18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Arkansas: Holding Negligent Trucking Companies Accountable

Every year, thousands of Arkansans share the road with massive 18-wheelers traveling our state’s highways. While these commercial vehicles play a vital role in our economy, they also pose significant risks when trucking companies cut corners or drivers violate safety regulations. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Arkansas, you need experienced legal representation to fight for the compensation you deserve.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable for their negligence. Our team understands the unique challenges of Arkansas trucking accident cases, from the busy I-40 corridor to the rural highways of the Ozarks. We know how to investigate these complex cases, preserve critical evidence, and build strong claims against even the largest trucking corporations.

Why Arkansas Trucking Accidents Are Different

Arkansas presents unique challenges for trucking accident victims. Our state is home to major trucking companies like J.B. Hunt and ABF Freight, and our highways carry significant commercial traffic. The Arkansas River Valley and mountainous regions create challenging driving conditions that test even experienced truck drivers. When accidents happen here, they often involve:

• Complex liability issues with multiple responsible parties
• Federal and state regulations that trucking companies frequently violate
• Severe injuries due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks
• Aggressive insurance tactics from well-funded corporate legal teams

Unlike typical car accidents, trucking cases require specialized knowledge of federal trucking regulations, commercial insurance policies, and the trucking industry’s internal operations. Our Arkansas 18-wheeler accident attorneys have the experience and resources to handle these complex cases effectively.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Arkansas

Trucking accidents in Arkansas often result from preventable negligence. Some of the most common causes we investigate include:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate without rest. Despite these rules, many Arkansas trucking companies pressure drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, leading to dangerous fatigue. The FMCSA’s hours of service regulations (49 CFR Part 395) require:

• Maximum 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• No driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• Mandatory 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly driving limits

When trucking companies violate these rules, they put everyone on Arkansas roads at risk. We’ve seen cases where drivers falsified their logs to hide violations, and we know how to uncover this evidence.

Improper Cargo Loading and Securement

Cargo that isn’t properly secured can shift during transit, causing trucks to become unstable and leading to rollovers or jackknife accidents. The FMCSA’s cargo securement regulations (49 CFR Part 393) require:

• Proper tiedowns with sufficient working load limits
• Secure blocking and bracing
• Proper weight distribution
• Regular cargo inspections during transit

We’ve handled cases where improperly loaded cargo caused catastrophic accidents on Arkansas highways, and we know how to prove when loading companies failed to follow proper procedures.

Brake Failures and Poor Maintenance

Brake problems are a factor in nearly 30% of all large truck crashes. The FMCSA requires regular brake inspections and maintenance (49 CFR Part 396), but many Arkansas trucking companies neglect this responsibility to save money. When brakes fail, the results can be devastating.

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Truck drivers face the same distractions as other motorists, but the consequences are far more severe. Federal regulations prohibit:

• Hand-held mobile phone use while driving (49 CFR § 392.82)
• Texting while driving (49 CFR § 392.80)
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (49 CFR § 392.4 and § 392.5)

Despite these prohibitions, we regularly see cases where distracted or impaired truck drivers cause serious accidents on Arkansas roads.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

The massive size and weight of 18-wheelers make them particularly dangerous when drivers exceed speed limits or drive recklessly. A fully loaded truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly the length of two football fields. When truck drivers speed or drive aggressively, they often cannot stop in time to avoid collisions.

Types of Trucking Accidents We Handle in Arkansas

Our Arkansas trucking accident attorneys handle all types of commercial vehicle accidents, including:

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming an angle with the cab. These accidents often result from sudden braking, especially on wet or icy Arkansas roads, and can block multiple lanes of traffic.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents are particularly dangerous in Arkansas’s mountainous regions. They often happen when:

• Drivers take curves too fast
• Cargo shifts during transit
• Trucks are top-heavy with improperly loaded cargo
• Drivers overcorrect after running off the road

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer. These accidents are often fatal because the trailer can shear off the top of the smaller vehicle. While federal regulations require rear underride guards (49 CFR § 393.86), there are no federal requirements for side underride guards.

Rear-End Collisions

Due to their massive weight, 18-wheelers require significantly more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. When truck drivers follow too closely or fail to maintain their brakes, rear-end collisions can cause catastrophic injuries.

Wide Turn Accidents

Trucks need extra space to make turns safely. When drivers swing wide to make right turns, they can create dangerous gaps that smaller vehicles may try to enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle that entered the gap.

Blind Spot Accidents

Large trucks have significant blind spots, often called “No-Zones,” where the driver cannot see other vehicles. The right-side blind spot is particularly large and dangerous. When truck drivers change lanes without checking these blind spots, they can collide with vehicles they never saw.

Tire Blowouts

Tire failures can cause truck drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Common causes include:

• Underinflated tires
• Overloaded vehicles
• Worn or aging tires
• Road debris
• Manufacturing defects

Brake Failures

Brake failures are particularly dangerous in Arkansas’s mountainous regions, where trucks must navigate steep grades. When brakes fail, trucks can become runaway vehicles that cause catastrophic accidents.

Who Can Be Held Liable in an Arkansas Trucking Accident?

Trucking accidents often involve multiple responsible parties. Our Arkansas trucking accident attorneys investigate all potential sources of liability, including:

The Truck Driver

Truck drivers can be personally liable for accidents caused by:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Violating hours of service regulations
• Failing to conduct proper pre-trip inspections

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies can be held liable through:

• Vicarious liability for their drivers’ actions
• Negligent hiring of unqualified drivers
• Negligent training that fails to teach safe driving practices
• Negligent supervision that allows unsafe driving practices
• Negligent maintenance of vehicles
• Pressure to violate safety regulations to meet deadlines

Cargo Owners and Loading Companies

Companies that load cargo onto trucks can be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement
• Overloading trucks beyond weight limits
• Unbalanced loads that affect vehicle stability
• Failure to disclose hazardous cargo characteristics

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers can be liable for:

• Defective brake systems
• Defective tires
• Defective steering components
• Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers can be liable for:

• Negligent repairs that fail to fix known problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or incorrect parts

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation can be liable for:

• Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier safety records

Government Entities

In some cases, government agencies can be liable for:

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain safe road conditions
• Inadequate signage for known hazards

The Devastating Injuries Caused by Trucking Accidents

The massive size and weight of 18-wheelers mean that accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. We’ve represented Arkansas trucking accident victims who have suffered:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBI can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, causing:

• Memory loss and cognitive impairment
• Personality changes
• Speech and language difficulties
• Vision and hearing problems
• Permanent disability

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage can result in:

• Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
• Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
• Permanent disability requiring lifelong care
• Loss of bowel and bladder control

Amputations

Crushing injuries from trucking accidents often result in traumatic amputations or require surgical amputation of limbs.

Severe Burns

Trucking accidents can cause fires and explosions, resulting in severe burns that require:

• Multiple skin graft surgeries
• Extensive rehabilitation
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Chronic pain

Internal Organ Damage

The forces involved in trucking accidents can cause:

• Liver and spleen lacerations
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusions
• Internal bleeding
• Bowel and intestinal damage

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents are fatal, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim.

How Arkansas Trucking Accident Cases Differ from Car Accidents

Trucking accident cases are fundamentally different from typical car accident cases. These differences include:

Higher Insurance Limits

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry much higher insurance limits than typical passenger vehicles:

• $750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil, large equipment, and certain other cargo
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

These higher limits mean that catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

Complex Federal Regulations

Trucking companies must comply with extensive federal regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) covering:

• Driver qualifications
• Hours of service
• Vehicle maintenance
• Cargo securement
• Drug and alcohol testing

Violations of these regulations can establish negligence and create opportunities for punitive damages.

Multiple Responsible Parties

As discussed above, trucking accidents often involve multiple responsible parties, each with their own insurance coverage. Identifying all potential defendants is crucial to maximizing compensation.

Critical Evidence That Disappears Quickly

Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests immediately after an accident. Critical evidence like:

• Black box data (ECM/EDR)
• Electronic logging device (ELD) records
• Dashcam footage
• Maintenance records

can be destroyed or overwritten if not preserved immediately.

Aggressive Defense Tactics

Trucking companies and their insurers have vast resources and experienced legal teams. They often:

• Make quick, lowball settlement offers
• Try to blame the victim
• Delay the claims process
• Use recorded statements against victims
• Hire private investigators to surveil victims

The Arkansas Trucking Accident Investigation Process

Our Arkansas trucking accident attorneys follow a thorough investigation process to build strong cases for our clients:

Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within hours of being retained, we send spoliation letters to the trucking company and all potentially liable parties, demanding preservation of:

• ECM/Black box data
• ELD records
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Driver qualification files
• Dispatch records
• Cell phone records
• Dashcam footage
• The physical truck and trailer

Accident Reconstruction

We work with accident reconstruction experts to:

• Analyze skid marks and vehicle damage
• Reconstruct the sequence of events
• Determine vehicle speeds and braking distances
• Identify contributing factors

Regulatory Compliance Review

We review all relevant records for compliance with federal regulations, including:

• Hours of service compliance (49 CFR Part 395)
• Driver qualification requirements (49 CFR Part 391)
• Vehicle maintenance records (49 CFR Part 396)
• Cargo securement compliance (49 CFR Part 393)

Witness Interviews

We identify and interview:

• Accident witnesses
• First responders
• Other drivers on the scene
• Trucking company employees
• Loading dock personnel

Medical Documentation

We work with medical experts to:

• Document all injuries
• Establish the causal connection between the accident and injuries
• Project future medical needs
• Calculate lifetime care costs for catastrophic injuries

Arkansas-Specific Trucking Corridors and Risk Factors

Arkansas has several high-risk trucking corridors where accidents frequently occur:

I-40 Corridor

I-40 is one of the busiest trucking routes in the country, running east-west across Arkansas from Fort Smith to West Memphis. This corridor sees significant commercial traffic, including:

• Cross-country freight moving between California and the East Coast
• Arkansas agricultural products
• Retail goods bound for distribution centers

The I-40 corridor presents several risk factors:

• High traffic volume with significant truck traffic
• Mountainous terrain in the Arkansas River Valley
• Weather-related hazards, including ice and fog
• Long stretches without services in rural areas
• Congestion near Little Rock and Fort Smith

I-30 Corridor

I-30 connects Little Rock to Texarkana and beyond to Dallas. This route sees heavy truck traffic, including:

• Retail goods bound for Arkansas markets
• Arkansas agricultural products
• Cross-border freight with Texas

Risk factors on I-30 include:

• Congestion near Little Rock
• Construction zones
• Weather-related hazards
• High-speed collisions

I-55 Corridor

I-55 runs north-south through eastern Arkansas, connecting Memphis to Louisiana. This corridor carries significant truck traffic, including:

• Agricultural products from the Mississippi Delta
• Freight bound for the Port of Memphis
• Cross-country freight

Risk factors on I-55 include:

• Flooding in low-lying areas
• Fog in the Mississippi Delta
• High-speed collisions on rural stretches

US-65 and US-67 Corridors

These north-south highways connect Arkansas to Missouri and carry significant truck traffic, including:

• Agricultural products
• Poultry industry freight
• General freight

Risk factors include:

• Mountainous terrain in northern Arkansas
• Rural stretches with limited services
• Weather-related hazards

Arkansas River Valley and Mountain Passes

Arkansas’s mountainous regions present unique challenges for truck drivers:

• Steep grades that test braking systems
• Sharp curves that require reduced speeds
• Limited runaway truck ramps
• Weather-related hazards including ice, fog, and high winds

Arkansas Trucking Industry and Economic Impact

Arkansas plays a significant role in the national trucking industry:

• Home to J.B. Hunt Transport Services, one of the largest trucking companies in the United States
• ABF Freight is headquartered in Fort Smith
• Walmart’s distribution network is centered in Bentonville
• Tyson Foods generates significant poultry transport volume
• Arkansas agriculture requires extensive trucking for products like rice, soybeans, and cotton

The trucking industry is vital to Arkansas’s economy, but it also creates significant risks when companies prioritize profits over safety. Our Arkansas trucking accident attorneys understand this industry and know how to hold negligent companies accountable.

Arkansas Trucking Accident Statistics

While specific Arkansas trucking accident statistics can vary year to year, national data provides context for the risks:

• Over 5,100 people die in large truck crashes annually in the United States
• 76% of those killed are occupants of other vehicles
• Large trucks are involved in 12% of all fatal crashes
• Driver fatigue is a factor in approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes
• Brake problems are a factor in nearly 30% of all large truck crashes

In Arkansas, trucking accidents often result in severe injuries due to:

• The rural nature of many highways, leading to longer emergency response times
• Challenging terrain in mountainous regions
• Limited medical facilities in rural areas
• High-speed collisions on interstate highways

Arkansas-Specific Legal Considerations

Arkansas has specific laws that affect trucking accident cases:

Statute of Limitations

Arkansas has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including trucking accidents. This means you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, you should never wait this long to take action. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and delaying your claim can significantly weaken your case.

Comparative Negligence

Arkansas follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 50% bar rule. This means:

• If you are found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident, you can recover damages
• Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages

For example, if a jury finds you 20% at fault for an accident and awards $100,000 in damages, your recovery would be reduced by 20% to $80,000.

Damage Caps

Arkansas does not cap compensatory damages (medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering) in personal injury cases. This is important because trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive compensation.

Punitive damages may be available in cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct, but there is no specific statutory cap.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Arkansas Trucking Accident Case

When you’ve been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Arkansas, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team with the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for your rights. Here’s why Attorney911 is the right choice for your case:

25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. With over 25 years of experience handling trucking accident cases, we understand:

• How trucking companies operate
• The tactics their insurance companies use
• How to build strong cases that maximize compensation

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. This gives us an insider’s perspective on how insurance companies:

• Evaluate claims
• Train their adjusters
• Minimize payouts
• Deny legitimate claims

We use this knowledge to counter their tactics and fight for maximum compensation for our clients.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle complex federal court cases. This is particularly important for trucking accidents that cross state lines or involve federal regulations.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered $50+ million for injury victims across all practice areas, including:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim
• $3.8+ million for an amputation victim
• $2.5+ million for trucking accident victims
• Millions for families in wrongful death cases

These results demonstrate our ability to handle complex cases and secure significant compensation for our clients.

Comprehensive Investigation Resources

We have the resources to conduct thorough investigations, including:

• Accident reconstruction experts
• Forensic engineers
• Medical experts
• Vocational rehabilitation specialists
• Life care planners

Aggressive Litigation Approach

While we always seek fair settlements, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach:

• Creates leverage in settlement negotiations
• Shows insurance companies we’re serious about going to court
• Ensures we’re fully prepared if the case does go to trial

Client-Focused Representation

We treat our clients like family. You’re not just a case number to us – you’re a person who has suffered because of someone else’s negligence. We:

• Keep you informed every step of the way
• Answer your questions promptly
• Fight aggressively for your rights
• Never settle for less than you deserve

Bilingual Services

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, allowing us to serve Arkansas’s Hispanic community directly without the need for interpreters. This ensures clear communication and builds trust with our Spanish-speaking clients.

No Upfront Costs

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay nothing upfront
• We advance all costs of investigation and litigation
• You only pay if we win your case
• Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Arkansas

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Arkansas, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health is the top priority. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured:

• Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
• Get checked for internal injuries, concussions, and other hidden trauma
• Follow all medical advice and attend all follow-up appointments
• Keep all medical records and bills

2. Report the Accident

• Call the police to the scene
• File an official accident report
• Get the responding officer’s name and badge number

3. Document the Scene

If you’re able, document the accident scene by:

• Taking photographs of all vehicles involved
• Photographing the accident scene, including road conditions and signage
• Taking pictures of your injuries
• Getting contact information from witnesses
• Noting the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information

4. Don’t Give Statements to Insurance Companies

• Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company
• Do not sign any documents without consulting an attorney
• Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim

5. Contact an Arkansas Trucking Accident Attorney Immediately

The sooner you contact an attorney, the better we can:

• Preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed
• Send spoliation letters to protect evidence
• Begin our investigation
• Protect your rights

Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Trucking Accidents

How much is my Arkansas trucking accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on many factors, including:

• The severity of your injuries
• Your medical expenses (past and future)
• Your lost wages and earning capacity
• Your pain and suffering
• The degree of the trucking company’s negligence
• Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical passenger vehicles, which means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated. We’ve seen cases range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Arkansas?

Arkansas has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including trucking accidents. However, you should never wait this long to take action. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and delaying your claim can significantly weaken your case.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes, under Arkansas’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and awarded $100,000 in damages, your recovery would be $80,000.

What if the trucking company’s insurance offers me a quick settlement?

Be very cautious about quick settlement offers. These are almost always lowball offers designed to pay you far less than your case is worth. Once you accept a settlement, you waive your right to additional compensation, even if your injuries worsen or you discover additional damages.

How long does a trucking accident case take to resolve?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case:

• Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
• Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive full compensation for your injuries.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the truck driver was an independent contractor, both the driver and the trucking company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from all responsible parties.

Can I get punitive damages in an Arkansas trucking accident case?

Punitive damages may be available in cases involving:

• Gross negligence
• Willful misconduct
• Conscious indifference to safety
• Fraud (such as falsifying logs or destroying evidence)

Punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

What if I can’t afford an attorney?

You don’t need to worry about affording an attorney. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay nothing upfront
• We advance all costs of investigation and litigation
• You only pay if we win your case
• Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, you may still be able to recover compensation through:

• The company’s insurance policies
• Other responsible parties (driver, maintenance company, etc.)
• The trucking company’s assets

We investigate all potential sources of recovery to ensure you receive compensation for your injuries.

Contact Our Arkansas Trucking Accident Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Arkansas, time is of the essence. Critical evidence is disappearing every day, and trucking companies are already working to protect their interests.

At Attorney911, we offer:

• Free consultations – We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
• 24/7 availability – We answer calls immediately
• No upfront costs – You pay nothing unless we win
• Aggressive representation – We fight for maximum compensation

Don’t let the trucking company’s insurance adjusters take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation. Our Arkansas trucking accident attorneys are ready to fight for your rights.

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

Your fight for justice starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911. Hablamos Español.