The Birmingham truck accident lawyers at Fob James Law Firm represent people across Alabama who have been injured in semi-truck and commerical accidents.
Collisions with large trucks can be catastrophic. Due to the size and weight of tractor-trailers, passenger vehicles are often totaled. Drivers or passengers can suffer life-threatening injuries.
If you’ve been in a truck accident in or near Birmingham, Alabama, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Our experienced truck accident attorneys are here to answer your questions. We can explain your options, and aggressively pursue the financial recovery you deserve.
📞 Call us now at (205) 407-6009 or send an online message for immediate assistance.
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 secure your compensation.
- Trial-Ready Experience – We take your case to 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.
Real-World Truck Accident Settlement
THE CASE: Successful in obtaining a $876,000 settlement for a client that suffered significant injuries after a disputed liability trucking accident. The accident happened in Jefferson County on Interstate 65 near the Finley Ave exit when thick smoke from a semi-truck’s engine prevented other vehicles from seeing that the semi-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 preserved the truck’s black box data, and through discovery, Fob was able to argue that the trucking company had negligently maintained the truck, which caused it to stall on the interstate and emit thick smoke.
CASE RESULT: Pre-trial settlement of $876,000
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 Drive Safe Alabama, 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
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.
In Alabama, contributory negligence can impact your case. Even if you are 5% at fault, your claim may be denied.
A skilled Birmingham truck accident attorney can investigate fault, negotiate with insurers, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to hold the at-fault parties accountable.
What to Do After an Alabama Truck Accident
- Ensure Safety – Move to a safe location and call 911 for police and medical assistance.
- 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.
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately – Some injuries, like internal bleeding or whiplash, may not be apparent at the scene.
If you were injured in the collision, contact a Birmingham, AL truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
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.
Your attorney 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 requires trucking companies to keep driver logs. They must keep these logs and supporting documents for only six months under 49 CFR 395.8(k)(1).
Filing 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.
Types of Compensation Available for Trucking Victims
Victims of Birmingham commercial vehicle accidents may recover:
- Medical 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.
Experienced truck accident lawyers often rely on medical experts, economic experts, life care planners, and others. These professionals can help support the value of your claim.
Average Semi-Truck Accident Settlement Values in Alabama
The value of your trucking claim will depend on the type and extent of your injuries.
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 around $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 to evaluate your claim accurately.
Why Truck Accidents Are Different
Truck and commerical vehicle accidents pose unique risks that differ from car accidents:
- 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 (driver, company, shipper) complicate claims.
Experienced truck accident attorneys understand these complexities and federal trucking regulations.
More Truck Accident Settlements We Have Obtained
THE CASE: Attorney Fob James, IV obtained a $150,000 settlement for a client that suffered soft tissue injuries after a truck sidewiped him in McCalla on Interstate 59 near 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
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.
Alabama Truck Accidents & Fatalities in 2023
- According to AL DOT, 10,201 truck involved accidents resulted in 2,590 injuries and 134 deaths (down from 162 in 2022)
- 16.4% of all 2023 truck related crashes in Alabama was caused by improper lane change
- 33.6% of fatalities occured on a state road and 28.3% 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 20/59 at Arkadelphia Road
- Interstate 65/Interstate 459 interchange
- Interstate 20/59 between First Avenue North and Roebuck Parkway
- Interstate 65-Interstate 20/59 (“Malfunction Junction”) 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
While we would be honored to represent you or a family member injured in a truck accident, if you do not choose us, we want to make sure you 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 one of the top-rated truck accident attorneys in Birmingham, AL.
Awards & Recognition
Our five star reviews speak for themselves. Below are some of the awards and recognition our truck accident lawyers are honored to have received:
Our attorneys have earned these distinctions through consistent client advocacy and trial success.
Visit Our Birmingham Office
Fob James Law Firm proudly serves clients across Birmingham and the surrounding areas. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, our office is easy to find downtown at:
Fob James Law Firm
2226 1st Ave S, Suite 105
Birmingham, AL 35233
📞 (205) 407-6009
We represent truck accident victims throughout Hoover, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Bessemer, Irondale, Pinson, Trussville, Ensley, Tarrant, Hueytown, Fairfield, Forestdale, Pelham, and Jefferson County.