When an 80,000-pound timber truck loses control on the winding roads of Covington County, there’s no margin for error. One moment, you’re heading home on Highway 84. The next, your life changes forever.
We know because we’ve seen it. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years fighting for families devastated by 18-wheeler accidents across Alabama and beyond. Since 1998, our firm has stood toe-to-toe with the largest trucking companies in America—including BP after the Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injury victims, amputees, and families who lost loved ones to wrongful death. As client Glenda Walker told us after her case settled, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
But here’s the thing about Covington County trucking accidents—they’re different. This isn’t just about big rigs on interstates. It’s about logging trucks hauling timber from the woodlands near Opp. It’s about poultry trucks navigating narrow county roads toward Andalusia. It’s about agricultural equipment sharing pavement with passenger cars in ways that create deadly risks. And it’s about Alabama’s contributory negligence law, which says if you’re found even 1% at fault for your accident, you recover nothing. That’s not scare tactics. That’s Alabama Code Section 6-5-331, and it makes choosing the right attorney critical for Covington County residents.
The trucking companies know this. They have teams of lawyers and rapid-response investigators who arrive at crash scenes before the ambulance leaves. They’re already building their defense. What are you doing?
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. We answer 24/7, and we serve Covington County with the same dedication we’ve shown Texas families for decades. Hablamos Español.
The Covington County Trucking Crisis: Why These Accidents Keep Happening
Covington County isn’t just another dot on the map. It’s a hub of agricultural and timber production where massive commercial trucks share two-lane roads with families heading to work. Interstate 65 cuts through the western edge of the county, carrying freight from the Port of Mobile north toward Montgomery and beyond. State highways 84 and 31 serve as arteries for the logging and poultry industries that drive this region’s economy.
Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. While exact Covington County statistics vary, Alabama’s Department of Transportation data shows rural counties bear a disproportionate burden of fatal truck accidents. The physics are brutal. Your sedan weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded timber hauler hits the scales at 80,000 pounds—twenty times heavier. When that mass meets a Honda or pickup truck at highway speeds, the results are catastrophic.
But why do these accidents happen here? Several factors converge in Covington County:
Agricultural Pressure. Poultry and timber trucks operate on tight schedules. Drivers facing harvest deadlines or processing plant windows often push past their limits. Federal regulations allow 11 hours of driving time under 49 CFR § 395.8, but we frequently see log books showing violations—especially on rural routes where enforcement is spotty.
Road Design. Many Covington County roads weren’t built for modern 18-wheelers. Sharp curves, narrow shoulders, and limited visibility on highways like 84 create conditions where even careful drivers struggle. When you add driver fatigue or equipment failure to these routes, disaster follows.
Maintenance Issues. Timber trucks frequently travel unpaved logging roads before hitting asphalt. Mud, debris, and rough terrain damage brakes and tires. Under 49 CFR § 396.3, trucking companies must systematically inspect and maintain their fleets, but we’ve found maintenance records in Covington County cases showing deferred repairs that directly caused crashes.
Contributory Negligence Trap. Alabama is one of only four jurisdictions (along with Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington D.C.) that still follow pure contributory negligence. This ancient rule means if a jury finds you even slightly at fault—say, 1%—you cannot recover damages. Insurance companies love this rule. They’ll argue you were speeding, or didn’t signal properly, or should have seen the truck. That’s why having an attorney who knows how to prove clear liability matters so much in Covington County.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We See in Covington County
Not all truck accidents are the same. Each type involves different mechanics, different FMCSA violations, and different legal strategies. Here’s what we’ve encountered in Covington County and across Alabama:
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab fold like a pocket knife—often blocking multiple lanes. On curves near the Conecuh National Forest or when sudden braking happens on wet stretches of Highway 31, these accidents become deadly multi-vehicle pileups.
Jackknives typically result from:
- Sudden braking on slick surfaces (violating 49 CFR § 392.6 regarding speed for conditions)
- Improper cargo distribution (violating 49 CFR § 393.100 cargo securement rules)
- Brake failure (violating 49 CFR § 393.48 brake system requirements)
The ECM (electronic control module) data from these trucks often reveals the driver was traveling too fast for the curve or that the trailer was improperly loaded. We collect skid mark evidence and download black box data before it disappears—usually within 30 days.
Underride Collisions
These are among the most horrific accidents we handle. An underride occurs when a passenger vehicle strikes the side or rear of a trailer and slides underneath. The roof of the car gets sheared off at windshield level. Decapitation and severe head trauma are common.
Under 49 CFR § 393.86, trailers must have rear impact guards, but side underride guards remain unregulated. Many Covington County accidents happen at night on unlit portions of rural highways where drivers can’t see trailers crossing or turning. Poor lighting violates 49 CFR § 393.11 truck lighting requirements.
Rear-End Collisions
A fully loaded truck needs 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—nearly two football fields. On I-65 near the Covington County line, where traffic slows for construction or congestion, we’ve seen trucks plow into stopped vehicles because the driver was distracted or fatigued.
These cases often involve:
- Following too closely (49 CFR § 392.11)
- Hours of service violations (49 CFR § 395.3)
- Distracted driving (49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits hand-held mobile devices)
The ELD (electronic logging device) data usually tells the real story—showing the driver had been on duty for 14+ hours or failed to take required breaks.
Rollover Accidents
Timber trucks are particularly prone to rollovers. High center of gravity plus uneven loads equals disaster on curves. When a truck rolls on Highway 84 near River Falls, the trailer often dumps its load across the road, creating secondary accidents.
Rollovers typically involve:
- Speeding on curves (49 CFR § 392.6)
- Cargo shift (49 CFR § 393.106)
- Improper load securement (49 CFR § 393.100-136)
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Trucks making right turns need extra space. They swing left first to align the trailer, creating a gap that passenger cars enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the car against the curb or construction barriers. These happen frequently in downtown Andalusia and Opp where streets are narrow.
Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone” Crashes)
18-wheelers have massive blind spots on all four sides. The right side blind spot is particularly dangerous—extending from the cab door back the length of the trailer. When a truck changes lanes on I-65 or turns at rural intersections without checking mirrors, they sideswipe vehicles they never saw.
FMCSA requires proper mirrors under 49 CFR § 393.80, but we see cases where mirrors were improperly adjusted or drivers failed to use them.
Tire Blowouts
Covington County’s heat in summer months degrades tires. When a steer tire blows at highway speed, the driver often loses control completely. “Road gators”—shreds of blown tires—create hazards for following vehicles.
These involve violations of 49 CFR § 393.75 (minimum tread depth requirements) and § 396.3 (maintenance requirements).
Brake Failure
Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. On the steep grades approaching the Conecuh River basin, overheated brakes fade and fail. We subpoena maintenance records to show whether the company ignored warning signs.
Cargo Spills and Hazmat Accidents
When poultry trucks overturn or timber spills onto Highway 31, the debris causes secondary crashes. Hazardous materials transport requires $5 million in insurance under federal law, and violations of 49 CFR § 397 (hazmat transportation) can trigger punitive damages.
Head-On Collisions
Driver fatigue often causes these on two-lane rural highways. When a truck crosses the centerline on Highway 52 or 29, the closing speed often exceeds 120 mph. Survivors typically suffer traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage.
T-Bone Accidents
Intersections in rural Covington County often lack protected left-turn signals. When a truck runs a red light or fails to yield at a stop sign, the side-impact crushes passenger compartments.
Who Can Be Sued After a Covington County Trucking Accident?
Most people think you just sue the driver. That’s a mistake. 18-wheeler cases involve a web of liable parties, each with different insurance policies. More defendants means more coverage means higher compensation for your injuries.
Here are all ten potentially liable parties we investigate:
1. The Truck Driver
Direct negligence includes speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations. We examine their driving record, cell phone records, and post-crash drug/alcohol tests required under 49 CFR § 382.
2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under Alabama’s respondeat superior doctrine, employers are liable for employees’ negligence. But we also look for:
- Negligent hiring (didn’t check the driver’s history)
- Negligent training (inadequate safety instruction)
- Negligent supervision (ignored ELD violations)
- Pressure to violate hours of service
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper
Companies loading poultry or timber sometimes demand overweight loads or unrealistic delivery schedules. If they required unsafe practices, they’re liable.
4. The Loading Company
Third parties who load cargo must secure it properly per 49 CFR § 393.100-136. Shifting loads cause rollovers. We examine bills of lading and loading dock procedures.
5. The Truck/Trailer Manufacturer
Defective brakes, fuel systems, or stability control can trigger product liability claims. We investigate recall history through NHTSA databases.
6. Parts Manufacturers
Defective tires, brake components, or steering systems cause crashes. These cases require expert analysis of failed components.
7. Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed inadequate repairs or failed to identify critical safety issues share liability under 49 CFR § 396.3.
8. Freight Brokers
Brokers who arrange transport must verify carrier safety records. Selecting a carrier with poor CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores constitutes negligent selection.
9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)
In owner-operator situations, the truck owner may be liable if they negligently entrusted the vehicle to an unqualified driver.
10. Government Entities
Alabama Department of Transportation or Covington County may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe road conditions. However, Alabama’s sovereign immunity laws create strict notice requirements—typically within one year—and damage caps may apply.
Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the system adjusting claims. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate which parties to blame and which policies to tap. Now he uses that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.
Critical Evidence: The 48-Hour Rule
Here’s what the trucking companies don’t want you to know: evidence disappears fast. Within 48 hours of a crash, critical data starts vanishing. Within 30 days, the ECM (black box) data overwrites. Within weeks, maintenance records get “lost” and dashcam footage mysteriously deletes.
We treat every Covington County trucking accident as an emergency investigation. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately:
Send Spoliation Letters
These legal notices demand preservation of:
- ECM/Black box data (speed, braking, throttle)
- ELD logs (hours of service violations)
- Driver Qualification Files (CDL status, medical exams, drug tests)
- Maintenance records (brake inspections, tire logs)
- Dashcam and surveillance footage
- GPS/telematics data
- Dispatch communications
- Cell phone records
Preserve Physical Evidence
The truck itself contains crucial evidence. We photograph brake systems, tire condition, and load securement before repairs occur.
Document the Scene
We deploy investigators to photograph skid marks, debris fields, road conditions, and sight distances before weather or traffic destroy them.
Interview Witnesses
Memories fade. We obtain statements while recollections are fresh, particularly from independent witnesses who saw the truck’s erratic driving before the crash.
Electronic Data Downloads
Modern trucks are computers on wheels. The ELD (electronic logging device) mandated by federal law since December 2017 records GPS location, speed, hours of service, and fault codes. This data often proves the driver was speeding or fatigued, contradicting their statements to police.
Don’t wait. In Alabama, you have only two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit under the statute of limitations. But waiting that long destroys evidence. Contact us immediately.
Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost
18-wheeler accidents don’t cause simple bruises. The forces involved—often exceeding 20,000 pounds of impact—cause life-changing trauma.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Even “mild” concussions can cause lasting cognitive impairment, personality changes, and inability to work. Severe TBIs require lifelong care. We’ve recovered settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims, depending on severity and long-term prognosis.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Paralysis—whether paraplegia (lower body) or quadriplegia (all four limbs)—requires home modifications, wheelchairs, and 24/7 attendant care. Lifetime costs exceed $4.7 million to $25.8 million depending on injury level and age.
Amputations
When trucks crush limbs beyond repair, surgical amputation becomes necessary. Prosthetics require replacement every 3-5 years at $50,000+ each. Our amputation cases have settled between $1.9 million and $8.6 million.
Severe Burns
Fuel fires cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. Infection risks are high, and scarring is permanent.
Internal Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma ruptures livers, spleens, and kidneys. These injuries often don’t show symptoms immediately but become life-threatening hours later.
Wrongful Death
When trucking accidents kill, Alabama law allows certain family members to recover damages. We’ve secured wrongful death settlements between $1.9 million and $9.5 million. While no amount replaces a loved one, these funds provide financial stability for surviving families and punish companies that value profit over safety.
As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat every catastrophic injury case with the urgency and compassion it deserves.
Insurance Coverage: Why Trucking Cases Are Different
Federal law requires trucking companies to carry far more insurance than passenger vehicles:
| Cargo Type | Federal Minimum Coverage |
|---|---|
| Non-hazardous freight | $750,000 |
| Oil, large equipment | $1,000,000 |
| Hazardous materials | $5,000,000 |
Most commercial carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.
However, accessing these policies requires navigating complex commercial insurance structures. Trucking companies often layer coverage with primary, excess, and umbrella policies. They also use MCS 90 endorsements—federal requirements that guarantee minimum coverage regardless of policy exclusions.
Insurance adjusters are not your friends. They’re trained to minimize payouts. They’ll ask for recorded statements hoping you’ll say something they can use against you. They’ll delay claims hoping you’ll settle for less out of desperation. They’ll argue Alabama’s contributory negligence law bars your recovery if they can prove any fault on your part.
Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work for a national insurance defense firm. He knows their playbook—the delay tactics, the lowball offers, the attempts to shift blame. Now he fights against them. That insider knowledge gives our clients an unfair advantage when dealing with adjusters.
Remember: you pay nothing unless we win. Our contingency fee is 33.33% pre-trial, 40% if we must try your case. We advance all costs. You never receive a bill from us.
Frequently Asked Questions: Covington County 18-Wheeler Accidents
1. What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Covington County?
Call 911 immediately. Seek medical attention even if you feel okay—adrenaline masks pain and internal injuries aren’t immediately visible. Photograph everything: vehicles, license plates, DOT numbers on the truck, road conditions, and injuries. Get witness contact information. Do not give recorded statements to insurance companies. Then call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.
2. Why are trucking accidents different from car accidents?
Trucking involves federal regulations (FMCSA), commercial insurance policies 10-20 times larger than personal auto policies, multiple liable parties, and rapid evidence destruction. Trucking companies also have teams of lawyers who arrive at scenes within hours.
3. What is Alabama’s contributory negligence law and how does it affect me?
Alabama is a contributory negligence state. If you’re found even 1% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover damages. Insurance companies exploit this rule aggressively. That’s why proving the truck driver was 100% at fault requires experienced legal help and immediate evidence preservation.
4. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Alabama?
Two years from the date of the accident for personal injury, and two years from the date of death for wrongful death claims. However, waiting destroys evidence. Contact us within days, not months.
5. What if the truck driver was from another state?
Federal jurisdiction applies to interstate commerce. We can sue in Alabama federal court (Northern, Middle, or Southern District) or state court. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the Southern District of Texas federal court and handles interstate cases regularly.
6. Can I sue the trucking company even if the driver was an independent contractor?
Yes. Under the FMCSA’s “lease and interchange” rules, motor carriers are responsible for trucks operating under their authority, regardless of driver classification. Additionally, Alabama law recognizes vicarious liability when companies control the driver’s work.
7. What if I was partially at fault?
Under Alabama law, any fault on your part potentially bars recovery. However, don’t assume you were at fault. Police often incorrectly assign blame at chaotic accident scenes. ECM data and witness statements often prove the truck driver was entirely responsible.
8. How do you prove the driver was fatigued?
We subpoena ELD (electronic logging device) data showing hours of service violations. We also examine dispatch records showing unrealistic schedules and cell phone records proving the driver wasn’t sleeping during “off-duty” time.
9. What is a DOT number and why does it matter?
The Department of Transportation number identifies the motor carrier. We use this to research the company’s safety history, insurance coverage, and previous violations through FMCSA databases.
10. How much is my case worth?
Values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Covington County juries understand the devastation of trucking accidents. We’ve recovered millions for local families, but every case is unique. Call for a free evaluation.
11. What if the truck was carrying hazardous materials?
Hazmat trucks require $5 million in insurance. Violations of hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR Part 397) can trigger punitive damages. These cases require immediate environmental and safety investigation.
12. Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your attorney will try the case. We’ve litigated against Fortune 500 companies and aren’t afraid of the courtroom.
13. Do you handle wrongful death cases?
Yes. We are deeply sorry if you’ve lost a loved one. Alabama’s Wrongful Death Act allows certain family members to recover when negligence causes death. Time is critical—call us immediately.
14. What about timber truck accidents specifically?
Logging trucks present unique dangers: unsecured loads, overweight vehicles on narrow roads, and drivers paid by the load who speed to maximize earnings. We’ve handled cases involving injuries from spilled timber and overloaded trailers.
15. How do you handle cases involving Spanish-speaking clients?
Hablamos Español. Associate attorney Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters. We ensure language barriers never prevent justice.
16. What if the trucking company was from Texas?
We’re licensed in Texas and Alabama. Many trucks on Alabama roads are operated by Texas-based carriers. Our dual-state capability and federal court admission allow us to pursue these companies regardless of where they’re headquartered.
17. Can I get a rental car while my case is pending?
We help arrange transportation and medical care on a lien basis—meaning providers get paid from your settlement. You shouldn’t suffer financially because someone else was negligent.
18. What if I don’t have health insurance?
We work with physicians who treat personal injury patients on a Letter of Protection. You get necessary care now; payment comes from your settlement later.
19. How long will my case take?
Simple cases settle in 6-12 months. Complex litigation involving catastrophic injuries may take 18-36 months. We work efficiently but never rush to settle before you reach maximum medical improvement.
20. What is an underride accident?
When a passenger vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer, often shearing the roof. These are devastating and usually fatal. Federal law requires rear guards (49 CFR § 393.86), but side guards remain unregulated despite being available.
21. Do I really need a lawyer or can I handle this myself?
Trucking companies have lawyers. Insurance companies have lawyers. You need one too. Federal regulations, insurance stacking, and contributory negligence rules make these cases too complex for self-representation.
22. What if the truck driver tested positive for drugs?
48-hour post-accident drug testing is required under 49 CFR § 382.303. Positive tests create powerful evidence of negligence and may trigger punitive damages.
23. How do I pay for a lawyer?
Contingency fee basis. We get paid only if you win. No upfront costs, no hourly bills. The trucking company advances nothing—you shouldn’t either.
24. What if the accident happened on a rural county road?
We handle cases throughout Covington County, including accidents on Highway 29, 84, 52, and rural routes. Location doesn’t limit your rights.
25. Why choose Attorney911 over a local firm?
We bring 25+ years of experience, federal court capability, insider insurance knowledge from our former defense attorney, and resources to take on national carriers. Plus, we treat you like family, not a case number. As Donald Wilcox said, “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
Why Covington County Families Choose Attorney911
When you’re facing the aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years making trucking companies pay for their negligence. He’s secured multi-million dollar settlements against Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Coca-Cola, and BP.
Our firm brings something else: Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims. He watched adjusters minimize payouts from the inside. Now he exposes those tactics and fights for maximum compensation.
We understand Alabama law. We know Covington County’s roads—from the I-65 corridor to the timber routes near Florala. We understand that agricultural trucking creates unique hazards that urban attorneys might miss.
Most importantly, we understand what you’re going through. This isn’t just a case to us. It’s your family, your future, your fight. We’re available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 because emergencies don’t wait for business hours.
Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis. No recovery, no fee. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Don’t let the trucking company win. Don’t let Alabama’s contributory negligence law scare you into accepting less than you deserve. Don’t let evidence disappear while you wait.
Call now. 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re ready when you are.
