18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Calhoun County, Arkansas

When 80,000 Pounds of Steel Changes Everything

You were just driving home. Maybe you were on your way to Camden, heading toward Hampton, or crossing through the pine timberlands that make Calhoun County beautiful. Then an 18-wheeler changed your life in an instant.

The impact of a commercial truck accident is catastrophic. We’re not talking about a fender-bender. We’re talking about 80,000 pounds of steel and cargo slamming into a vehicle that weighs maybe 4,000 pounds. That’s not a fair fight. And when the trucking company starts calling their lawyers before the ambulance even arrives, you need someone in your corner who knows how to fight back.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years helping families in Calhoun County and across Arkansas hold trucking companies accountable. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s taken on Fortune 500 companies—remember the BP Texas City explosion where 15 workers died? We were one of the few Texas firms involved in that litigation, going toe-to-toe with multinational corporations and winning. That’s the kind of experience you want when facing a trucking company that’s trying to minimize your claim.

We’re not just lawyers who handle truck accidents. We’re trial attorneys. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial because that’s how you get trucking companies to pay what you deserve. And we don’t charge you a dime unless we win. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re available 24/7 because we know accidents don’t happen on business hours.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Calhoun County Are Different

Calhoun County sits at the intersection of major Arkansas trucking corridors. With proximity to I-30 and I-40—two of the busiest interstates in the South—our rural roads see heavy commercial traffic hauling everything from timber and poultry to manufactured goods. The mix of high-speed interstate traffic with winding county roads creates dangerous conditions where 18-wheeler accidents become devastating.

Unlike a typical car accident where you might exchange insurance information and move on, trucking accidents involve complex federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and aggressive defense teams. The trucking company isn’t just going to write you a check. They’ve already got lawyers working to protect their interests. And they’re hoping you don’t know your rights.

In Arkansas, you have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That might sound like a lot of time, but evidence disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted within weeks. Witnesses forget what they saw. Every hour you wait makes your case harder to prove.

Arkansas also follows modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar. That means if you’re found 49% at fault, you can still recover damages reduced by that percentage. But if you’re 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing. The trucking company will try to blame you. It’s what they do. Our job is to prove what really happened using the electronic evidence that doesn’t lie.

The Most Common 18-Wheeler Accident Types We See in Calhoun County

While every accident is unique, certain accident types plague our Arkansas highways more than others. Understanding these helps us build stronger cases for Calhoun County victims.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, creating a deadly “V” shape that blocks multiple lanes. These account for roughly 10% of all trucking fatalities. Jackknifes often happen when drivers brake improperly on wet roads—a common hazard during Arkansas’s spring storm season—or when they’re speeding on curves with empty trailers that provide less traction.

The physics are brutal. A loaded 18-wheeler needs nearly two football fields to stop from highway speeds. When a driver panic-brakes on a curve near Camden or Hampton, the trailer swings out and creates an impassable barrier. Vehicles behind have nowhere to go. We investigate skid marks, ECM data showing brake application timing, and whether the driver received proper training on jackknife prevention under 49 CFR § 392.6.

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers occur when a truck tips onto its side or roof. Given the high center of gravity on these vehicles, rollovers happen frequently on the curves and rural routes throughout Calhoun County. Approximately half of rollover crashes result from failure to adjust speed on curves—often because the driver is fatigued or the cargo wasn’t properly secured.

Agricultural hauling is big business in Calhoun County. When liquid cargo like molasses or chemicals shifts suddenly during transport, the center of gravity changes instantly. The driver loses control, and the truck rolls. We subpoena cargo manifests and securement records to prove violations of 49 CFR § 393.100-136. If the loading company failed to properly balance that cargo, they’re liable too.

Underride Collisions

These are among the deadliest accidents. When a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the top of the passenger compartment gets sheared off. Between 400 and 500 people die annually in underride accidents.

Federal law requires rear impact guards under 49 CFR § 393.86, but there’s no federal mandate for side underride guards—though advocacy continues. When these happen on Highway 278 or Highway 371 in Calhoun County, they’re often fatal or result in catastrophic head trauma. We inspect the trailer’s underride guards, lighting, and visibility conditions to determine if the trucking company violated safety standards.

Rear-End Collisions

An 18-wheeler rear-ending a passenger vehicle often results from following too closely or brake failure. Remember: a fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop. That’s 40% more distance than your car needs.

Driver distraction is rampant in the trucking industry. Dispatch communications, GPS systems, and cell phones pull attention from the road. Under 49 CFR § 392.11, drivers must maintain reasonable following distances. When they don’t, and they crush a family sedan on I-30, we download the ECM data to prove exactly how close they were following and whether they ever hit the brakes.

Cargo Spills and Hazmat Incidents

Calhoun County’s position along major freight corridors means we see significant chemical and agricultural transport. When cargo spills—whether it’s unsecured lumber, overturned tankers, or hazardous materials—the results can shut down highways for hours and create secondary accidents.

Federal cargo securement rules under 49 CFR § 393.100-136 require specific tiedown strengths and distributions. Cargo must withstand 0.8g forward deceleration. When loaders cut corners to save time, the cargo shifts. On a curve near the Ouachita River or crossing the timberlands, that shifting cargo causes rollovers or spills that endanger everyone on the road.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Whether it’s worn brake pads, improper adjustments, or overheated brakes on long descents, these mechanical failures are almost always preventable with proper maintenance.

Under 49 CFR § 396.3, motor carriers must systematically inspect and maintain their vehicles. Pre-trip inspections are mandatory under § 396.13. When a trucking company defers brake maintenance to save money, and their truck can’t stop at the intersection of Highway 7 and Highway 8, they’re liable for every injury that results.

Federal Regulations That Prove Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every commercial vehicle on American highways. When trucking companies violate these rules, they’re negligent by definition. Here are the regulations we use to prove liability in Calhoun County cases:

49 CFR Part 391 – Driver Qualification Standards

Trucking companies cannot let anyone drive a commercial motor vehicle. Drivers must be at least 21 years old (for interstate), able to read English, physically qualified per § 391.41, and hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

But more importantly, trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification File (DQ File) for every driver. This file must include:

• Employment application and background check
• Motor vehicle record from every state where the driver held a license
• Medical examiner’s certificate (valid for maximum 2 years)
• Previous employer inquiries going back 3 years
• Drug and alcohol test results

When a Calhoun County trucking accident happens, we subpoena this file immediately. If the company hired a driver with a history of DUIs, or failed to verify their medical certification, that’s negligent hiring under § 391.51. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work for insurance companies defending these exact claims. Now he fights against them. He knows what adjusters look for, and he knows how to prove they missed it.

49 CFR Part 392 – Driving Rules

Section 392.3 prohibits operating a commercial vehicle while impaired by fatigue, illness, or any cause that makes driving unsafe. Section 392.4 bans drugs and § 392.5 prohibits alcohol use within 4 hours of driving.

The hands-free rule under § 392.82 is clear: no hand-held mobile telephone use while driving. No texting. Yet we constantly see ECM data showing drivers were scrolling or typing when they should have been watching the road.

49 CFR Part 393 – Vehicle Safety

This section covers everything from brake systems (§ 393.40-55) to lighting (§ 393.11) to cargo securement (§ 393.100). Brake failure cases almost always reveal violations here—worn pads, improper pushrod travel, or contaminated brake fluid.

For cargo securement, the rules are specific: aggregate working load limits must equal at least 50% of cargo weight. Tiedowns must be placed every 10 feet. When agricultural haulers in Calhoun County overload trucks with timber or skip securement steps to meet quotas, they violate federal law.

49 CFR Part 395 – Hours of Service

Fatigue kills. These are the rules truck drivers hate but families need:

• 11-Hour Rule: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour Window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Limits: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Since December 18, 2017, ELDs (Electronic Logging Devices) track these hours automatically. The data is objective and tamper-resistant. When a driver exceeds the 11-hour limit and causes a rollover on I-30 near the Calhoun County line, that ELD data proves negligence.

49 CFR Part 396 – Inspection and Maintenance

Every truck must pass an annual inspection under § 396.17. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections before every drive and post-trip inspections after. Maintenance records must be kept for at least one year.

When we find a truck with balding tires, worn brakes, or deferred repairs, we know the company prioritized profit over safety. And juries in Arkansas agree—that’s when punitive damages come into play.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Here’s what the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: they’re building their defense right now. Before the ambulance leaves the scene in Calhoun County, their rapid-response team is downloading data, coaching the driver, and preparing to destroy unfavorable evidence.

Critical Evidence Timelines:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events
• ELD Logs: Only required to be kept 6 months
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance Video: Business cameras typically overwrite in 30 days
• Witness Memories: Fade significantly within weeks

That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice demanding preservation of all evidence. Once the trucking company receives it, destroying evidence becomes spoliation—a serious legal violation that can result in sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or even default judgment.

We demand preservation of:

• Engine Control Module (ECM) data showing speed, braking, and throttle
• ELD records proving hours of service compliance
• Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Cell phone records
• Dashcam footage
• GPS and telematics data
• Drug and alcohol test results

The trucking company hopes you wait. They hope you hire a lawyer who doesn’t know about black boxes or ELDs. They hope you miss the three-year statute of limitations under Arkansas law. Don’t give them that advantage.

Who Can Be Held Liable? More Than Just the Driver

Most people think you can only sue the truck driver. That’s exactly what the trucking company wants you to think. In reality, multiple parties may owe you compensation:

The Truck Driver

Direct liability for speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. We subpoena their driving record, cell phone data, and medical history to prove they shouldn’t have been behind the wheel.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under respondeat superior (“let the master answer”), employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts. Plus, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Negligent Hiring: Failed to check background or driving record
• Negligent Training: Didn’t teach proper safety procedures
• Negligent Supervision: Pressured drivers to violate hours of service
• Negligent Maintenance: Deferred repairs to save money

Federal law requires trucking companies to carry minimum insurance of $750,000 for non-hazardous freight, $1 million for oil and equipment, and $5 million for hazardous materials. Many carry $1-5 million. That’s why multiple liable parties matter—more defendants means more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Companies that overload trucks or pressure drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines share liability. When poultry processors or timber companies in Calhoun County demand impossible delivery schedules, they create the conditions for fatigue-related crashes.

The Loading Company

Third-party loaders who secure cargo improperly violate 49 CFR § 393.100. When they fail to use adequate tiedowns or distribute weight properly, they cause rollovers.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, tire blowouts from manufacturing errors, or faulty steering systems create product liability claims against manufacturers. We investigate recall notices and similar failure patterns.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who select carriers with poor safety records or inadequate insurance may be liable for negligent selection under federal law.

Government Entities

If dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or poor maintenance contributed to your Calhoun County accident, the state or county may share liability—though sovereign immunity limits apply and deadlines are shorter.

Catastrophic Injuries Require Catastrophic Resources

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents mean catastrophic injuries aren’t the exception—they’re the norm. We’ve represented Calhoun County families dealing with:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Blunt force trauma causes the brain to impact the skull, resulting in concussions (mild), contusions (moderate), or diffuse axonal injury (severe). Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, chronic headaches, and impaired cognition. Lifetime care costs range from $85,000 to over $3 million. Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for TBI victims, including a $5 million settlement for a traumatic brain injury caused by a falling log.

Spinal Cord Injury

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between brain and body. Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) and quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs) result from cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine damage. Lifetime costs for quadriplegia can exceed $5 million.

Amputation

When the forces of a crash sever limbs or crush them beyond repair, victims face prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000 each, with replacements needed every 3-5 years), phantom limb pain, and permanent disability. We secured $3.8 million for a client who underwent partial leg amputation following a car accident with subsequent medical complications.

Severe Burns

Fuel fires from ruptured tanks or hazmat spills cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. These injuries create permanent disfigurement and chronic pain.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one, surviving family members in Arkansas can recover lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. Our wrongful death settlements have ranged from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Calhoun County 18-Wheeler Case?

25+ Years of Trial Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving him federal jurisdiction for interstate trucking cases that cross state lines. He understands the complex web of federal regulations that govern commercial carriers.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for national insurance defense firms. He knows exactly how adjusters evaluate claims, what arguments they use to minimize payouts, and when they’re bluffing. He’s fluent in Spanish—Hablamos Español—and provides direct representation to Calhoun County’s Hispanic community without interpreters.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered over $50 million for Texas and Arkansas families. Our track record includes:

• $5+ million for traumatic brain injury (logging accident)
• $3.8+ million for amputation (car accident with complications)
• $2.5+ million for commercial truck crashes
• $2+ million for maritime back injuries
• Currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing injuries

We Take Cases Other Firms Reject

Our client Donald Wilcox was told by another firm that his case wouldn’t be accepted. Then he called us. As he 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.”

We’re not afraid of complex cases, difficult defendants, or aggressive insurance companies. We prepare every case for trial, which gives us leverage in settlement negotiations.

Three Office Locations

With offices in Houston (1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600), Austin (316 West 12th Street), and Beaumont, we serve Calhoun County clients with local knowledge and statewide resources.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency: 33.33% pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all investigation costs. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

Frequently Asked Questions About 18-Wheeler Accidents in Calhoun County

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

Three years from the date of the accident. But waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, witnesses move, and memories fade. Contact us immediately.

Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes, under Arkansas’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover as long as you’re not 50% or more at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. So if you’re 30% at fault and your damages are $1 million, you recover $700,000.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Both the driver and the trucking company that contracted them may be liable. We investigate the nature of the relationship and the company’s supervision and control.

How much is my case worth?

It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million. We’ve seen Calhoun County cases settle from hundreds of thousands to multi-millions for catastrophic injuries.

Do I have to go to court?

Most cases settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your lawyer will go to court.

What if the trucking company’s insurance adjuster calls me?

Don’t give a recorded statement. They’re trained to minimize your claim. Refer them to us. As client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Can undocumented immigrants file claims?

Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.

What if I can’t afford a lawyer?

You can’t afford not to have one. We work on contingency. No upfront costs. No fees unless we win.

The Call That Changes Everything

You didn’t ask for this fight. You were just driving in Calhoun County, maybe heading to work, picking up kids, or enjoying the Arkansas countryside. Then a trucking company’s negligence changed your life.

Now you’re dealing with medical bills, lost work, pain, and uncertainty. The trucking company has teams of lawyers. They have adjusters trained to pay you less. They have a system for denying claims.

We have a system for winning them.

Every hour you wait, evidence disappears. Black box data overwrites. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget. The trucking company is building their defense. What are you doing?

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (888-288-9911). We’re available 24/7. We offer free consultations. And we don’t charge a penny unless we win your case.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. We’ve made them pay millions. Let us fight for you.

Attorney911 – The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Houston • Austin • Beaumont
Serving Calhoun County and all of Arkansas
25+ Years Experience | Multi-Million Dollar Results | Insurance Defense Experience on Staff