18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Conway County, Arkansas
When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything
You’re driving home on Interstate 40 near Morrilton, heading west toward the Arkansas River Valley. The sunset is blazing over the Ozark foothills. Then you see it in your rearview mirror—an 18-wheeler closing too fast, swaying slightly, the driver fighting fatigue after too many hours on the road. In the next three seconds, your life changes forever.
If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident in Conway County, Arkansas, you already know the devastation these crashes cause. We’re Attorney911, and we’ve spent over two decades holding trucking companies accountable for catastrophic injuries. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has fought for accident victims since 1998, securing multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours. We know the I-40 corridor, the poultry trucks crowding Highway 65, and the steep grades near the Ozarks that cause brake failures. And we know exactly how to make trucking companies pay when their negligence destroys lives.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Conway County Are Different
Conway County sits at the crossroads of major freight corridors. Interstate 40 cuts through our county carrying transcontinental traffic, while Highway 65 runs north-south connecting Little Rock to the Ozarks. This isn’t just local traffic—this is the heartbeat of American commerce, with thousands of commercial trucks passing through every day.
But geography isn’t kind to truckers here. The Ozark foothills create challenging grades. Fog settles in the Arkansas River Valley without warning. Winter ice storms turn I-40 into a skating rink. When you combine these conditions with a trucking industry that often prioritizes profit over safety, Conway County roads become dangerous.
The physics don’t lie. A fully loaded tractor-trailer weighs up to 80,000 pounds—twenty times the weight of your average sedan. At 65 miles per hour on I-40 near Atkins, a truck needs nearly two football fields to stop. When that truck hits a family vehicle, the results are catastrophic.
Arkansas Law Protects Conway County Truck Accident Victims—If You Act Fast
Arkansas law gives you three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That might sound like plenty of time, but in trucking cases, waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears quickly. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration only requires trucking companies to keep certain records for six months. Electronic logging device data can be overwritten in 30 days. Witnesses forget details. Skid marks fade.
Here’s what Arkansas law says about fault: Our state uses “modified comparative negligence” with a 50% bar. This means you can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible for the crash. But if you’re found 51% at fault, you recover nothing. The trucking company and their insurance adjusters know this rule. They’ll try to shift blame to you, claiming you were speeding, distracted, or didn’t yield. That’s why you need an attorney who understands Conway County courts and Arkansas trucking law.
The True Cost of a Trucking Accident in Conway County
Three years might feel like a long time, but consider what you’re facing after an 18-wheeler crash. Medical bills from Springfield hospitals or UAMS in Little Rock. Lost wages because you can’t work at the Heflin plant or the Tyson facility in Russellville. Constant pain from a back injury that won’t heal. The emotional trauma of watching your child’s life change overnight.
We’ve helped Conway County families recover millions. In cases involving traumatic brain injuries, we’ve secured settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million. For amputations caused by underride crashes, we’ve recovered between $1.9 million and $8.6 million. Wrongful death cases often settle between $1.9 million and $9.5 million. These aren’t just numbers—they’re futures secured, medical bills paid, and families kept afloat after tragedy.
The 18-Wheeler Accident Types We See in Conway County
Jackknife Accidents on I-40
You’ve probably seen the aftermath on the interstate—a truck cab facing one direction, the trailer swung perpendicular across three lanes of traffic, blocking the highway for hours. Jackknifes happen when truckers brake suddenly on slick surfaces or take curves too fast. Near Plumerville, where I-40 winds through the river valley, we’ve seen jackknifes cause multi-car pileups. These crashes almost always involve violations of 49 CFR § 393 (improper brake maintenance) or 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions).
Rollovers in the Ozark Foothills
The terrain gets steep north of Conway County as you head toward the Ozarks. Drivers coming down State Road 95 or navigating the grades near Hattieville face dangerous descents. When a truck is improperly loaded with poultry or industrial equipment, the center of gravity shifts. One sharp turn, one moment of inattention, and 80,000 pounds of steel rolls. These accidents often involve cargo securement violations under 49 CFR § 393.100-136.
Underride Collisions: The Silent Killer
Perhaps the most horrific crashes involve underride—when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a trailer. The roof gets sheared off. Occupants suffer catastrophic head trauma or decapitation. Arkansas highways see these accidents when trucks stop suddenly on I-40 or when trailers lack proper underride guards. Federal law under 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards, but many trailers lack side guards, creating deadly gaps.
Rear-End Collisions Near Morrilton
The construction zones on I-40 through Morrilton create sudden stops. Truckers distracted by phones or fighting fatigue after violating hours-of-service regulations plow into stopped traffic. Because trucks need 40% more stopping distance than cars, rear-end crashes are common at the Highway 65 interchange. These cases often reveal violations of 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely) and 49 CFR § 395 (hours of service).
Wide Turn “Squeeze Play” Accidents
Downtown Morrilton has tight corners. When 18-wheelers make right turns onto Oak Street or Moose Street, they swing wide left first, creating a dangerous gap. Cars think they can sneak through on the right. Then the truck completes its turn, crushing the vehicle. These accidents stem from improper training and violations of 49 CFR § 391 (driver qualification).
Brake Failures on the Downgrades
The hills around Conway County punish braking systems. When truck maintenance companies fail to inspect brake adjustments or companies skip pre-trip inspections required by 49 CFR § 396.13, brakes overheat and fade. A runaway truck on Highway 65 is a death sentence for anyone in its path.
Tire Blowouts and Flying Debris
Arkansas heat in summer explodes underinflated tires. When a steer tire blows at 70 mph on I-40, the driver loses control instantly. The rubber debris—”road gators”—creates hazards for trailing vehicles. These incidents trace back to 49 CFR § 393.75 violations and failure to conduct pre-trip inspections.
Cargo Spills in Agricultural Zones
Conway County is poultry country. When Tyson trucks or agricultural haulers overload trailers or fail to secure cargo properly, spills happen. Live chickens loose on the interstate, grain spills causing slick surfaces, or industrial equipment falling onto Highway 113—these create chain-reaction crashes. Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.100-136 mandate proper securement, but violations are common when speed matters more than safety.
Who Can Be Held Responsible? More Than Just the Driver
Most people think they just sue the truck driver. But trucking accidents involve complex webs of liability. In Conway County, we’ve successfully pursued claims against:
The Truck Driver
- Distracted by cell phones (violating 49 CFR § 392.82)
- Driving while fatigued beyond 11-hour limits (49 CFR § 395)
- Unqualified or lacking proper CDL (49 CFR § 391)
- Impaired by drugs or alcohol (49 CFR § 392.4-5)
The Trucking Company
- Negligent hiring of drivers with bad records
- Failure to maintain vehicles (49 CFR § 396)
- Pressure to violate hours-of-service rules
- Inadequate training on mountain driving
- Poor safety culture
Cargo Owners and Loaders
- Tyson or other poultry companies overloading trucks
- Improperly secured loads causing rollovers
- Unbalanced weight distribution
Maintenance Companies
- Third-party mechanics who failed to inspect brakes
- Shops that installed劣质 parts
- Failure to document repairs
Manufacturers
- Defective brake systems
- Faulty tires prone to blowouts
- Inadequate underride guards
Freight Brokers
- Companies that hired carriers with terrible safety records just to save money
- Failure to verify insurance or safety ratings
Government Entities
- Arkansas DOT for dangerous road design
- Failure to maintain I-40 properly
- Inadequate signage on steep grades
The Evidence We Preserve Immediately
Remember Arkansas’s three-year statute of limitations? That’s the maximum time you have, but evidence doesn’t wait. We send spoliation letters immediately—within 24 hours when possible—to preserve:
Electronic Data
- ECM/Black box data showing speed, braking, and throttle position
- ELD logs revealing hours-of-service violations
- GPS tracking showing route history
- Dashcam footage (often deleted within days)
Driver Records
- Driver Qualification Files showing if they were even qualified to drive
- Medical certifications (required under 49 CFR § 391.41)
- Drug and alcohol test results
- Previous accident history
Company Records
- Maintenance logs (must be kept 1 year under 49 CFR § 396)
- Dispatch records showing pressure to drive fatigued
- CSA scores and safety ratings
- Previous FMCSA violations
Physical Evidence
- The truck itself (before it’s repaired or sold)
- Skid mark measurements
- Damage patterns showing underride
- Cargo securement equipment
Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, used to work for insurance companies defending these exact claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. As he told ABC13 Houston: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
Catastrophic Injuries Change Everything
In Conway County, we’ve seen the devastation of:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
From concussions to severe TBI requiring lifetime care. These cases settle between $1.5 million and $9.8 million depending on cognitive impairment and long-term care needs.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Paraplegia and quadriplegia from crashes near the Arkansas River. Lifetime care costs often exceed $5 million.
Amputations
When trucks crush limbs beyond repair, victims face prosthetics, rehabilitation, and permanent disability. Settlements range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.
Wrongful Death
When trucking accidents steal loved ones from families in Morrilton, Plumerville, or Hattieville, we fight for justice. These cases often settle between $1.9 million and $9.5 million.
As client Glenda Walker told us: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Insurance Companies Don’t Play Fair—But We Know Their Tactics
Federal law requires trucking companies to carry substantial insurance:
- $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
- $1,000,000 for oil and heavy equipment
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
But having insurance doesn’t mean they’ll pay fairly. Adjusters are trained to minimize claims. They’ll call quickly after your crash, hoping you accept a low offer before you know your injuries’ full extent. They’ll use your social media against you. They’ll claim your injuries existed before the crash.
That’s why Chad Harris, another client, appreciated our approach: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
Donald Wilcox came to us after another firm rejected his case. We won him a substantial settlement. He told us: “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.”
What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Conway County
If you can read this shortly after your crash:
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Seek immediate medical care at Conway Regional Medical Center or Baptist Health in Conway. Even if you feel okay—adrenaline masks severe injuries.
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Call the police. An official report documents the scene and establishes fault. The Arkansas State Police or Conway County Sheriff’s Department will investigate.
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Document everything. Photograph the truck, your vehicle, license plates, DOT numbers on the truck door, and any cargo. Road conditions and skid marks disappear fast.
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Get witness information. Independent witnesses on I-40 or Highway 65 are crucial.
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Don’t talk to the trucking company’s insurance. They’ll record everything to use against you later.
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Call us immediately. 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7. The sooner we send a preservation letter, the better your case.
Arkansas’s Comparative Fault Rules Matter
In Arkansas, if you’re found partially at fault but less than 50%, your damages get reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages. But if the trucking company convinces a jury you’re 51% responsible, you get nothing.
Insurance companies know this. They’ll argue you were speeding, changed lanes unsafely, or distracted. We counter with hard evidence—ECM data, ELD logs, and expert reconstruction.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Conway County Trucking Case?
25+ Years of Experience: Ralph Manginello has litigated against Fortune 500 companies like BP in the Texas City explosion case. He brings that same aggressive approach to Arkansas trucking cases.
Federal Court Admission: We can handle your case in federal court if the trucking company is from out of state, which is common on I-40.
Insider Knowledge: Lupe Peña worked insurance defense. He knows their playbook. He knows when they’re bluffing and when they’ll pay.
Multi-Million Dollar Results: Over $50 million recovered for clients, including multi-million dollar trucking settlements.
Spanish Language Services: Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation for Conway County’s Hispanic community.
No Fee Unless We Win: We work on contingency—33.33% pre-settlement, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs.
Three Offices Serving Arkansas: While our main office is in Houston, we have offices in Austin and Beaumont, and we handle trucking cases throughout Arkansas, including Conway County. We’re never far from I-40.
Frequently Asked Questions About Conway County Trucking Accidents
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Arkansas?
Three years from the accident date. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears, and witnesses forget. Call us within days.
What if the truck driver was from out of state?
Most trucks on I-40 are interstate carriers. We can sue them in Arkansas federal court using our federal court admission, or in Arkansas state court.
Can I afford an attorney?
Absolutely. We charge nothing unless we win. Consultations are free.
What if I was partially at fault?
Arkansas allows recovery if you’re 50% or less at fault. Don’t let the trucking company intimidate you into thinking you have no case.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and insurance limits. Trucking cases often settle for hundreds of thousands to millions. We’ve recovered $2.5 million in truck crash cases alone.
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. That preparation forces better settlement offers.
What if the trucking company destroys evidence?
We send spoliation letters immediately. Intentional evidence destruction can result in sanctions and adverse jury instructions—essentially assuming the destroyed evidence would have helped you.
Do you handle cases against major carriers?
Yes. We’ve litigated against Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Coca-Cola, and major trucking fleets.
The Clock Is Ticking on Your Conway County Trucking Case
Every hour you wait, the trucking company’s lawyers work harder to protect themselves. Evidence gets deleted. Memories fade. And you’re left shouldering medical bills that aren’t your fault.
You didn’t ask for this fight. You were just driving home, going to work, living your life in Conway County. Then an 80,000-pound truck changed everything.
You need attorneys who understand the I-40 corridor, the Ozark grades, and Arkansas law. You need a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows their tricks. You need the experience of Ralph Manginello and the dedication of Attorney911.
Call us now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Or reach out in Spanish: Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911. Hablamos Español.
We answer 24/7. The consultation is free. And we won’t rest until you get every dime you deserve.
Your family is counting on you to make the right call. Make it now.
Attorney911
The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Fighting for Conway County trucking accident victims since 1998
Serving Morrilton, Plumerville, Atkins, and all of Conway County, Arkansas, as well as Houston, Austin, Beaumont, and communities throughout Arkansas and Texas.
