18-Wheeler Accidents in Arkansas: What You Need to Know
Every year, thousands of families across Arkansas face life-altering consequences from 18-wheeler accidents. Whether you’re driving on I-40 through Little Rock, navigating the truck-heavy corridors of Fort Smith, or traveling the rural highways of the Ozarks, sharing the road with commercial trucks comes with significant risks. When these massive vehicles are involved in crashes, the results are often catastrophic – traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and wrongful death.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Arkansas, you need experienced legal representation that understands both federal trucking regulations and Arkansas’s unique legal landscape. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across the Natural State for over 25 years. Our team includes former insurance defense attorneys who know exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims – and how to hold them fully accountable.
Why Arkansas Trucking Accidents Are Different
Arkansas presents unique challenges for truck accident victims. Our state serves as a critical transportation hub with major carriers like J.B. Hunt and ABF Freight headquartered right here in Northwest Arkansas. The I-40 corridor that runs through Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Conway carries some of the heaviest truck traffic in the nation, connecting the East Coast to the Southwest. Meanwhile, our rural highways and mountain passes create additional hazards that truck drivers must navigate carefully.
Arkansas’s Trucking Landscape
- Major Interstates: I-40 (east-west corridor), I-30 (connecting Little Rock to Texas), I-55 (north-south route), I-49 (emerging NAFTA corridor)
- Key Trucking Hubs: Little Rock (I-40/I-30 interchange), Fort Smith (I-40/I-540 junction), Northwest Arkansas (Walmart and J.B. Hunt distribution centers)
- Unique Hazards: Mountain passes in the Ozarks, rural two-lane highways, seasonal weather conditions
- Major Carriers: J.B. Hunt (Lowell), ABF Freight (Fort Smith), USA Truck (Van Buren), Maverick Transportation (North Little Rock)
When accidents occur on these routes, Arkansas victims need attorneys who understand the specific challenges of our state’s trucking corridors and legal environment.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Arkansas
Trucking accidents in Arkansas often result from a combination of factors that our attorneys investigate thoroughly in every case:
Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Arkansas’s position as a crossroads for national freight means many truck drivers push their limits to meet delivery deadlines. Federal regulations limit drivers to:
- 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- A 14-hour on-duty window
- Mandatory 30-minute breaks after 8 hours of driving
- 60/70-hour weekly limits
Yet many Arkansas trucking companies pressure drivers to violate these rules. When fatigue sets in, reaction times slow dramatically. A fatigued truck driver traveling at 65 mph may need up to 40% more distance to stop than an alert driver – and on Arkansas’s highways, that extra distance can mean the difference between a near-miss and a catastrophic collision.
Improper Cargo Loading and Securement
Arkansas’s agricultural and industrial economy means our highways see heavy loads of poultry, timber, machinery, and other specialized cargo. When cargo isn’t properly secured:
- Shifting loads can cause rollovers on Arkansas’s curving highways
- Overweight trucks struggle to stop in time, especially on mountain descents
- Improperly balanced loads make trucks unstable in crosswinds
- Spilled cargo creates road hazards for other vehicles
Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) specify exact securement requirements, but many Arkansas carriers cut corners to save time and money.
Brake Failures and Poor Maintenance
Arkansas’s varied terrain – from the flat Delta region to the Ozark Mountains – puts tremendous stress on truck braking systems. When maintenance is deferred:
- Brake fade occurs on long mountain descents
- Worn brake pads fail to stop the truck in time
- Air brake systems develop leaks that reduce braking power
- Improper brake adjustments create uneven braking
Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes nationwide, and Arkansas’s mountainous regions see more than their share of these preventable accidents.
Distracted and Impaired Driving
Despite strict federal prohibitions, many Arkansas truck drivers continue to:
- Use cell phones while driving
- Text or check GPS devices
- Eat or drink while operating the vehicle
- Drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
In Arkansas, where long stretches of highway can lead to boredom and complacency, these distractions are particularly dangerous. A truck traveling at highway speeds covers the length of a football field in just 3 seconds – the time it takes to glance at a text message.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Arkansas’s trucking corridors see aggressive driving behaviors that put everyone at risk:
- Speeding to meet tight delivery schedules
- Following too closely in heavy traffic
- Improper lane changes on congested highways
- Failure to yield right-of-way at intersections
On Arkansas’s rural highways, speeding trucks pose particular dangers as they approach slower-moving vehicles, often with little warning.
The Most Dangerous Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Arkansas
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. In Arkansas, these accidents frequently happen:
- On wet or icy roads during winter months
- When drivers brake suddenly on mountain descents
- When empty or lightly loaded trailers swing more easily
- At high speeds on rural highways
The I-40 corridor through the Ozark Mountains is particularly susceptible to jackknife accidents during winter weather.
Underride Collisions
Underride accidents are among the deadliest truck crashes, occurring when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. In Arkansas, these accidents often happen:
- At night when trailer visibility is poor
- During sudden stops on congested highways
- When trucks make wide turns at intersections
- On rural roads with inadequate lighting
Federal regulations require rear underride guards on trailers, but Arkansas sees many violations of these safety standards. Side underride guards are not federally required, making side impacts particularly deadly.
Rollover Accidents
Truck rollovers are especially dangerous in Arkansas due to:
- Mountain curves that require careful speed management
- Rural highways with sudden elevation changes
- Improperly loaded or top-heavy trailers
- High winds that can destabilize tall vehicles
The I-40 corridor through the Ozark National Forest sees a disproportionate number of rollover accidents, particularly during severe weather.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions involving 18-wheelers are devastating due to the massive weight disparity. In Arkansas, these accidents commonly occur:
- In congested urban areas like Little Rock and Fort Smith
- On rural highways where trucks approach slower-moving vehicles
- When fatigued drivers fail to notice traffic slowing ahead
- When brake systems fail on mountain descents
A fully loaded truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields. When following distances are inadequate, catastrophic collisions result.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Wide turn accidents happen when trucks swing wide to make right turns, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. In Arkansas, these accidents frequently occur:
- At urban intersections in Little Rock and Fort Smith
- In rural areas where trucks turn into driveways or loading docks
- When drivers fail to properly signal their intentions
- When other motorists misjudge the truck’s turning path
The “squeeze play” is particularly dangerous for bicyclists and pedestrians in Arkansas’s cities.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Arkansas Trucking Accidents?
Unlike typical car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents in Arkansas often involve multiple liable parties. Our attorneys investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery:
The Truck Driver
Drivers can be held personally liable for:
- 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
- Improper lane changes or failure to yield
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies are often the primary defendants because they have the deepest pockets and highest insurance limits. They can be held liable for:
- Vicarious liability for their drivers’ negligence
- Negligent hiring of unqualified drivers
- Negligent training that fails to teach safe driving practices
- Negligent supervision of driver behavior
- Negligent maintenance of vehicles
- Pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations
In Arkansas, where major carriers like J.B. Hunt and ABF Freight are headquartered, we have particular experience holding these corporate defendants accountable.
Cargo Owners and Shippers
The companies that own and arrange for cargo transportation can be liable for:
- Providing improper loading instructions
- Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
- Requiring overweight loads
- Pressuring carriers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules
Arkansas’s agricultural and industrial sectors mean many local companies may share liability for trucking accidents.
Cargo Loading Companies
Third-party loading companies can be held responsible for:
- Improper cargo securement
- Unbalanced load distribution
- Overloading vehicles beyond capacity
- Failing to use proper blocking and bracing
- Not training loaders on securement requirements
Truck and Trailer Manufacturers
Manufacturers can be liable for defective products that cause accidents:
- Brake system failures
- Steering component defects
- Tire blowouts from manufacturing defects
- Underride guard failures
- Electronic stability control malfunctions
Parts Manufacturers
Companies that manufacture specific truck components can be held liable for:
- Defective brake components
- Faulty tires that fail prematurely
- Defective lighting systems
- Malfunctioning coupling devices
- Defective mirrors or safety equipment
Maintenance Companies
Third-party maintenance providers can be liable for:
- Negligent repairs that fail to fix problems
- Failing to identify critical safety issues
- Improper brake adjustments
- Using substandard or incorrect parts
- Returning vehicles to service with known defects
Freight Brokers
Freight brokers who arrange transportation can be held liable for:
- Selecting carriers with poor safety records
- Failing to verify carrier insurance and authority
- Ignoring carrier safety violations
- Choosing the cheapest carrier despite safety concerns
Truck Owners (If Different from Carrier)
In owner-operator arrangements, truck owners can be liable for:
- Negligent entrustment of their vehicle
- Failing to maintain their equipment
- Knowledge of the driver’s unfitness
Government Entities
In limited circumstances, government agencies can be liable for:
- Dangerous road design that contributes to accidents
- Failure to maintain safe road conditions
- Inadequate signage for known hazards
- Improper work zone setups
Why Arkansas Victims Need Immediate Legal Representation
Time is critical in Arkansas trucking accident cases. Evidence disappears quickly, and trucking companies have rapid-response teams working to protect their interests from the moment an accident occurs. Here’s what happens in the critical hours and days after an Arkansas trucking accident:
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Window
Within hours of an accident in Arkansas, trucking companies:
- Dispatch rapid-response teams to the scene
- Begin collecting and preserving evidence that favors them
- Prepare to blame the victim
- May attempt to destroy or alter critical evidence
At Attorney911, we act immediately to:
- Send formal spoliation letters demanding evidence preservation
- Obtain black box data before it’s overwritten
- Secure ELD records before they’re altered
- Preserve dashcam footage before it’s deleted
- Document the accident scene before it’s cleared
Critical Evidence That Disappears Quickly
| Evidence Type | Destruction Risk | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| ECM/Black Box Data | Overwritten in 30 days | Shows speed, braking, throttle position |
| ELD Records | Retained only 6 months | Proves hours of service violations |
| Dashcam Footage | Deleted in 7-14 days | Provides visual evidence of the accident |
| Surveillance Video | Overwritten in 7-30 days | Captures the accident from other angles |
| Witness Memory | Fades within weeks | Critical for establishing liability |
| Physical Evidence | Repaired or scrapped | Vehicle damage tells the story of the crash |
| Drug/Alcohol Tests | Must be conducted quickly | Proves impairment at time of accident |
Arkansas-Specific Challenges
Arkansas’s rural nature creates unique challenges for evidence preservation:
- Limited surveillance cameras on rural highways
- Longer response times for law enforcement in remote areas
- Fewer witnesses available in sparsely populated regions
- Greater distances to preserve physical evidence
- Limited access to specialized accident reconstruction experts
Our Arkansas-based team understands these challenges and knows how to overcome them to build the strongest possible case for our clients.
How Our Arkansas Trucking Accident Attorneys Fight for You
When you choose Attorney911 to represent you after an Arkansas 18-wheeler accident, you’re getting a team with:
- Over 25 years of experience handling trucking cases
- Former insurance defense attorneys who know the other side’s tactics
- Federal court experience for complex cases
- A track record of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements
- Offices across Texas with the ability to serve Arkansas clients
- Spanish-language services for Arkansas’s Hispanic community
Our Comprehensive Investigation Process
-
Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
- Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, and maintenance records
- Secure physical evidence before it’s repaired or destroyed
-
Thorough Evidence Collection
- Obtain black box and ELD data
- Secure driver qualification files
- Collect maintenance and inspection records
- Gather drug and alcohol test results
- Obtain cell phone records
- Retrieve GPS and telematics data
- Secure dashcam footage
-
Expert Analysis
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Medical experts to establish injury causation
- Vocational experts to calculate lost earning capacity
- Economic experts to determine present value of damages
- Life care planners for catastrophic injuries
- FMCSA regulation experts to identify violations
-
Liability Determination
- Analyze all potentially liable parties
- Identify all available insurance coverage
- Determine the strongest legal theories
- Prepare for aggressive defense tactics
-
Aggressive Litigation
- File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires
- Conduct aggressive discovery
- Depose truck drivers, dispatchers, and safety managers
- Prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
Arkansas’s Legal Landscape for Trucking Accidents
Arkansas has specific laws that affect trucking accident cases:
Statute of Limitations
Arkansas law gives you 3 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses’ memories fade. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
Comparative Negligence Rules
Arkansas follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 50% bar rule. This means:
- You can recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault
- Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
- If you’re 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing
For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and your damages total $1,000,000, you would recover $800,000. But if you’re found 51% at fault, you recover nothing.
Damage Caps
Unlike some states, Arkansas does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury cases. This means:
- You can recover the full value of your medical expenses
- You can recover the full value of your lost wages
- You can recover the full value of your pain and suffering
Arkansas also allows punitive damages when trucking companies act with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety. These damages are designed to punish wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.
Common Injuries in Arkansas Trucking Accidents
The massive size and weight of 18-wheelers mean Arkansas trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI occurs when the brain is damaged by sudden trauma. In Arkansas trucking accidents, TBI often results from:
- Striking the steering wheel or dashboard
- Being struck by flying debris
- Violent shaking of the head and neck
- Oxygen deprivation during prolonged extraction
Symptoms may include:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Memory loss and confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes and personality shifts
- Sleep disturbances
- Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)
- Speech difficulties
Severe TBI can result in permanent cognitive impairment, requiring lifelong care that can cost millions of dollars.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Spinal cord damage often results in permanent paralysis:
- Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
- Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
- Incomplete injuries: Some nerve function remains
- Complete injuries: Total loss of sensation and movement
The level of injury determines the extent of paralysis:
- Cervical (neck): Most severe, may require ventilator for breathing
- Thoracic (upper back): Affects trunk and legs
- Lumbar (lower back): Affects legs and hips
- Sacral (pelvis): Affects legs and bowel/bladder function
Amputations
Amputations occur when:
- Limbs are severed in the initial impact
- Crush injuries require surgical amputation
- Severe burns necessitate limb removal
- Infections develop in open wounds
Arkansas trucking accident victims with amputations face:
- Multiple surgeries
- Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each)
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Psychological counseling
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Career limitations
Severe Burns
Burns in trucking accidents result from:
- Fuel tank ruptures and fires
- Hazardous material spills
- Electrical fires from damaged wiring
- Friction burns from road contact
- Chemical burns from cargo spills
Burn severity is classified by degree:
- First-degree: Superficial, heals without scarring
- Second-degree: Partial thickness, may scar
- Third-degree: Full thickness, requires skin grafts
- Fourth-degree: Extends to muscle and bone
Internal Organ Damage
Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because:
- Symptoms may not appear immediately
- Internal bleeding can be life-threatening
- Organ damage may require emergency surgery
- Long-term health consequences can develop
Common internal injuries include:
- Liver lacerations
- Spleen damage requiring removal
- Kidney injuries
- Lung contusions or collapse
- Internal bleeding
- Bowel and intestinal damage
Wrongful Death
When trucking accidents claim lives, Arkansas law allows surviving family members to pursue wrongful death claims. Eligible claimants include:
- Surviving spouse
- Children (minor and adult)
- Parents (if no spouse or children exist)
- Estate representative
Damages available in Arkansas wrongful death cases include:
- Lost future income and benefits
- Loss of consortium (companionship and relationship)
- Loss of parental guidance and nurturing
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
What Your Arkansas Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth
Case values in Arkansas trucking accidents vary widely based on:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of defendant’s negligence
- Available insurance coverage
- Impact on quality of life
Unlike car accidents where insurance may be limited to $30,000-$100,000, trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits:
- Minimum federal requirement: $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
- Typical coverage: $1,000,000 to $5,000,000
- Hazardous materials: $5,000,000 minimum
This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.
Arkansas Trucking Accident Settlement Ranges
| Injury Type | Typical Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Soft Tissue Injuries | $15,000 – $60,000 |
| Moderate Back/Neck Injuries | $50,000 – $200,000 |
| Herniated Disc (Non-Surgical) | $50,000 – $200,000 |
| Herniated Disc (With Surgery) | $346,000 – $1,205,000 |
| Traumatic Brain Injury (Moderate-Severe) | $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+ |
| Spinal Cord Injury (Paraplegia) | $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+ |
| Spinal Cord Injury (Quadriplegia) | $8,000,000 – $30,000,000+ |
| Amputation | $1,945,000 – $8,630,000 |
| Severe Burns | $500,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| Wrongful Death | $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+ |
These ranges represent typical settlements and verdicts in Arkansas trucking cases. Every case is unique, and your specific circumstances will determine your case’s value.
Factors That Increase Case Value
Several factors can significantly increase the value of your Arkansas trucking accident case:
- Clear Liability: When the truck driver or company is clearly at fault, cases settle for higher amounts.
- Severe Injuries: Catastrophic injuries like TBI, paralysis, or amputations command higher settlements.
- Long-Term Impact: Injuries that require lifelong care or limit earning capacity increase case value.
- Multiple Liable Parties: When several defendants share liability, more insurance coverage is available.
- Gross Negligence: Reckless behavior like falsifying logs or ignoring maintenance can lead to punitive damages.
- Solvent Defendants: Large trucking companies with substantial insurance coverage can pay larger settlements.
- Strong Evidence: Clear documentation of violations and negligence strengthens your case.
- Jury-Friendly Venue: Some Arkansas counties are more favorable to plaintiffs than others.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Arkansas Trucking Accident Case?
1. We Have Insider Knowledge of the Trucking Industry
Our team includes attorneys who previously worked in insurance defense, giving us unique insight into how trucking companies and their insurers operate. We know:
- How insurance companies evaluate claims
- What makes them settle vs. fight
- How they train adjusters to minimize payouts
- What evidence they look for to deny claims
- How to counter their tactics effectively
This insider knowledge gives our Arkansas clients a significant advantage in negotiations and litigation.
2. We’ve Recovered Millions for Trucking Accident Victims
While we can’t guarantee specific results, our firm has a proven track record of success:
- $5+ million settlement for a logging accident victim with traumatic brain injury
- $3.8+ million settlement for a car accident victim who suffered amputation
- $2.5+ million recovery for a truck crash victim
- $2+ million settlement for a maritime worker with back injuries
- Millions recovered for families in wrongful death trucking cases
We’ve secured these results by holding trucking companies fully accountable for their negligence.
3. We Understand Arkansas’s Unique Trucking Challenges
Arkansas presents specific challenges that require local knowledge:
- Mountain driving conditions in the Ozarks and Ouachitas
- Rural highway hazards with limited emergency services
- Seasonal weather patterns that affect truck safety
- Major carriers headquartered in-state (J.B. Hunt, ABF Freight)
- Key trucking corridors (I-40, I-30, I-55, I-49)
- Arkansas’s legal landscape including the 3-year statute of limitations
Our attorneys understand these Arkansas-specific factors and how they affect trucking accident cases.
4. We Offer Spanish-Language Services
Arkansas’s Hispanic community represents a significant portion of our state’s population, including many truck drivers and their families. At Attorney911, we offer:
- Fluent Spanish-language services through attorney Lupe Peña
- Bilingual staff including paralegals and case managers
- Spanish-language consultations with no interpreter needed
- Cultural understanding of Hispanic clients’ needs
This capability is particularly important for Arkansas’s Hispanic truck drivers who may be victims of workplace accidents or unsafe working conditions.
5. We’re Available 24/7 for Arkansas Clients
Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. When you call Attorney911:
- You’ll speak with a live person, not an answering service
- We’ll answer your questions immediately
- We’ll take action to preserve evidence right away
- We’re available nights, weekends, and holidays
Our 24/7 availability ensures that critical evidence is preserved and your case gets off to the strongest possible start.
6. We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
We understand that Arkansas trucking accident victims face:
- Mounting medical bills
- Lost income from missed work
- Uncertainty about the future
That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis:
- No upfront costs – we advance all case expenses
- No hourly fees – you never receive a bill from us
- No risk – if we don’t win, you pay nothing
- Our fee comes from the settlement – typically 33-40%
This arrangement ensures that every Arkansas resident has access to top-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Arkansas
If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident anywhere in Arkansas, follow these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
1. Call 911 Immediately
Report the accident to law enforcement and request emergency medical assistance. Arkansas law requires reporting accidents that involve:
- Injury or death
- Vehicles that cannot be safely driven
- Property damage exceeding $1,000
2. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, get checked out by medical professionals. Many serious injuries:
- Don’t show symptoms immediately
- Are masked by adrenaline
- Can worsen without treatment
Common delayed-symptom injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord damage
- Soft tissue injuries
3. Document the Scene
If you’re physically able, document everything:
- Take photos of all vehicles involved
- Photograph the accident scene from multiple angles
- Capture road conditions, skid marks, and debris
- Take pictures of your injuries
- Document traffic signals and signs
- Get contact information from witnesses
4. Collect Critical Information
Gather information from the truck driver and trucking company:
- Driver’s name and contact information
- Commercial driver’s license (CDL) number
- Trucking company name and contact information
- Insurance information
- Truck and trailer license plate numbers
- DOT number (usually on the truck door)
- Trailer number
- Cargo information
5. Do NOT Give Statements to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not for you. They are trained to:
- Get you to admit fault
- Minimize your injuries
- Record statements that can be used against you
- Offer quick, lowball settlements
Politely decline to give any statements and refer them to your attorney.
6. Contact an Arkansas Trucking Accident Attorney Immediately
Time is critical in trucking accident cases. The sooner you contact an attorney:
- The sooner we can send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
- The more likely we are to recover critical data before it’s lost
- The stronger your case will be
At Attorney911, we offer free consultations and will evaluate your case immediately.
Arkansas Trucking Accident FAQ
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Arkansas?
Arkansas law gives you 3 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses’ memories fade. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Arkansas follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 50% bar rule. This means:
- You can recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault
- Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
- If you’re 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing
For example, if you’re found 30% at fault and your damages total $1,000,000, you would recover $700,000.
How much is my Arkansas trucking accident case worth?
Case values vary widely based on:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of defendant’s negligence
- Available insurance coverage
Unlike car accidents where insurance may be limited, trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits – often $1,000,000 to $5,000,000. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.
Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?
Never accept the first settlement offer. Insurance companies:
- Start with lowball offers
- Hope you’ll accept before understanding your injuries
- Profit by paying you less than you deserve
Always consult with an experienced Arkansas trucking accident attorney before accepting any settlement.
What if the trucking company claims the driver was an independent contractor?
Even if the driver is an independent contractor, both the driver and the trucking company may be liable. We investigate:
- The nature of the working relationship
- Who controlled the driver’s schedule and routes
- Who provided the truck and equipment
- Insurance coverage from both parties
How long will my Arkansas trucking accident case take?
Case timelines vary:
- Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
- Moderate cases with disputed liability: 1-2 years
- Complex cases with catastrophic injuries: 2-4 years
- Cases that go to trial: 3-5 years
We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive maximum compensation.
What if I can’t afford medical treatment?
We can help connect you with:
- Doctors who will treat you on a lien basis
- Medical funding companies
- Your own health insurance
- Government assistance programs
Getting proper medical treatment is critical for both your health and your legal case.
Can I still recover compensation if I didn’t go to the hospital immediately?
Yes, but it’s much more difficult. Insurance companies will argue that:
- Your injuries weren’t serious
- Your injuries were caused by something else
- You didn’t follow proper medical advice
Always seek medical attention immediately after an accident, even if you feel fine.
What if the truck driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
Drug and alcohol violations create strong cases for punitive damages. We will:
- Request drug and alcohol test results
- Investigate the driver’s history
- Determine if the trucking company knew or should have known
- Pursue punitive damages for gross negligence
What if the trucking company goes out of business?
Even if the trucking company goes out of business, we can often recover from:
- The company’s insurance policy
- The driver’s personal insurance
- Other liable parties (cargo owners, maintenance companies)
- The company’s assets
Can I sue if my loved one was killed in an Arkansas trucking accident?
Yes. Arkansas law allows wrongful death claims when negligence causes a fatality. Eligible claimants include:
- Surviving spouse
- Children (minor and adult)
- Parents (if no spouse or children exist)
Damages available include:
- Lost future income
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral expenses
- Pain and suffering before death
Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win
After an Arkansas 18-wheeler accident, the trucking company and their insurance adjusters will work quickly to protect their interests. They’ll:
- Send rapid-response teams to the accident scene
- Collect evidence that favors them
- Offer quick, lowball settlements
- Pressure you to accept before you understand your injuries
- Blame you for the accident
You don’t have to face this alone. At Attorney911, we level the playing field by:
- Preserving critical evidence before it disappears
- Investigating all liable parties
- Calculating the full value of your damages
- Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies
- Taking your case to trial if necessary
Contact Attorney911 Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Arkansas, contact Attorney911 immediately for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and start protecting your rights.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Our experienced Arkansas trucking accident attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Remember – evidence disappears quickly, so don’t wait. Call us today.
“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.”
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