. Logging trucks must use specific chains and binders. When these requirements aren’t met—when a logging company uses worn chains or when a tanker fails to secure valves properly—catastrophic spills occur.
49 CFR Part 396—Inspection and Maintenance
Part 396 requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections under § 396.13 and prepare written post-trip reports under § 396.11 documenting any defects found.
Companies must retain maintenance records for 1 year. These records reveal patterns of deferred maintenance—brakes repeatedly noted as “soft” but never repaired, tires with low tread that weren’t replaced, lighting systems that failed inspection but remained in service. When companies ignore these red flags to keep trucks running, they create deadly hazards on Monroe County roads.
Every Liable Party—Not Just the Driver
Most law firms only sue the truck driver and maybe the trucking company. That leaves money on the table. We investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants mean more insurance coverage—and higher compensation for you.
Under Alabama law, you can pursue claims against:
The Truck Driver
Direct negligence for speeding, distracted driving (cell phone use prohibited under § 392.80), fatigue, impairment (alcohol prohibited within 4 hours of duty under § 392.5), or failure to conduct inspections. We obtain cell phone records, drug test results, and driving histories.
The Motor Carrier/Trucking Company
Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. Additionally, we pursue direct negligence for:
- Negligent hiring (failure to check background/DQ file)
- Negligent training (inadequate safety instruction)
- Negligent supervision (failure to monitor ELD compliance)
- Negligent maintenance (violating Part 396)
- Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate Part 395)
Trucking companies carry substantial insurance—minimum $750,000 for non-hazardous freight, $1 million for oil and hazardous materials, and $5 million for certain hazmat cargoes. These policies exist to compensate victims, but companies fight to protect them.
The Cargo Owner/Shipper
Companies loading goods in Mobile or Birmingham may provide improper loading instructions, misrepresent cargo weight, or pressure carriers to expedite deliveries unsafely. When timber mills overload trucks or when manufacturers demand impossible delivery schedules, they share liability.
The Loading Company
Third-party warehouses or logging crews may improperly secure loads, creating shifting weight that causes rollovers. We examine loading company procedures and training records under 49 CFR § 393.100.
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Defective brake systems, faulty tires, or trailer designs prone to rollover create product liability claims. We investigate recalls (NHTSA database) and defect patterns. If a steering component failed or if a fuel tank placement created fire hazards, the manufacturer pays.
Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who perform negligent repairs or return vehicles to service with known defects share liability. We subpoena work orders and mechanic qualifications.
Freight Brokers
Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection—hiring a carrier with poor safety scores or inadequate insurance to save money.
The Truck Owner (if different from carrier)
In owner-operator arrangements, the owner may be liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain equipment.
Government Entities
While Alabama sovereign immunity laws limit claims against government (damages capped at $250,000 per person/$500,000 per occurrence for state entities), we investigate whether road design defects or inadequate signage contributed to crashes on county roads or state highways.
The 48-Hour Evidence Rule: Why Immediate Action Saves Your Case
Here’s what the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: within hours of a crash, they deploy rapid-response teams. Investigators arrive while you’re still in the emergency room. They photograph the scene from angles that favor their defense. They interview witnesses before police arrive. And they begin the process of “forgetting” to preserve evidence that hurts them.
Critical evidence disappears quickly:
Black Box/ECM Data
The Engine Control Module records speed, brake application, throttle position, and fault codes. It can show whether the driver was speeding on I-65 or if they braked at all before impact. But this data overwrites within 30 days—or immediately if the truck returns to service.
ELD Logs
Electronic logging devices prove hours-of-service violations. Under FMCSA rules, companies must retain these for 6 months, but after that, they can be deleted. Once we send a spoliation letter, deletion becomes illegal destruction of evidence.
Dashcam Footage
Many trucks have forward-facing and cab-facing cameras. This footage shows what the driver was doing—texting, eating, falling asleep. But storage is limited; new footage overwrites old within days.
Driver Qualification Files
The employment application, previous employer references, and drug test results must be preserved for 3 years after termination. But if a driver quits or is fired after a crash, the clock starts ticking.
Maintenance Records
Records of brake inspections, tire replacements, and repairs must be kept for 1 year. We need these to prove the company knew of dangerous conditions.
Physical Evidence
The truck itself may be repaired or sold. Skid marks wash away. Debris gets cleaned up. Black ice melts.
We send spoliation letters immediately—within 24 hours of being retained. These letters put the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties on legal notice that they must preserve all evidence. Destruction after receiving our letter results in sanctions, adverse jury instructions (the jury is told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable), or even default judgment.
In Alabama, where contributory negligence means you recover nothing if you’re found even slightly at fault, preserving evidence that proves the truck driver was 100% responsible is critical. Don’t wait. Evidence doesn’t wait for you to feel better.
Catastrophic Injuries and Real Recovery Amounts
We don’t handle fender-benders. We handle cases where lives change forever. The physics of 18-wheeler accidents ensure that injuries aren’t minor—they’re catastrophic.
Traumatic Brain Injury ($1.5 Million – $9.8 Million+)
When an 80,000-pound truck strikes a passenger vehicle, brains slam against skulls. Even “mild” TBIs (concussions) can cause permanent cognitive deficits. Moderate to severe TBIs result in:
- Memory loss and confusion
- Personality changes
- Inability to work
- Seizures
- Coma or vegetative states
- Need for 24/7 care
We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for TBI victims. These funds provide for lifetime care, lost earning capacity, and the pain of losing the person you once were. As one client, Glenda Walker, told us: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis ($4.7 Million – $25.8 Million+)
Spinal injuries from trucking accidents often result in paraplegia (loss of use of legs) or quadriplegia (loss of use of all four limbs). The lifetime care costs are staggering:
- Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million in medical costs alone
- Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+
These figures don’t include lost wages, home modifications, or pain and suffering. When a trucking company’s negligence causes paralysis on I-65 in Monroe County, they must pay for the lifelong consequences.
Amputations ($1.9 Million – $8.6 Million)
Crushing injuries from truck accidents often require surgical amputation of limbs. Beyond the initial surgery, victims need:
- Multiple prosthetics over a lifetime ($5,000 to $50,000 each)
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Home modifications (ramps, widened doorways)
- Psychological counseling for phantom limb pain and body image issues
We’ve secured settlements exceeding $3.8 million for amputation cases involving car accidents with complications. Commercial truck cases often result in higher recoveries due to greater insurance coverage and more egregious negligence.
Severe Burns and Disfigurement
Fuel fires and hazmat spills create thermal and chemical burns requiring:
- Extended ICU stays
- Multiple skin graft surgeries
- Reconstructive procedures
- Scar management
- Psychological trauma treatment
Burn injuries affect every aspect of life—mobility, ability to work, personal relationships. Compensation must account for decades of pain and medical needs.
Wrongful Death ($1.9 Million – $9.5 Million+)
When 18-wheeler accidents kill, Alabama law allows wrongful death claims (though Alabama is unique in that damages in wrongful death cases are punitive, not compensatory, intended to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct). Surviving spouses, children, and parents may recover substantial damages when trucking negligence takes a loved one.
Insurance Coverage: What’s Available in Alabama Trucking Cases
Federal law mandates minimum insurance coverage that far exceeds typical auto policies:
- Non-hazardous freight: $750,000 minimum
- Oil and petroleum products: $1 million minimum
- Hazardous materials: $5 million minimum
Many carriers carry excess policies or umbrella coverage of $2 million to $5 million or more. But accessing these funds requires knowing how to navigate commercial insurance policies, MCS-90 endorsements, and federal filings.
Trucking companies often carry multiple layers of insurance:
- Primary liability coverage ($750K-$1M)
- Excess/umbrella coverage ($1M-$5M+)
- Cargo insurance
- Trailer interchange agreements
We identify every available policy. We stack coverages when multiple defendants share liability. And we expose bad faith when insurers unreasonably deny valid claims.
In Alabama, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) on your own policy may also apply if the trucking company lacks sufficient coverage or if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run truck accident.
Alabama Law: Critical Differences You Must Understand
Contributory Negligence: The 1% Rule
Alabama is one of only five jurisdictions (along with Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington D.C.) that still follows pure contributory negligence. This is a brutal rule: if you’re found even 1% at fault for the accident, you recover nothing. Zero.
Insurance companies and trucking defendants exploit this rule aggressively. They’ll claim you were speeding. They’ll say you didn’t signal. They’ll argue you were distracted. Any percentage of fault assigned to you bars recovery.
That’s why evidence preservation and aggressive investigation are critical. We must prove the truck driver was 100% at fault. We use ECM data, ELD logs, and expert accident reconstruction to eliminate any contributory negligence allegations. Having a former insurance defense attorney on our team—Lupe Peña, who used to defend these exact claims—gives us insight into how they’ll try to blame you, and how to stop them.
Two-Year Statute of Limitations
In Alabama, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Code of Ala. § 6-2-38). However, if the accident involves a county or municipal vehicle, notice requirements may be as short as six months. Wrongful death claims must also be filed within two years.
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses move away. And the trucking company is already building its defense.
Damage Caps
Alabama does not cap compensatory damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering) in personal injury cases involving private defendants. However, punitive damages are generally capped at the greater of three times the compensatory damages or $500,000 under Ala. Code § 6-11-21, though exceptions exist for intentional conduct.
Governmental entities face caps of $250,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions for Monroe County Trucking Accident Victims
Q: How much is my 18-wheeler accident case worth in Monroe County?
A: Case values depend on injury severity, available insurance, liability clarity, and long-term impacts. Trucking cases typically range from hundreds of thousands to millions because commercial policies are larger than auto policies. A traumatic brain injury case may settle for $1.5 million to $9.8 million. Amputation cases range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million. Your specific value depends on medical costs, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. We offer free consultations to evaluate your specific situation.
Q: What if the trucking company’s insurance adjuster calls me?
A: Do not give a recorded statement. Do not sign anything. Adjusters are trained to minimize claims and extract statements they can use against you. Politely decline to speak with them and call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. As client Chad Harris said about our approach: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Alabama?
A: Two years from the accident date for personal injury and wrongful death. But waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears within days—black box data overwrites, witnesses forget, and physical evidence vanishes. Contact us immediately so we can send spoliation letters to preserve critical evidence.
Q: Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
A: In Alabama, probably not. Pure contributory negligence means if you’re found even 1% at fault, you recover nothing. This makes aggressive representation essential. We must prove the truck driver was 100% responsible. Having former insurance defense attorney Lupe Peña on our team helps us anticipate and defeat contributory negligence defenses.
Q: Who pays my medical bills while I’m waiting for settlement?
A: We can help you find medical providers who accept Letters of Protection (LOP)—treating you now and getting paid from your settlement later. Your health insurance (if available) may cover costs subject to subrogation rights. We handle lien negotiations to maximize your net recovery.
Q: What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
A: The trucking company may still be liable under respondeat superior if they exercised control over the driver, or for negligent hiring if they failed to check qualifications. Additionally, we sue the driver directly and investigate if they carried independent insurance. Multiple insurance policies may apply.
Q: Do you handle cases in Monroe County if your offices are in Texas?
A: Yes. We handle 18-wheeler accidents throughout the United States, including Alabama. We associate with local counsel when necessary and travel for depositions and trials. Federal trucking regulations apply nationwide, and our expertise in FMCSA regulations, combined with admission to federal courts, allows us to effectively represent you regardless of state lines.
Q: What is a spoliation letter and why does it matter?
A: It’s a legal notice demanding preservation of all evidence related to the crash—black box data, maintenance records, driver files, etc. Once sent, destruction of evidence is illegal and punishable by sanctions. We send these within 24 hours of retention.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. We advance all costs. You pay nothing unless we win. 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.”
Q: Do you speak Spanish?
A: Sí. Hablamos Español. Associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 and ask for Lupe.
Why Monroe County Families Choose Attorney911
Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years fighting for injury victims. Since 1998, he’s taken on the largest corporations in the world—including BP after the Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured hundreds. That case alone resulted in over $2.1 billion in total industry settlements, and we were among the few Texas firms involved in that litigation.
Today, we’re actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston involving fraternity hazing that caused rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. We don’t back down from tough cases.
Our associate attorney Lupe Peña provides a critical advantage: he spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, what their algorithms say cases are worth, and every tactic they use to deny valid claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.
We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients across all practice areas, including:
- $5+ million for traumatic brain injury victims
- $3.8+ million for amputation cases
- $2.5+ million for commercial truck crashes
- Multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements
Our 251+ Google reviews average 4.9 stars because we treat clients like family. As Chad Harris said: “You are FAMILY to them.” We don’t take every case that walks in the door, but when we take yours, we fight relentlessly.
We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, but we serve clients nationwide, including throughout Monroe County, Alabama. We offer virtual consultations and travel for depositions and trials.
Call Now—Before Evidence Disappears
The trucking company has already called their lawyers. Their insurance company is already building a case against you. In Alabama, contributory negligence means they only need to prove you were 1% at fault to deny you everything. Don’t let them get away with it.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We’re available 24/7. The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. And remember: hablamos español.
If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler in Monroeville, on I-65 near Beatrice, or on any rural road in Monroe County, you need a fighter who understands trucking law, federal regulations, and Alabama’s harsh contributory negligence rules. You need Attorney911.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Tomorrow might be too late.
Attorney Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in Texas and New York and is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. In Alabama, we work with local counsel to ensure compliance with state-specific rules while providing the benefit of our national trucking litigation experience.