If an 80,000-pound truck just changed your life on the highways around Bradley County, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless.
Between the agricultural hauls moving poultry and timber along US-67 to the steady freight traffic threading through Warren on US-63, Bradley County’s roads see serious commercial truck traffic every single day. When a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or big rig collides with a passenger vehicle in Bradley County, the results are catastrophic. We’ve seen it happen on the rural stretches near Hermitage, at the intersections outside Warren, and along the busy corridors that feed into Arkansas’s larger distribution networks.
At Attorney911, we fight for families across Bradley County who’ve been devastated by trucking company negligence. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, brings over 25 years of courtroom experience to every case. Since 1998, he’s made trucking companies pay—and our track record includes multi-million dollar recoveries for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death cases. But what really sets us apart is this: our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who used to work for commercial trucking insurers. He knows exactly how they evaluate claims, how they train adjusters to minimize settlements, and how to stop their tactics cold.
If you’ve been hurt in a Bradley County trucking accident, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. Evidence disappears fast, and the trucking company is already building their defense. You need someone in your corner who understands Bradley County roads and the federal regulations that govern every commercial vehicle on them.
How Arkansas Law Protects Bradley County Truck Accident Victims
Bradley County accident victims need to understand that Arkansas law gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit—longer than the two-year window our neighbors in Texas get. But don’t let that lull you into waiting. Under Arkansas Code § 16-56-105, while you have three years from the date of the accident, critical evidence like ECM data and dashboard camera footage can be overwritten or destroyed in as little as 30 days.
Arkansas follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar. This means if you’re found 49% at fault or less, you can still recover damages—but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing. This is different from pure comparative fault states, and it’s why having an attorney who understands Arkansas’s specific negligence rules matters for your Bradley County case.
Here’s what else Arkansas law provides for Bradley County victims:
No Cap on Damages: Unlike some states, Arkansas does not cap compensatory damages for personal injury cases. This means your medical bills, lost wages, and future care are fully recoverable. Regarding punitive damages, Arkansas courts have struck down statutory caps, meaning if a trucking company acted with reckless disregard for safety, you can seek unlimited punitive damages to punish that conduct.
Statute of Limitations: Again, three years for personal injury, three years for wrongful death under Arkansas Code § 16-62-102. But for property damage claims, you have just three years as well. Missing these deadlines—even by a day—means losing your right to compensation forever.
The Federal Regulations That Prove Negligence in Bradley County Cases
Every commercial truck on Bradley County highways must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents. Here are the critical regulations we investigate in every Bradley County trucking case:
49 CFR Part 395—Hours of Service Violations
Fatigued driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on rural Arkansas highways like US-63 and US-65. Federal law strictly limits how long drivers can operate:
- 11-hour driving limit: No driver can drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-hour duty window: Driving is prohibited after the 14th consecutive hour on duty.
- 30-minute break: Mandatory after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
- 60/70 hour limits: No driving after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days.
We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data immediately. This electronic evidence proves exactly how long the driver had been behind the wheel when they crossed into Bradley County and whether they took required breaks.
49 CFR Part 393—Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement
Arkansas’s agricultural industry means trucks hauling poultry, timber, and grain through Bradley County must secure cargo properly. Part 393 requires cargo to be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent shifting. Specific performance criteria require securement systems to withstand:
- Forward force of 0.8g deceleration
- Rearward force of 0.5g acceleration
- Lateral force of 0.5g
When improperly secured poultry cages or logging loads shift on the curves near Warren, the resulting cargo spill or rollover creates deadly hazards for Bradley County families.
49 CFR Part 391—Driver Qualification Requirements
Trucking companies must maintain Driver Qualification (DQ) Files containing:
- Employment application and background checks
- Motor vehicle records showing 3-year driving history
- Current medical examiner’s certificate (required every 24 months)
- Pre-employment drug test results
If a trucking company hired a driver with a suspended license, recent DUI, or medical condition that should have disqualified them from operating an 80,000-pound vehicle in Bradley County, that’s negligent hiring—and it makes them directly liable for your injuries.
49 CFR Part 392—Driving Rules
This part prohibits:
- Driving while fatigued or ill (§ 392.3)
- Using hand-held mobile phones while driving (§ 392.82)
- Texting while operating (§ 392.80)
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
When we pull cell phone records and ECM data showing a driver was texting while navigating the tight curves of Bradley County roads, we prove negligence beyond doubt.
49 CFR Part 396—Inspection and Maintenance
Every motor carrier must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections covering brakes, tires, lighting, and coupling devices. When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money—and brakes fail on a downgrade near Hermitage—we hold them accountable for violating these federal safety standards.
The 18-Wheeler Accidents That Devastate Bradley County Families
In rural Arkansas counties like Bradley, certain accident types are more common—and more deadly—than others.
Jackknife Accidents on Rural Highways
When an 18-wheeler jackknifes on US-65 or US-63, the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, often blocking both lanes of traffic. These accidents happen when drivers brake improperly on wet roads or when empty trailers (common after delivering to Bradley County poultry plants) lose traction. The physics are simple: you cannot stop or swerve in time. We investigate whether the driver had proper training for emergency braking under 49 CFR § 392.6.
Underride Collisions—The Most Fatal Type
Underride accidents, where a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer, are devastating. When a car hits the rear or side of a semi and slides underneath, the roof of the passenger compartment is often sheared off. These accidents are particularly common at rural intersections like those found throughout Bradley County, where trucks make wide turns and where lighting may be poor. While federal law requires rear underride guards (49 CFR § 393.86), many trailers have inadequate guards that fail at highway speeds.
Rear-End Collisions: Physics Against You
An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs nearly 525 feet to stop—about two football fields. When a truck follows too closely on I-30 or US-67 and traffic slows near construction zones or the Warren city limits, the resulting rear-end collision is catastrophic. We pull ECM data to prove the driver violated the following-too-closely rule under 49 CFR § 392.11.
Tire Blowouts on Hot Arkansas Pavement
Bradley County summers see extreme heat that degrades tire integrity. When a truck’s steer tire blows on US-82 near the Louisiana border, the driver loses control immediately. Federal regulations require minimum tread depth of 4/32″ on steer tires (49 CFR § 393.75), but many companies run tires bald to save money. We examine maintenance records to find these violations.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
When trucks swing wide to make right turns at intersections in Warren or Hermitage, they create a gap that smaller vehicles enter. When the truck then completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle in the blind spot. These accidents are 100% preventable with proper driver training and mirror checking, required under 49 CFR § 393.80.
Cargo Spills from Agricultural Haulers
Bradley County’s economy runs on agriculture—poultry, timber, and row crops. When logging trucks or poultry haulers fail to properly secure loads under Part 393, the resulting cargo spill creates hazards for miles. Whether it’s a spilled load of logs on US-65 or poultry cages shifting on US-63, the trucking company is liable for failing to follow federal securement standards.
Catastrophic Injuries Require Catastrophic Experience
The forces involved in a Bradley County trucking accident destroy lives. We specialize in cases involving:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From concussions to severe brain damage requiring lifetime care. Our firm has recovered settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Paraplegia and quadriplegia from crushed vehicles or severe impacts. These cases often result in settlements between $4.7 million and $25.8 million to cover lifetime care.
Amputations: When crushed limbs cannot be saved. We’ve secured between $1.9 million and $8.6 million for amputation victims, covering prosthetics and rehabilitation.
Wrongful Death: When a family loses a loved one in a Bradley County trucking accident, we pursue settlements between $1.9 million and $9.5 million to provide for the family’s future and punish negligent conduct.
As client Chad Harris told us after we settled his case: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s how we treat every Bradley County family we represent.
Ten Liable Parties—Not Just the Driver
Unlike a simple car accident, trucking accidents involve multiple defendants with multiple insurance policies. We investigate and pursue claims against:
- The truck driver — for negligent operation, fatigue, distraction, or impairment
- The trucking company — for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance under respondeat superior
- The cargo owner/shipper — for improper loading or overweight vehicles
- The loading company — for failing to secure cargo under Part 393
- The truck manufacturer — for design defects in brakes, stability control, or fuel systems
- The parts manufacturer — for defective tires, brakes, or steering components
- The maintenance company — for negligent repairs or missed safety issues
- The freight broker — for negligently selecting an unsafe carrier with poor CSA scores
- The vehicle owner (if different from employer) — for negligent entrustment
- Government entities — for dangerous road design or maintenance failures on state highways
Each liable party represents a separate insurance policy. Federal law requires minimum coverage of $750,000 for non-hazardous freight, $1 million for oil and equipment, and $5 million for hazardous materials. By identifying all responsible parties, we maximize your recovery potential.
The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis
Here’s what the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: evidence is already disappearing.
Within 48 hours of a Bradley County trucking accident, critical data can be lost forever:
- ECM/Black box data overwrites in as little as 30 days—or instantly when the truck is driven again
- ELD logs may only be retained for 6 months
- Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
- Surveillance video from nearby businesses overwrites in cycles
- Witness memories fade with each passing day
- The physical truck may be repaired, sold, or destroyed
When you call Attorney911, we send a spoliation letter within 24 hours. This legal notice requires the trucking company to preserve all evidence including driver qualification files, maintenance records, drug test results, dispatch communications, and GPS data. Destroying evidence after receiving this letter can result in adverse inference instructions (the jury is told to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable), monetary sanctions, or even default judgment.
As client Donald Wilcox said: “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.” Don’t let the trucking company destroy the evidence you need to prove your case.
Arkansas Insurance Requirements & Your Recovery
Arkansas law requires trucking companies to carry substantial liability coverage. For non-hazardous freight, the federal minimum is $750,000. For hazardous materials crossing through Bradley County, it’s $5 million. Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage.
Types of damages available in Bradley County:
Economic damages: Past and future medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, property damage, and out-of-pocket costs. Because Arkansas doesn’t cap these damages, we can recover the full cost of your lifetime medical care.
Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and loss of consortium. Again, no caps in Arkansas.
Punitive damages: Available when trucking companies act with recklessness or conscious indifference to safety—such as knowingly putting a fatigued driver on the road or falsifying maintenance logs.
Frequently Asked Questions for Bradley County Victims
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Bradley County?
Three years from the date of accident in Arkansas—but waiting even a week can destroy evidence. Call immediately.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under Arkansas’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover if you’re 49% or less at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover. We work to minimize any fault attributed to you.
Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
Never. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney—Lupe Peña—who knows their tactics. Let us handle all communications.
How much is my Bradley County trucking case worth?
Cases involving catastrophic injuries like TBI, spinal cord damage, or amputation often settle for millions due to the high insurance coverage and severe damages. Every case is unique, but we pursue maximum compensation for every client.
Do I need a lawyer if the accident happened in rural Bradley County?
Absolutely. Rural accidents often involve complex jurisdiction issues and require immediate preservation of evidence. We handle cases throughout Arkansas, including Bradley County, and we know the local roads and court systems.
Hablamos Español: For Bradley County’s Spanish-speaking victims, Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Bradley County Trucking Accident
Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years fighting for injury victims. He’s admitted to federal court and has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations. Our firm has recovered over $50 million for families, including multi-million dollar settlements for brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death.
But more than that, we treat you like family. As Glenda Walker, one of our clients, said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major university for hazing-related injuries, demonstrating our capability to take on powerful institutional defendants. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with BP in the Texas City refinery explosion litigation. We’ve handled cases against Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and major commercial carriers.
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims across Arkansas and beyond. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. Zero upfront costs. We advance all investigation expenses.
If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Bradley County, don’t wait. The trucking company is already building their defense. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Your consultation is free, and we’re available 24/7. Because when an 80,000-pound truck changes your life, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter who knows Bradley County roads and federal trucking law inside and out.
