18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Pulaski County, Arkansas

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

You were just driving home on I-40. Maybe you were heading to Little Rock for work, or crossing the Arkansas River on I-30. The next thing you know, an 18-wheeler is jackknifing across three lanes, or barreling through a red light, or drifting into your lane because the driver hasn’t slept in 18 hours.

At Attorney911, we know what happens next. We’ve spent 25 years helping families in Pulaski County pick up the pieces after trucking companies have shattered their lives. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been fighting for Arkansas injury victims since 1998. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours—including over $5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim and $3.8 million for a client who lost a limb after a crash.

And here’s what you need to know right now: The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. Evidence that could prove your case—black box data, driver logs, maintenance records—starts disappearing within days.

You don’t have to fight this alone. But you do need to act now.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We answer 24/7. Hablamos Español.

Why Pulaski County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Pulaski County isn’t just any county in Arkansas. With Little Rock at its heart and major interstates converging here, our roads see some of the heaviest commercial truck traffic in the state. I-40 runs straight through the heart of Pulaski County, carrying freight from coast to coast. I-30 connects us to Texas and beyond. I-430 and I-440 create a beltway around Little Rock that trucks use to bypass congestion—but often create their own hazards.

We’re also home to the Port of Little Rock, a major inland port that generates significant freight traffic. Trucks carrying everything from agricultural products to manufactured goods to hazardous materials traverse our county daily. Add in the Arkansas River bridges, the mix of urban and rural roads, and Arkansas’s unpredictable weather—from ice storms to tornadoes—and you’ve got a perfect storm for catastrophic trucking accidents.

When a truck crash happens in Pulaski County, you need a lawyer who knows these roads, these courts, and these insurance companies. Attorney911 has been representing Arkansas trucking accident victims for over two decades. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work for insurance companies defending trucking claims—now he fights against them. That insider knowledge gives you an advantage when the trucking company tries to minimize your injuries or shift blame.

Arkansas Law: What You Need to Know

The Clock Is Already Ticking: Arkansas’s 3-Year Statute of Limitations

In Arkansas, including right here in Pulaski County, you have three years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That might sound like plenty of time, but waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears. Witnesses move away or forget details. Trucking companies “accidentally” delete black box data.

Don’t let the statute of limitations expire on your claim. Contact Attorney911 immediately to protect your rights.

Modified Comparative Negligence: The 50% Bar Rule

Arkansas follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 50% bar. Here’s what that means for your Pulaski County trucking case:

If you’re found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages—but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Zero.

Trucking companies and their insurers know this rule. They’ll try to argue you were speeding, following too close, or failed to avoid the crash. They want to push you past that 50% threshold so they don’t have to pay you a dime.

That’s why evidence matters. That’s why you need an experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney who can prove the truck driver was primarily at fault. We have the resources to hire accident reconstruction experts, download black box data, and prove what really happened on that Pulaski County highway.

Federal Regulations: The Rules Truckers Break

Every 18-wheeler operating in Pulaski County must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. When trucking companies violate these rules, they put everyone’s lives at risk—and they become liable for the damage they cause.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service Violations

This is the big one. Federal law limits how long truck drivers can stay on the road:

11-hour driving limit: No driver can drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
14-hour duty window: Drivers can’t drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, even if they haven’t driven 11 hours yet
30-minute break: Mandatory break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
60/70-hour weekly limits: No driving after 60 hours in 7 days, or 70 hours in 8 days (trucking company chooses which to use)

Fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. When drivers violate these hours-of-service rules, they’re too tired to react safely. We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove violations.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Trucking companies must verify their drivers are qualified. They must maintain:

Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Current Medical Examiner’s Certificate (maximum 24 months)
Clean driving record checks
Pre-employment drug testing
Annual driving record reviews

If a company hires an unqualified driver—someone with a suspended license, a history of DUIs, or medical conditions that make driving unsafe—they’re guilty of negligent hiring. We subpoena Driver Qualification Files to find these violations.

49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement

Trucks must be properly maintained and cargo must be secured. Key requirements include:

Brake systems: Must be maintained in safe working condition (49 CFR § 393.40-55)
Tires: Minimum tread depth of 4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on others (49 CFR § 393.75)
Cargo securement: Cargo must be secured to withstand forces of 0.8g forward deceleration, 0.5g rearward acceleration, and 0.5g lateral force (49 CFR § 393.102)

Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers and spills. We inspect maintenance records to find deferred repairs and violations.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections before every drive and post-trip inspections after.

When trucking companies skip maintenance to save money, people die. We demand maintenance logs, inspection reports, and repair records for the truck that hit you.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Pulaski County

Not all trucking accidents are the same. Each type involves different physics, different evidence, and different legal strategies. Here’s what we see most often on Pulaski County roads:

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out at an angle to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes. On I-40 or I-30 in Pulaski County, a jackknifed truck can block the entire interstate, causing multi-vehicle pileups.

Causes include sudden braking on wet or icy roads (common during Arkansas winters), speed violations on curves, improper braking technique, or equipment failures. We analyze ECM data to determine if the driver applied brakes improperly and caused the jackknife.

Rollover Accidents

Arkansas’s highways aren’t flat—they curve, climb, and cross bridges. When truck drivers take curves too fast, especially on interchanges like I-430/I-440 or on the ramps around Little Rock, 80,000 pounds of truck can tip over.

Rollovers often result from:

Speeding on curves or ramps
Improperly secured cargo that shifts
Top-heavy liquid cargo “slosh”
Overcorrection after a tire blowout

These are catastrophic because the truck often lands on smaller vehicles or spills hazardous cargo onto Pulaski County roadways.

Underride Collisions

An underride occurs when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer—either from the rear or the side. These are among the deadliest accidents because the top of the car is often sheared off at windshield level.

Federal law requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998 (49 CFR § 393.86), but many trucks have inadequate guards that fail in crashes. There’s NO federal requirement for side underride guards, though advocacy continues.

If your loved one was killed in an underride collision in Pulaski County, we investigate whether proper guards were installed and maintained.

Rear-End Collisions

A fully loaded truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—that’s nearly two football fields or almost five times the length of the truck. On I-40 through Pulaski County, where traffic often slows suddenly near Little Rock, trucks following too closely can’t stop in time.

Driver fatigue and distraction are common causes. We download ECM data to prove the driver didn’t brake until it was too late.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks making right turns in Little Rock or North Little Rock need to swing wide. They often swing left first, creating a gap that cars enter—then the truck cuts back right, crushing the vehicle. These accidents commonly occur at intersections on Broadway, Main Street, and other tight downtown areas.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Trucks have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and extending backwards along both sides (especially the right side). When truck drivers change lanes on I-430 or I-440 without checking these blind spots, they sideswipe cars or force them off the road.

Tire Blowouts

With 18 tires on every big rig, blowouts are common—especially during Arkansas’s hot summers. When a steer tire blows, the driver can lose control immediately. When a drive tire blows, debris scatters across the highway causing secondary accidents.

We investigate maintenance records to prove the trucking company knew tires were worn but didn’t replace them.

Cargo Spills

Arkansas trucks carry everything from agricultural products to hazardous chemicals. When cargo isn’t secured properly under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, it spills onto I-30 or I-40, causing chain-reaction crashes. We investigate the loading company’s role in these accidents.

Who Can Be Held Liable? (It’s More Than Just the Driver)

One of the biggest mistakes people make after a Pulaski County trucking accident is only suing the driver. Yes, the driver may be at fault. But 18-wheeler cases often involve multiple liable parties—and multiple insurance policies.

The Truck Driver

The driver is the most obvious defendant. We investigate:

Hours of service violations (fatigue)
Distracted driving (cell phone use is prohibited under 49 CFR § 392.82)
Impairment (alcohol, drugs, prescription medication)
Speeding for conditions
Failure to inspect the vehicle

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligence. Plus, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

Negligent hiring: Failing to check driving records or verify CDL status
Negligent training: Not teaching drivers how to handle Arkansas weather or mountain grades
Negligent supervision: Ignoring ELD violations or driver complaints
Negligent maintenance: Skipping brake inspections to save money

Trucking companies carry higher insurance—typically $750,000 to $1 million, or $5 million for hazmat. This is where the real money is in most cases.

The Cargo Owner and Loading Company

Were you hit by a truck carrying goods for Walmart, Kroger, or another major retailer? The cargo owner may share liability if they demanded unreasonable delivery schedules or improper loading.

Third-party loading companies (not the trucking company) often load trailers at distribution centers. If they improperly secured cargo that shifted and caused a rollover, they’re liable.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

If a defective brake system, tire blowout caused by manufacturing defects, or faulty steering mechanism caused your accident, we pursue product liability claims against manufacturers like Bendix, Meritor, or tire companies.

Maintenance Companies

Many trucking companies outsource maintenance to third-party shops. If a mechanic negligently repaired brakes or returned an unsafe vehicle to service, that shop is liable.

Freight Brokers

Brokers arrange shipping but don’t own the trucks. They have a duty to select safe carriers. If a broker hired a trucking company with a terrible safety record (poor CSA scores) to save money, they share liability.

The Truck Owner (If Different from the Carrier)

In owner-operator situations, the driver owns the truck but leases it to a carrier. The owner can be liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain.

Government Entities

If poor road design, missing guardrails, or inadequate signage contributed to your accident on a Pulaski County road, we may have claims against state or local government. Arkansas has shorter deadlines for governmental claims—sometimes as short as 90 days for notice requirements—so act immediately.

The Evidence That Disappears in 48 Hours

Here’s what trucking companies don’t want you to know: Critical evidence isn’t automatically preserved. In fact, federal law only requires trucking companies keep most records for 6 months to 3 years. Some data disappears much faster.

Black Box (ECM/EDR) Data

The Electronic Control Module records:

Speed before impact
Brake application timing
Throttle position
Whether cruise control was engaged
Fault codes

This data can be overwritten in 30 days or less with new driving events. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this evidence.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data

ELDs record hours of service compliance. Since December 2017, most trucks must use electronic logs rather than paper. These prove whether the driver was fatigued. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention, but we demand immediate preservation.

Driver Qualification Files

These files contain the driver’s entire history—previous accidents, medical certifications, drug tests, and training records. Under 49 CFR § 391.51, companies must keep these for 3 years after employment ends—but we need them now to prove negligent hiring.

Maintenance Records

Brake inspection reports, tire replacement logs, and repair records show whether the trucking company deferred maintenance. Under 49 CFR § 396.3, these must be kept for 1 year.

Dashcam and Surveillance Footage

Many trucks have forward-facing and cab-facing cameras. Nearby businesses may have security footage of the crash. This footage often gets deleted within 7 to 30 days.

Cell Phone Records

We subpoena the driver’s cell records to prove they were texting or talking at the time of impact—violating 49 CFR § 392.82.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

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

Within 24 Hours:

Send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties
Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, and GPS data
Request maintenance records and driver files
Notify the trucking company that destruction of evidence will result in court sanctions

Within 48 Hours:

Deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene on I-40, I-30, or wherever the crash occurred
Photograph the scene, vehicle positions, and road conditions
Interview witnesses before memories fade
Obtain the police crash report

Within 1 Week:

Subpoena cell phone records
Download ELD data
Review the truck’s inspection history and carrier CSA scores
Analyze the trucking company’s safety record

The sooner you call, the more evidence we can preserve. Don’t let the trucking company destroy the proof of their negligence.

Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future

18-wheeler accidents don’t cause fender-benders. They cause catastrophic injuries that change lives forever.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Even a “mild” concussion can cause lasting cognitive issues. Moderate to severe TBI can result in:

Permanent memory loss
Personality changes
Inability to work
Need for 24/7 care

Our settlements for TBI cases range from $1.5 million to $9.8 million or more, depending on severity.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Lifetime care costs exceed:

$1.1–$2.5 million for paraplegia
$3.5–$5 million+ for quadriplegia

These figures don’t include lost wages or pain and suffering.

Amputation

When a truck crushes a limb, surgical amputation may be required. Amputation settlements typically range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million, accounting for:

Initial surgery
Prosthetics ($5,000–$50,000+ each, replaced every few years)
Rehabilitation and occupational therapy
Home modifications
Psychological trauma

Severe Burns

Fuel fires and chemical spills cause devastating burns requiring multiple skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries. The pain is immeasurable; the scarring permanent.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one in Pulaski County, surviving family members can file wrongful death claims. Under Arkansas law, damages include:

Lost income and benefits
Loss of consortium and companionship
Mental anguish
Funeral expenses
Medical bills before death

Our wrongful death settlements range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.

What Is Your Pulaski County Trucking Case Worth?

There’s no “average” settlement for 18-wheeler accidents in Pulaski County. Every case is unique. But factors that increase value include:

Severity of Injuries: Catastrophic injuries command higher settlements because the damages are objectively larger.

Clear Liability: When ECM data proves the truck driver was speeding or ELD data shows hours-of-service violations, liability is clear.

Multiple Defendants: When we can sue the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, and the broker, insurance coverage stacks up.

Punitive Damages: If the trucking company knowingly put a dangerous driver on the road, or destroyed evidence, Arkansas law allows punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.

Client Testimonial: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved” — Glenda Walker

Arkansas Insurance Requirements and Trucking Coverage

Unlike regular car accidents with $25,000 minimum policies, trucking companies must carry:

$750,000 for general freight
$1 million for oil and equipment
$5 million for hazardous materials

Many carry $1–5 million in coverage. This is necessary because of the catastrophic damage 18-wheelers cause. But accessing these policies requires proving the trucking company was negligent.

We understand Arkansas insurance law. We know how to stack policies when multiple parties are liable. And we know the tactics insurance adjusters use because our own Lupe Peña used to work for them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pulaski County Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an 18-wheeler accident in Pulaski County?

Arkansas gives you three years from the date of the accident. But waiting is a mistake—evidence disappears and witnesses forget. Call us immediately.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Under Arkansas’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover as long as you’re 50% or less at fault. Your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. But if the trucking company claims you were 51% at fault, you get nothing. We fight these allegations aggressively.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

Never. They will ask leading questions and try to get you to admit fault. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Refer all calls to Attorney911.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

We still sue the trucking company if they negligently hired the contractor, or if they exercised control over the driver. We also investigate the owner-operator’s insurance.

How do trucking companies destroy evidence?

Sometimes “accidentally” by overwriting black box data or deleting emails. Sometimes intentionally by repairing trucks before inspection or shredding maintenance logs. Our spoliation letters put them on notice that destruction will have consequences.

What is a nuclear verdict?

This refers to jury awards exceeding $10 million. While not every case gets there, trucking companies fear these verdicts because they involve punitive damages for gross negligence. Our willingness to go to trial often forces better settlement offers.

Can undocumented immigrants file claims?

Yes. Immigration status doesn’t affect your right to compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. We represent everyone in Pulaski County.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you pay no fee unless we win. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. Our fee is a percentage of what we recover for you.

What if my loved one was killed?

We file wrongful death claims for surviving spouses, children, and parents. Arkansas law allows recovery for lost income, loss of companionship, and mental anguish.

Will my case go to trial?

Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are bluffing and which will actually go to court. Our 25 years of trial experience gets better settlement offers.

What if the trucking company is from out of state?

We can still sue them in Arkansas if the accident happened here. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court, which is often necessary for interstate trucking cases.

How long will my case take?

Simple cases may settle in 6–12 months. Complex cases with catastrophic injuries can take 1–3 years. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing value.

What is an MCS-90 endorsement?

This is an insurance endorsement that guarantees minimum damages will be paid even if the insurance policy has exclusions. It’s required for interstate trucking.

Can I use my own doctor?

Yes. You have the right to choose your medical providers. However, we can also recommend doctors who understand how to document injuries for legal purposes and who will work on a lien basis if you lack insurance.

What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can help you find doctors who will treat you on a Letter of Protection (LOP), meaning they get paid out of your settlement. Don’t delay treatment because you lack insurance.

Should I post about the accident on social media?

Absolutely not. Insurance companies monitor social media and will use photos of you smiling at a family event to argue you’re not really injured. Stay off social media until your case resolves.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Pulaski County Trucking Case

25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been practicing law since 1998. He’s handled hundreds of trucking cases and recovered over $50 million for clients. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and has represented clients in major litigation, including the BP Texas City Refinery explosion where he fought for victims against one of the world’s largest corporations.

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Defense

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for national insurance defense firms. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, what their settlement formulas look like, and how to counter their tactics. When the insurance company sees Lupe’s name on your case, they know we’re not afraid to go to trial.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered:

$5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim
$3.8+ million for a client who suffered amputation
$2.5+ million for a truck crash victim
Millions more in confidential settlements

Client Testimonial: “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.” — Donald Wilcox

Three Texas Offices with Arkansas Reach

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve clients throughout Arkansas, including Pulaski County. We offer virtual consultations and travel to meet clients who can’t come to us.

24/7 Availability

Truck accidents don’t happen during business hours. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 any time, day or night. We’ll answer.

Spanish Language Services

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

The Attorney911 Process: What to Expect

Step 1: Free Consultation
Call 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll listen to your story, review any evidence you have, and give you an honest assessment of your case.

Step 2: Immediate Investigation
We send spoliation letters within hours. We deploy experts to the scene. We gather police reports and witness statements.

Step 3: Medical Care Facilitation
We help you find treatment even if you lack insurance. Your health comes first.

Step 4: Evidence Compilation
We subpoena ECM data, ELD logs, driver files, maintenance records, and cell phone records. We build an ironclad case.

Step 5: Demand and Negotiation
We prepare a comprehensive demand package showing all your damages—economic and non-economic. We negotiate aggressively.

Step 6: Litigation (If Necessary)
If the trucking company won’t offer fair value, we file suit in Pulaski County or federal court. We depose the driver, safety managers, and mechanics. We prepare for trial.

Step 7: Resolution
Most cases settle. When they do, you get a check. We don’t get paid unless you do.

Client Testimonial: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” — Chad Harris

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

Right now, while you’re reading this, the trucking company that caused your accident is probably meeting with their lawyers. They’re reviewing the black box data to see if they can blame you. They’re checking to see if any maintenance violations can be hidden.

You need someone fighting just as hard for you.

Attorney911 has the experience, the resources, and the insider knowledge to take on the biggest trucking companies and win. We’ve done it for 25 years. We can do it for you.

But the clock is ticking. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Arkansas’s three-year statute of limitations seems long until you realize the trucking company has already had their lawyers working for weeks.

Call Attorney911 Today

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Pulaski County, Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, or anywhere in Arkansas, call us now.

1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Available 24/7. Free consultations. No fee unless you win.

Your family deserves justice. Your future deserves protection. Let us fight for you.

Hablamos Español. Llame hoy al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Pulaski County deserves better than trucking companies that cut corners. Attorney911 makes them pay—every time.