18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Garland County: Fighting for Maximum Recovery After Trucking Crashes
When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything
You were driving through Garland County, maybe heading home to Hot Springs after work or visiting family in the Ouachita Mountains, when an 18-wheeler changed your life in an instant. The impact wasn’t just metal against metal—it was your future, your health, and your family’s security crashing alongside your vehicle.
At Attorney911, we understand what’s at stake when a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle in Garland County. We’ve spent 25 years fighting for victims of catastrophic trucking accidents, and we know that recovering from these crashes requires more than just medical care—it requires legal advocates who understand the complex web of federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and aggressive insurance tactics that define 18-wheeler litigation.
Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. With admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and experience litigating against Fortune 500 corporations like BP, he brings federal-level expertise to every Garland County trucking case we handle. And because our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies before joining our firm, we know exactly how commercial insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims—knowledge we use to fight for every dime our clients deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Garland County trucking accident, the clock started ticking the moment the crash occurred. Critical evidence can disappear within days. Black box data may overwrite in just 30 days. The trucking company already has lawyers protecting their interests. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7, and we work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Garland County Trucking Accidents Are Different
Garland County presents unique challenges for 18-wheeler safety that make accidents here particularly devastating. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, our county’s highways—including Interstate 30, U.S. Route 70, and Arkansas Route 7—feature steep grades, winding curves, and elevation changes that test even experienced truck drivers. When you combine these mountain corridors with the heavy tourist traffic heading to Hot Springs National Park and the commercial freight moving between Little Rock and Texarkana, you have a perfect storm for catastrophic trucking accidents.
The physics are brutal. A fully loaded semi-truck weighs up to 80,000 pounds—twenty times the weight of your average car. On the steep descents near Lake Hamilton or the tight curves of the mountain highways outside Hot Springs, these massive vehicles require significantly longer stopping distances and are prone to dangerous situations like brake fade, runaway trucks, and jackknife accidents.
Trucking companies know these risks. They’re required to follow strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations outlined in 49 CFR Parts 390 through 399, which govern everything from driver qualifications to vehicle maintenance to hours of service. When they cut corners to save money—allowing drivers to exceed 11-hour driving limits, skipping brake inspections, or hiring unqualified operators—they put every Garland County family at risk.
We’ve seen what happens when trucking companies prioritize profits over safety. Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston, demonstrating our ability to take on powerful institutional defendants. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more. When it comes to standing up to corporate giants in Garland County courtrooms, we don’t flinch.
The Most Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Garland County
Jackknife Accidents on Mountain Grades
Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, creating a deadly obstruction that sweeps across multiple lanes of traffic. In Garland County’s mountainous terrain, these accidents frequently happen on the steep grades of I-30 and U.S. 70 when drivers brake improperly or lose control on wet pavement.
These accidents often violate 49 CFR § 393.48 regarding brake system maintenance and § 392.6 prohibiting speeds excessive for conditions. We investigate whether the trucking company properly maintained the brake systems and whether the driver received adequate training for mountain driving. When a jackknife occurs on a narrow mountain highway around Hot Springs, there’s often nowhere for other drivers to escape—resulting in multi-vehicle pileups and catastrophic injuries.
Rollover Crashes on Curves
The winding roads of the Ouachitas create perfect conditions for rollover accidents, which occur when a truck’s center of gravity shifts and the vehicle tips onto its side or roof. These accidents often result from speeding on curves, improperly secured cargo, or unbalanced loads that shift during transit.
Under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, trucking companies must properly secure cargo to prevent shifting that affects vehicle stability. When cargo shifts on a curve near Lake Ouachita or the truck takes a turn too fast on Arkansas Route 7, the result is often a rollover that blocks the highway and creates secondary crashes. These accidents frequently cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and fatalities.
Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most horrific type of 18-wheeler accident, underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. These accidents often result in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries because the trailer height shears off the top of the passenger compartment.
While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after 1998, many trucks on Garland County roads lack adequate underride protection, particularly on the sides. When a truck stops suddenly on I-30 or makes an unsafe lane change near Hot Springs, passenger vehicles can become trapped underneath, causing instant fatalities or devastating head trauma.
Rear-End Collisions
An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. When truck drivers follow too closely or become distracted on the busy stretches of U.S. 70 through Garland County, they slam into smaller vehicles with catastrophic force.
These violations of 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely) and § 392.82 (distracted driving) often cause severe whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. The sheer mass of the truck means that even low-speed impacts can crush passenger vehicles and cause permanent disabilities.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. On the steep mountain grades of Garland County, brake failure can lead to runaway trucks that cannot stop for traffic signals, curves, or stopped vehicles ahead.
Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.40-55 require specific brake system standards, while § 396.3 mandates systematic inspection and maintenance. When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money—allowing brake pads to wear thin or air systems to leak—they create deadly weapons. We investigate maintenance records and driver inspection reports to prove when brake failures result from corporate negligence.
Fatigue-Related Crashes
Driver fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Under 49 CFR Part 395 (Hours of Service), property-carrying drivers cannot exceed 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty, nor can they drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
Despite these regulations, trucking companies often pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, especially on the long hauls between Dallas and Little Rock that pass through Garland County. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) mandated under § 395.8 record driving time, but some companies manipulate these systems or encourage drivers to falsify logs. We subpoena ELD data immediately to prove when fatigue contributed to your accident.
Cargo Spills and Shifting Loads
The steep grades and sharp curves of Garland County highways make cargo securement critical. When loads shift during transit or cargo spills onto the roadway, the resulting accidents can involve multiple vehicles and create chain-reaction pileups.
Federal rules under 49 CFR § 393.100 require cargo to be secured to prevent shifting, falling, or leaking. When logging trucks, construction equipment, or commercial freight spill onto U.S. 270 or I-30, they create immediate hazards for unsuspecting drivers. We investigate loading procedures, weight distribution records, and securement equipment to hold cargo owners and loading companies accountable.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Garland County Trucking Accident?
Unlike simple car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler crashes often involve a complex web of liable parties. We investigate every potential defendant because more defendants mean more insurance coverage—and ultimately, higher compensation for your injuries.
The Truck Driver: Individual drivers may be liable for speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or violations of traffic laws. We examine their driving history, cell phone records, and logbooks to prove negligence.
The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier: Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring (failing to check backgrounds), negligent training, negligent supervision, or negligent maintenance. We subpoena Driver Qualification Files, maintenance records, and CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores to prove systemic safety failures.
The Cargo Owner/Shipper: Companies that own the freight may be liable if they provided improper loading instructions, required overweight loading, or pressured drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations to meet delivery deadlines.
The Loading Company: Third-party loaders who improperly secured cargo, created unbalanced weight distribution, or failed to use proper tiedowns violate 49 CFR § 393 and may be directly liable for resulting accidents.
Truck and Parts Manufacturers: When defective brakes, tires, steering systems, or other components contribute to crashes, manufacturers may face product liability claims. We preserve failed components for expert analysis and research recall histories.
Maintenance Companies: Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or returned unsafe vehicles to service may be liable for resulting crashes.
Freight Brokers: Brokers who arrange transportation but fail to verify carrier safety records or select unqualified carriers may share liability for negligent hiring.
Government Entities: In limited circumstances, state or local government may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe highway conditions—particularly on state highways like AR-7 where sharp curves may need additional warning systems.
Our team includes Lupe Peña, who previously defended insurance companies and understands exactly how carriers evaluate which parties to name in litigation. He uses that insider knowledge to ensure we name every potentially liable defendant in your Garland County trucking case, maximizing the insurance pools available for your recovery.
The Evidence That Wins Garland County Trucking Cases
The 48-Hour Critical Window
In the aftermath of a trucking accident in Hot Springs or along I-30, evidence begins disappearing immediately. Trucking companies deploy rapid-response teams to the scene within hours—their goal is to protect their interests, not yours. If you don’t act fast, critical proof may be lost forever.
Black Box/ECM Data: Modern trucks contain Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that capture speed, brake application, throttle position, and engine performance in the seconds before a crash. This data can prove whether the driver was speeding on that mountain grade or whether they hit the brakes at all. However, ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days—or sooner if the truck continues operating.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELD): Since December 2017, federal law requires most commercial trucks to use ELDs to record hours of service. These devices provide objective proof of whether the driver violated 49 CFR Part 395 by driving too long without rest. ELD data must be preserved immediately, as it may only be retained for six months under FMCSA regulations.
Driver Qualification Files: Under 49 CFR § 391.51, trucking companies must maintain detailed files on every driver, including employment applications, background checks, medical certifications, drug test results, and training records. These files reveal whether the company hired an unqualified driver or failed to monitor their safety record.
Maintenance and Inspection Records: Federal law requires systematic vehicle inspection and maintenance under 49 CFR § 396.3. We subpoena brake inspection reports, tire replacement records, and out-of-service orders to prove when companies deferred maintenance or ignored known defects.
Dashcam and Surveillance Footage: Many trucks carry forward-facing and cab-facing cameras that record the moments before impact. Additionally, traffic cameras and nearby business surveillance cameras in Hot Springs or along commercial corridors may have captured the accident. This footage is often deleted within 7-14 days if not preserved.
Witness Statements: Memories fade quickly after traumatic events. We interview witnesses while their recollections are fresh to corroborate the events leading to the crash.
Our Immediate Preservation Protocol
When you hire Attorney911 after a Garland County trucking accident, we take immediate action to preserve evidence. Within 24-48 hours, we send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. These formal legal notices put defendants on notice that they must preserve all evidence or face severe sanctions, including adverse jury instructions or default judgments.
We don’t wait for the trucking company to volunteer information—we aggressively subpoena records, download black box data, and secure physical evidence before it can be altered or destroyed. As client Donald Wilcox said after we handled his case, “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.” We don’t give up when other firms do, and we don’t let evidence slip away.
Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future
Traumatic Brain Injury
The force of an 80,000-pound truck striking a passenger vehicle often causes traumatic brain injuries (TBI) ranging from concussions to severe diffuse axonal injuries. TBIs can result in memory loss, cognitive impairment, personality changes, and permanent disability requiring lifelong care.
Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for TBI victims, including a $5 million settlement for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log. While Garland County offers excellent medical care at CHI St. Joseph Health – Hot Springs, the long-term costs of TBI treatment often exceed millions of dollars for rehabilitation, cognitive therapy, and lost earning capacity.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
When a truck crushes a passenger compartment or rolls over onto a smaller vehicle, spinal cord injuries often result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. These injuries require immediate trauma care at a facility equipped for catastrophic injuries, followed by extensive rehabilitation and home modifications.
We’ve secured settlements ranging from $4.7 million to $25.8 million for spinal cord injury victims, covering lifetime medical care, home healthcare, and lost future earnings. In the mountain terrain of Garland County, the risk of rollover crashes makes these devastating injuries more likely.
Amputations
Crushing injuries from underride accidents or severe collisions may require surgical amputation of limbs. Beyond the initial surgery, amputees face prosthetic costs, rehabilitation, phantom limb pain, and permanent disability.
Our case results include a $3.8 million settlement for a car accident victim who required partial leg amputation due to medical complications. We work with vocational experts and life care planners to ensure settlements cover prosthetic replacements and adaptive equipment throughout your lifetime.
Wrongful Death
When a trucking accident takes a loved one, Arkansas law allows surviving family members to pursue wrongful death claims. Under Arkansas’s 3-year statute of limitations, you have time to grieve, but we recommend consulting an attorney promptly to preserve evidence and begin the investigation.
We’ve recovered millions for Arkansas families who lost loved ones to trucking company negligence, including settlements ranging from $1.9 million to $9.5 million, depending on the circumstances and available insurance coverage.
Understanding Arkansas Trucking Law
Arkansas Statute of Limitations
In Garland County and throughout Arkansas, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This applies to both injury claims and wrongful death actions. While this is longer than some neighboring states (Texas, for example, has a 2-year limit), waiting is never advisable. Evidence disappears, witnesses relocate, and trucking companies may declare bankruptcy or reorganize to avoid liability.
Arkansas Modified Comparative Negligence
Arkansas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 50% bar. This means you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $1 million, you would recover $800,000.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame to injury victims, claiming they were speeding or following too closely. We counter these tactics with objective evidence from ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction to minimize your assigned fault percentage and maximize your recovery.
Damage Caps in Arkansas
Unlike some states, Arkansas does not cap non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in personal injury cases. There is no cap on medical malpractice damages, and punitive damages are available when trucking companies act with gross negligence or conscious disregard for safety. This means your full damages—including intangible losses like loss of enjoyment of life and mental anguish—are recoverable in Garland County courts.
Insurance Coverage in 18-Wheeler Accidents
Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to maintain substantial liability insurance:
- $750,000 for general freight (non-hazardous)
- $1,000,000 for oil, petroleum, and certain equipment
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
These minimums far exceed the $30,000 minimum required for passenger vehicles in Arkansas. Additionally, many trucking companies carry excess or umbrella policies covering $5 million to $10 million or more.
We identify all available insurance coverage by investigating:
- The motor carrier’s primary liability policy
- Owner-operator policies (if applicable)
- Trailer interchange coverage
- Cargo insurance (for damaged freight claims)
- Umbrella and excess coverage
- Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
The presence of multiple insurance policies is why trucking accidents often result in higher settlements than passenger vehicle crashes—provided you have an attorney who knows how to access these deep coverage pools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garland County Trucking Accidents
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Garland County?
Arkansas law provides a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from 18-wheeler accidents. However, we strongly recommend contacting an attorney within days of the accident to preserve critical evidence like black box data and driver logs.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. Arkansas uses modified comparative negligence. As long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your fault percentage. We work to minimize your assigned fault through evidence gathering and expert analysis.
Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
No. Do not give recorded statements or accept settlement offers without consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to elicit statements that minimize your claim. As client Chad Harris told us, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We handle all communications with insurers so you can focus on healing.
What if the truck driver was from another state?
Trucking cases often involve interstate commerce. Even if the driver was from Texas, Oklahoma, or elsewhere, we can pursue claims in Arkansas state court or federal court. Our federal court admission allows us to handle cases regardless of where the trucking company is headquartered.
How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. We advance all costs for investigation, expert witnesses, and court filings. Our standard fee is 33.33% pre-trial and 40% if litigation is required.
Do you handle Spanish-speaking clients in Garland County?
Sí. Hablamos Español. Associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to speak with Lupe about your case.
What if the trucking company destroyed evidence?
If we issued a spoliation letter and the company destroyed evidence thereafter, Arkansas courts can impose severe sanctions, including adverse inference instructions telling the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the defendant. This often results in higher settlements or verdicts.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases with clear liability may settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases involving catastrophic injuries or multiple defendants may take 1-3 years. We balance the need for thorough investigation with your need for timely resolution.
What if I can’t afford medical treatment?
We can help connect you with medical providers who treat on a lien basis, meaning they get paid from your settlement. Don’t delay treatment because of financial concerns—your health comes first.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to trial, and they offer better settlements to clients represented by trial-ready attorneys. We have the experience and resources to take your case to verdict if necessary.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Garland County Trucking Case
When you’re facing the aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident in Garland County, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a fighter. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years taking on trucking companies and winning. His federal court experience, combined with Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance company tactics, gives your case a strategic advantage from day one.
Our track record speaks for itself: multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death claims. We don’t just handle cases—we treat clients like family. As Glenda Walker told us after her case resolved, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
We understand Garland County’s unique geography—the mountain grades, the tourist traffic, the commercial corridors that make trucking accidents here particularly dangerous. We know the local courts, the judges, and the medical providers who treat catastrophic injuries.
Most importantly, we know what you’re going through. When an 80,000-pound truck changes your life forever, you need advocates who answer the phone at 3 AM, who send preservation letters before evidence disappears, and who won’t settle for lowball offers that don’t cover your lifetime medical needs.
Don’t Face the Trucking Company Alone
The trucking company has lawyers. Their insurance company has adjusters. You deserve someone fighting exclusively for your interests. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7, and we’ll come to you in Hot Springs, Jessieville, Fountain Lake, or anywhere in Garland County.
Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con Lupe Peña sobre su accidente de camión.
Your fight starts with one call. Let us put 25 years of trucking litigation experience to work for you and your family.
