18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Lonoke County, Arkansas

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything: Your Next Steps Matter

One moment you’re crossing I-40 on your way through Lonoke County, Arkansas. The next, an 18-wheeler veers across the centerline, or a fully loaded grain truck blows through a stop sign on US-67. The impact isn’t just metal on metal—it’s your life hitting a wall. Medical bills start piling up before you even leave the hospital in Little Rock. The trucking company already has lawyers on the phone. And somewhere on the hard drive of that truck’s Electronic Control Module, the data that proves what really happened is ticking down toward automatic deletion.

We’ve seen this story play out across Lonoke County—from the grain elevators near Carlisle to the distribution hubs along I-40, from the agricultural hauls on Highway 165 to the commercial freight moving through Cabot and Ward. When a commercial truck injures someone in Lonoke County, the victim isn’t just fighting the driver. They’re fighting a corporation with deep pockets, aggressive insurance adjusters, and a playbook designed to pay you as little as possible.

At Attorney911, we don’t let trucking companies push Lonoke County families around. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years fighting for injury victims since 1998, and our team includes Lupe Peña—a former insurance defense attorney who used to work for the very companies he’s now fighting against. That insider knowledge gives us an unfair advantage that we put to work for you. When an 18-wheeler crash turns your life upside down in Lonoke County, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a fighter who understands federal trucking regulations, Arkansas law, and the local roads where your accident happened.

Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. The evidence you need is disappearing right now.

The Lonoke County Trucking Landscape: Why These Accidents Happen

Lonoke County isn’t just another dot on the map for us. We know the specific dangers hiding in the agricultural corridors and interstate highways that crisscross this region. Interstate 40 runs like an artery through the county, connecting Little Rock to Memphis and beyond, carrying thousands of heavy trucks daily. Interstate 30 cuts through the southwest, feeding into the metro area, while US-67, US-64, and US-165 serve as vital commercial routes for agricultural shipping.

The Port of Little Rock sits just west of Lonoke County, making this area a critical juncture for freight transport. Grain trucks hauling soybeans, rice, and corn from Lonoke County fields share the road with long-haul semis carrying everything from building materials to hazardous cargo. This mix creates unique dangers—overweight agricultural loads, fatigued drivers pushing to meet delivery windows, and local farmers operating equipment that doesn’t always meet interstate safety standards.

Weather in Lonoke County adds another layer of risk. Those spring tornadoes that roll through central Arkansas don’t discriminate against truck drivers. Sudden thunderstorms on I-40 can transform roads into hydroplaning hazards in minutes. Winter ice storms—rare but devastating—can turn the overpasses near Cabot and Ward into deadly traps for trucks that haven’t properly maintained their brake systems.

Here’s what most people don’t realize: Trucking accidents in Lonoke County often involve complex federal regulations that override Arkansas state law. When that grain truck rolled through a stop sign on Highway 165, or when that interstate hauler jackknifed on I-40 near Carlisle, the driver and company may have violated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules. Proving those violations requires an attorney who knows 49 CFR Parts 390-399 inside and out—and who knows how to preserve the electronic evidence that proves it.

Arkansas Law: What You Must Know Before Time Runs Out

The Three-Year Rule

In Lonoke County, Arkansas, the clock starts ticking the moment the accident happens. You have three years from the date of your 18-wheeler accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Arkansas Code § 16-56-105. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is also three years from the date of death. That might sound like plenty of time, but waiting even a few months can destroy your case. Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data—the digital proof of whether that truck driver violated hours-of-service regulations—may be gone in six months. The Engine Control Module (ECM) data can be overwritten within 30 days. Witnesses forget details. Skid marks fade.

Don’t wait. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.

Modified Comparative Negligence: The 50% Rule

Arkansas follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar. Under Arkansas Code § 16-64-122, you can recover damages as long as you are not found 50% or more at fault. If you’re 49% responsible, you can still recover 51% of your damages. But if you’re 50% at fault or more, you recover nothing.

Trucking companies and their insurance adjusters know this rule. They’ll try to push blame onto you—claiming you were speeding on I-40, didn’t signal on Highway 67, or stopped too suddenly. That’s why we immediately dispatch investigators to Lonoke County accident scenes. We document everything before the trucking company’s team can spin the narrative.

Punitive Damages: When Corporations Act Recklessly

Unlike some states, Arkansas does not cap punitive damages in trucking accident cases. Under Arkansas law, if we can prove the trucking company acted with “malice” or a conscious indifference to the rights of others, you may be entitled to punitive damages. These aren’t just compensation for your injuries—they’re punishment for the company.

We’ve seen cases where Lonoke County trucking companies hired drivers with suspended CDLs, falsified maintenance records, or knowingly kept trucks with defective brakes on the road. When we find that level of misconduct, we pursue every penny. As client Glenda Walker told us after we handled her case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our commitment to every Lonoke County family we represent.

Federal Trucking Regulations: The Rules They Broke

Every commercial truck operating on Lonoke County roads must comply with federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These aren’t optional guidelines—they’re federal law designed to prevent exactly the kind of carnage we’ve seen on I-40. When truckers or companies violate these rules, they create liability that strengthens your case significantly.

Part 390: General Applicability and Definitions

Under 49 CFR § 390.3, these regulations apply to all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) operating in interstate commerce with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 10,001 pounds, vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, or vehicles hauling hazardous materials requiring placards. Most 18-wheelers on Lonoke County roads meet this definition, meaning they’re subject to federal oversight regardless of whether they’re hauling locally grown soybeans or cross-country freight.

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

This section governs who can legally operate a commercial truck. Under 49 CFR § 391.11, drivers must:

• Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce (18 for intrastate)
• Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) appropriate for the vehicle class
• Pass a physical examination and hold a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate
• Be able to read and speak English sufficiently
• Be disqualified from driving if they have certain medical conditions, criminal histories, or substance abuse issues

Why this matters for your Lonoke County case: Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver. These files contain employment applications, driving records, previous employer verifications, drug test results, and medical certifications. When we send spoliation letters immediately after you hire us, we demand these files. We’ve found cases where Lonoke County trucking companies hired drivers with multiple DUIs on their records or failed to verify their CDLs were valid. That’s negligent hiring, and it makes the company directly liable.

Part 392: Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

This section contains the operational rules that prevent accidents. Critical violations we look for include:

Ill or Fatigued Operation (§ 392.3): No driver shall operate a CMV while their ability or alertness is impaired through fatigue, illness, or any other cause. When a driver falls asleep at the wheel on I-40 near Lonoke, this is the regulation they’ve violated.

Drugs and Alcohol (§ 392.4, § 392.5): Drivers cannot use controlled substances or alcohol within four hours of duty. Random testing is required under Part 382.

Following Too Closely (§ 392.11): Drivers must maintain a following distance that’s “reasonable and prudent.” Given that an 80,000-pound truck needs nearly two football fields to stop from highway speed, tailgating on I-40 is a serious violation.

Mobile Phone Use (§ 392.82): Hand-held mobile telephone use while driving is prohibited. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distracted driving.

Part 393: Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation

This section covers equipment standards. Key areas for Lonoke County accidents:

Cargo Securement (§ 393.100-136): Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling. With the agricultural loads common in Lonoke County—grain, equipment, livestock feed—improper securement causes rollover accidents when cargo shifts unexpectedly. The regulations specify working load limits for tiedowns: aggregate working load limit must be at least 50% of cargo weight.

Brake Systems (§ 393.40-55): All CMVs must have properly functioning service brakes, parking brakes, and emergency brakes. Brake violations are the most common out-of-service defect found during roadside inspections.

Lighting (§ 393.11): Required lighting includes headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, clearance lights, and reflectors. Inadequate lighting on early morning agricultural hauls contributes to Lonoke County accidents.

Part 395: Hours of Service

This is where we find the smoking gun in many fatigue-related crashes. The rules are specific:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break: Mandatory break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Rule: No driving after 60 hours on duty in 7 days, or 70 hours in 8 days
• 34-Hour Restart: Drivers may reset the 60/70-hour clock with 34 consecutive hours off duty

Since December 18, 2017, most drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time. This data is objective proof of hours-of-service violations. But here’s the urgent part: ELD data can be overwritten or lost within months. That’s why we send preservation letters immediately upon taking your Lonoke County case.

Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Under § 396.3, motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles. Drivers must complete pre-trip inspections (§ 396.13) and post-trip reports (§ 396.11) covering brakes, steering, lighting, tires, and other critical systems.

When a truck’s brakes fail on the descent into Lonoke County from the higher elevations, or when a tire blowout causes a rollover on US-64, we examine maintenance records for deferred repairs. Companies often skip maintenance to save money—putting your family at risk.

How 18-Wheeler Accidents Happen in Lonoke County

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of I-40. These happen when drivers brake too hard on wet pavement—a real danger during Lonoke County’s spring thunderstorms—or when they encounter sudden traffic slowdowns near the Cabot exits. Empty trailers are particularly prone to jackknifing because they lack the weight to maintain traction.

The evidence: We download ECM data to prove the driver applied brakes improperly and examine maintenance records for brake system deficiencies under 49 CFR § 393.48.

Rollover Accidents

Given the agricultural nature of Lonoke County, rollover accidents are particularly common. Top-heavy grain trucks taking the curves on Highway 165 too fast, or tankers navigating the ramps on I-40, can easily roll. When liquid cargo sloshes—it changes the center of gravity suddenly, causing the truck to tip.

The evidence: We analyze cargo manifest weight distribution, examine loading company procedures, and review driver training on rollover prevention.

Underride Collisions

Among the most fatal accidents we see. When a car slides under the rear or side of a trailer, the top of the passenger compartment can be sheared off. Rear underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86 for trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, but side underride guards remain unregulated. Trucking companies often fail to maintain rear guards, or the guards are too weak to prevent intrusion.

The evidence: We inspect the underride guards for compliance, analyze deformation patterns, and review manufacturing specifications.

Rear-End Collisions

An 80,000-pound truck traveling 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—40% more than a passenger car. When truckers follow too closely on I-40 through Lonoke County, or when they’re distracted by cell phones or Qualcomm dispatch systems, they can’t stop in time.

The evidence: ECM data reveals following distance and brake timing. Cell phone records prove distraction. ELD data shows if the driver was fatigued from hours-of-service violations.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks swinging wide to make right turns in downtown Lonoke, Carlisle, or Ward can trap passenger vehicles in the “squeeze play.” The truck swings left to navigate the turn, creating a gap that drivers enter, only to be crushed when the truck completes its maneuver.

The evidence: We examine turn signal activation data, mirror adjustment records, and intersection surveillance footage.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zones”)

18-wheelers have massive blind spots: 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and significant zones on both sides—especially the right side. When truckers change lanes on I-40 or I-30 through Lonoke County without properly checking mirrors, they sideswipe vehicles or force them off the road.

The evidence: We review mirror condition and adjustment specifications under 49 CFR § 393.80, and analyze telematics data for sudden lane changes.

Tire Blowout Accidents

The heat of Arkansas summers and the heavy loads on US-67 cause tire failures. When a steer tire blows at highway speed, the driver loses immediate control. “Road gators”—shredded tire treads—create hazards for following vehicles.

The evidence: We examine tire maintenance records, inflation logs, and the failed tire itself for manufacturing defects or improper matching on dual wheels (49 CFR § 393.75).

Brake Failure Accidents

Poorly maintained brake systems cause 29% of large truck crashes. When a truck descends the grades near Lonoke County with overheated brakes—or “brake fade”—the driver cannot stop. Complete brake failure often results from systematic maintenance neglect.

The evidence: We subpoena maintenance records, out-of-service inspection histories, and post-trip inspection reports that may have flagged defects the company ignored.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

Improperly secured agricultural loads—whether grain, equipment, or pallets—can shift during transit, causing rollovers, or spill onto the roadway, creating multi-vehicle pileups. Federal regulations under Part 393 specify exactly how cargo must be secured based on weight and type.

The evidence: We secure the cargo securement documentation, bills of lading, and loading company procedures.

Every Party Who May Owe You Money

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents in Lonoke County often involve multiple liable parties. More defendants mean more insurance coverage. We investigate every potential source of recovery:

The Truck Driver: Personally liable for negligent operation—speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier): Vicariously liable under respondeat superior for their employee’s negligence. Directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance. Companies operating in Lonoke County often carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage.

The Cargo Owner/Shipper: Responsible if they demanded overweight loading, provided improper instructions, or failed to disclose hazardous materials.

The Loading Company: Third-party loaders who failed to secure cargo properly under FMCSA regulations.

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers: Liable for design defects in brake systems, stability control, or fuel tank placement.

Parts Manufacturers: Companies that produced defective tires, brake components, or steering mechanisms.

Maintenance Companies: Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or failed to identify safety issues during inspections.

Freight Brokers: Companies who arranged shipping but negligently selected carriers with poor safety records.

Truck Owner: In owner-operator arrangements, the owner may be liable for negligent entrustment or maintenance failures.

Government Entities: Arkansas Department of Transportation or Lonoke County may bear responsibility for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or poor maintenance that contributed to the accident.

The 48-Hour Evidence Emergency

Critical timeline fact: Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage may be deleted within 7-14 days. Surveillance video from nearby businesses typically overwrites within 30 days. Witness memories fade. The truck itself may be repaired, sold, or destroyed.

When you hire Attorney911 for your Lonoke County trucking accident, we act immediately:

1. Spoliation Letters: Sent within 24 hours to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties, legally compelling them to preserve evidence.

2. Electronic Data Preservation: We demand immediate download of ECM/EDR data, ELD logs, GPS tracking, and telematics before automatic overwrite protocols erase it.

3. Physical Evidence: We photograph the accident scene, vehicles, and injuries; measure skid marks; and secure debris before it disappears.

4. Witness Interviews: We locate and interview witnesses while memories are fresh, before trucking company investigators can influence their statements.

5. Federal Records: We obtain the carrier’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores and inspection histories from FMCSA databases.

The trucking company already has their rapid-response team working to minimize their liability. What are you doing to protect your rights?

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future

The physics of an 18-wheeler collision—80,000 pounds against 4,000 pounds—creates catastrophic injuries that change lives forever. In Lonoke County emergency rooms and at UAMS in Little Rock, we see the same devastating patterns:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From concussions to severe brain damage causing permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, and loss of independence. These cases often require lifetime care costing millions.

Spinal Cord Injuries: Paraplegia and quadriplegia from crushed vertebrae. The lifetime cost of a spinal injury can exceed $5 million in medical care alone.

Amputations: When the passenger compartment crumples or when victims are trapped requiring extraction, limbs may be severed or damaged beyond repair.

Severe Burns: Fuel fires and hazmat spills cause third-degree burns requiring multiple skin grafts, reconstruction, and leaving permanent disfigurement.

Internal Organ Damage: Blunt force trauma damages livers, spleens, kidneys, and lungs—often requiring emergency surgery and causing lifelong complications.

Wrongful Death: When negligence takes a loved one, surviving family members face not just grief, but financial devastation. Arkansas law allows recovery for lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses.

Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims of catastrophic injuries. Ralph Manginello’s experience includes a $5+ million settlement for a traumatic brain injury victim and a $3.8+ million recovery for an amputation case. We don’t just know the medical terminology—we know the human cost because we’ve walked alongside Lonoke County families through these devastating injuries.

Insurance Reality: Why Trucking Cases Settle Higher

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry substantial liability insurance:

• $750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight over 10,001 lbs
• $1,000,000 for oil, petroleum, and large equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

This coverage dwarfs the $30,000 minimums typical in Arkansas car accidents. But accessing these policies requires attorneys who understand commercial trucking law and who aren’t afraid to take cases to trial.

Nuclear verdicts—awards exceeding $10 million—are becoming common in trucking litigation. In 2024, a Missouri jury awarded $462 million in an underride case. A Florida jury hit a trucking company with $1 billion in damages for negligent hiring. While every case differs, these verdicts show juries will hold trucking companies accountable for putting profit over safety.

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to defend insurance companies—now he uses that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery. He knows exactly how adjusters evaluate claims, where they hide coverage, and when they’re bluffing about their “final offer.”

Frequently Asked Questions: Lonoke County 18-Wheeler Accidents

What should I do immediately after a truck accident on I-40 in Lonoke County?

Call 911, seek medical attention immediately, photograph everything including the truck’s DOT number, get witness information, and call Attorney911 before speaking to any insurance adjuster. Evidence disappears fast on interstate corridors.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Lonoke County?

Arkansas gives you three years from the accident date, but waiting risks losing critical electronic evidence. ELD data may be gone in six months; ECM data in 30 days.

What if the truck driver claims I was at fault for the accident near Cabot?

Arkansas uses modified comparative negligence. As long as you’re less than 50% at fault, you can recover. We use ECM data and accident reconstruction to prove the truck driver’s negligence caused the crash.

Can I sue the trucking company if the driver was an independent contractor?

Often yes. We examine lease agreements, company control over operations, and whether the company negligently supervised or hired the driver. Many “independent contractors” are actually employees under federal law.

What is an Electronic Logging Device (ELD) and why does it matter?

ELDs automatically record driving hours to prevent fatigue violations. This data proves whether the driver violated hours-of-service regulations—a key factor in many I-40 accidents.

How much is my Lonoke County trucking accident case worth?

Values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and insurance limits. With Arkansas’s punitive damages rules and high trucking insurance minimums, catastrophic injury cases often reach seven figures.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident on Highway 67?

Under Arkansas Code § 16-64-122, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover if you’re 49% or less responsible. Never admit fault at the scene—let us investigate.

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Lonoke County?

Arkansas law allows the personal representative of the deceased’s estate to file. Damages go to surviving spouses, children, parents, or siblings depending on the circumstances.

Will my case go to trial?

Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your attorney will take them to court. We’re admitted to the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas federal courts if jurisdiction requires.

How do I pay for a lawyer?

We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all investigation costs. No recovery means no fee.

What if the trucking company destroys evidence?

We send spoliation letters immediately. If evidence is destroyed after notice, courts can instruct juries to assume the evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company, or impose sanctions.

Can undocumented immigrants file claims for Lonoke County truck accidents?

Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to recover compensation for injuries caused by negligence. We represent all Lonoke County residents regardless of status.

What if the truck was hauling agricultural products from Lonoke County farms?

Cargo loading companies may share liability if improper loading caused the accident. We examine bills of lading, loading procedures, and weight distribution.

How do weather conditions affect my case?

Arkansas law requires drivers to adjust for conditions. A trucker driving too fast for rain on I-40 or failing to clear ice from mirrors in winter is negligent regardless of the speed limit.

What if the truck had a tire blowout?

We examine tire maintenance records, inflation logs, and the failed tire for manufacturing defects. Trucking companies must maintain tires per 49 CFR § 393.75.

Can I recover for PTSD after a truck accident?

Yes. Arkansas recognizes mental ang damages including PTSD, anxiety, and depression resulting from traumatic accidents. Document these conditions with medical providers.

What happens if the trucking company files bankruptcy?

Insurance coverage remains even if the company files bankruptcy. We also pursue other liable parties—brokers, shippers, maintenance companies—who may have deeper pockets.

How do I choose the right attorney for my Lonoke County case?

Look for federal trucking experience, knowledge of Arkansas’s specific laws, and a track record of multi-million dollar results. Ask if they’ve handled cases involving the specific interstates and roads where your accident occurred.

What is respondeat superior and how does it help my case?

It’s the legal doctrine that makes employers liable for their employees’ negligence. When a Lonoke County truck driver causes a crash during their employment, the company—with deeper insurance—is responsible.

Can I sue for loss of consortium if my spouse was injured?

Yes. Arkansas recognizes claims for loss of companionship, affection, and services when a spouse suffers serious injury.

What if the accident involved hazardous materials spilled on Lonoke County roads?

Hazmat carriers carry $5 million minimum insurance. We work with environmental experts to document exposure-related injuries and pursue punitive damages for reckless handling.

How quickly will my case resolve?

Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex litigation involving catastrophic injuries or multiple defendants may take 18-36 months. We balance speed with maximizing your recovery.

Your Fight Starts With One Call

An 18-wheeler accident in Lonoke County isn’t just a traffic ticket or a fender-bender. It’s a catastrophic event that can leave you with permanent injuries, crushing medical debt, and an uncertain future. The trucking company already has lawyers working to minimize what they pay you. You deserve the same level of representation fighting for you.

At Attorney911, Ralph Manginello brings 25+ years of experience, federal court admission, and a history of multi-million dollar recoveries. Lupe Peña brings insider knowledge from his years defending insurance companies. Together, we’ve recovered over $50 million for families across Arkansas and Texas.

We know Lonoke County. We know the interstates, the agricultural trucking risks, the local courts, and the federal regulations that govern commercial vehicles. When you hire us, you become family—not just another case number. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing right now.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) 24/7 for a free consultation.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con Lupe Peña.

Attorney911 serves trucking accident victims throughout Lonoke County, including Cabot, Ward, Lonoke, Carlisle, Austin, England, and all surrounding areas.