The Birmingham truck accident lawyers at Fob James Law Firm help people across Alabama who have been injured by a semi or commercial truck.
Truck and 18-wheeler accidents often cause life-altering injuries. These cases involve complex federal regulations, aggressive insurance carriers, and evidence that can disappear within days.
If you were injured in a commercial truck accident in Birmingham or anywhere in Alabama, taking quick action can make a major difference in the outcome of your claim.
Our team investigates truck crashes immediately, preserves black box and ELD data, and builds strong cases for victims and families. We know how to stand up to trucking companies — and we have the results to prove it.
📞 Call us now at (205) 407-6009 or send an online message to schedule a free consultation.
Why Choose Fob James Law Firm for Truck Accident Cases?
For more than 40 years, Fob James Law Firm has fought for victims of semi-truck and commercial truck accidents nationwide. Our Birmingham truck accident attorneys provide:
- Personalized Attention – Speak directly with your dedicated lawyer, not an assistant.
- Fast, Aggressive Representation – We take action immediately to preserve key evidence like black-box / ELD data and hire top crash reconstruction experts.
- Trial-Ready Experience – We take your case to court in the Jefferson County Circuit Court if necessary.
- Proven Results – Multiple seven-figure settlements for clients.
- No Upfront Fees – You pay nothing unless we win.
- Trusted by Clients – Many 5-star reviews from satisfied clients in Birmingham.
We know how serious a truck accident can be. We work hard to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our case results and 5 star client testimonials speak for themselves. Call us today to schedule your free consultation and case review.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different
Truck and commerical vehicle accidents pose unique risks that differ from regular car accident cases.
Commercial Trucks Cause Catastrophic Damage
A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Even low-speed collisions can cause severe injuries such as spinal trauma, brain injuries, and permanent disability.
- Massive size and weight can crush smaller vehicles.
- Limited truck maneuverability increases collision risk.
- High risk of rollovers, especially at highway speeds.
- Trucks may carry hazardous materials.
Multiple Parties May Be Responsible
Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on the truck driver, the trucking company, a broker, a maintenance provider, or even a parts manufacturer. Identifying every at-fault party is essential to maximizing compensation.
Federal Safety Regulations Matter
Truckers and transportation companies must follow federal rules on hours of service, maintenance, inspections, and driver qualifications. Violations often play a key role in proving negligence.
Experienced truck accident attorneys understand these complexities and federal trucking regulations.
The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Birmingham
Although many factors can lead to commercial trucking accidents, the majority of these collisions are preventable. According to Alabama Department of Transportation, the primary causes of truck accidents in Alabama are:
- Improper lane changes, failure to yield, tailgating, misjudged stopping distances
- Defective equipment or maintenance failures
- Excessive speed, failure to maintain lane, or traffic signal violations
- Driver fatigue or impairment (alcohol/drugs)
- Improper or imbalanced trailer loading
$876,000 Settlement for a Truck Accident on I-65
THE CASE: Successful in obtaining a $876,000 settlement for a client that suffered significant injuries after a disputed liability trucking accident. The accident occurred in Jefferson County on Interstate 65 near the Finley Ave exit. Thick smoke from a semi-truck’s engine made it hard for other drivers to see that the truck was stopped in the middle of the highway. Attorney Fob James IV’s client’s vehicle collided into the rear of the truck. Fob’s experts saved the truck’s black box data. A lawsuit was filed in the Jefferson County Circuit Court. After discovery, Fob argued that the trucking company did not maintain the truck properly. This negligence caused the truck to stall on the interstate and release thick smoke.
CASE RESULT: Pre-trial settlement of $876,000
Who is Liable in a Birmingham Truck Accident?
Truck drivers owe a duty of care to other road users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Liability can extend to multiple parties:
- Truck Drivers – For negligence or traffic violations.
- Trucking Companies – For inadequate training, overworked drivers, or unsafe vehicles.
- Shippers or Cargo Loaders – For improperly loading cargo.
- Vehicle Manufacturers – For equipment defects.
Alabama’s Contributory Negligence Rule
Alabama is one of the few states with a pure contributory negligence system. This means that even if you are 1% at fault, the insurance company may try to deny compensation entirely.
This is why truck accident cases require early investigation, expert analysis, and aggressive evidence preservation. Our team works to counter the insurance company’s arguments from day one.
What to Do After a Truck or 18-Wheeler Accident
- Ensure Safety – Move to a safe location and call 911 for police and medical assistance.
- Seek Medical Care Immediately – Some injuries, like internal bleeding or whiplash, may not be apparent at the scene.
- Document the Scene – Take photos/videos of the vehicles, crash site, and any damages.
- Gather Witness Information – Collect names and contact details of all witnesses.
- Avoid Statements About Fault – Only provide facts to law enforcement.
- Do Not Speak to the Trucking Company’s Insurer – They will attempt to minimuze the claim.
- Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer Quickly – Preserving evidence is key
We cannot stress this enough. Never provide any statements or sign any documents without consulting an attorney first.
Your lawyer can help protect and preserve critical evidence and begin building your case.
They can also help protect you from any attempts the insurance company might make to undermine your case.
Evidence Your Commercial Vehicle Lawyer Will Collect
Building a strong truck accident case requires thorough evidence collection:
- Driver Logs – To prove fatigue or hours-of-service violations.
- Maintenance & Inspection Records – To show improper vehicle upkeep.
- Trucking Company Records – Past safety violations or negligence.
- Witness Statements – Eyewitness accounts of the accident.
- Photos & Videos – Scene documentation and aftermath.
- Truck Data Recorder – Black-box data can reveal speed, braking, and driver behavior.
Preserving this evidence promptly is critical, as trucking companies often only keep records for a limited time.
For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires trucking companies to keep driver logs for six months. This falls under 49 CFR 395.8(k)(1).
FMCSA Regulations That Often Impact Truck Accident Cases
Commercial truck drivers and motor carriers must follow strict safety standards issued by the FMCSA. When a trucking company violates these rules, it may be held responsible for causing or contributing to a crash.
Hours-of-Service (HOS) Violations
The FMCSA limits the number of hours a trucker can drive without rest. Violations can cause fatigue, delayed reaction times, and serious crashes. ELD data typically reveals whether a driver exceeded these limits.
Maintenance and Inspection Failures
Motor carriers must routinely inspect, repair, and maintain their trucks. Poor maintenance often leads to brake failures, tire blowouts, engine problems, and other dangerous mechanical issues.
Driver Qualification & Training Requirements
Trucking companies must ensure drivers are properly licensed, trained, medically cleared, and free from disqualifying offenses. Failure to follow these standards can establish corporate negligence.
Cargo Securement Standards
The FMCSA sets rules for loading and securing cargo. Improperly loaded freight can cause rollovers jackknife accidents, and loss-of-control crashes.
Drug & Alcohol Testing Requirements
Federal rules require pre-employment, random, and post-accident drug and alcohol testing for CDL drivers. Failure to administer or comply with testing protocols can be powerful evidence of negligence.
Recordkeeping & Logbook Requirements
Trucking companies must keep inspection reports, driver logs, maintenance records, and hours-of-service data. We preserve these records immediately to prevent alteration or deletion after a crash.
$525,000 Settlement for a Truck Accident Rear-Ender on I-65
THE CASE: Successful in obtaining a $525,000 settlement for a client that suffered a back injury after a truck with a flatbed trailer rear-ended him while in standstill traffic on I-65 south of Birmingham. The insurance company and defendant argued that our client slammed on his brakes, so the truck driver did not have time to fully stop. We preserved key evidence, including cellular and black-box data. Using this data, our experts proved that the truck driver was using his phone at the time of the crash and that our client’s car had come to a compelete stop before the collision.
CASE RESULT: Pre-trial settlement of $525,000
Common FMCSA Violations We Look for in an Investigation
- Driving beyond allowed hours (HOS)
- Falsifying logbooks or ELD data
- Skipping required maintenance or inspections
- Operating with worn brakes or unsafe tires
- Improper cargo securement
- Hiring unqualified or medically unfit drivers
- Failure to perform required drug/alcohol testing
- Ignoring out-of-service orders
Why Black Box & ELD Data Matter in Truck Accident Cases
Commercial trucks contain electronic control modules (ECMs), event data recorders (EDRs), and electronic logging devices (ELDs). These systems can reveal:
- Vehicle speed before impact
- Brake usage and sudden deceleration
- Hours of service and potential fatigue violations
- Engine faults or maintenance failures
- GPS location and sudden lane movements
We send immediate evidence-preservation letters to prevent the trucking company from destroying or overwriting this critical data. Early action can significantly strengthen your claim.
How Do You File a Truck Accident Claim in Birmingham, Alabama?
After obtaining the crash report, you can file a claim with the trucking company’s insurance or pursue a lawsuit. To recover damages, you must demonstrate that the at-fault party acted negligently and caused your injuries.
Important: Do not provide statements or sign documents before consulting a lawyer. Insurance companies often try to undervalue claims.
Statute of Limitations – Alabama law generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a truck accident lawsuit. There are very few exceptions to this requirement. Missing this deadline may bar your claim.
What Compensation Is Available in Truck Accident Cases?
Victims of Birmingham commercial vehicle accidents may recover:
- Medical Bills and Expenses – Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages – Past and future income lost due to injury.
- Pain & Suffering – Physical and emotional distress.
- Loss of the Enjoyment of Life – Inability to participate in activities and experiences that brings happiness.
- Property Damage – Vehicle and personal property repairs.
- Wrongful Death – Funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
An experienced truck wreck attorney often relies on medical experts, economic experts, life care planners, and others. These professionals can help support the value of your claim.
What is the Average Truck Accident Settlement in Alabama?
The value of your trucking claim will depend on the extent of your injuries and medical bills.
Truck accidents can lead to catastrophic or life-threatening injuries, permanent disability, and disfigurement. These factors all influence the value of your claim.
Our best estimate is that the average truck accident settlement in Birmingham is $150,000.
| Severity of Crash and Injury | Case Value Range |
| Level 1 – Minor Injury | $25,000 – $100,000 |
| Level 2 – Medium Injury | $100,000 – $500,000 |
| Level 3 – Significant Injury | $500,000 – $2,000,000 |
| Level 4 – Catastrophic Injury or Death | $2,000,000 + |
Every case is unique. Consult a Birmingham truck accident lawyer near me to evaluate your claim accurately.
Recent Settlement for I-59 Trucking Accident
THE CASE: Attorney Fob James IV won a $150,000 settlement for a client who suffered soft tissue injuries. This happened when a commerical truck sidewiped him. The incident occurred in McCalla on Interstate 59, close to the Academy Drive exit. The insurance company did not want to pay because they claimed Fob’s client swerved into the lane of the truck. Using auto reconstruction experts, Fob was able to prove the truck veered into his client’s lane, causing the crash.
CASE RESULT: Pre-trial settlement of $150,000
How Much Does a Birmingham Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
You should pay no fee unless your attorney obtains a recovery by settlement or judgment.
At the Fob James Law Firm, we understand that you’re already stretched beyond comprehension, physically, emotionally, and financially.
You are likely concerned about getting the medical treatment you need. You may also be worried about how to pay your bills until you can return to work. The last thing you need is to be pressed to come up with legal fees.
For these reasons, we accept truck accident injury cases on a contingency basis. This means that you don’t pay any legal fees or expenses whatsoever unless we recover compensation for you.
Commercial Truck Accident Statistics – 2025 Update
As of August 29, 2025, approximately 2340 people have tragically died nationwide in a large truck crash this year. Fortunately, the number of deadly truck accidents has decreased compared to past years. However, deaths and injuries from truck accidents remain very high.
ALDOT – Alabama Truck Accidents & Fatalities in 2024
- According to ALDOT, 10,183 truck involved accidents resulted in 2,368 injuries and 131 deaths (down from 134 in 2023)
- 17.2% of all 2024 truck related crashes in Alabama was caused by improper lane change
- 20.2% of truck crashes occured on a state road; 22% occured on city roads; and 30.6% occured on an interstate
Intersections to Avoid in the Birmingham Area
As Alabama’s main commercial hub, Jefferson County’ s interstates are particularly congested with 18-wheelers. In fact, over 11% of all Alabama motor vehicle fatalities occur in Jefferson County.
Use extra precaution when traveling through these areas, which are prone for truck accidents.
- Interstate 20 West / Interstate 59 South (“Dead Man’s Curve“) interchange
- Interstate 20/59 at Arkadelphia Road
- Interstate 65 / Interstate 459 interchange
- Interstate 65 / Interstate 20/59 (“Malfunction Junction”) interchange
- Morgan Road / I-459 interchange
- Interstate 20/59 at Tallapoosa Street
- Lakeshore Parkway / I-65 interchange
The Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Birmingham, AL (picked by Fob James, IV)
“If my wife or one of my kids were injured in a trucking accident—and Fob James Law Firm could not handle—who would I hire to represent them? I would hire one of the attorneys listed in this blog.”
— Fob James, IV – Trial Lawyer
We would be honored to represent you or a family member injured in a truck accident. If you do not choose us, we want you to have the best representation possible.
For this reason, Fob James, IV selected, who in his opinion, are the 5 best truck accident attorneys in Birmingham.
Contact a Birmingham Truck Accident Attorney Near Me
After a serious semi-truck accident, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Your next steps can impact the outcome of your case.
Fob James Law Firm offers:
- Free consultation
- No upfront legal fees
- Aggressive representation to maximize compensation
📞 Call (205) 407-6009 or contact us online to speak with a top-rated truck accident attorney in Birmingham, AL.
Awards & Recognition
Our five star reviews speak for themselves. Below are some of the awards our lead trucking attorney, Fob James IV, is honored to have received:
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- SuperLawyers
- Birmingham Business Journal Who’s Who in Law
- TrustAnalytica – Top 10 Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Birmingham
Our attorneys have obtained numerous multi-million dollar settlements in commerical trucking cases. We earned these achievements through strong client advocacy and success in trials.
Truck Accident Lawyer Serving Birmingham, Jefferson County & All of Alabama
Our Birmingham office handles truck accident and commercial vehicle cases throughout Jefferson County and the surrounding areas. If you were hit by a semi-truck, delivery truck, dump truck, or any commercial vehicle, we are available 24/7 to help.
Fob James Law Firm – Contact Information
2226 1st Ave S, Suite 105
Birmingham, AL 35233
📞 (205) 407-6009
Trucking Accident Information
- The Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Birmingham, AL
- How to Obtain & Use ELD / Black Box Data in Truck Accident Case
- The Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Birmingham, Alabama
- 🚗 T-Bone Collisions in Birmingham, AL: What You Need to Know
- How to Get a Copy of Your Birmingham Accident Report
Alabama Accident News
- Five People Killed in Three Deadly Baldwin County Crashes
- Man Killed, Woman Critically Injured After 18-Wheeler Collision in Meridianville, Alabama
- Truck Driver Killed After Tractor-Trailer Overturns on I-59/20 in Birmingham
- Huntingdon Student-Athlete Killed in Fatal Chilton County Crash
- Pregnant Northport Woman and Unborn Child Killed on I-459 in Vestavia Hills