Alabama 18-Wheeler Crash Blocks AL-117: What Huntsville Drivers Need to Know About Trucking Accidents and Their Rights

The AL-117 Blockade: A Wake-Up Call for Huntsville’s Highways

It happened at 8:21 a.m. on a Wednesday morning. A commercial vehicle crash brought all lanes of AL-117 in DeKalb County to a complete standstill. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency confirmed the incident, and troopers from ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division rushed to the scene. For hours, traffic was blocked as investigators worked to understand what went wrong.

While this particular crash occurred in Alabama, the dangers it represents are all too familiar to Huntsville drivers. Our city sits at the crossroads of major trucking corridors, with I-65, I-565, and US-72 carrying thousands of commercial vehicles through our region every day. The AL-117 incident is a stark reminder of how quickly a routine commute can turn catastrophic when an 18-wheeler is involved.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen firsthand how these accidents change lives in an instant. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years fighting for victims of trucking accidents across the South. “Every time we hear about a crash like this,” Ralph says, “we know there’s a family somewhere whose world has just been turned upside down. The aftermath is about more than just traffic delays—it’s about lives disrupted, injuries suffered, and families struggling to pick up the pieces.”

Why Commercial Vehicle Crashes Are Different—and More Dangerous

The AL-117 incident involved a commercial vehicle, and that distinction is critical. These aren’t just bigger cars—they’re governed by an entirely different set of rules, risks, and legal considerations.

The Physics of Disaster: Why Truck Crashes Cause Catastrophic Damage

When an 18-wheeler is involved in a crash, the physics are unforgiving:

• Weight Disparity: A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—20 to 25 times more than the average passenger vehicle. When that mass collides with a 4,000-pound car, the results are often devastating.
• Stopping Distance: At 65 mph, a commercial truck needs approximately 525 feet to come to a complete stop. That’s nearly two football fields. A passenger car needs only about 300 feet. This 40% difference in stopping distance means trucks simply can’t avoid obstacles as quickly as cars can.
• Height and Blind Spots: The elevated position of a truck cab creates massive blind spots—what the industry calls “No-Zones.” These blind spots extend:
• 20 feet in front of the cab
• 30 feet behind the trailer
• Along the entire left side
• A massive area along the right side that can hide multiple vehicles

Ralph Manginello explains, “We’ve seen cases where drivers think they’re being safe by staying behind a truck, only to be crushed when the truck suddenly stops. The physics don’t lie—when 80,000 pounds meets 4,000 pounds, the smaller vehicle doesn’t stand a chance.”

The Human Cost: Common Injuries in Commercial Vehicle Crashes

The injuries we see in these cases are often life-altering:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with airbags, the force of a truck collision can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull. Symptoms may not appear immediately but can include memory loss, cognitive impairment, and personality changes.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis. Quadriplegia affects all four limbs, while paraplegia affects the lower body. The lifetime care costs for these injuries can exceed $5 million.
• Amputations: Crushing injuries often require surgical amputation. Prosthetics can cost $50,000 or more, and replacements are needed throughout a lifetime.
• Severe Burns: Fuel tank ruptures can cause horrific burns requiring multiple skin graft surgeries and years of rehabilitation.
• Internal Organ Damage: The force of impact can rupture organs, cause internal bleeding, and lead to long-term health complications.
• Wrongful Death: When these accidents prove fatal, families are left to cope with the emotional and financial devastation.

“These aren’t just statistics,” says Ralph. “Behind every case is a person whose life has been forever changed. Maybe it’s a parent who can no longer work to support their family. Maybe it’s a child who will never walk again. That’s why we fight so hard for our clients—because the stakes couldn’t be higher.”

The Legal Landscape: Why Trucking Accidents Require Specialized Representation

The AL-117 crash in DeKalb County is still under investigation, but we know this much: when a commercial vehicle is involved, the legal landscape becomes exponentially more complex. Here’s why:

Multiple Layers of Liability

In a typical car accident, you’re usually dealing with one driver and their insurance company. In a commercial vehicle crash, there can be dozens of potentially liable parties:

Ralph Manginello emphasizes, “We’ve seen cases where the obvious defendant—the truck driver—was actually the least responsible party. The real negligence often lies with the companies behind the scenes: the ones who cut corners on maintenance, the ones who pressure drivers to violate safety regulations, the ones who hire unqualified drivers. That’s why we investigate every angle in every case.”

Federal Regulations: The Key to Proving Negligence

Commercial trucking is one of the most heavily regulated industries in America. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established comprehensive rules governing every aspect of truck operation. When these regulations are violated, it creates powerful evidence of negligence.

Critical FMCSA Regulations That Often Play a Role in Crashes:

1. Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395):
   – Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
   – Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
   – Must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
   – Weekly limits: 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
   – 34-hour restart required after reaching weekly limits

Why it matters: Fatigue is a factor in 31% of fatal truck crashes. When drivers violate these rules, they’re operating while dangerously impaired.

2. Driver Qualification (49 CFR Part 391):
   – Drivers must be at least 21 years old (18 for intrastate)
   – Must pass medical examination and maintain certification
   – Must have valid commercial driver’s license (CDL)
   – Must complete road test or equivalent
   – Trucking companies must maintain Driver Qualification Files

Why it matters: We’ve seen cases where trucking companies hired drivers with suspended licenses, failed drug tests, or histories of reckless driving. These are clear violations of federal law.

3. Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection (49 CFR Part 396):
   – Drivers must conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections
   – Trucks must pass annual inspections
   – Maintenance records must be kept for 1 year
   – Known defects must be repaired before operation

Why it matters: Brake failures are a factor in 29% of truck crashes. When maintenance records are missing or incomplete, it suggests negligence.

4. Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393, Subpart I):
   – Cargo must be secured to prevent shifting or falling
   – Specific requirements for different cargo types (logs, metal coils, machinery, etc.)
   – Working load limits must be calculated and followed

Why it matters: Unsecured cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers or spills that create multi-vehicle pileups.

5. Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) (49 CFR § 395.26):
   – Most commercial trucks must use ELDs to record hours of service
   – Data must be retained for 6 months
   – Tampering with ELDs is strictly prohibited

Why it matters: ELD data provides objective evidence of hours of service violations. This data has been crucial in securing multi-million dollar verdicts.

Ralph Manginello explains, “These regulations aren’t just bureaucratic red tape—they’re lifesaving rules. When we see violations, it’s not just evidence of negligence; it’s evidence of a company that prioritized profits over safety. That’s exactly the kind of negligence that juries punish with massive verdicts.”

The Evidence Preservation Crisis: Why Time Is Not on Your Side

In the AL-117 crash, investigators were on the scene quickly—but for accident victims, the clock starts ticking immediately after the crash. Critical evidence begins disappearing within hours:

“At Attorney911, we have a 48-hour evidence preservation protocol,” says Ralph. “Within hours of being retained, we send spoliation letters to every potentially liable party, demanding they preserve all evidence. We’ve seen cases where trucking companies ‘lost’ black box data or ‘accidentally’ overwrote dashcam footage. Once that evidence is gone, it’s often gone forever.”

This is why the AL-117 crash investigation is so critical. While the roadway was cleared by 12:30 p.m., the legal investigation is just beginning. For any potential victims, securing legal representation immediately is essential to preserve evidence and protect their rights.

Huntsville’s Trucking Corridors: Where Danger Meets Opportunity

While the AL-117 crash occurred in DeKalb County, Alabama, Huntsville drivers face similar risks every day on our local highways. Understanding our region’s trucking corridors helps us recognize where and why these accidents happen.

Huntsville’s Major Trucking Routes

1. I-65 Corridor:
   – Connects Huntsville to Nashville to the north and Birmingham/Mobile to the south
   – Major freight route for automotive parts, manufacturing supplies, and agricultural products
   – Heavy truck traffic, especially around the Tennessee Valley Authority facilities

2. I-565/US-72 Corridor:
   – Connects Huntsville to Decatur and the Tennessee River
   – Critical route for Redstone Arsenal logistics and NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center supplies
   – High volume of oversized loads for aerospace and defense contractors

3. US-231 Corridor:
   – Connects Huntsville to Montgomery and the Gulf Coast
   – Heavy agricultural trucking, especially during harvest seasons
   – Challenging terrain with steep grades that test braking systems

4. AL-53 Corridor:
   – Connects Huntsville to Scottsboro and northeast Alabama
   – Increasing truck traffic from manufacturing and distribution centers
   – Rural stretches with limited emergency services

5. Memorial Parkway (US-231/431):
   – Huntsville’s primary north-south artery
   – High volume of local delivery trucks and long-haul carriers
   – Congested urban environment with frequent stops and starts

Ralph Manginello notes, “Huntsville is growing rapidly, and that means more trucks on our roads. But growth also means more distribution centers, more manufacturing facilities, and more pressure on drivers to meet tight deadlines. That combination—more trucks, more pressure, more congestion—creates a perfect storm for accidents.”

Why These Corridors Are High-Risk Zones

Several factors make Huntsville’s trucking routes particularly dangerous:

1. The “Last Mile” Problem:
   – Huntsville’s growth as a distribution hub means more trucks making local deliveries
   – These “last mile” drivers are often under pressure to meet tight schedules
   – They’re navigating unfamiliar urban streets while dealing with local traffic

2. Aerospace and Defense Logistics:
   – Redstone Arsenal and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center generate specialized freight
   – Oversized loads, hazardous materials, and time-sensitive deliveries create unique risks
   – We’ve seen cases where pressure to deliver sensitive cargo led to hours of service violations

3. Agricultural Seasonality:
   – North Alabama’s farming industry creates seasonal spikes in truck traffic
   – Harvest seasons mean more grain trucks, livestock haulers, and produce carriers
   – These drivers may be unfamiliar with urban traffic patterns

4. Topography Challenges:
   – The Tennessee Valley’s rolling hills create steep grades that test braking systems
   – Mountain passes on routes like US-231 can be treacherous for heavy trucks
   – Sudden weather changes can create black ice or reduced visibility

5. The “Crossroads” Effect:
   – Huntsville sits at the intersection of major north-south and east-west routes
   – This creates a mixing zone where long-haul trucks meet local traffic
   – Drivers from different regions with different driving styles converge

“Every one of these factors increases the risk of accidents,” says Ralph. “But the real danger comes when trucking companies prioritize speed over safety. We’ve seen cases where drivers were pressured to make deliveries in impossible timeframes, leading to fatigue, speeding, and ultimately, catastrophic crashes.”

The Trucking Industry’s Dark Side: What They Don’t Want You to Know

The AL-117 crash is still under investigation, but at Attorney911, we’ve seen enough of these cases to know the patterns. The trucking industry has a dark side—one that prioritizes profits over people, and one that victims need to understand.

The Pressure Cooker: How Trucking Companies Push Drivers to the Limit

Trucking is a high-pressure industry where drivers face relentless demands:

• Unrealistic Schedules: Drivers are often given routes that require violating hours of service regulations to complete on time.
• Electronic Monitoring: Many companies track drivers’ every move, penalizing them for “inefficient” behavior like bathroom breaks.
• Pay-by-the-Mile: This compensation structure incentivizes speeding and skipping breaks to maximize earnings.
• Detention Time: Drivers often wait hours at loading docks without pay, then are expected to make up time on the road.
• High Turnover: The industry has a 90% annual turnover rate, meaning many drivers are inexperienced.

Ralph Manginello explains, “We’ve deposed dispatchers who admitted they knew drivers were violating hours of service regulations, but they pressured them to keep driving anyway. That’s not just negligence—that’s a recipe for disaster.”

The Paper Trail: How Companies Hide Their Negligence

Trucking companies know how to manipulate the system:

1. Falsified Logs:
   – Before ELDs, drivers routinely falsified paper logs
   – Even with ELDs, some companies coach drivers on how to “edit” their logs
   – We’ve seen cases where drivers had two sets of logs—one for the company, one for regulators

2. Maintenance Deferral:
   – Critical repairs are often deferred to save money
   – “Band-aid” fixes are used instead of proper repairs
   – Maintenance records are sometimes fabricated

3. Hiring Shortcuts:
   – Background checks are rushed or skipped
   – Drug test results are ignored
   – Drivers with suspended licenses are hired under the table

4. Training Minimization:
   – Some companies provide only minimal training
   – Safety procedures are glossed over
   – Drivers are thrown into the job with inadequate preparation

5. Evidence Destruction:
   – Black box data is “lost” or overwritten
   – Dashcam footage mysteriously disappears
   – Maintenance records are “accidentally” destroyed

“Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney,” says Ralph. “He knows all the tricks these companies use to minimize claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for victims. That’s our unfair advantage.”

The Nuclear Verdict Trend: Why Juries Are Fed Up

In recent years, juries have been sending a clear message to the trucking industry: enough is enough. The era of nuclear verdicts has arrived, with juries awarding massive damages in cases of egregious negligence.

Recent Trucking Verdicts That Should Concern the Industry:

Ralph Manginello notes, “These verdicts aren’t outliers—they’re the new normal. Juries are fed up with companies that cut corners on safety. They’re sending a message that human life has value, and that message is being heard in boardrooms across the country.”

Why These Verdicts Matter for Huntsville Victims:

1. Insurance Implications: Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million). These verdicts show that catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.
2. Settlement Leverage: Insurance companies know juries are willing to award massive damages. This gives victims more leverage in settlement negotiations.
3. Corporate Accountability: Large verdicts force companies to change unsafe practices. Your case could save future lives.
4. Full Compensation: These verdicts show that victims can recover for pain and suffering, not just medical bills.

What Huntsville Drivers Should Do After a Trucking Accident

The AL-117 crash serves as a critical reminder: trucking accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. If you or a loved one is involved in a commercial vehicle crash in Huntsville or anywhere in Alabama, here’s what you need to do:

Immediate Steps: The First 24 Hours

1. Call 911 Immediately:
   – Report the accident and request police and medical assistance
   – Alabama law requires reporting any accident involving injury, death, or property damage that prevents a vehicle from being driven

2. Seek Medical Attention:
   – Even if you feel fine, get checked out immediately
   – Adrenaline masks pain—many injuries don’t show symptoms for hours or days
   – Documenting your injuries creates a critical link to the accident

3. Document the Scene:
   – Take photos of all vehicles involved (exterior and interior damage)
   – Photograph the accident scene from multiple angles
   – Capture road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries
   – Get the truck’s license plate, DOT number, and company information
   – Take photos of the driver’s CDL and insurance information

4. Collect Witness Information:
   – Get names and contact information for all witnesses
   – Ask witnesses what they saw—write it down or record it (with permission)
   – Independent witness testimony can be crucial in proving your case

5. Preserve Evidence:
   – If possible, take photos of the truck’s cargo securement
   – Note any visible defects in the truck (worn tires, broken lights, etc.)
   – If the truck is leaking fluids, note what kind (could indicate mechanical failure)

6. Do NOT Give Statements:
   – Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company
   – Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney
   – Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim

Critical Next Steps: Days 1-7

1. Contact an Experienced Trucking Accident Attorney:
   – Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly
   – At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve evidence
   – We have a former insurance defense attorney on staff who knows all their tactics

2. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders:
   – Attend all follow-up appointments
   – Follow treatment plans exactly
   – Keep records of all medical visits, prescriptions, and recommendations
   – Insurance companies use gaps in treatment to argue you weren’t really injured

3. Document Everything:
   – Keep a daily journal of your pain levels and symptoms
   – Track how your injuries affect your daily life
   – Save all medical bills and receipts
   – Document time missed from work

4. Avoid Social Media:
   – Do not post about your accident or injuries on social media
   – Insurance companies will use your posts against you
   – Even innocent photos can be misinterpreted

5. Be Wary of Early Settlement Offers:
   – Insurance companies often make lowball offers quickly
   – These offers rarely account for future medical expenses or pain and suffering
   – Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney

Long-Term Considerations: Weeks to Months

1. Understand Your Case Value:
   – Trucking accident cases are worth significantly more than typical car accident cases
   – Factors include: severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, degree of negligence
   – We’ve seen cases range from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions

2. Prepare for the Legal Process:
   – Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
   – The process may include: investigation, negotiation, mediation, and potentially trial
   – Complex cases can take 1-3 years to resolve

3. Focus on Your Recovery:
   – Your health is the top priority
   – Follow all medical recommendations
   – Attend physical therapy and rehabilitation
   – Keep your attorney updated on your medical progress

4. Understand the Statute of Limitations:
   – In Alabama, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit
   – However, you should never wait this long—evidence disappears and memories fade
   – Some claims against government entities have much shorter deadlines

How Attorney911 Fights for Trucking Accident Victims

At Attorney911, we’ve built our practice around fighting for victims of commercial vehicle accidents. Our approach combines aggressive legal strategy with compassionate client service.

Our Investigation Process: Leaving No Stone Unturned

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation:
   – Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
   – Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, dashcam, and maintenance records
   – Secure physical evidence before it’s repaired or destroyed

2. Comprehensive Data Collection:
   – Obtain ECM/black box data showing speed, braking, and throttle position
   – Secure ELD records proving hours of service compliance
   – Subpoena cell phone records for distraction evidence
   – Obtain GPS and telematics data showing the truck’s route and speed

3. Regulatory Compliance Review:
   – Analyze Driver Qualification Files for hiring violations
   – Review maintenance records for deferred repairs
   – Examine cargo securement documentation
   – Check for previous violations and out-of-service orders

4. Accident Reconstruction:
   – Work with expert engineers to reconstruct the accident
   – Analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions
   – Determine the sequence of events leading to the crash

5. Corporate Structure Analysis:
   – Identify all potentially liable parties
   – Map the corporate relationships between entities
   – Determine insurance coverage for each party

Our Legal Strategy: Holding All Parties Accountable

1. Multiple Defendant Approach:
   – We sue every potentially liable party, not just the obvious ones
   – This includes the driver, trucking company, cargo owners, manufacturers, and more
   – More defendants mean more insurance coverage and better recovery

2. Regulatory Violation Focus:
   – We identify every FMCSA violation that contributed to the crash
   – These violations create powerful evidence of negligence
   – They can also support punitive damage claims

3. Insurance Company Tactics:
   – Our former insurance defense attorney knows all their tricks
   – We counter lowball offers with hard evidence
   – We’re prepared to take cases to trial when necessary

4. Comprehensive Damage Calculation:
   – Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
   – Lost wages and earning capacity
   – Pain and suffering
   – Loss of enjoyment of life
   – Punitive damages (when gross negligence is proven)

5. Trial Preparation:
   – We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
   – This creates maximum leverage in settlement negotiations
   – Insurance companies know we’re willing to go to court

Our Client Commitment: Treating You Like Family

Ralph Manginello founded Attorney911 with a simple mission: to provide aggressive, compassionate representation to injury victims. That mission guides everything we do.

1. Direct Attorney Access:
   – You’ll have Ralph Manginello’s direct cell phone number
   – No case managers or paralegals as gatekeepers
   – We answer your calls and respond to your emails promptly

2. Contingency Fee Representation:
   – You pay nothing unless we win your case
   – We advance all costs of investigation and litigation
   – Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket

3. Comprehensive Support:
   – We help connect you with medical providers
   – We assist with property damage claims
   – We provide guidance on dealing with insurance companies

4. Spanish Language Services:
   – Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish
   – We provide direct representation without interpreters
   – Hablamos Español—llame al 1-888-ATTY-911

5. Proven Results:
   – 25+ years of experience fighting for injury victims
   – Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
   – 4.9-star Google rating with 251+ reviews

“At Attorney911, we don’t just handle cases—we fight for families,” says Ralph. “When an 18-wheeler changes your life in an instant, you need more than a lawyer. You need a fighter who will stand up to the trucking companies and their insurance carriers. That’s what we do.”

The AL-117 Crash: Lessons for Huntsville Drivers

While the AL-117 crash occurred in DeKalb County, the lessons apply directly to Huntsville drivers:

1. Commercial Vehicles Are Not Just “Big Cars”:
   – They have different stopping distances, blind spots, and handling characteristics
   – They’re governed by different laws and regulations
   – They require specialized knowledge to operate safely

2. The Investigation Is Critical:
   – The first 48 hours after a crash are the most important for evidence preservation
   – Black box data, dashcam footage, and maintenance records can disappear quickly
   – An experienced attorney can ensure this evidence is preserved

3. Multiple Parties May Be Liable:
   – The driver is just one potential defendant
   – The trucking company, cargo owners, manufacturers, and others may share responsibility
   – Identifying all liable parties maximizes your recovery

4. Federal Regulations Create Powerful Evidence:
   – Hours of service violations prove fatigue
   – Maintenance violations prove negligence
   – Cargo securement violations prove recklessness
   – These violations can support punitive damage claims

5. Juries Are Willing to Award Massive Verdicts:
   – Recent verdicts show juries are fed up with corporate negligence
   – Trucking companies carry high insurance limits
   – Catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated

6. You Need Specialized Representation:
   – Trucking accident cases are complex and require specialized knowledge
   – Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working against you
   – An experienced attorney levels the playing field

Huntsville’s Trucking Future: Can We Make Our Roads Safer?

The AL-117 crash raises important questions about trucking safety in our region. As Huntsville grows, we need to address the challenges that come with increased commercial traffic.

The Challenges Ahead

1. Infrastructure Limitations:
   – Our roads were designed for a smaller city
   – Increased truck traffic strains aging infrastructure
   – Congestion creates more opportunities for accidents

2. Distribution Center Growth:
   – Huntsville is becoming a regional distribution hub
   – More warehouses mean more trucks on local roads
   – “Last mile” delivery drivers face pressure to meet tight schedules

3. Workforce Development:
   – The trucking industry faces a severe driver shortage
   – This leads to hiring less experienced drivers
   – High turnover means constant training challenges

4. Regulatory Compliance:
   – FMCSA regulations are complex and often violated
   – Enforcement is inconsistent
   – Many violations go undetected

5. Public Awareness:
   – Many drivers don’t understand truck blind spots or stopping distances
   – There’s a lack of education about sharing the road with commercial vehicles
   – Many accidents could be prevented with better awareness

Potential Solutions

1. Improved Infrastructure:
   – Truck-only lanes on major corridors
   – Better-designed intersections to accommodate large vehicles
   – Improved signage warning of truck traffic

2. Enhanced Enforcement:
   – More weigh stations and inspection points
   – Increased penalties for hours of service violations
   – Better tracking of repeat offenders

3. Technology Adoption:
   – Mandatory collision avoidance systems
   – Electronic stability control for all commercial vehicles
   – Side underride guards to prevent catastrophic crashes

4. Public Education:
   – Driver’s education programs on sharing the road with trucks
   – Public awareness campaigns about truck blind spots
   – Education on the dangers of distracted driving around commercial vehicles

5. Industry Accountability:
   – Stricter penalties for companies with poor safety records
   – Incentives for companies that prioritize safety
   – Better tracking of maintenance and inspection records

Ralph Manginello believes, “Safety should be the top priority for everyone on our roads. Trucking companies need to stop cutting corners. Regulators need to step up enforcement. And drivers need to be more aware of the dangers. If we all do our part, we can make Huntsville’s roads safer for everyone.”

The Bottom Line: Your Rights After a Trucking Accident

The AL-117 crash is a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by commercial vehicles. But it’s also a reminder that victims have rights—and powerful legal tools to enforce them.

What You Need to Know:

1. You Have the Right to Compensation:
   – Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
   – Lost wages and earning capacity
   – Pain and suffering
   – Loss of enjoyment of life
   – Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

2. Multiple Parties May Be Liable:
   – The driver
   – The trucking company
   – The cargo owner
   – The loading company
   – The truck manufacturer
   – The parts manufacturer
   – The maintenance company
   – The freight broker

3. Evidence Disappears Quickly:
   – Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
   – Dashcam footage is often deleted within weeks
   – Witness memories fade over time
   – Physical evidence may be repaired or destroyed

4. Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side:
   – They’re trained to minimize your claim
   – Early settlement offers are almost always lowball
   – They’ll use your own words against you

5. You Need Specialized Representation:
   – Trucking accident cases are complex
   – They require knowledge of federal regulations
   – They often involve multiple defendants
   – They require aggressive evidence preservation

What You Should Do:

If you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial vehicle accident in Huntsville or anywhere in Alabama:

1. Seek medical attention immediately
2. Document everything you can at the scene
3. Do not give statements to insurance companies
4. Contact an experienced trucking accident attorney immediately

At Attorney911, we offer free consultations to accident victims. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you understand your options. And remember—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Don’t Let the Trucking Companies Win

The AL-117 crash investigation is ongoing, but one thing is clear: when commercial vehicles are involved in accidents, the stakes are high. Lives are changed in an instant. Families are devastated. And too often, the trucking companies responsible try to minimize their liability.

But here’s what they don’t want you to know: you have rights, and you have options.

• You don’t have to accept their lowball settlement offers
• You don’t have to navigate the legal system alone
• You don’t have to let them get away with negligence

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for victims of trucking accidents. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families just like yours. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows all their tactics. And we have the resources to take on the biggest trucking companies in the country.

We know how these cases work. We know how to preserve the evidence. We know how to build a strong case. And we know how to fight for the compensation you deserve.

The Time to Act Is Now

Every hour you wait, evidence disappears. Black box data gets overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests. You need someone working to protect yours.

That’s where we come in. At Attorney911, we offer:

✅ Free consultations – We’ll review your case at no cost
✅ No upfront fees – You pay nothing unless we win
✅ 24/7 availability – We answer calls immediately
✅ Direct attorney access – You’ll have Ralph Manginello’s cell phone
✅ Aggressive representation – We fight for maximum compensation
✅ Spanish language services – Hablamos Español

Your Next Steps

1. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 – The sooner we get involved, the better we can protect your rights
2. Don’t talk to insurance companies – Refer all calls to your attorney
3. Focus on your recovery – Let us handle the legal fight
4. Document everything – Keep records of all medical visits and expenses

Remember: the trucking companies have teams of lawyers working against you. You need a team working for you. At Attorney911, that’s exactly what we provide.

The Choice Is Yours

You can try to handle this on your own. You can accept the insurance company’s lowball offer. You can let the trucking companies get away with their negligence.

Or you can fight back.

You can demand the compensation you deserve. You can hold the negligent parties accountable. You can make our roads safer for everyone.

The choice is yours. But if you choose to fight, we’re ready to stand with you.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation.

Because when an 18-wheeler changes your life, you need more than a lawyer. You need a fighter. And at Attorney911, that’s exactly what we are.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Our Huntsville trucking accident attorneys are ready to fight for you.