When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything: Logan County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys
The impact was catastrophic. One moment, you’re driving through Logan County on Interstate 40—and the next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck has crossed into your lane, blown a tire on the shoulder, or jackknifed across the highway. In that instant, your life changes forever. If you’re reading this from a hospital bed in Paris, recovering at home in Booneville, or mourning the loss of a loved one in Ozark, you already know the devastation these accidents bring. We’re Attorney911, and we’ve spent over 25 years helping families across Logan County and Arkansas hold trucking companies accountable when their negligence destroys lives.
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injury victims, amputees, and families who’ve lost loved ones to wrongful death. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for insurance companies before joining our team. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. That’s your advantage when you call 1-888-ATTY-911.
Why Logan County Roads Are Particularly Dangerous for Truck Accidents
Logan County sits at the crossroads of major freight corridors. Interstate 40 cuts directly through the heart of the county, carrying thousands of commercial trucks daily between Fort Smith and Little Rock. This isn’t just local traffic—you’re sharing the road with long-haul drivers hauling cargo from the Port of Long Beach to Charlotte, from Houston to Chicago. Many of these drivers have been behind the wheel for 10, 11, or even 14 hours straight, pushing past safe limits to meet delivery deadlines.
The geography of Logan County creates unique hazards. The Ozark Mountains begin their rise here, creating steep grades that test brakes and nerves. When winter ice storms hit Arkansas—and they hit hard here—those grades become treacherous. Trucking companies know these roads freeze over, yet they send drivers out with inadequate training and poorly maintained equipment. That’s negligence, and that’s why we investigate every aspect of a crash.
Arkansas law gives you three years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit, thanks to a statute of limitations that’s more generous than some neighboring states. But here’s the thing—waiting even a month can destroy your case. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Trucking companies “lose” maintenance records. Witnesses forget what they saw. We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained, freezing evidence before it disappears.
The Trucking Companies Think They Can Bully Logan County Families. We Don’t Let Them.
After a truck crash, the trucking company’s lawyers and insurance adjusters get to work immediately. Sometimes they’re at the scene before the ambulance leaves. Their job is simple: pay you as little as possible. They’ll offer quick settlements—$10,000, $20,000—hoping you’ll sign away your rights before you realize the full extent of your injuries.
Don’t fall for it. As client Glenda Walker told us after we handled her case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s what we do. We don’t let trucking companies push Logan County families around.
Your case might be worth significantly more than their first offer. Commercial trucks carry insurance minimums of $750,000 for general freight, $1 million for certain cargo, and up to $5 million for hazardous materials. When catastrophic injuries occur—and they often do in 18-wheeler crashes—those policies are available to compensate you for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Understanding Arkansas’s Comparative Fault Rules
Arkansas follows a “modified comparative fault” system with a 50% bar. What does that mean for you? If you’re found 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can recover damages—but those damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re found 51% or more at fault, you receive nothing. Even zero.
Insurance companies love to exploit this rule. They’ll argue you were speeding, distracted, or failed to brake in time—anything to push you over that 50% threshold. That’s why evidence matters so much in Logan County truck cases. The ECM data from the truck’s engine, the ELD logs showing hours of service, the dashcam footage—these objective records don’t lie. They prove what really happened, cutting through the trucking company’s attempts to blame you.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Logan County
Not all truck accidents are the same. Over our 25 years of practice, we’ve handled virtually every type of commercial vehicle crash imaginable on Arkansas highways. Each requires specific investigative techniques and legal strategies.
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck’s trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, blocking multiple lanes of I-40, we look at whether the driver jammed the brakes too hard, whether the trailer was empty (making it more prone to swinging), or whether improper braking technique on wet pavement caused the skid. These accidents often result in multi-vehicle pileups as unsuspecting drivers have nowhere to go.
Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most horrific type of trucking accident. When a passenger vehicle slides under the rear or side of a trailer, the roof of the car gets sheared off. Federal regulations require rear underride guards, but they often fail in crashes over 30 mph. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated at all, despite being just as deadly. We investigate whether the trucking company maintained proper guards and whether reflective tape was present to increase visibility.
Rollover Accidents
Logan County’s terrain makes these particularly common. A truck taking the curves on Highway 22 too fast, or navigating the grades near Subiaco with an improperly loaded trailer, can easily roll. Cargo shifts—called “the liquid load effect” when hauling liquids—can destabilize trailers. We examine load manifests, securement procedures, and whether the driver was trained for Arkansas’s mountain roads.
Rear-End Collisions
A fully loaded truck needs nearly two football fields to stop from highway speed. When truck drivers follow too closely on I-40, distracted by their phones or fighting fatigue, they can’t stop in time for traffic slowdowns. The results are devastating for the occupants of smaller vehicles.
Tire Blowouts
Arkansas heat, poorly maintained tires, and overloaded trailers create deadly combinations. When a steer tire blows, the driver loses control instantly. “Road gators”—shredded tire debris—can strike following vehicles or cause evasive maneuvers that lead to secondary crashes.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. We subpoena maintenance records to see if the trucking company deferred repairs to save money. Pre-trip inspections are required by federal law—if the driver skipped them, that’s negligence.
Cargo Spills and Lost Loads
From the poultry plants near Ozark to the retail goods heading to distribution centers, Logan County sees heavy freight traffic. When loads aren’t secured per 49 CFR Part 393, they spill onto the interstate, causing chain-reaction accidents. Hazmat spills add chemical exposure and fire risks to the trauma.
The Federal Regulations That Protect You—And How Trucking Companies Break Them
Every commercial truck operating in Logan County must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These aren’t suggestions—they’re federal law. When trucking companies violate them, they create the conditions for catastrophic accidents.
Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)
Drivers can’t legally operate beyond 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They can’t drive beyond the 14th hour on duty, and they must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. Yet pressure to deliver loads pushes drivers beyond these limits. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) track this data, and it’s often the smoking gun in fatigued driving cases.
Driver Qualification (49 CFR Part 391)
Trucking companies must verify their drivers are qualified—valid CDL, medical certification, clean driving record, and proper training. When they hire drivers with histories of violations or without proper credentials, they’re liable for negligent hiring.
Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)
Pre-trip and post-trip inspections are mandatory. Brake systems, tires, lighting—everything must be in working order. Records must be kept for 14 months. We routinely find that companies falsified these records or ignored known defects.
Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)
Specific rules govern how cargo must be tied down depending on weight and dimensions. Failure to follow these rules causes load shifts that lead to rollovers and spills.
Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382)
Trucking companies must conduct pre-employment, random, and post-accident drug testing. A positive test for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, or other substances creates automatic liability.
Who Can Be Held Liable? It’s More Than Just the Driver
One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is assuming only the truck driver is responsible. In commercial trucking cases, multiple parties often share liability—and multiple insurance policies may be available to compensate you.
The Truck Driver
For negligent driving, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. But often, the driver is just the tip of the iceberg.
The Trucking Company
Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ actions. Plus, trucking companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision. Did they check the driver’s record? Did they pressure him to violate hours of service to meet a deadline? We find out.
The Cargo Owner and Loading Company
If Walmart, Tyson, or another shipper loaded the truck improperly or overloaded it beyond safe weight limits, they share liability. We examine bills of lading and loading dock footage.
Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed shoddy brake work or signed off on inspections without actually checking the equipment can be held accountable.
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
When brake systems fail due to design defects or tires blow out due to manufacturing flaws, we pursue product liability claims against manufacturers.
Freight Brokers
These middlemen arrange transportation but don’t own the trucks. If they selected a carrier with a poor safety record to save money, they may be liable for negligent selection.
The Truck Owner
In owner-operator situations where the driver leases the truck, the owner may be liable for negligent entrustment or maintenance failures.
The Evidence That Wins Cases—And Why It Disappears Fast
Trucking companies know that evidence destroys their cases. That’s why they work so hard to hide it. But we know where to look, and we act fast to preserve it.
ECM and Black Box Data
Electronic Control Modules record speed, brake application, throttle position, and engine performance in the seconds before a crash. This data proves whether the driver was speeding or failed to brake.
ELD Records
These show exactly how long the driver had been operating—often revealing hours of service violations that prove fatigue.
Driver Qualification Files
Employment applications, driving records, medical certifications, and training records. When these files are incomplete, it proves the company didn’t vet the driver properly.
Maintenance and Inspection Records
These show whether the company knew about bad brakes or worn tires and chose to defer repairs anyway.
Cell Phone Records
Proving distraction by showing the driver was texting or talking at the moment of impact.
Dashcam and Surveillance Footage
Many trucks have forward-facing cameras. Nearby businesses along I-40 may have surveillance cameras that caught the crash.
GPS and Telematics Data
Shows the truck’s route and stops, which can prove the driver was rushing to meet an impossible schedule.
The trucking company has this data. They have lawyers protecting their interests. You need someone protecting yours. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
Catastrophic Injuries: The True Cost of Truck Accidents
When an 80,000-pound vehicle hits a 4,000-pound car, physics doesn’t favor the car. The injuries we see in Logan County truck cases are rarely minor. They change lives permanently.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
From concussions to severe brain damage, TBIs can affect memory, personality, and cognitive function. Our firm has secured settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims, depending on severity and long-term care needs.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The force of impact often damages vertebrae and spinal cords. Paraplegia and quadriplegia require lifetime care, home modifications, and loss of earning capacity. Settlements for these injuries range from $4.7 million to $25.8 million or more.
Amputations
Crush injuries from underride accidents or rollovers sometimes require surgical amputation. Prosthetics, rehabilitation, and vocational retraining add up. We’ve recovered between $1.9 million and $8.6 million for amputation victims.
Severe Burns
Fuel tank ruptures and hazmat spills cause thermal and chemical burns requiring skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.
Wrongful Death
When negligence takes a loved one, Arkansas law allows families to recover for lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. While no amount brings them back, financial security allows families to grieve without worrying about bills. Settlements typically range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million or higher depending on the deceased’s age and earning capacity.
The Insurance Battle: Why You Need a Fighter on Your Side
Trucking insurance companies employ teams of adjusters trained to minimize payouts. They use software like Colossus to generate lowball offers based on formulas, not your actual suffering. They’ll ask for recorded statements, then twist your words to imply you weren’t really hurt or were partially at fault.
Lupe Peña knows their playbook because he used to work for them. He knows the tactics: delay, deny, defend. He knows when they’re bluffing and when they know they owe real money. That insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating your settlement.
As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s how we treat you—because when you’re recovering from a truck accident, you need more than a lawyer. You need an advocate who cares about your future.
We don’t take every case. But when we take yours, we fight like family is at stake. Because for us, it is.
Frequently Asked Questions About Logan County Truck Accidents
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Arkansas?
Three years from the date of the accident for personal injury. Two years for wrongful death. But waiting is dangerous. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to preserve evidence.
What if I was partially at fault?
Arkansas uses modified comparative fault. You can recover as long as you’re 50% or less at fault, but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Don’t let the trucking company convince you you’re more at fault than you are—let us investigate.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking cases typically have higher values than car accidents because commercial policies are larger and injuries are more severe. We’ve recovered millions for clients with catastrophic injuries.
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your lawyer isn’t afraid of the courtroom. Ralph Manginello has the federal court experience and trial background to take your case all the way if needed.
Can I afford an attorney?
Yes. We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. As client Donald Wilcox found when other firms rejected his case, we see potential where others see problems. “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.”
What if the trucking company calls me?
Refer them to us. Don’t give recorded statements. Don’t sign anything. They want to pay you less than you deserve. Let us handle the communications.
Do you handle Spanish-speaking clients?
Sí. Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides direct representation in Spanish—no interpreters needed, no confusion, no added cost. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con un abogado que entiende su idioma.
Arkansas Weather and Truck Crashes: A Deadly Combination
Logan County drivers know that Arkansas weather changes fast. One day it’s clear; the next, ice covers the Ozark hills. Trucking companies have a duty to adjust for these conditions under 49 CFR § 392.14—they must use extreme caution when hazardous conditions exist. When they don’t, and they send drivers onto I-40 during ice storms, they’re responsible for the chain-reaction pileups that follow.
Spring brings tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. High winds affect high-profile vehicles, sometimes blowing them into other lanes. Reduced visibility from heavy rain creates dangerous conditions for trucks that need hundreds of feet to stop.
We investigate weather conditions at the time of your crash. Was the driver going too fast for conditions? Did the company delay the shipment until the storm passed? These questions matter.
The Investigation Process: How We Build Your Case
When you hire Attorney911, we immediately:
- Send spoliation letters to preserve ECM, ELD, and maintenance records
- Obtain the police report and interview witnesses
- Inspect the vehicles before they’re repaired or destroyed
- Subpoena the driver’s qualification file and employment history
- Analyze the trucking company’s CSA scores and past violations
- Consult with accident reconstruction experts
- Calculate your full damages, including future medical needs and lost earning capacity
This thorough approach is why client Ernest Cano said, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
We don’t miss details. We don’t cut corners. And we don’t let trucking companies hide their negligence.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Logan County Truck Accident?
Ralph Manginello brings 25 years of experience, federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas, and a track record of multi-million dollar results. He’s gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the Texas City Refinery litigation. Right now, he’s litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major university—showing the kind of complex, high-stakes cases we handle.
Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background means we know the other side’s strategy before they deploy it.
We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and we serve truck accident victims throughout Arkansas and beyond. Our 4.9-star Google rating from over 251 reviews reflects our commitment to client service.
Most importantly, we understand Logan County. We know the dangerous stretches of I-40. We know the local courts and how Arkansas juries think. We’re not some out-of-state firm that treats you like a case number. As Chad Harris said, “You are FAMILY to them.”
The Clock Is Ticking. Evidence Is Disappearing. Act Now.
Every day you wait, the trucking company is building their defense. They’re repairing their truck, coaching their driver, and hoping you’ll accept a lowball offer before you talk to us.
Don’t let them win. You have three years to file, but you only have days or weeks to preserve crucial evidence. That black box data? It can overwrite in 30 days. Those maintenance records? They tend to get “lost” once lawyers get involved.
You don’t pay unless we win. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by calling 1-888-ATTY-911 right now.
If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Logan County—Paris, Booneville, Ozark, or Charleston—you deserve an attorney who will fight for maximum compensation. You deserve Attorney911.
Call 1-888-288-9911 today. We’re available 24/7. We’ll answer your questions, evaluate your case for free, and if you hire us, we’ll start working immediately to protect your future.
Your family deserves justice. We’re here to deliver it. 1-888-ATTY-911.
Hablamos Español. Llame ahora al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con Lupe Peña sobre su accidente de camión en Logan County.
