18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Winston County, Alabama

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything

One moment you’re driving home on Highway 278 through Double Springs. The next, an 18-wheeler is jackknifing across your lane. In Winston County, where logging trucks haul timber from the Bankhead National Forest and I-65 carries freight from Birmingham to Nashville, these crashes aren’t just statistics—they’re life-altering events that happen far too often.

If you’re reading this from a hospital bed in Winston County Medical Center, or if you’re picking up the pieces after a loved one’s wreck on County Road 41, you need to know something critical: the trucking company already called their lawyers. While you were still at the scene, their rapid-response team was mobilizing to protect their interests.

At Attorney911, we believe that’s backwards. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has fought for Alabama families devastated by commercial truck crashes. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to defend insurance companies—now he fights against them, using insider knowledge of their playbook to win multi-million dollar settlements for people just like you. We’ve secured over $50 million for injury victims across the country, including $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim and $3.8+ million for a client who lost a limb after a crash.

We know Winston County’s roads. We understand how the steep grades near Lewis Smith Lake create hazards for overloaded logging trucks. We’ve seen what happens when fatigued drivers push through the I-65 corridor to make delivery deadlines. And we know the 2-year Alabama statute of limitations doesn’t wait for you to heal.

If you or a family member suffered catastrophic injuries in a Winston County trucking accident, call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. The black box data that proves what really happened can be overwritten in 30 days. We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve that evidence before it disappears.

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides direct representation in Spanish—no interpreters needed. Llame al 888-ATTY-911.

Why Winston County’s Highways Are Particularly Dangerous for 18-Wheelers

Winston County sits at a dangerous crossroads of rural highways and heavy freight corridors. While we’re not directly on the interstate, our proximity to I-65—the major north-south artery connecting Birmingham to Nashville and beyond—means our local roads see significant spillover from overloaded trucks, and our own county roads carry massive logging and agricultural loads that most passenger vehicles aren’t built to survive.

The Winston County Trucking Landscape:

The trucking routes serving Double Springs, Haleyville, and the surrounding communities include US-278, Alabama 195, and the farm-to-market roads connecting to I-65 at Cullman. These aren’t designed for 80,000-pound vehicles traveling at highway speeds. When a truck driver loses control on the winding roads near the Sipsey Wilderness, or when a logging truck’s brakes fade descending toward the Warrior River, the physics are catastrophic.

Our firm has investigated crashes on County Road 41 where timber loads shifted because shippers violated federal cargo securement rules. We’ve handled cases where trucking companies headquartered in Birmingham sent unqualified drivers through Winston County without proper training on our narrow, winding roads. As client Chad Harris told us after we won his case, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s how we treat every Winston County family we represent.

The Alabama Weather Factor:

Winston County sees severe thunderstorms that create sudden hazards for high-profile vehicles. When tornado warnings hit, trucks don’t magically become safer. In winter, ice storms can turn Highway 278 into a skating rink for trucks that didn’t adjust their speed. And during hunting season, increased traffic on rural roads creates more opportunities for catastrophic encounters with commercial vehicles.

Why This Matters for Your Case:

When we take your Winston County trucking accident case, we don’t just know the law—we know your roads. We know that the intersection of Highway 278 and County Road 41 has seen multiple serious incidents involving timber trucks. We know that drivers on I-65 often take the Cullman exit to avoid weigh stations, pushing tired truckers onto our county roads. This local knowledge, combined with Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of federal court experience (he’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas), gives us the tools to hold trucking companies accountable when they put Alabama families at risk.

Critical Alabama Warning: Alabama is a contributory negligence state. If you’re found even 1% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover damages. This makes evidence preservation absolutely critical. The trucking company will argue you contributed to the crash—perhaps by not seeing their wide turn or by driving in their blind spot. We fight these unfair arguments with hard data from ECM black boxes and ELD logs that prove the truck driver was 100% at fault.

As client Donald Wilcox said after we won his case other firms rejected: “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 contributory negligence arguments scare you away—call 888-ATTY-911 today.

The 15 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Winston County

Not all truck accidents are the same, and Winston County’s unique geography—steep hills, narrow rural roads, and proximity to major freight corridors—creates specific risks. Here are the accident types we see most often in Winston County, and how we prove negligence in each case.

Jackknife Accidents on I-65 and Rural Highways

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle from the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes. On I-65 near Winston County, sudden braking by fatigued drivers causes these terrifying crashes.

Why They Happen in Winston County:
Trucks leaving the interstate for rest stops or to avoid weigh stations often encounter sudden traffic changes. When drivers have been on the road for 14 hours (violating 49 CFR § 395.3‘s 11-hour driving limit), their reaction time is too slow to prevent the trailer from jackknifing. Empty trailers are particularly prone to this—common with logging trucks returning from the sawmill.

The Evidence We Preserve:
We download the Electronic Control Module (ECM) data showing brake application timing and speed. We subpoena the driver’s Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records to prove Hours of Service violations. Under 49 CFR § 393.48, brake systems must be properly maintained—if the trucking company deferred maintenance to save money, they’re liable.

Underride Collisions (Rear and Side)

When a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer of an 18-wheeler, the result is often decapitation or catastrophic head trauma. These are among the deadliest crashes we see on Alabama highways.

Federal Requirements:
Under 49 CFR § 393.86, trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, must have rear impact guards rated to prevent underride at 30 mph. However, there’s NO federal requirement for side underride guards—a deadly regulatory gap. When trucks cut across lanes on Highway 278 or make wide turns in downtown Double Springs, side underride becomes a deadly risk.

Your Rights:
If the truck lacked proper rear guards, or if the guards were damaged and not repaired (violating 49 CFR § 396.3‘s systematic inspection requirements), the trucking company is liable. We’ve seen cases where Winston County families lost loved ones because a trucking company chose not to install side guards to save a few hundred dollars.

Rear-End Collisions

An 18-wheeler needs 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—nearly two football fields. When truck drivers follow too closely on I-65 or the approaches to US-278, they can’t stop in time.

Common Violations:
49 CFR § 392.11 requires drivers to maintain reasonable following distances. When we pull ECM data showing the truck was following your vehicle at 65 mph with only 100 feet of space, we prove negligence. We also check the Driver Qualification File for training records—did the company actually teach this driver about stopping distances, or did they just hand over the keys?

Rollover Accidents on Steep Grades

Winston County’s terrain isn’t flat. Trucks carrying logs from the Bankhead Forest or hauling heavy equipment toward Cullman face steep descents where rollovers become deadly.

The Physics:
49 CFR § 393.100-136 governs cargo securement with specific performance criteria: cargo must withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g rearward, and 0.5g lateral forces. When loggers use inadequate tiedowns on US-278’s curves, the load shifts, the center of gravity changes, and the truck rolls.

Who’s Liable:
The driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, and potentially the shipper who demanded overloaded trucks to maximize profits. We investigate everyone.

Tire Blowouts

“Road gators”—shredded tire remains—litter Alabama highways. When a steer tire blows on an 18-wheeler, the driver loses control instantly.

Federal Maintenance Rules:
49 CFR § 393.75 requires minimum tread depth of 4/32″ on steer tires and 2/32″ on other positions. 49 CFR § 396.13 requires pre-trip inspections. When we find the trucking company kept tires on the road past their safe life to save money, we prove negligence that leads to multi-million dollar verdicts.

Brake Failures

Brake problems contribute to 29% of large truck crashes. Brake fade on long descents from the foothills toward the Warrior River basin causes runaway trucks.

The Smoking Gun:
Under 49 CFR § 396.11, drivers must complete post-trip inspection reports noting any brake defects. When we subpoena these Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) and find the driver noted “brakes grabbing” yesterday but the company put the truck back on the road today, we prove conscious disregard for safety that supports punitive damages.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

In downtown Double Springs or at the intersections approaching I-65, trucks making right turns swing wide left, creating a gap that passenger vehicles enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the car.

Training Violations:
49 CFR § 391.11 requires drivers to be qualified to operate the specific vehicle type. If the trucking company hired a driver without proper training on trailer tracking (how the trailer cuts inside the cab’s turning radius), they’re liable for negligent training.

Blind Spot (No-Zone) Collisions

18-wheelers have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and one lane to the left. The right-side blind spot is especially dangerous, extending across two lanes.

Mirror Requirements:
49 CFR § 393.80 requires mirrors that provide a clear view to the rear on both sides. When we find mirrors were damaged, improperly adjusted, or the driver failed to check them before changing lanes on Highway 278, we prove the violation that caused your injuries.

Cargo Spills and Shifting Loads

Timber trucks tipping over on curves. Flatbeds losing steel coils on I-65. When cargo hits the road in Winston County, it creates hazards for everyone behind.

Securement Violations:
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s cargo securement standards (49 CFR § 393.100) require aggregate working load limits of at least 50% of cargo weight. When loaders at Winston County mills use one tiedown instead of three, or when they skip blocking and bracing to save time, they violate federal law and endanger lives.

Head-On Collisions

When a fatigued truck driver drifts across the centerline on a rural Alabama road, or when they overcorrect and swing into oncoming traffic, the results are often fatal.

Hours of Service Violations:
49 CFR § 395.3 limits property-carrying drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. 49 CFR § 392.3 prohibits operating while fatigued. We prove these violations with ELD data showing continuous driving through the night on I-65 before the crash in Winston County.

T-Bone Accidents at Intersections

Trucks running red lights at Highway 278 and County Road 41, or failing to yield at rural intersections, cause devastating side-impact crashes.

Cell Phone Distraction:
49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits hand-held mobile telephone use while driving. When we subpoena cell phone records and find the driver was texting with dispatch at the moment of impact, we prove distracted driving negligence.

Sideswipe Accidents

On narrow county roads where trucks and cars share limited space, improper lane changes cause sideswipes that push passenger vehicles off the road.

Override Accidents

When a truck driver fails to stop in time and drives over the vehicle in front, the passenger compartment is crushed. These often occur in traffic backups on I-65 approaches.

Runaway Truck Accidents

Brake fade on long descents toward the Warrior River or on the approaches to Lewis Smith Lake causes trucks to lose all braking ability. These cases often involve violated 49 CFR § 396.17 annual inspection requirements.

Hazmat Spills

Chemical tankers traveling through Winston County toward Birmingham or Huntsville can spill toxic cargo in crashes, creating environmental hazards and severe chemical exposure injuries.

If you were injured in any of these accident types in Winston County, time is critical. Evidence disappears fast. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

The 10 Parties Who May Owe You Money

Most law firms only sue the truck driver. That might get you the $750,000 insurance minimum, but catastrophic injuries often require much more. We investigate every potentially liable party to maximize your recovery under Alabama law.

1. The Truck Driver

Personally liable for speeding, distracted driving (cell phone violations under 49 CFR § 392.82), fatigued driving, or impairment. We obtain their driving history, training records, and post-accident drug/alcohol test results.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

This is usually where the deep pockets are. Under respondeat superior (let the master answer), employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. But we also look for:

• Negligent Hiring: Did they check the driver’s CDL status? (Required under 49 CFR § 391.51)
• Neglident Training: Did they teachHours of Service compliance?
• Negligent Supervision: Did they monitor ELD data showing the driver was violating federal rest requirements?
• Negligent Maintenance: Did they defer brake repairs to save money?

Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience includes litigating against Fortune 500 companies like BP—we know how to read corporate safety records to find patterns of violations.

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that loaded the timber, steel, or manufactured goods may have demanded unreasonable delivery times that forced the driver to violate Hours of Service rules. Or they may have misrepresented cargo weight, leading to overloading.

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loaders at Winston County mills or I-65 distribution centers often violate 49 CFR § 393.100 by using inadequate tiedowns or failing to distribute weight properly.

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

If defective brakes, faulty steering systems, or inadequate underride guards contributed to the crash, we pursue product liability claims against manufacturers. This requires preserving the physical evidence—the truck itself—before it’s scrapped.

6. Parts Manufacturers

Defective tires, brake components, or coupling devices can cause crashes. We work with engineers to analyze failed components and determine if manufacturing defects played a role.

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party shops that serviced the truck may have performed negligent repairs or failed to identify critical safety issues during required annual inspections (49 CFR § 396.17).

8. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arranged the shipment may be liable for negligent carrier selection—hiring a trucking company with poor safety records (low CSA scores) to save money.

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator situations, the individual who owns the truck may have separate liability for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain the vehicle.

10. Government Entities

If dangerous road design—like inadequate signage on the curves approaching Lewis Smith Lake or improper banking on Highway 278—contributed to the crash, state or county entities may share liability. Note: Alabama has strict notice requirements and sovereign immunity limits for government claims, so acting fast is essential.

Why Multiple Defendants Matter:
In Alabama’s contributory negligence system, having multiple defendants can be crucial. If one defendant can prove you were partially at fault (even 1%), they all might avoid liability. But when we prove a trucking company was grossly negligent—destroying evidence or knowingly violating safety rules—we can pursue punitive damages that aren’t subject to the same comparative fault defenses.

We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations. We know how to find every insurance policy. Call 888-ATTY-911.

Federal Regulations They Broke (That Prove Your Case)

Commercial trucking is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR). Every violation is evidence of negligence. Here are the critical regulations we prove in Winston County cases.

Part 390: General Applicability

Establishes that federal regulations apply to all commercial motor vehicles over 10,001 lbs operating in interstate commerce. Most trucks on I-65 and those delivering to Winston County businesses qualify.

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

49 CFR § 391.11 specifies that drivers must:

• Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Speak and read English sufficiently
• Possess a valid CDL
• Be physically qualified under § 391.41

The Driver Qualification File required under § 391.51 must contain:

• Employment application and background check
• Three-year driving record from previous employers
• Medical examiner’s certificate (renewed every 2 years)
• Pre-employment drug test results

When we find the trucking company hired a driver with a suspended CDL or failed to verify his medical certification, we prove negligent hiring under Alabama law.

Part 392: Driving Rules

49 CFR § 392.3 prohibits driving while fatigued or ill. § 392.4 and § 392.5 ban drug and alcohol use (0.04% BAC limit for commercial drivers—half the standard legal limit).

49 CFR § 392.11 requires safe following distances—the violation we prove in rear-end collisions.

49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits handheld mobile phone use while driving. We subpoena cell phone records and ELD data to prove distraction.

49 CFR § 392.6 prohibits scheduling routes that would require speeding to complete on time—proving the company pressured the driver to violate speed limits on Alabama highways.

Part 393: Parts and Accessories

49 CFR § 393.100-136 governs cargo securement. Loggers hauling from Bankhead National Forest must use proper blocking, bracing, and tiedowns rated for the load weight. When they don’t, and the load shifts causing a rollover, they’ve violated federal law.

49 CFR § 393.75 sets tire tread depth minimums (4/32″ for steer tires). Worn tires cause blowouts on I-65.

49 CFR § 393.40-55 governs brake systems. Worn brake pads, improper adjustment, or air brake failures violate these rules.

Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

This is where we often find the smoking gun. 49 CFR § 395.3 limits property-carrying drivers to:

• 11 hours maximum driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14 hours total on-duty time (driving + loading + waiting)
• 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

Since December 2017, Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are mandatory under § 395.8. Unlike paper logs (which drivers could falsify), ELDs connect to the truck’s engine and record actual driving time. This data proves when the driver was speeding to beat the 14-hour clock, or when they drove 16 hours straight to reach a Winston County delivery deadline.

Critical Timeline: ELD data can be overwritten in 30 days. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this evidence.

Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

49 CFR § 396.3 requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance. § 396.11 requires drivers to complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections, noting defects like brake problems or tire wear.

When we find the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) from yesterday showed “brakes grabbing” but the company dispatched the truck today anyway, we prove the trucking company knowingly put a dangerous vehicle on the road. When they do this repeatedly, we can pursue punitive damages under Alabama law.

We’ve litigated against BP and other Fortune 500 companies. We know federal regulations inside and out. Call 1-888-288-9911 today.

The Evidence That Disappears in 48 Hours

You wouldn’t believe how fast trucking companies move to protect themselves. While you’re still in the ER at Winston County Medical Center or being transported to Huntsville Hospital, the trucking company has dispatched their own investigators to the scene.

Critical Evidence That Must Be Preserved Immediately:

ECM/Black Box Data

The Engine Control Module records:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing and pressure
• Throttle position (was the driver accelerating or braking?)
• Cruise control status
• Fault codes showing mechanical problems

This data overwrites in 30 days—sometimes sooner if the truck keeps operating.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records

Since the ELD mandate in 2017, every truck must have a device that syncs with the engine to record Hours of Service. We download this data to prove:

• The driver exceeded the 11-hour driving limit
• They violated the 14-hour on-duty window
• They skipped the required 30-minute break
• They were on duty for 70 hours in 8 days (the weekly limit)

ELD data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Some carriers only retain it for 6 months under 49 CFR § 395.8—then it’s gone forever.

Driver Qualification File

Contains the driver’s application, previous employer checks, medical certification, and drug test results. Must be retained for 3 years after employment ends. But without a spoliation letter, “file retention” doesn’t mean the file wasn’t “lost” in a move or “accidentally” deleted.

Maintenance Records

Required to be kept for 1 year under 49 CFR § 396.3. These show if the company deferred brake repairs, ignored tire warnings, or skipped annual inspections (§ 396.17).

Dashcam Footage

Many trucks have forward-facing and cab-facing cameras. This footage often auto-deletes within 7-30 days if not preserved. It can prove the driver was texting, eating, or clearly impaired.

The Physical Truck Itself

The trucking company will repair or scrap the truck quickly. If there was a brake failure or tire defect, we need the actual parts for expert analysis. Once repaired, the evidence is destroyed.

What We Do Within Hours:

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately send a spoliation letter to the trucking company, their insurer, and their lawyers. This puts them on legal notice that destroying evidence will result in sanctions, adverse inferences (juries instructed to assume the destroyed evidence was bad for the defense), or default judgment.

Our team includes Lupe Peña, who spent years working for insurance companies. He knows exactly what evidence they try to hide, and he knows how to force them to preserve it.

As client Glenda Walker said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We can’t fight for you if the evidence is gone. Call 888-ATTY-911 now.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost of Winston County Truck Accidents

When an 80,000-pound truck hits a 4,000-pound car, the physics are devastating. The force equals roughly 80 times the kinetic energy of a standard collision. The injuries we see in Winston County aren’t simple whiplash—they’re life-altering catastrophes.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The brain doesn’t heal like a broken bone. Even “mild” TBIs (concussions) can cause lifelong cognitive deficits, personality changes, and memory problems. Severe TBIs require 24/7 care.

Settlement Range: $1.5 million to $9.8 million+ (based on our firm’s documented results)

Long-term costs: Cognitive therapy, occupational therapy, lost earning capacity, home modifications, and ongoing medical care. In Alabama, there’s no cap on compensatory damages for motor vehicle accidents (unlike the $250,000 cap on medical malpractice non-economic damages).

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs) and paraplegia (loss of lower body function) result when the spinal cord is severed or crushed. These injuries require:

• Wheelchairs and mobility equipment ($10,000-$50,000+)
• Home modifications (ramps, widened doorways, accessible bathrooms: $50,000-$150,000+)
• Vehicle modifications ($30,000-$80,000+)
• Personal care attendants ($50,000-$150,000 annually)

Settlement Range: $4.7 million to $25.8 million+

Amputations

Whether traumatic (limb severed at the scene) or surgical (required due to crushing injuries), amputations change everything. Prosthetics need replacement every 3-5 years ($5,000-$50,000+ each). Phantom limb pain requires ongoing medication and therapy.

Settlement Range: $1.9 million to $8.6 million+

Severe Burns

Tanker trucks carrying fuel or chemicals can cause fires that result in third and fourth-degree burns. These require skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and treatment for contractures (tightening of skin that limits movement).

Internal Organ Damage

Blunt force trauma from a truck crash can rupture the spleen, lacerate the liver, or cause internal bleeding. These injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening.

Wrongful Death

When a truck driver on I-65 or Highway 278 takes a life, Alabama law allows certain family members to recover:

• Lost future income
• Loss of consortium (companionship, guidance)
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven)

Settlement Range: $1.9 million to $9.5 million+

Alabama Specifics: While Alabama caps punitive damages at the greater of 3x compensatory damages or $500,000 (§ 6-11-20), there’s no cap on compensatory damages for personal injury or wrongful death in motor vehicle cases.

We’ve recovered millions for families facing these devastating injuries. You focus on healing; we’ll focus on justice. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Why Winston County Families Choose Attorney911

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” — Chad Harris

We didn’t build our reputation on billboards. We built it on results and relationships. Here’s why families in Winston County and across Alabama trust us with their 18-wheeler accident cases.

25+ Years of Experience That Matters

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. That’s not just a number—that’s through the evolution of trucking regulations, the implementation of ELDs, the rise of nuclear verdicts, and thousands of cases against insurance companies who thought they could lowball victims.

He’s admitted to federal court (Southern District of Texas), meaning he can handle complex interstate trucking cases that involve federal regulations and multi-state litigation.

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Lupe Peña didn’t just study insurance defense—he practiced it. For years, he worked for national defense firms learning how insurance companies evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and deny legitimate claims.

Now he uses that knowledge against them. He knows when they’re bluffing about settlement authority. He knows how their algorithms undervalue pain and suffering. And he knows exactly which evidence will force them to pay what your case is actually worth.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Talk is cheap. Results matter. We’ve secured:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ million for a client who lost a limb after a car crash led to surgical amputation
• $2.5+ million in a commercial trucking accident recovery
• $2+ million for a maritime worker with a back injury
• Millions more for wrongful death and catastrophic injury victims

Currently, Ralph Manginello is litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity—a case that generated national media attention on KHOU, ABC13, and the Houston Chronicle. This shows we have the resources and tenacity to take on major institutional defendants.

We Take Cases Other Firms Reject

“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.” — Donald Wilcox

Big billboard firms often cherry-pick easy cases. If your case requires extensive investigation, federal court experience, or fighting contributory negligence defenses, they might decline. We don’t. We know Alabama’s contributory negligence law makes cases harder, but we also know how to beat it with solid evidence.

4.9 Stars from Real Clients

With 251+ Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars, our clients speak for themselves:

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” — Glenda Walker

“Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” — Ernest Cano

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” — Angel Walle

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency: 33.33% if settled pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay $0 upfront. We advance all investigation costs, expert fees, and court costs. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

Spanish-Speaking Representation

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Many of Alabama’s truck drivers and agricultural workers speak Spanish as their first language—we ensure language is never a barrier to justice.

Don’t settle for a firm that treats you like a number. Get the family treatment you deserve. Call 888-ATTY-911 today.

Alabama Law: What Winston County Accident Victims Must Know

Statute of Limitations: The 2-Year Clock

Under Alabama Code § 6-2-38, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death, the 2-year clock starts at the date of death (§ 6-5-410).

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away, and memories fade. The sooner you call 1-888-ATTY-911, the stronger your case will be.

Contributory Negligence: Alabama’s Harsh Rule

Alabama is one of only five states (along with Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and D.C.) that still follows contributory negligence. This means if you’re found even 1% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover damages.

Insurance companies love this rule. They’ll argue you were speeding, following too closely, or failed to see the truck’s turn signal. That’s why evidence preservation is critical—we need the black box data and ELD logs to prove the truck driver was 100% at fault, leaving no room for contributory negligence defenses.

Punitive Damages

Under Alabama Code § 6-11-20, punitive damages are capped at the greater of:

• Three times the compensatory damages, OR
• $500,000

However, there’s no cap if the defendant intentionally caused the injury or was under the influence of drugs/alcohol. When we prove the trucking company knowingly violated safety regulations or destroyed evidence, we can pursue these substantial punitive awards.

Governmental Immunity

If a government vehicle (county truck, state maintenance vehicle) caused the crash, special rules apply under the Alabama Tort Claims Act. Notice must be given within 6 months, and damages are capped at specific amounts depending on the entity. These cases require immediate action.

Frequently Asked Questions: Winston County 18-Wheeler Accidents

Q: I was hurt in a truck accident on I-65 near Winston County. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

A: Under Alabama law, you have 2 years from the accident date. However, if the truck was owned by a government entity (like state or county), you may have as little as 6 months to provide notice. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to protect your rights.

Q: The trucking company adjuster called and offered me a quick settlement. Should I take it?

A: Absolutely not. First offers are always lowball offers designed to get you to sign away your rights before you know the full extent of your injuries. As client Donald Wilcox learned when he came to us after another firm rejected him, waiting for proper legal evaluation often results in significantly higher settlements. Never sign anything without an attorney review.

Q: Can I still recover if I was partially at fault for the accident in Winston County?

A: Unfortunately, Alabama follows contributory negligence. If you’re found even 1% at fault, you cannot recover. This makes it critical to preserve evidence proving the truck driver was 100% responsible. The ECM data showing he was speeding, the ELD logs proving he was over his hours, or the maintenance records showing faulty brakes—these can defeat contributory negligence defenses.

Q: What if the truck driver was from another state?

A: That actually helps your case. Interstate trucking is governed by federal FMCSA regulations, which are often stricter than state laws. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission allows us to pursue cases in federal court when appropriate, and we can subpoena records from trucking companies headquartered anywhere in the U.S.

Q: How much is my Winston County truck accident case worth?

A: It depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and the extent of the truck driver’s negligence. Trucking accidents typically involve larger insurance policies ($750,000 to $5 million) than car accidents. We’ve recovered settlements ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars for clients. Call 888-ATTY-911 for a free case evaluation.

Q: What if my loved one was killed in the accident?

A: Alabama allows wrongful death claims to be filed by the personal representative of the estate (usually the closest family member). You can recover lost future income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. Punitive damages may also be available if the trucking company acted recklessly.

Q: Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire Attorney911?

A: No. We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs for investigation, experts, and court filings. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial.

Q: Can I file a claim if I was injured by a logging truck in the Bankhead National Forest area?

A: Yes. Logging trucks must follow the same FMCSA regulations as other commercial vehicles. If the loader failed to secure the timber properly (violating 49 CFR § 393.100), or if the driver exceeded weight limits, or if the company pressured him to drive fatigued, we can hold them accountable.

Q: What if the truck driver didn’t speak English well?

A: 49 CFR § 391.11 requires drivers to read and speak English sufficiently to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records. If the trucking company hired a driver who couldn’t meet these requirements, that’s evidence of negligent hiring.

Q: How do I prove the truck driver was texting?

A: We subpoena cell phone records and correlate them with ELD data showing the exact time of the crash. We also check the truck’s dashcam footage and the driver’s dispatch communications. 49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits handheld phone use while driving—proving this violation strengthens your case significantly.

Q: What is a spoliation letter, and why do you send one immediately?

A: A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the crash—ECM data, ELD logs, maintenance records, the physical truck, etc. Once they receive this, destroying evidence becomes “spoliation,” which courts punish severely. We send these within hours of being retained because black box data can be overwritten in 30 days.

Q: Do you handle cases for Spanish-speaking clients in Winston County?

A: Yes. Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 and ask for Lupe.

Q: What if I can’t afford medical treatment for my injuries?

A: We work with medical providers who treat personal injury patients on a Letter of Protection (LOP)—meaning they get paid when your case settles. Don’t let lack of insurance prevent you from getting treatment. We can help arrange care immediately.

Q: How long will my case take?

A: Simple cases with clear liability might settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases with catastrophic injuries or multiple defendants can take 1-3 years. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive full compensation for all your damages, including future medical needs.

Q: Will my case go to trial?

A: Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to go to court (and win)—they offer better settlements to those lawyers’ clients. Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of courtroom experience, including federal court litigation.

Q: Can I sue if the accident was caused by a tire blowout?

A: Yes. If the blowout was caused by worn tires (violating 49 CFR § 393.75), improper maintenance (violating § 396.3), or a manufacturing defect, we can pursue claims against the trucking company, maintenance provider, or tire manufacturer.

Q: What if the trucking company is based in another state?

A: We can still sue them in Alabama if the accident occurred here, or in federal court if the parties are from different states (diversity jurisdiction). Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and handles interstate trucking cases regularly.

Q: I was hurt six months ago. Is it too late to call a lawyer?

A: Not necessarily—you still have time under Alabama’s 2-year statute. However, critical evidence may already be lost. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately so we can determine what evidence might still be preserved and evaluate your case.

Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Today

The trucking company that hit you or your loved one has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to minimize your claim or argue you were partially at fault under Alabama’s harsh contributory negligence law.

You need someone fighting for you right now.

At Attorney911, we don’t just handle cases—we treat clients like family. With 25+ years of experience, federal court capability, and a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every trick in the book, we have the tools to take on the largest trucking companies and win.

We’ve recovered $50+ million for families across the country, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death. We’re currently litigating a $10 million case against major institutional defendants, proving we have the resources for the biggest fights.

Don’t let the 2-year statute of limitations expire. Don’t let critical black box data disappear. Don’t let the trucking company convince you that you don’t need a lawyer.

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Winston County, Double Springs, Haleyville, or anywhere on the I-65 corridor, call Attorney911 right now.

Free consultation. No fee unless you win. 24/7 availability.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) now.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 888-288-9911 para una consulta gratis.

We know Winston County. We know Alabama law. We know how to win.

Attorney Ralph P. Manginello
Managing Partner, Attorney911
Admitted to Texas Bar, New York Bar, and U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Serving Winston County, Alabama and communities nationwide