When an 80,000-pound Freightliner changes your family’s life forever on the road to Montgomery, you don’t just need legal help—you need a fighter who knows the difference between a standard car crash and a complex federal trucking case. Here in Autauga County, where I-65 carries thousands of commercial trucks daily between Birmingham and the Gulf Coast, one moment of a truck driver crossing the centerline or falling asleep at the wheel can leave you facing catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and a trucking company that’s already sent lawyers to the scene.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable. Ralph Manginello, our founding partner, has been fighting for Alabama families since 1998, and our team includes Lupe Peña—a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the very system now trying to minimize your claim. We know the highways that crisscross Autauga County like the back of our hand, from the busy I-65 corridor through Prattville to the rural routes where logging trucks and agricultural haulers operate every single day.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Autauga County, time is not on your side. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. The trucking company’s rapid-response team may have already started building their defense while you were still in the ER. But you don’t have to face this fight alone. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 right now—we’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, because trucking accidents don’t happen on a schedule.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Devastating in Autauga County
The physics of a commercial truck collision are merciless. When a fully loaded tractor-trailer weighing up to 80,000 pounds collides with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle on I-65 near Prattville or State Route 14, the results are almost always catastrophic. Unlike standard car accidents, these cases involve layers of federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and insurance policies worth millions—yet accessing that compensation requires knowing exactly how to investigate and litigate against sophisticated trucking companies.
Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. Right here in Autauga County, the intersection of major freight corridors and rural highways creates unique risks. The north-south traffic moving between Montgomery and Birmingham brings constant 18-wheeler traffic, while our local agricultural operations mean heavy equipment haulers and logging trucks frequently share roads with family vehicles. When these massive vehicles take a curve too fast on Autauga County’s winding rural routes or blow a tire on I-65’s high-speed stretches, the consequences are devastating.
Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has seen firsthand what these accidents do to families. With 25+ years of experience and federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas, Ralph has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for truck accident victims—including cases involving traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death. We currently have a $10 million lawsuit pending against a major university for hazing injuries, demonstrating our willingness to take on institutional defendants with deep pockets. And our experience going toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations during the BP Texas City refinery litigation taught us exactly how to battle well-funded corporate defense teams.
But what truly sets Attorney911 apart in Autauga County is our insider knowledge. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to defend insurance companies—he knows exactly how adjusters are trained to minimize your claim, what software they use to calculate lowball offers, and when they’re bluffing about their willingness to go to trial. As client Chad Harris told us after we resolved his case: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
Understanding the FMCSA Regulations That Protect Autauga County Drivers
Commercial trucking isn’t just bigger than regular driving—it’s regulated by a completely different set of federal laws that most personal injury attorneys barely understand. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires 18-wheelers to comply with strict regulations codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR), Parts 390-399. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create the dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents on Autauga County’s highways.
Here are the critical FMCSA regulations we investigate in every trucking case:
49 CFR Part 391 – Driver Qualification Standards: Trucking companies must verify that drivers are medically fit, properly licensed with a CDL, and trained before they can legally operate an 80,000-pound rig. Before a driver can even touch the wheel, the motor carrier must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File containing the driver’s employment application, three-year employment history, motor vehicle records (MVR), medical examiner’s certificate, and proof of pre-employment drug testing. When companies skip these steps or hire drivers with poor safety records, they commit negligent hiring—and they become liable for the carnage that follows.
49 CFR Part 392 – Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles: This section prohibits drivers from operating while fatigued, impaired, or distracted. Under § 392.3, “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle… while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe.” The same section also bars alcohol use within four hours of driving and mandates sobriety. We’ve seen cases where Autauga County drivers were hit by truckers who had been awake for 20 hours or were texting while navigating the merge lanes at I-65 and Highway 14.
49 CFR Part 393 – Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation: Your brakes, tires, and cargo securement really matter when you’re hauling 40 tons. This section mandates working brakes on all wheels, proper tread depth (4/32″ on steer tires), and cargo securement systems that can withstand 0.8g deceleration forces. When a trucking company fails to maintain its fleet—and a tire blowout causes a rollover near Prattville—we hold them accountable for violating § 393.75.
49 CFR Part 395 – Hours of Service (HOS): These rules prevent driver fatigue by limiting driving hours. Under current regulations, property-carrying drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour of coming on duty, and must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. The 60/70-hour weekly limits restrict how much a driver can work in 7 or 8 days. Violating these rules causes catastrophic fatigue-related crashes.
49 CFR Part 396 – Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance: Trucking companies must systematically inspect and maintain their vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections, and companies must retain maintenance records for 14 months. Brake problems contribute to roughly 29% of truck accidents—when we find deferred maintenance or missing inspection records, that evidence proves negligence.
Since December 18, 2017, federal law also requires Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) under § 395.8. These devices automatically record driving time, location, speed, and engine hours—objective data that often contradicts a driver’s claim that they “weren’t speeding” or “hit the brakes immediately.” We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained to preserve this data before it can be overwritten or deleted.
The Deadly Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We See in Autauga County
Not all truck accidents are the same—and in Autauga County, certain types of collisions are more common due to our geography. The mix of interstate speeds on I-65, the rural two-lane highways connecting farming communities, and the industrial traffic serving local manufacturers creates a perfect storm for specific accident scenarios.
Jackknife Accidents on I-65
A jackknife occurs when the cab and trailer fold at an angle like a pocket knife, often sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic. When a truck driver brakes suddenly on I-65’s wet pavement or hits a patch of ice near Autauga County exits during winter storms, the trailer can swing perpendicular to the cab, blocking the entire highway. We’ve seen these accidents trigger multi-vehicle pile-ups near the Pine Level exit and block traffic for hours while emergency responders treat catastrophic injuries.
Jackknives typically result from 49 CFR § 393.48 brake violations, improper braking technique, or unbalanced cargo that shifts during sudden stops. The physics are unforgiving—once a loaded trailer starts to swing, an 80,000-pound vehicle becomes a battering ram. Victims caught in the sweep often suffer crushing injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death.
Underride Collisions: The Deadliest Impact
Underride accidents represent perhaps the most horrific type of trucking collision. When a passenger vehicle strikes the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the trailer height often shears off the vehicle’s roof at windshield level. These accidents are frequently fatal or result in decapitation and catastrophic head trauma.
While 49 CFR § 393.86 mandates rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after 1998, many trailers have inadequate guards, and there remains no federal requirement for side underride guards. We’ve handled cases where Autauga County families lost loved ones because the guards were damaged, improperly maintained, or non-existent. These cases require immediate investigation of the trailer’s guard compliance, lighting systems, and visibility markings.
Tire Blowouts on Rural Routes
Autauga County’s agricultural economy means heavy trucks frequently travel our rural highways. When a truck tire blows—often due to heat, under-inflation, or worn tread—the driver can lose instant control. The resulting debris, sometimes called “road gators,” creates additional hazards for following vehicles on narrow two-lane roads with limited shoulder space.
Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.75 require specific tread depths and mandate that carriers maintain tires properly. Yet we’ve seen cases where trucking companies deferred tire replacements to save money, leading to blowouts on Highway 82 near Maplesville or County Road 40 that caused multi-vehicle crashes.
Rollover Accidents in Rural Areas
Taking a curve too fast on Autauga County’s rural highways, improperly distributing cargo, or experiencing a shift in liquid cargo (the “slosh effect”) can cause 18-wheelers to roll. These accidents are particularly dangerous on our two-lane roads where there’s nowhere for oncoming traffic to escape. When a loaded logging truck rolls on a winding road near the Tallapoosa River, the crushing weight often results in fatal injuries for anyone in the path.
Fatigue-Related Rear-End Collisions on I-65
Truck drivers under pressure to meet delivery deadlines sometimes violate Hours of Service regulations. When a fatigued driver fails to brake in time approaching traffic backups near the Prattville exits, the resulting rear-end collision involves devastating force. A loaded truck needs nearly 525 feet—almost two football fields—to stop from highway speeds. When drivers tailgate or fail to adjust for traffic conditions, they violate 49 CFR § 392.11 regarding following distances.
Wide Turn Accidents in Downtown Prattville
Large trucks require significant space to turn right, often swinging left first (the “squeeze play”). In downtown Prattville or shopping areas along Cobbs Ford Road, these wide turns can trap passenger vehicles in the truck’s path, resulting in crushing injuries as the trailer completes its turn.
Blind Spot (“No-Zone”) Accidents
18-wheelers have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and one lane to the left (with a much larger blind spot on the right side). When truckers change lanes on I-65 without properly checking mirrors, they can sideswipe vehicles or force them off the road. 49 CFR § 393.80 requires proper mirrors, but improper adjustment or driver inattention causes countless injuries.
The 10 Parties Who May Be Liable for Your Autauga County Trucking Accident
Most accident victims assume they can only sue the truck driver. In reality, commercial trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties—each with separate insurance policies that can contribute to your recovery. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant because more liable parties mean more insurance coverage, which means better compensation for your injuries.
1. The Truck Driver: The individual operating the vehicle may be liable for negligent driving—speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment, or violating traffic laws. We examine their driving record, training history, and conduct at the scene.
2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier): Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. But trucking companies can also be directly negligent for:
- Negligent Hiring: Failing to check the driver’s background, CDL status, or safety record
- Negligent Training: Inadequate instruction on safety procedures, FMCSA compliance, or handling hazardous cargo
- Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor drivers’ hours of service, ELD compliance, or driving behavior
- Negligent Maintenance: Skipping required inspections or deferring critical repairs
- Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations to meet deadlines
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper: In Autauga County, we see many agricultural and manufactured goods moving through our region. The company that owns the cargo may share liability if they demanded overloaded vehicles, failed to disclose hazardous materials, or created unreasonable delivery deadlines that forced drivers to speed or skip rest breaks.
4. The Cargo Loading Company: Third-party warehouses or loading docks that improperly secure cargo create dangerous conditions. When loads shift during transport—violating 49 CFR §§ 393.100-136—they cause rollovers and loss-of-control accidents.
5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers: Defective design or manufacturing of critical systems (brakes, steering, tires, underride guards) can support product liability claims against the manufacturer.
6. Parts Manufacturers: Companies that produce defective brake components, tires, or electronic systems may be liable when their products fail and cause crashes.
7. Maintenance Companies: Third-party mechanics who negligently repair brakes, fail to identify safety hazards, or return unsafe vehicles to service share responsibility for subsequent accidents.
8. Freight Brokers: These intermediaries arrange for shipment transport. When they negligently select carriers with poor safety records (low CSA scores, high accident rates) or fail to verify insurance and authority, they can be held liable for the consequences.
9. The Truck Owner: In owner-operator arrangements, the individual who owns the tractor may have separate liability from the company hauling the freight, particularly for negligent entrustment or maintenance failures.
10. Government Entities: While Alabama sovereign immunity laws are complex, government agencies may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or poorly maintained highways that contribute to accidents. However, these claims face strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines—you must act quickly to preserve these claims.
Donald Wilcox, one of our clients, put it perfectly when he 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.” We find liable parties that other firms miss.
Alabama Law: Critical Deadlines and Contributory Negligence Rules
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Autauga County, Alabama law creates both opportunities and traps for the unwary. Understanding these rules immediately could mean the difference between recovering full compensation and recovering nothing at all.
The Statute of Limitations: Two Years Maximum
In Alabama, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against a private defendant. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period runs from the date of death. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever—regardless of how serious your injuries or how obvious the trucking company’s fault.
However, certain circumstances alter these deadlines:
- Government defendants: Claims against state or local governments face shorter notice requirements (typically 6 months) and strict procedural hurdles.
- Minor victims: The statute may be tolled (paused) until the minor reaches age 19.
- Fraudulent concealment: If the trucking company intentionally hid evidence of their negligence, the deadline may be extended.
We cannot stress this enough: Do not wait. Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly, and Alabama courts strictly enforce filing deadlines.
Contributory Negligence: Alabama’s Harsh Rule
Here’s a critical warning that every Autauga County resident must understand: Alabama is one of only five jurisdictions in the entire United States that follows the doctrine of contributory negligence. This is an extraordinarily harsh rule.
Under contributory negligence, if the victim is even 1% at fault for the accident, they are barred from recovering any damages whatsoever. That’s right—if a jury determines you were 10% responsible for the crash because you were speeding slightly, or 5% responsible for failing to see the truck’s turn signal, or even 1% responsible for any contributing factor, you recover $0.
This makes Alabama uniquely dangerous for accident victims. The trucking company’s insurance adjusters know this rule, and they will look for any evidence—any hint—that you share responsibility. They’ll pull your phone records to prove distraction. They’ll examine your speed through ECM data. They’ll scrutinize your statements to the police for any admission that might suggest partial fault.
This is why you must never give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurer without an attorney present. This is why social media posts showing you at a family BBQ after the accident (looking “fine”) can destroy your case. And this is why you need an experienced trucking attorney who knows how to prove the truck driver was 100% at fault—because in Alabama, anything less means you get nothing.
Modified Comparative States vs. Alabama: In neighboring states like Mississippi (pure comparative) or Tennessee (modified comparative with 50% bar), partial fault merely reduces your recovery. In Alabama, it eliminates it entirely. This distinction makes our job harder—and your choice of attorney more critical.
Punitive Damages Limits
Alabama does place caps on punitive damages—the “punishment” money awarded when trucking companies act with gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Under Alabama Code § 6-11-21, punitive damages are capped at $500,000 or three times the compensatory damages, whichever is greater. However, there’s an exception: if the defendant acted with “deliberate or malicious” intent to harm, or if they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the cap may not apply.
This means that while Alabama law protects defendants somewhat on punitive awards, there’s no cap on compensatory damages (your actual medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering). And the punitive cap doesn’t apply when drunk driving or intentional misconduct is involved—both of which we see in trucking cases where drivers falsify logbooks or companies knowingly put dangerous vehicles on the road.
Catastrophic Injuries and Their Lifetime Costs
The forces involved in an 18-wheeler collision often cause injuries that change everything. At Attorney911, we don’t handle “fender benders”—we focus on catastrophic injuries that require lifelong medical care and adaptation. Understanding these injuries helps us calculate the true cost of your recovery.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
When the brain strikes the interior of the skull during a collision—even without direct head impact—the resulting damage can affect cognition, personality, memory, and executive function. Moderate to severe TBI cases typically require:
- Extended hospitalization and ICU care
- Neurological rehabilitation (physical, occupational, and speech therapy)
- Cognitive rehabilitation programs
- Psychological counseling for personality changes
- Long-term medication management
- Potential 24/7 supervision for severe cases
Settlement ranges for TBI cases vary dramatically based on severity, but documented cases involving trucking accidents have resulted in settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million. As client Glenda Walker told us: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia (loss of lower body function) or quadriplegia (loss of all four limbs). These injuries require:
- Emergency stabilization surgery
- Extended rehabilitation hospitalization (often 6+ months)
- Wheelchairs (manual and electric)
- Home modifications (ramps, door widening, roll-in showers)
- Vehicle modifications
- Personal care assistance (often 24/7 for high cervical injuries)
- Medical equipment (catheters, pressure mattresses, respiratory support)
Lifetime costs for spinal cord injuries routinely exceed $4.7 million to $25.8 million, depending on the level of injury and age at injury.
Amputations
Whether traumatic (occurring at the scene) or surgical (necessitated by crush injuries), limb loss requires:
- Initial surgical intervention
- Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000+ each, with replacements needed every 3-5 years)
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Psychological counseling
- Career retraining or permanent disability
Our experience with amputation cases has resulted in recoveries ranging from $1.9 million to $8.6 million, depending on whether upper or lower limbs were lost and the impact on earning capacity.
Severe Burns
Fuel tank ruptures or hazmat spills can cause devastating thermal or chemical burns. Treatment involves:
- Skin grafts and surgical debridement
- Reconstructive surgery
- Long-term pain management
- Psychological trauma treatment for disfigurement
Wrongful Death
When a trucking accident kills a loved one, Alabama law allows certain family members to pursue wrongful death claims. Damages include:
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost future income and benefits
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Mental anguish of survivors
Our wrongful death trucking settlements have ranged from $1.9 million to $9.5 million, reflecting the devastating impact on families when a breadwinner or caregiver is taken by negligent trucking.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
If you take nothing else from this guide, understand this: The trucking company is not on your side, and they are not waiting for you to get better before they start protecting themselves.
Within hours of a serious accident in Autauga County, trucking companies deploy rapid-response teams. These investigators—often lawyers or private investigators retained by the insurer—arrive at the scene to photograph evidence, interview witnesses, and gather statements. Their job is simple: minimize the company’s liability by any means necessary.
Meanwhile, critical evidence that could prove your case has an expiration date:
Electronic Control Module (ECM/Black Box) Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. Can be overwritten in as little as 30 days—or with new driving events that occur as the truck continues operating.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data: Proves hours-of-service violations and driver fatigue. FMCSA only requires retention for 6 months, and some carriers delete it sooner.
Dashcam Footage: Forward-facing and driver-facing cameras capture the actual moment of impact. Many systems overwrite footage within 7-14 days.
Surveillance Video: Nearby businesses may have recorded the accident, but most security systems overwrite automatically every 7-30 days.
Driver Qualification Files: Records of hiring, training, and past violations—critical for proving negligent hiring claims.
Vehicle Inspection Records: Maintenance logs that might show deferred brake repairs or skipped inspections.
Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving, but must be preserved quickly.
When you hire Attorney911, we act immediately. Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and any other potentially liable parties. These letters put them on legal notice that they must preserve all evidence related to the accident. Destroying evidence after receiving a spoliation letter can result in severe sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or even default judgment.
We also deploy our own investigators to:
- Photograph the accident scene before weather changes or repairs occur
- Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
- Obtain the police report and 911 recordings
- Document road conditions and signage
- Secure the physical truck before repairs or salvage
As Angel Walle told us after we resolved his case: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” Speed matters.
Why Autauga County Families Choose Attorney911
You have choices when it comes to legal representation after a trucking accident. Billboards cover our highways advertising large volume firms that handle hundreds of cases simultaneously. But when your future is on the line, you don’t want to be a case number—you want to be family.
Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Years of Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello has been practicing law since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas, which matters because serious trucking cases often belong in federal court under diversity jurisdiction when they involve interstate commerce and high damages. This federal experience gives us an advantage when facing out-of-state trucking carriers.
Our track record includes involvement in the BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation—one of the deadliest industrial accidents in American history—where 15 workers died and over 170 were injured. Going toe-to-toe with BP taught us how to battle Fortune 500 legal teams with unlimited resources.
The Insurance Defense Advantage
Here’s something most firms can’t offer: Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate claims, what software they use to calculate “reserve” amounts, and when an adjuster is bluffing about their willingness to go to trial.
Lupe is also fluent in Spanish, which is critical for Alabama’s growing Hispanic community. When Spanish-speaking clients call 1-888-ATTY-911, they can speak directly with Lupe without interpreters—ensuring nothing gets lost in translation during the most important conversation of their lives.
Hablamos Español. Llame ahora al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Three Offices, Local Presence
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we have the geographic reach to handle cases throughout the Southeast, but we treat every client like they’re from our own neighborhood. Whether you’re in Prattville, Autaugaville, or rural Autauga County, we come to you. We understand the local roads, the local hospitals (including Prattville Baptist Hospital and Vaughan Regional Medical Center), and the local courts.
Multi-Million Dollar Results
While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, our track record shows we know how to win:
- $5+ Million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
- $3.8+ Million for a client who lost a limb following a car accident and subsequent medical complications
- $2.5+ Million for a commercial trucking accident victim
- $2+ Million for a maritime worker with a back injury under the Jones Act
- $10 Million lawsuit currently pending against the University of Houston for hazing-related injuries
The Family Treatment
Our Google reviews—251+ with a 4.9-star average—tell the story better than we can. Mongo Slade wrote: “I was rear-ended and the team got right to work… I also got a very nice settlement.” Stephanie Hernandez shared: “When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me… She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.”
At Attorney911, you’re not a file number. You’re family.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Autauga County
If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident in Autauga County, here’s your immediate action plan:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel “fine,” get checked. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal damage may not show symptoms for hours. Medical documentation also serves as critical evidence linking your injuries to the crash.
2. Do Not Speak to the Trucking Company’s Insurance
They will call you within days, sounding sympathetic. They’ll ask for a recorded statement. Politely decline. Anything you say can be used against you under Alabama’s contributory negligence rules. Refer them to your attorney.
3. Document Everything
If you’re able, photograph:
- All vehicles involved (damage, license plates, DOT numbers)
- The accident scene (road conditions, skid marks, debris)
- Your injuries (bruising, cuts, swelling)
- The truck driver’s license, insurance card, and CDL
- Any witnesses and their contact information
4. Contact Attorney911 Immediately
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or 888-288-9911—our toll-free number works 24/7. We answer trucking accident calls immediately because we know evidence disappears fast.
5. Preserve Evidence
Keep all medical records, receipts for expenses, and a journal documenting your pain levels and limitations. Do not repair your vehicle until it has been photographed and examined.
6. Stay Off Social Media
Insurance companies monitor Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. A photo of you smiling at a family event can be twisted to suggest you’re “not really injured.” Stay offline until your case concludes.
Frequently Asked Questions: Alabama 18-Wheeler Accidents
What makes trucking accidents different from regular car accidents?
Trucking accidents involve federal regulations (FMCSA), commercial insurance policies worth millions, multiple liable parties, and complex evidence like black box data and ELD logs. They require specialized legal expertise that standard car accident attorneys often lack.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Alabama?
Two years from the date of the accident for personal injury; two years from the date of death for wrongful death. However, government claims may have shorter deadlines. Do not wait—call us immediately.
What if the truck driver claims I was partially at fault?
Alabama’s contributory negligence law is harsh—if you’re found even 1% at fault, you recover nothing. This is why you need an experienced attorney who can prove the truck driver was 100% responsible. Never admit fault or apologize at the scene.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and insurance coverage. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for Autauga County families, but every case is unique.
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to those attorneys. With 25+ years of trial experience, Ralph Manginello is prepared to take your case before an Autauga County jury if necessary.
How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you pay no attorney fees unless we win. We advance all costs for investigation and litigation. Our standard fee is 33.33% pre-trial or 40% if we go to trial.
Do you handle cases in Autauga County?
Absolutely. While our offices are in Texas, we handle trucking accident cases throughout the United States, including Alabama. Our federal court admission allows us to represent you in Autauga County, and we travel to meet our clients.
What if I don’t have health insurance?
We can help you receive medical treatment through Letters of Protection (LOPs) with attorney-approved doctors who treat you now and get paid when your case settles. Don’t let lack of insurance stop you from getting necessary care.
Can I recover if the truck driver was from another state?
Yes. Interstate trucking cases often involve out-of-state drivers and companies. This actually works in your favor, as interstate commerce is governed by federal regulations, and we can pursue these defendants in federal court if advantageous.
What if the trucking company destroyed evidence?
If we sent a spoliation letter and they destroyed evidence afterward, courts can impose severe sanctions, including instructing the jury to assume the destroyed evidence would have helped your case. This is why acting within 48 hours is critical.
When the Trucking Company Has Lawyers, You Need Attorney911
The trucking company that hit you has already spoken with their attorneys. Their insurance adjuster has already started looking for ways to blame you under Alabama’s contributory negligence laws. Their safety director has already pulled the driver’s logs to see if they can hide hours-of-service violations.
While they’ve been building their defense, what’s been happening with your medical treatment? Your lost wages? Your family’s stability?
You don’t have to fight this battle alone. At Attorney911, we level the playing field. We bring 25+ years of experience, former insurance defense insider knowledge, and a track record of multi-million dollar results to every Autauga County case we handle.
The clock is already ticking. Evidence is disappearing. The trucking company is strategizing. And you deserve someone fighting just as hard for you.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911—that’s 1-888-288-9911 or 888-ATTY-911. We’re available 24/7, and your consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win.
Hablamos Español. Llame hoy al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Don’t let them push you around. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Attorney911. Because trucking companies shouldn’t get away with it.
Serving Autauga County, Prattville, Autaugaville, and all of Alabama with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas. We fight for the families that trucking companies try to forget.
