(Birmingham / Jefferson County, Alabama — February 1, 2026) – A serious head-on collision involving an 18-wheeler and a pickup truck shut down westbound lanes of Interstate-22 (I-22) near exit 91 in Forestdale, Alabama, early Sunday morning, authorities say. The wreck triggered an extended closure of the interstate and sent at least one driver to the hospital for treatment.
Key Takeaways
- A head-on collision between an 18-wheeler and a pickup truck closed westbound lanes of I-22 near exit 91 in Forestdale, Alabama, early Sunday morning.
- At least one driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and the interstate was shut down temporarily for emergency response.
- Investigators will examine factors like speed, road conditions, and driver actions to determine the collision’s cause.
- Official crash reports are essential for insurance claims and can be requested from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
- Fob James Law Firm offers legal assistance to families affected by serious truck accidents, providing free consultations and no-fee services unless recovery occurs.
What Happened: Head-On Collision on I-22
The crash occurred around 3:00 a.m. Sunday on westbound I-22 near exit 91 just west of Forestdale. According to Forestdale Fire Chief Scott Mims, emergency responders confirmed that an 18-wheeler and a pickup truck were involved in a head-on collision. Traffic along the busy interstate was temporarily shut down as crews worked the scene.
The driver of the 18-wheeler was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the condition of the pickup truck driver has not been released by authorities.
Crews from the Brookside Fire Department and Adamsville Fire Department, along with Forestdale firefighters, assisted in managing the scene. A crane was used to lift the trailer, and firefighters reported smelling smoke as they arrived.
By midday Sunday, the interstate had reopened to westbound traffic, but the crash disruption affected early-morning commuters and freight traffic.
Traffic and Community Impact
I-22 is a major east-west route that carries commuters and commercial traffic between Birmingham and points northwest. The closure near exit 91 caused backups and delays as motorists were stopped or detoured while first responders and highway crews worked to clear the wreck.
Travelers during early morning Sunday hours were left at a standstill as the crash scene was managed, highlighting the impact that commercial truck collisions can have on interstate travel and safety.
What Investigators Will Examine
Although authorities have not released a definitive cause for the collision, investigations will typically examine:
- Speed and control of both vehicles leading up to the crash
- Road and weather conditions at the time of the collision
- Whether either driver crossed the centerline or failed to maintain lane position
- Vehicle mechanical conditions (brakes, tires, and steering)
- Driver condition (fatigue, impairment, distraction)
- Witness statements and available dashcam footage
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is expected to lead the investigation and compile an official crash report detailing findings and contributing factors.
How to Contact ALEA for Official Crash Reports
Official crash reports are important for insurance claims, legal analysis, and verifying what occurred during the collision. After an investigation, you can request the report from ALEA:
Crash Report Request Options
📍 Mail/In-Person:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Records / Crash Reports
301 S. Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
📞 Phone:
(334) 517-2800
🌐 Online:
Crash reports are often available via the Alabama Interactive portal once finalized and released.
Crash reports typically take 7–10 business days to become available, though timing can vary based on investigation complexity.
Legal Considerations After a Truck Collision
Collisions involving semi-trucks can result in complex liability issues because commercial vehicles:
- Are governed by federal safety rules and hours-of-service regulations
- Operate under the responsibility of trucking companies or carriers
- May be subject to maintenance and load-securement standards
When another driver’s actions lead to a crash, families and injured parties may have the right to pursue civil claims, including:
- Personal injury compensation
- Wrongful death claims (if a fatality occurs)
- Medical expenses and lost wages reimbursement
- Property damage compensation
Documenting and preserving evidence early — including the official crash report, witness statements, and vehicle data — is critical for insurance and legal recovery.
Fob James Law Firm — Here to Help After Serious Truck Accidents
At Fob James Law Firm, our experienced truck accident attorneys help Alabama families navigate the aftermath of serious commercial truck collisions like the I-22 crash. We offer:
✅ Free, no-obligation case reviews
✅ Coordination with accident reconstruction and trucking-industry specialists
✅ Representation on a contingency-fee basis — no fees unless you recover
If you or a loved one were involved in this or any interstate truck collision, contact us today for a free consultation:
📞 (205) 407-6009
Fob James, IV
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large national firm for several years, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society. Many of Fob’s cases are high profile and have been featured in, among others: Bloomberg News, PlanAdvisor, AL.com, PlanSponsor, InsuranceJournal, and BusinessInsider. For his work in obtaining numerous multi-million dollar outcomes for his clients, Fob has been recognized by: National Trial Lawyers Top 100, SuperLawyers Rising Star (2020-2025), Birmingham Business Journal Who’s Who in Law (2023-2025), and TrustAnalytica – Top Personal Injury Lawyers in Alabama.