If an 80,000-pound logging truck—or any commercial 18-wheeler—slammed into your sedan on the winding roads around Montgomery County, your life changed in an instant. You didn’t ask for this. You didn’t see it coming. And now you’re facing medical bills that climb higher than the Ouachitas while the trucking company sends their lawyers to protect their bottom line.
We’re Attorney911. We’ve spent over 25 years—since 1998—fighting for families across Arkansas and Texas who’ve been devastated by commercial trucking accidents. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings federal court experience and a track record that includes multi-million dollar recoveries for catastrophic injuries. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years defending insurance companies before joining our firm. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. When the trucking company hires their team within minutes of the crash, you need someone leveling the playing field immediately.
Don’t let evidence disappear. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. We’re available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Call now.
The Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Montgomery County
Montgomery County isn’t just another rural Arkansas county on the map—it’s a critical corridor for commercial freight moving through the Ouachita Mountains. When these massive rigs travel Arkansas Highway 8, Highway 270, or connect to the interstate system via I-30 or I-40, the risks multiply. An 18-wheeler weighs 20 times more than your passenger vehicle. At 65 mph, that rig needs nearly 525 feet to stop—almost the length of two football fields. Compare that to your car’s 300 feet. That gap is where catastrophic accidents happen.
Every year, over 5,000 Americans die in commercial truck crashes. The numbers for Arkansas tell a sobering story: with major carriers like J.B. Hunt operating out of nearby Lowell and ABF Freight based in Fort Smith, our state sees thousands of heavy commercial vehicles traversing mountain passes and rural highways daily. When those trucks reach Montgomery County—whether they’re heading to the timber operations in the Ouachita National Forest or hauling freight between Little Rock and Fort Smith—one moment of negligence becomes a life-changing disaster.
The physics are brutal. Force equals mass times acceleration. An 80,000-pound truck at highway speed carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a standard passenger car. When that energy transfers to your vehicle, the results are devastating.
And here’s what most people don’t know: the trucking company is already building their defense. They’ve dispatched rapid-response teams before the ambulance even leaves Montgomery County. They’re gathering evidence to protect themselves. Who’s gathering evidence to protect you?
Arkansas Law and Your Rights in Montgomery County
You have rights under Arkansas law—but the clock is already ticking. In Montgomery County and throughout Arkansas, you have three years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the limit is also three years. While that might seem like plenty of time, waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget what they saw, and black box data gets overwritten.
Arkansas follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar. This means you can recover damages as long as you’re not 50% or more at fault for the accident. If you’re found 30% responsible, your recovery is reduced by 30%. But if you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing. The trucking company knows this—they’ll try to push as much blame onto you as possible. That’s why having an attorney who understands Montgomery County roads, local traffic patterns, and Arkansas negligence law matters from day one.
Unlike some states, Arkansas does not cap non-economic damages like pain and suffering in standard personal injury cases. However, punitive damages—awarded when trucking companies act with gross negligence or willful misconduct—may face limitations depending on specific circumstances. When a trucking company knowingly puts a dangerous driver on the road or destroys evidence to cover up violations, we fight to hold them accountable.
The Federal Regulations That Protect You
Commercial trucking isn’t just regulated by Arkansas law—it’s governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These rules apply to every 18-wheeler on Montgomery County roads, and violations prove negligence.
49 CFR Part 391 establishes who can legally drive a commercial motor vehicle. Drivers must be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce, hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), pass regular medical examinations, and maintain a Driver Qualification File (DQ File). When trucking companies hire drivers without verifying these qualifications—or ignore red flags in their driving history—they commit negligent hiring.
49 CFR Part 395 governs Hours of Service (HOS). Property-carrying drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They can’t drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving, and can’t exceed 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days. These rules prevent fatigue-related crashes, which account for roughly 31% of fatal truck accidents. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated to track these hours—and they don’t lie.
49 CFR Part 393 covers vehicle safety and cargo securement. Cargo must be secured to withstand forces of 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g rearward, and 0.5g laterally. Braking systems must meet strict performance standards. Tread depth must be at least 4/32″ on steer tires and 2/32″ on others. When trucking companies skip inspections to save money, brake failures and tire blowouts happen.
49 CFR Part 392 establishes driving rules. No hand-held mobile phone use while driving. No texting. No speeding. No operating while fatigued or impaired. 49 CFR Part 396 requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of vehicles. Drivers must complete pre-trip inspections and document any defects.
When we take your Montgomery County case, we subpoena these records immediately. We demand ECM (Electronic Control Module) data, ELD logs, maintenance records, and the complete Driver Qualification File. We send spoliation letters within 24 hours to prevent the trucking company from destroying evidence.
The Devastating Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents
Not all truck accidents are the same. In Montgomery County—where State Highway 8 winds through mountainous terrain and connects to major freight corridors—certain accident types prove more common and more deadly.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, folding like a pocket knife. On the curves of Highway 270 or when a truck driver brakes suddenly on wet pavement near Lake Ouachita, the trailer can swing across multiple lanes, creating an impassable barrier. These accidents often result from:
- Improper braking on slick roads (common during Arkansas ice storms)
- Empty or lightly loaded trailers that lack traction
- Speeding around curves
- Brake system failures under 49 CFR § 393.48
Jackknife accidents frequently cause multi-vehicle pileups. When that trailer sweeps across your lane on a Montgomery County highway, there’s nowhere to go. Injuries include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord trauma, and crushing injuries.
Rollover Accidents
Arkansas’s mountain roads create perfect conditions for rollovers. An 18-wheeler’s high center of gravity combined with speed on curves—particularly on steep grades—causes the truck to tip. Cargo shifts, especially liquid cargo or improperly secured loads, dramatically increase rollover risk under 49 CFR § 393.100-136.
Rollovers are particularly dangerous on rural Montgomery County roads without guardrails. The 80,000-pound rig may crush smaller vehicles beneath it or spill hazardous cargo into the surrounding forest areas. These accidents cause catastrophic injuries: paralysis, amputations, severe burns if fuel ignites, and death.
Underride Collisions
Underrides occur when a passenger vehicle strikes the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. The top of the car often gets sheared off at windshield level. Despite 49 CFR § 393.86 requiring rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after 1998, these guards often fail at highway speeds. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated, making T-bone collisions with trucks particularly deadly.
When a truck makes a wide turn across Highway 8 or stops unexpectedly on I-30, smaller vehicles can slide underneath. These accidents cause decapitation, severe head and neck trauma, and almost always result in fatalities or catastrophic permanent injuries.
Rear-End Collisions
Trucks require 40% more stopping distance than cars. When a truck driver follows too closely on the interstate—or fails to account for stopped traffic near Montgomery County construction zones—the results are devastating. Under 49 CFR § 392.11, following too closely is a federal violation.
The impact forces can cause traumatic brain injuries from whiplash, spinal cord damage, and internal organ injuries when the seatbelt restraint causes tearing. We’ve seen cases where the truck pushed the passenger vehicle into other lanes, causing multi-car pileups.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
18-wheelers need enormous space to complete right turns. They often swing left before turning right, creating a gap that tempts drivers to pass. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle beside it. These accidents happen frequently in Montgomery County’s smaller towns where streets weren’t designed for modern commercial traffic.
Driver inexperience with trailer tracking, failure to use turn signals, and inadequate mirror checks under 49 CFR § 393.80 contribute to these crashes. Victims suffer crushing injuries, amputations, and being pinned between the truck and curbs or buildings.
Tire Blowout Accidents
Arkansas’s heat in summer and rough rural roads contribute to tire failures. Under 49 CFR § 393.75 and § 396.13, drivers must inspect tires daily and maintain proper tread depth. When underinflated tires overheat or worn tires fail at speed, the driver loses control. “Road gators”—shredded tire debris—send drivers swerving into adjacent lanes or off the road entirely.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems factor into approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Mountain driving on Highway 270 creates brake fade—overheated brakes that lose stopping power. Under 49 CFR § 396.17, trucks must pass comprehensive annual inspections. When companies defer maintenance to save money, brake systems fail on steep grades, leading to runaway trucks and catastrophic collisions at intersections.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. We dig deeper. In Montgomery County 18-wheeler accidents, up to ten different parties may share liability:
The Driver — For speeding, distracted driving, HOS violations, or impaired driving under 49 CFR § 392.3-5.
The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier — Under respondeat superior (vicarious liability) and for negligent hiring, training, or supervision. We investigate their CSA safety scores, previous violations, and whether they pressured the driver to violate federal regulations.
The Cargo Owner/Shipper — If they demanded overweight loading or failed to disclose hazardous materials.
The Loading Company — For improper cargo securement under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, unbalanced loads, or exceeding weight ratings.
The Truck/Trailer Manufacturer — For design defects in braking systems, stability control, or fuel tank placement.
The Parts Manufacturer — For defective brakes, tires, or steering components that failed.
The Maintenance Company — For negligent repairs or returning vehicles to service with known defects.
The Freight Broker — For negligent carrier selection—hiring a trucking company with a poor safety record or inadequate insurance.
The Truck Owner — If different from the carrier, for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain equipment.
Government Entities — If poor road design, inadequate signage, or lack of guardrails on Montgomery County highways contributed to the accident.
Every liable party represents another insurance policy. Federal law requires minimum liability coverage of $750,000 for general freight, $1 million for oil/large equipment, and $5 million for hazardous materials. When we identify multiple defendants, we access multiple insurance pools to maximize your recovery.
Critical Evidence Disappears Fast
You have 48 hours—maybe less. Trucking companies understand evidence preservation better than most law enforcement agencies. They have accident response teams on-call 24/7. Here’s what disappears:
- ECM/Black Box Data — Overwrites in as little as 30 days or with subsequent ignition cycles
- ELD Logs — Only required to be kept for 6 months
- Dashcam Footage — Often deleted within 7-14 days
- Driver Qualification Files — Must be kept for 3 years after termination, but critical documents get “lost”
- Maintenance Records — Required retention is only 1 year
- Cell Phone Records — Must be subpoenaed quickly
- Surveillance Video — Local businesses typically overwrite footage within 7-30 days
We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These formal legal demands put the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in court sanctions, adverse inference instructions (where the jury is told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable), or even default judgment.
Our team includes Lupe Peña, who previously defended insurance companies. He knows exactly how they try to hide or minimize evidence—and he knows how to stop them. That’s your advantage when you call 1-888-ATTY-911.
Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future
18-wheeler accidents don’t cause minor injuries. The force differential between an 80,000-pound truck and a 4,000-pound car guarantees catastrophic harm:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) — From concussions to severe brain damage. Symptoms include headaches, memory loss, personality changes, and cognitive deficits. Our firm has recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims, including a $5+ million settlement for a worker struck by falling timber—a case relevant to Montgomery County’s logging and forestry operations.
Spinal Cord Injury — Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia) from damaged vertebrae. Lifetime care costs range from $1.1 million to $5+ million. These cases often settle in the $4.7 million to $25.8 million range when negligence is clear.
Amputations — When crush injuries destroy limbs or necessitate surgical removal. We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims, including a $3.8 million settlement for a client who lost a limb following a car accident with medical complications.
Severe Burns — From fuel fires or hazmat spills. Third and fourth-degree burns require skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and leave permanent scarring.
Internal Organ Damage — Blunt force trauma damages livers, spleens, kidneys, and lungs. These injuries may not show symptoms immediately but can be life-threatening.
Wrongful Death — When negligence takes a loved one. Arkansas law allows recovery for lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. Our firm has secured $1.9 million to $9.5 million for wrongful death cases.
As client Glenda Walker told us after her case settled: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Trucking Insurance Reality Check
Don’t let the trucking company’s insurance adjuster fool you. They have teams trained to minimize your claim. They’ll offer quick settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries. They’ll blame you for the accident using Arkansas’s comparative negligence rules.
Federal regulations mandate that trucking companies carry substantial insurance precisely because these accidents cause catastrophic harm:
- $750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight
- $1,000,000 for oil and equipment transport
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage. But accessing those funds requires proving negligence under federal regulations and Arkansas law. That’s why experience matters.
Ralph Manginello has been admitted to practice in federal court (Southern District of Texas) since 1998. This federal admission is crucial for interstate trucking cases, which often involve federal jurisdiction. He’s gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 companies like BP during the Texas City Refinery litigation—a case involving 15 deaths and $2.1 billion in total industry settlements. He knows how to handle corporate defendants with deep pockets and aggressive defense teams.
Meanwhile, Lupe Peña brings his insider knowledge from working insurance defense. He knows the software they use to calculate your pain and suffering (often called Colossus or similar programs), and he knows how to counter their algorithms with real human suffering. When Lupe reviews your case, he’s not guessing at the insurance company’s strategy—he’s remembering his time on the other side.
As client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
What To Do After a Truck Accident in Montgomery County
If you’re able to move safely after a crash on Highway 8, Highway 270, or any Montgomery County road:
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Call 911 immediately — Report injuries and request police. The accident report becomes critical evidence.
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Seek medical attention — Even if you feel “fine,” adrenaline masks injuries. Internal bleeding, TBIs, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Montgomery County’s proximity to CHI St. Joseph Health – Hot Springs and other trauma centers means you can get evaluated quickly.
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Document everything — Use your phone to photograph:
- All vehicles (damage, license plates, DOT numbers)
- The truck driver’s CDL and insurance information
- Skid marks and debris
- Road conditions and weather
- Your visible injuries
- Witness contact information
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Don’t give statements — The trucking company’s insurer will call you within hours. Do not give recorded statements. Do not sign anything. They are trained to get you to say things that minimize your claim.
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Call Attorney911 immediately — The sooner we start, the more evidence we preserve. We answer 1-888-ATTY-911 24/7. Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters.
Why Attorney911 Wins for Montgomery County Families
We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients across our practice areas. But it’s not just about the money—it’s about holding negligent parties accountable when they destroy lives.
Ralph Manginello — Managing Partner, 25+ years experience, federal court admission, Trial Lawyers Achievement Association Million Dollar Member, involved in BP Texas City litigation ($2.1B disaster), currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity (filed November 2025), inducted into Cheshire Academy Hall of Fame (2021).
Lupe Peña — Associate Attorney, former insurance defense attorney, fluent Spanish, Texas Bar admission since 2012, federal court admission, third-generation Texan who understands the local trucking industry from the inside.
Our Results — TBI settlements ($1.5M-$9.8M), amputation ($1.9M-$8.6M), wrongful death ($1.9M-$9.5M), plus the $5+ million logging accident and $3.8 million amputation settlements referenced above.
Our Offices — While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we handle trucking accident cases throughout Arkansas and Texas. We understand Montgomery County’s unique challenges: the mix of rural highways and mountain terrain, the logging and forestry industries, and the specific dangers of Arkansas’s weather patterns.
Our Clients Love Us — 4.9 stars on Google with 251+ reviews. Client Mongo Slade said he “got a very nice settlement” after being rear-ended. Client Donald Wilcox noted that “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.”
And as client Angel Walle told us: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Montgomery County Truck Accidents
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Arkansas?
Three years from the accident date for personal injury and wrongful death claims. But don’t wait—evidence disappears within days.
What if the trucking company claims I was partially at fault?
Arkansas uses modified comparative negligence. If you’re less than 50% at fault, you recover, but your damages are reduced by your fault percentage. If you’re 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing. We investigate to prove the truck driver’s and company’s negligence.
Can I afford an attorney?
Yes. We work on contingency. You pay zero upfront costs. We advance all investigation expenses. You only pay if we win—our standard fee is 33.33% pre-trial or 40% if we go to trial. No recovery means no fee.
What if I don’t have health insurance?
We can help you get treatment under a Letter of Protection through your attorney-approved doctors. They treat you now and get paid when your case settles.
The insurance company offered me a settlement. Should I take it?
Never accept the first offer. Insurance companies always start low. They know many victims are desperate for cash while facing medical bills. We calculate your full damages—including future medical costs and lost earning capacity—before negotiating.
What if the driver was an independent contractor, not an employee?
We investigate the relationship. If the trucking company exercised control over the driver, they may still be liable. Additionally, owner-operators often carry separate insurance policies we can access.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases: 6-12 months. Complex litigation with multiple defendants: 1-3 years. Catastrophic injury cases requiring extensive medical treatment often take longer because we wait to understand your full prognosis before settling. We don’t rush—we maximize.
Do you handle cases in Montgomery County if your offices are in Texas?
Yes. Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, giving him broad jurisdictional capabilities. We handle trucking accident cases throughout the United States, including Arkansas. For Montgomery County cases, we offer remote consultations and travel when necessary. Our federal court experience means we can represent you regardless of state lines.
What if the trucking company is from out of state?
That actually helps your case. Interstate commerce falls under federal jurisdiction, and federal regulations (49 CFR) apply regardless of where the company is headquartered. We can sue them in federal court if necessary.
Can undocumented immigrants file claims?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation after a negligence accident. We represent all victims regardless of documentation status. Hablamos Español for our Montgomery County Hispanic community members.
The Montgomery County Advantage: Local Knowledge, National Experience
Montgomery County sits at a unique intersection of Arkansas’s natural beauty and commercial necessity. The timber trucks hauling from the Ouachita National Forest, the gravel trucks serving construction projects, and the long-haul freight connecting Little Rock to the western states all pass through our area.
We know these roads. We know that ice storms in December and January create black ice conditions on Highway 270. We know that logging trucks on Forest Service roads operate under different pressure schedules than interstate haulers. We know that Arkansas’s 50% comparative fault rule means trucking companies will try to blame everything from deer crossings to sudden stops on the curves near Lake Ouachita.
When you hire Attorney911, you’re not getting an out-of-state 800-number lawyer who doesn’t know Montgomery County from Manhattan. You’re getting a team that understands that your case isn’t just about federal regulations—it’s about justice for Arkansas families who’ve been hurt by corporate negligence.
Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years building a reputation for aggressive representation against corporate defendants. From the BP Texas City explosion to current litigation involving major universities and Fortune 500 companies, he’s proven that size doesn’t matter—we fight Goliath and win.
And with Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background, we know their playbook before they open it. They can’t hide evidence we know exists. They can’t lowball settlements we know undervalue your suffering. They can’t intimidate clients we’ve prepared for their tactics.
Your Fight Starts Now
Every hour you wait, the trucking company strengthens their defense. They’re downloading data, coaching their driver, and preparing to destroy anything that proves their negligence.
We’re here to stop them.
At Attorney911, you’re not a case number. As Chad Harris said, “You are FAMILY to them.” We take cases other firms reject. We solve cases in months that other lawyers drag out for years. We fight for every dime you deserve.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. Or 888-ATTY-911. Or (888) 288-9911. However you dial it, we’re standing by 24/7.
Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con Lupe Peña directamente.
Don’t let the trucking company win. Don’t let evidence disappear. Don’t let the statute of limitations expire.
Your family has been through enough. Let us handle the fight. Call today.
Attorney911 — The Firm Insurers Fear.
