Trucking Accident Lawyer – The Ford Firm
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash with a commercial truck or 18-wheeler, you already know how devastating these accidents can be. Passenger vehicles are no match for the size and weight of a tractor-trailer. Injuries are often severe, medical bills overwhelming, and recovery long and uncertain.
At The Ford Firm in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, attorney Randal S. Ford represents individuals and families harmed in trucking accidents. Whether you were hit on the interstate by a speeding semi or struck in town by a delivery truck, we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call today at 205.454.7500 for a free consultation.
Why Choose The Ford Firm And Their Network Of Attorneys?
- Decades of experience handling Trucking Accidents attorney cases across Alabama.
- Proven knowledge of federal trucking regulations and Alabama negligence law.
- Aggressive pursuit of trucking companies, insurers, and manufacturers who cut corners.
- No attorney fees unless we win your case. (client may be liable for costs)
Types of Trucking Accidents That Harm Drivers
Truck accidents affect people in passenger vehicles in many ways:
Jackknife crashes
A folding trailer sweeps across lanes, striking nearby cars.
Rollover accidents
Overloaded or poorly balanced trucks topple onto other vehicles.
Rear-end collisions
Large trucks slam into smaller vehicles, often at highway speeds.
Underride accidents
A car slides beneath a truck’s trailer, often causing fatal injuries.
Mechanical failures
Brake failure, defective tires, or faulty trailer parts cause loss of control.
Falling cargo accidents
Improperly secured loads spill into traffic, striking unsuspecting drivers.
Crush injuries / roof crushes
Smaller vehicles sustain catastrophic damage when trapped under or between trucks.
Tire blowouts, brake failure, or mechanical defects
Defective tires, brakes, or other parts can trigger catastrophic crashes.
Crush injuries / roof crushes
In collisions, smaller vehicle occupants can be crushed due to the truck’s massive weight.
Injuries in Trucking Accidents
Victims in passenger cars often suffer:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Severe lacerations and scarring
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations
- Burns from fuel explosions
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
The Ford Firm works to ensure every type of harm—physical, financial, and emotional—is fully accounted for in your claim.
What To Do After Being Hit by a Truck
- Get medical treatment immediately – even if injuries seem minor.
- Call the police and ensure a report is filed.
- Document everything – photos, witness names, vehicle damage.
- Avoid speaking to the trucking company’s insurer – they are not on your side.
- Contact The Ford Firm quickly – evidence like black-box data can disappear if not secured.
Who May Be Held Responsible?
Trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties:
- Truck driver – speeding, fatigue, distracted driving, or impairment.
- Trucking company – failing to maintain vehicles, pressuring drivers to exceed hours of service, negligent hiring.
- Cargo loaders – improperly balanced or unsecured loads.
- Manufacturers/maintenance providers – defective parts or poor repair work.
Because Alabama follows contributory negligence, even being 1% at fault can bar recovery. That’s why proving full responsibility against the trucking side is critical.
What To Do After Being Hit by a Truck
- Get medical treatment immediately – even if injuries seem minor.
- Call the police and ensure a report is filed.
- Document everything – photos, witness names, vehicle damage.
- Avoid speaking to the trucking company’s insurer – they are not on your side.
- Contact The Ford Firm quickly – evidence like black-box data can disappear if not secured.
FAQ's
How long do I have to file a trucking accident claim in Alabama?
Generally two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
Why does Alabama’s contributory negligence law matter?
If you are found even 1% at fault, you cannot recover damages. This makes experienced legal representation essential.
What federal laws regulate truck drivers and companies?
The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) enforces rules on driver hours, vehicle inspections, cargo securement, and licensing. Violations often serve as evidence of negligence.
Who investigates trucking accidents in Alabama?
Local police, Alabama State Troopers, and sometimes federal agencies like the NTSB in serious cases.
How do attorneys prove a trucking company was at fault?
By gathering black-box data, driver logs, maintenance records, cargo manifests, police reports, witness statements, and expert accident reconstruction.
Summary Table for Quick Reference
| Topic | Key Insights |
| Accident Types | Jackknife, rollover, rear-end, mechanical failure, cargo shift/crush injuries |
| Liability Sources | Driver, company, loader, manufacturer, maintenance—often multiple parties |
| Compensation Types | Economic, non-economic, punitive, wrongful death damages |
| Statute of Limitations | 2 years from accident (personal injury/wrongful death) |
| Key Laws | Alabama contributory negligence, FMCSA regulations (hours, maintenance, qualifications) |
| Evidence Required | Scene photos, logs, black-box, maintenance records, expert witness testimony |
| Next Steps After Accident | Medical care, preserve evidence, avoid statements, contact an attorney ASAP |
Let Randal S. Ford Fight for You
At The Ford Firm in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, we know how devastating it is when an innocent driver or passenger is injured by a massive truck. Attorney Randal S. Ford is dedicated to holding negligent trucking companies and drivers accountable.
We handle the legal battle while you focus on recovery.
Call now: 205.454.7500
No attorney fee unless we win your case (client may be responsible for costs)
