18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Phillips County, Arkansas

When a Truck Changes Everything on an Eastern Arkansas Highway

80,000 pounds of steel and cargo against your 4,000-pound vehicle isn’t a fair fight. On the highways and Delta roads around Phillips County, one moment you’re driving home, and the next, your life is forever altered by a commercial truck that crossed the centerline, ran a red light, or jackknifed across I-40.

Every year, thousands of Arkansas families face the devastating aftermath of 18-wheeler accidents. In Phillips County, where agricultural trucks haul soybeans and cotton across the Delta, where the Port of Helena-West Helena brings heavy freight traffic along the Mississippi River, and where Interstate 40 carries cross-country commercial vehicles through our communities, the risk is real and the consequences are catastrophic.

You didn’t ask for this. You didn’t ask for the hospital bills, the missed work, or the pain that wakes you up at night. But here you are, searching for answers while the trucking company that caused your injuries has already called their lawyers. They’re building their defense right now. They’re downloading black box data, coaching drivers, and looking for ways to pay you as little as possible.

At Attorney911, we don’t let them get away with it.

Why Phillips County Truck Accidents Require Immediate Action

The Arkansas Delta has unique dangers when it comes to commercial trucking. Phillips County sits at the crossroads of agricultural production and interstate commerce. You have massive combines and cotton modules sharing roads with interstate trucks hauling freight between Memphis and Little Rock. You have US-49 running north-south through Helena-West Helena, carrying port traffic from the Mississippi River. You have rural county roads designed for light traffic suddenly flooded with 80,000-pound tankers and grain haulers.

The physics are unforgiving. When a fully loaded semi-truck hits a passenger vehicle at highway speed, the force is roughly equivalent to dropping two elephants onto your car. The injuries aren’t just broken bones—they’re traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and often, wrongful death.

In Phillips County and across Arkansas, you have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That seems like plenty of time, but here’s the reality: evidence disappears in days, not years.

Electronic Control Module (ECM) data—your truck’s “black box”—can overwrite in as little as 30 days. Driver logbooks get “lost.” Maintenance records are “misplaced.” Witnesses move away or memories fade. The trucking company sends a rapid-response team to the scene within hours, sometimes before the ambulance even leaves.

That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of taking your case. We demand preservation of every scrap of evidence: ECM data, Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records, driver qualification files, maintenance logs, and drug test results. We know their playbook because we used to write it.

The Attorney911 Advantage: Real Experience, Real Results

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. For over 25 years, he’s taken on trucking companies and won. He’s admitted to federal court—the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas—and he’s litigated against Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the Texas City explosion case. He’s recovered more than $50 million for families devastated by catastrophic accidents across the South.

When Ralph handles a case, he brings federal court experience that matters in interstate trucking cases. Commercial vehicles crossing state lines often involve federal regulations, federal court jurisdiction, and defendants with resources to fight. You need an attorney who isn’t intimidated by corporate giants, who knows how to navigate the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations codified in 49 CFR Parts 390-399.

But here’s what really sets us apart: our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who worked for the trucking companies’ insurers.

Lupe Peña spent years defending commercial truck insurance companies. He knows exactly how they evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and deny valid claims using technicalities. Now he fights against them. That’s your advantage. When the insurance adjuster tries to tell you your case is only worth $15,000 because you had a “pre-existing condition,” Lupe knows that’s a tactic, not truth.

We’ve seen what trucking companies do after an accident in Phillips County, Arkansas, and throughout the Delta. We’ve seen them destroy evidence, falsify logbooks, and pressure drivers to lie. We know how to stop them.

The $50 Million Question: Do Commercial Truckers Really Have That Much Insurance?

Yes. And you need an attorney who knows how to access it.

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage for commercial trucks:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight over 10,001 pounds
• $1,000,000 for trucks transporting oil or equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials or passenger transport

Most major trucking carriers carry $1 million to $5 million in coverage. That’s 20 to 50 times more than the average car insurance policy. But here’s the catch: they won’t offer it to you without a fight. They have teams of lawyers whose sole job is to protect that money from people like you.

We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: $1.5 million to $9.8 million range
• Spinal Cord Injuries: $4.7 million to $25.8 million range
• Amputations: $1.9 million to $8.6 million range
• Wrongful Death: $1.9 million to $9.5 million range

In one case, we secured over $5 million for a worker who suffered a traumatic brain injury when struck by a falling log. We recovered $3.8 million for a client who lost a limb after a car accident led to medical complications. We’ve taken on Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Coca-Cola, and major oil companies—and we’ve made them pay.

As our client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” Donald Wilcox put it simply: “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.” Chad Harris told us, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Every 16 Minutes, Someone Gets Hurt

Nationwide, someone is injured in a commercial truck crash every 16 minutes. Over 5,000 people die annually in these accidents, and 76% of those deaths are occupants of the smaller vehicle—the car, SUV, or pickup truck that never had a chance against 80,000 pounds of steel.

In Phillips County, the combination of interstate traffic on I-40, agricultural trucking on rural routes, and port traffic from the Mississippi River creates a perfect storm for serious accidents. The Arkansas Delta’s narrow two-lane roads weren’t designed for today’s massive commercial vehicles. When an 18-wheeler meets a passenger car on a foggy morning along US-79, or when a fatigue-logged driver drifts across the centerline on AR-1, catastrophe follows.

The trucking industry knows these risks. They know that drivers pushing past the 11-hour federal driving limit cause accidents. They know that worn brakes cause 29% of truck crashes. They know that improperly secured cargo shifts and causes rollovers. Yet they continue to prioritize profits over safety, putting deadly vehicles on Phillips County roads.

What Makes Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?

If you’ve only handled a fender-bender before, you need to understand: trucking accidents are a different species entirely.

First, the regulations are federal. The FMCSA sets strict rules under 49 CFR Parts 390-399 governing everything from driver qualifications to brake maintenance to hours of service. Violate these rules, and the trucking company is negligent as a matter of law.

Second, the liable parties are numerous. It’s not just the driver. It’s the motor carrier who hired him, the broker who arranged the load, the maintenance company who failed to inspect the brakes, the loading company who overloaded the trailer, the manufacturer who installed defective tires, and the cargo owner who demanded impossible delivery schedules.

Third, the evidence is technical. We subpoena ELD data showing whether the driver violated the 11-hour driving limit or the 14-hour duty window. We analyze ECM data to prove the truck was speeding or that the driver didn’t brake until it was too late. We examine Driver Qualification Files to prove negligent hiring.

Fourth, the injuries are catastrophic. We’re not talking about whiplash and bruises. We’re talking about traumatic brain injuries where you may never work again, spinal cord injuries resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia, amputations requiring prosthetics and lifetime care, and wrongful death leaving families without a breadwinner.

The 13 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We See in Phillips County

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, forming a “V” shape like a folding pocket knife. On I-40 near West Helena, or when a truck driver hits brakes too hard on the wet pavement of US-49 during a Delta rainstorm, the trailer can sweep across all lanes, collecting multiple vehicles in its path.

Jackknives often result from sudden braking on slick surfaces, speeding through curves, or empty trailers that lack the weight to maintain traction. Under 49 CFR § 393.48, trucking companies must maintain brake systems to prevent lockup. When they fail, and a jackknife blocks the highway outside Phillips County, the results are devastating.

Rollover Accidents

Arkansas’s agricultural economy means heavy loads. When a grain hauler takes a turn too fast on AR-1 or US-79, or when liquid cargo “sloshes” and shifts the center of gravity, 80,000 pounds of truck can flip onto its side. Approximately 50% of rollovers result from failure to adjust speed on curves—the kind of curves common on rural Phillips County roads.

Rollovers crush vehicles beneath them and spill hazardous cargo onto roadways. We investigate the cargo manifest, the securement methods under 49 CFR § 393.100, and whether the driver was properly trained for the load.

Underride Collisions

Perhaps the most horrific truck accidents involve underride, where a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer from the side or rear. The trailer height often shears off the roof of the car at windshield level, resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head trauma.

While federal law requires rear underride guards (49 CFR § 393.86) on trailers manufactured after 1998, there is no federal requirement for side underride guards. When a truck changes lanes on I-40 without checking its blind spot, or when a truck makes a wide turn on US-49 through Helena, underride accidents kill. We pursue claims against the trucking company, the trailer manufacturer, and the cargo loader when these avoidable tragedies occur.

Rear-End Collisions

An 18-wheeler requires 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—nearly two football fields. When a truck driver follows too closely on I-40, or when he’s fatigued from violating the 11-hour driving limit under 49 CFR § 395.8, and traffic slows unexpectedly near the Port of Helena-West Helena, the result is a rear-end collision that crushes smaller vehicles.

These accidents often involve violations of 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely) and 49 CFR § 392.3 (operating while fatigued). We download the ELD data to prove the driver was pushing past federal limits.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Truck drivers must swing wide to make right turns, creating a gap that smaller vehicles enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle against the curb. In downtown Helena-West Helena, where narrow streets meet heavy port traffic, these accidents endanger pedestrians and motorists alike.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone” Crashes)

18-wheelers have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and significant areas on both sides, especially the right side. When a truck changes lanes on I-40 without proper mirror checks, violating 49 CFR § 392.82 (mobile phone use) or simply failing to see the vehicle, the result is a sideswipe or crush accident.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Arkansas’s hot summers and agricultural road debris create perfect conditions for tire failures. When a steer tire blows at highway speed, the driver loses control instantly. “Road gators”—shreds of tire rubber—litter Phillips County highways, causing secondary accidents when cars swerve. Under 49 CFR § 393.75, tires must have minimum tread depth (4/32″ for steer tires). We examine maintenance records to prove the company knew the tires were unsafe.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems factor in 29% of truck crashes. In the Arkansas Delta, where long descents from the river bluffs stress brake systems, overheating and brake fade cause accidents. 49 CFR § 396.3 requires systematic maintenance. When trucking companies defer brake repairs to save money, they kill people.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

Phillips County is agricultural country. When cotton modules aren’t properly secured under 49 CFR § 393.100, or when grain shifts during transport, trailers overturn or spill cargo across US-79, creating multi-car pileups and secondary collisions. We hold the loader, the shipper, and the trucking company accountable.

Head-On Collisions

When a fatigued driver crosses the centerline on a rural Phillips County road, or when a truck enters the wrong lane to pass on a two-lane highway, head-on collisions result. The closing speed often exceeds 120 mph. These are almost always fatal or result in catastrophic spinal cord injuries.

T-Bone Accidents

Intersections in Helena-West Helena and along US-49 see T-bone accidents when trucks run red lights or stop signs. The side-impact crumple zone of a passenger vehicle offers little protection against 80,000 pounds.

Override Accidents

When a truck fails to stop and drives over a smaller vehicle in front, the smaller vehicle is crushed or dragged. These often occur in traffic backups on I-40 when the driver is distracted or following too closely.

Runaway Truck Accidents

Though less common in the flat Delta, the bluffs near the Mississippi River create grades where brake failure leads to runaway trucks. Drivers must use runaway ramps and proper braking technique. Inexperience costs lives.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Phillips County Truck Accident?

Most law firms sue the driver and the trucking company and call it a day. We investigate every possible defendant because more defendants mean more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.

1. The Truck Driver

The individual operator is liable for negligent driving: speeding, distracted driving, fatigued driving, impaired driving, or violating traffic laws. We obtain cell phone records to prove distraction, ELD data to prove fatigue, and drug test results to prove impairment under 49 CFR § 382.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. Additionally, we pursue claims for:

• Negligent Hiring: Did they check the driver’s CDL status and driving record?
• Negligent Training: Did they train the driver on Arkansas’s agricultural hauling requirements and federal HOS rules?
• Negligent Supervision: Did they monitor ELD compliance or ignore safety violations?
• Negligent Maintenance: Did they skip brake inspections required by 49 CFR § 396?

We subpoena the Driver Qualification File under 49 CFR § 391.51, which must include employment history, driving records, medical certifications, and drug test results.

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

In Phillips County’s agricultural economy, farmers and agricultural businesses ship goods. If they demanded overloaded trailers, impossible delivery schedules that forced HOS violations, or failed to disclose hazardous cargo, they share liability.

4. The Loading Company

Third-party loaders who improperly secured cotton modules, soybeans, or equipment may be liable for cargo shift accidents under 49 CFR § 393.100-136. We examine the bill of lading and loading procedures.

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Defective brakes, steering systems, or underride guards that fail during impact create product liability claims against manufacturers. We preserve failed components for expert analysis.

6. Parts Manufacturers

Defective tires, brake components, or coupling devices that cause accidents create liability for the specific parts maker.

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who negligently repaired brakes or certified unsafe vehicles under 49 CFR § 396 share liability for resulting crashes.

8. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own the trucks may be liable for negligent selection—hiring carriers with poor safety ratings or inadequate insurance. We check the broker’s due diligence under the MAP-21 regulations.

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the lease agreement determines responsibility, but both parties may be liable for negligent entrustment or maintenance failures.

10. Government Entities

When I-40 or state highways in Phillips County have dangerous designs, inadequate signage, or poor maintenance that contributed to the accident, we pursue claims against the Arkansas Department of Transportation. While sovereign immunity applies, we navigate the strict notice requirements under Arkansas law.

Catastrophic Injuries: What You’re Really Facing

The settlement ranges aren’t just numbers—they represent the lifetime cost of someone’s negligence.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the skull during the violent forces of a truck collision. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, headaches, cognitive deficits, and emotional disturbances. Moderate to severe TBI cases settle between $1.5 million and $9.8 million because they require lifetime care, lost earning capacity, and permanent disability.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Paralysis—whether paraplegia (loss of legs) or quadriplegia (loss of all limbs)—requires wheelchairs, home modifications, personal care attendants, and ongoing medical treatment. These cases command $4.7 million to $25.8 million due to the astronomical lifetime care costs.

Amputations

When crush injuries from an 18-wheeler require limb removal, the victim faces prosthetics ($5,000 to $50,000 per device), replacement every few years, physical therapy, and vocational rehabilitation. These cases range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.

Severe Burns

Fuel fires and hazmat spills cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and permanent disfigurement. Compensation depends on the percentage of body burned and location (facial burns command higher awards).

Wrongful Death

When a truck accident kills a spouse, parent, or child in Phillips County, Arkansas law allows recovery for lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. While Arkansas uses a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar, meaning you cannot recover if you’re found 50% or more at fault, families typically recover between $1.9 million and $9.5 million in wrongful death cases involving commercial vehicles.

Arkansas Law: What You Need to Know

The Statute of Limitations

In Phillips County, Arkansas, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death, the clock starts on the date of death, which may differ from the accident date.

Three years seems generous compared to Louisiana’s one-year limit, but evidence doesn’t wait three years. We need to act within 48 hours to preserve ELD data, within 7 days to secure witness statements, and within 30 days to prevent black box data from being overwritten.

Comparative Negligence

Arkansas follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar (Arkansas Code §16-64-122). This means:

• If you are less than 50% at fault, you recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault.
• If you are 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

The trucking companies know this. They’ll claim you were speeding, or you didn’t signal, or you were on your phone. We gather ECM data, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction evidence to prove the truck driver was the primary cause.

Damage Caps

Unlike some states, Arkansas does not cap compensatory damages for personal injury cases. However, punitive damages are capped at the greater of $1 million or the defendant’s net worth. Punitive damages require proving “malice or wanton conduct”—like knowingly hiring a driver with a history of DUI, or falsifying maintenance records to save money.

The FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence

Federal regulations under 49 CFR Parts 390-399 create standards that, when violated, prove negligence automatically.

Part 391 requires drivers to be at least 21 years old (interstate), speak English, pass medical exams, and possess a valid CDL. The Driver Qualification File must contain these records.

Part 392 prohibits fatigued driving (§ 392.3), drug use (§ 392.4), alcohol within 4 hours of duty (§ 392.5), and hand-held mobile phone use while driving (§ 392.82).

Part 393 mandates proper cargo securement (§§ 393.100-136), adequate brakes (§ 393.40-55), and functional lighting (§ 393.11).

Part 395 limits drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, prohibits driving after the 14th consecutive hour on duty, and requires a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours driving. The 70-hour weekly limit prevents cumulative fatigue.

Part 396 requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance, including annual inspections and pre-trip and post-trip driver reports.

When trucking companies violate these rules—which we prove through ELD data, maintenance records, and driver logs—they are liable for the resulting harm.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

You have 48 hours to secure the evidence that wins your case. After that, the trucking company’s advantage grows exponentially.

What disappears:

• ECM/Black Box Data: 30 days or less
• ELD Logs: 6 months (but we demand preservation immediately)
• Dashcam Footage: 7-14 days
• Surveillance Video from Nearby Businesses: 7-30 days
• Witness Memories: Days and weeks

We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained, putting the trucking company and their insurer on notice that destroying evidence will result in sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or default judgment.

We also photograph the accident scene before skid marks fade, secure the truck before it’s repaired or sold, and download ELD data before it can be “lost.”

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Phillips County

If you’re reading this from a hospital room in Helena-West Helena or from your kitchen table in Marvell while recovering from a Phillips County truck accident:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Internal injuries and TBI don’t always show immediate symptoms. Get checked at a Phillips County hospital or medical center immediately.

2. Don’t Talk to Insurance: The trucking company’s insurer will call you within hours. They want a recorded statement they can use against you. Refer them to your attorney.

3. Document Everything: If you’re able, photograph the scene, trucks, your injuries, and any witnesses. Write down everything you remember.

4. Preserve Evidence: Don’t let your vehicle be repaired or totaled without photographing the damage, which proves the force of impact.

5. Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re available 24/7. We’ll travel to Phillips County to meet you.

Frequently Asked Questions for Phillips County Truck Accident Victims

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Phillips County, Arkansas?

Arkansas gives you three years from the date of the accident. But evidence disappears in days, not years. Call us immediately.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Arkansas uses comparative negligence. If you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover, but your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. We fight to prove the truck driver was 100% responsible.

Who can be sued after a trucking accident?

The driver, the trucking company, the cargo owner, the loading company, the maintenance facility, the broker, and sometimes the manufacturer of defective parts. We investigate all potential defendants.

How much is my case worth?

It depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Trucking accidents involving commercial carriers typically have $750,000 to $5 million in insurance coverage available.

Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company offered me a settlement?

Absolutely. Initial offers are lowball tactics designed to get you to sign away your rights before you know the full extent of your injuries. We’ve seen $5,000 offers on cases worth $500,000.

What if the truck driver was from out of state?

Federal regulations apply nationwide, and we’re admitted to federal court. We can pursue drivers and carriers regardless of where they’re headquartered.

Can I sue if my loved one died in a trucking accident?

Yes. Arkansas law allows wrongful death claims for spouses, children, and parents. We pursue compensation for lost income, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses.

What if the trucking company destroyed evidence?

We seek spoliation sanctions, which can include adverse jury instructions (the jury is told to assume the destroyed evidence would have hurt the trucking company) or default judgment (we win automatically).

How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, plus we advance all costs.

Can undocumented immigrants file personal injury claims in Arkansas?

Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. Hablamos Español.

What if the accident happened on a rural road outside Helena-West Helena?

We handle accidents throughout Phillips County and Arkansas. Rural roads often lack guardrails and lighting, which can be factors in liability if the road design contributed to the accident.

How do I pay for medical treatment while my case is pending?

We work with medical providers who treat on a “letter of protection” basis—you pay them from your settlement. We also help you understand your health insurance and MedPay options.

What if the truck was carrying hazardous materials from the port?

Hazmat trucks must carry $5 million in insurance. If you were exposed to chemicals or if the cargo contributed to the accident, we pursue the shipper and carrier for the enhanced damages.

Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Today

The trucking company has lawyers. They have investigators. They have insurance adjusters working to minimize your claim. Right now, they’re downloading data, photographing their vehicle, and building their defense.

What are you doing?

You need someone on your side who knows the federal regulations, who knows the insurance company playbook, and who knows Phillips County—from the Port of Helena-West Helena to the I-40 corridor to the rural agricultural roads where so many of these accidents occur.

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for victims since 1998. Lupe Peña knows insurance defense from the inside. Together, they’ve recovered millions for families just like yours.

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Don’t accept a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover your lifetime medical costs. Don’t wait until evidence disappears.

Call Attorney911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

We’re available 24/7. Free consultation. No fee unless we win. And remember what Chad Harris said: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

We fight for every dime you deserve. Call now.

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

The clock started ticking the moment that truck hit you. The evidence is disappearing. The trucking company is building their defense.

Make the call that changes everything: 1-888-ATTY-911.

Attorney911. Because trucking companies shouldn’t get away with it. Because you deserve a fighter with 25 years of experience. Because your family is counting on you to make the right call.

1-888-ATTY-911. We’re waiting for your call.