When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle on US-412 outside Paragould, the physics aren’t fair—and neither is the aftermath. If you’re reading this from a Greene County hospital room, or if you’re trying to figure out how to pay the bills after a loved one was crushed by a commercial rig on Arkansas Highway 49, you’re not alone. You’re facing a legal emergency that demands immediate action, and you need a team that knows the difference between a standard fender-bender and a catastrophic trucking collision.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for families across Arkansas and Texas who’ve had their lives changed forever by negligent truck drivers and the companies that push them past their limits. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been standing up to Fortune 500 corporations and major insurance carriers since 1998. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working inside the insurance defense industry before joining our firm—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against the very playbook he once followed. We’re not a billboard firm thatTreats you like a case number. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Greene County Are Different
Greene County sits at the crossroads of major agricultural and commercial trucking corridors. US-412 slices through the county carrying freight from Jonesboro to the Mississippi River ports. US-49 runs north to south connecting Paragould to Jonesboro and beyond. These aren’t just country roads—they’re arteries for 80,000-pound machines carrying soybeans, rice, and manufactured goods across the Mississippi Delta and Ozark foothills.
The math is brutal. When a fully loaded tractor-trailer traveling at 65 mph needs 525 feet to stop—nearly the length of two football fields—there’s no margin for error on the rural stretches of Highway 69 or the busy intersections near the Greene County Fairgrounds. Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. In Arkansas, where agriculture and logistics dominate the economy, the risk is even higher during harvest season when overloaded grain trucks and fatigued drivers crowd the two-lane highways around Marmaduke and Oak Grove Heights.
What Makes Attorney911 the Right Choice for Greene County Families
You have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Arkansas—that’s longer than the two-year window in Texas or the one-year limit in Tennessee. But waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases, and black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. That’s why we answer our phones 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Ralph Manginello brings something rare to Greene County cases: federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas and experience litigating against multinational corporations like BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more. When a commercial carrier’s insurance company sees that a firm has gone toe-to-toe with BP and won multi-million dollar settlements—like the $5 million we recovered for a traumatic brain injury victim or the $3.8 million for a client who suffered an amputation—they know we aren’t bluffing when we say we’re ready for trial.
But credentials only matter if they translate to results for you. Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, minimize payouts, and train their adjusters to deny legitimate claims. When we say we know their playbook, we mean it—Lupe used to run it. Now he exposes their tactics to maximize your recovery.
We also speak your language—literally. Lupe is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation to Greene County’s Hispanic community without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
The Devastating Types of Truck Accidents We See
Jackknife Accidents on Arkansas Highways
A jackknife occurs when the trailer folds at an angle to the cab, sweeping across multiple lanes. This happens often on US-412 during Arkansas ice storms or when drivers brake suddenly on the county’s rural highways. These accidents violate 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system requirements) and 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions). When a truck jackknifes near the intersection of Highway 49 and Highway 412 in Paragould, it can block both directions of traffic and cause multi-vehicle pileups.
Evidence we gather includes ECM data showing speed before braking, maintenance records proving brake defects, and weather reports from the National Weather Service station in Jonesboro. As client Glenda Walker told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved”—and we do that by proving the trucking company failed to maintain their equipment or pushed their driver to exceed the 11-hour driving limit under 49 CFR § 395.3.
Rollover Accidents on Crowley’s Ridge
While much of Greene County is flat agricultural land, Crowley’s Ridge runs through the western part of the county with elevation changes that surprise truckers unfamiliar with the terrain. Rollovers occur when drivers take curves too fast or when improperly loaded cargo shifts—violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136 regarding cargo securement. A liquid tanker carrying fertilizer or fuel that takes a turn too quickly on a county road can roll, spilling hazardous materials and creating a toxic exposure risk for nearby farms and homes.
These cases often involve multiple liable parties: the driver for taking the curve at excessive speed, the trucking company for negligent supervision, and the loading company for failing to secure the cargo properly. The trucking company carries minimum insurance of $750,000 under federal law, but hazmat carriers must carry $5 million—meaning more coverage is available for your recovery.
Underride Collisions: The Deadliest accidents
When a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer of an 18-wheeler, the occupants often suffer decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, but these guards often fail in collisions above 30 mph. Side underride guards are not federally required, despite being just as deadly.
We investigate whether the trucking company maintained their underride guards, whether the trailer had proper reflective tape under 49 CFR § 393.13, and whether the driver failed to signal before stopping on the highway—a violation of 49 CFR § 392.8. In Greene County, where dusk and dawn bring heavy farm traffic and low light conditions, inadequate lighting on trailers creates deadly hazards.
Rear-End Collisions and Brake Failures
Arkansas leads the nation in truck accidents caused by brake defects and following-too-closely violations. Under 49 CFR § 393.40-55, commercial vehicles must have properly maintained brake systems. Yet brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. When an 18-wheeler rear-ends a passenger vehicle stopped at the light on Court Street in Paragould or slowing for traffic on US-67, the force can crush the smaller vehicle and cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or wrongful death.
We immediately subpoena the Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) required under 49 CFR § 396.11. If the driver noted brake issues on their pre-trip inspection but the company put the truck on the road anyway, that’s direct evidence of negligence. We also download the ECM data showing whether the driver even attempted to brake, or whether they were distracted by a cell phone in violation of 49 CFR § 392.82.
Wide Turn Accidents at Rural Intersections
18-wheelers require significant space to complete right turns. When a truck swings wide into oncoming traffic on Highway 1 near Greene County Technical School or attempts a tight turn at the intersection of Main Street and Emerson in Paragould, they can crush vehicles in their blind spot. These accidents often involve violations of 49 CFR § 392.11 (unsafe lane changes) and state traffic laws.
The trucking company is liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior, but we also investigate whether they failed to properly train the driver on how to execute wide turns safely—a negligent training claim that can expose additional insurance coverage.
Cargo Spills on Agricultural Routes
Greene County’s economy depends on agriculture. During harvest season, trucks carrying soybeans, rice, and cotton crowd the county roads. When cargo spills occur—whether from improperly secured loads under 49 CFR § 393.100 or overweight violations—they create chain-reaction accidents. A spilled load of grain on a rainy day on Highway 69 can cause multiple vehicles to skid and collide.
We pursue claims against the cargo owner, the loading company, and the trucking company. Under 49 CFR § 393.102, cargo must withstand 0.8 g deceleration forces. When loaders fail to use adequate tiedowns or when trucking companies overload vehicles beyond their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), they violate federal law and endanger everyone on the road.
Blind Spot Accidents
Commercial trucks have massive “No-Zones”—areas where the driver cannot see smaller vehicles. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous and extends from the cab door back along the entire trailer. When truckers change lanes without checking mirrors or signaling, they violate 49 CFR § 393.80 (mirror requirements) and 49 CFR § 392.11 (safe operation).
In Greene County, where farm equipment and passenger vehicles share rural highways with semis, these blind spot accidents cause devastating sideswipe collisions and rollovers.
All the Liable Parties We Pursue
Unlike a simple car accident where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents involve a web of corporate entities and individuals who may share responsibility. We investigate and pursue claims against:
1. The Truck Driver: For speeding, distracted driving, Hours of Service violations under 49 CFR § 395, or operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol in violation of 49 CFR § 392.4-5. We subpoena their cell phone records and drug test results immediately.
2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier: Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, the company is liable for their employee’s negligence. Additionally, we pursue direct negligence claims for negligent hiring (failing to check driving records under 49 CFR § 391.51), negligent training, and negligent maintenance (violating 49 CFR § 396.3). We obtain their Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores—public records that reveal patterns of safety violations.
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper: If they overloaded the truck or pressured the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines, they share liability. During Greene County’s harvest season, grain elevators and agricultural cooperatives may bear responsibility for unsafe loading practices.
4. The Loading Company: Third-party loaders who failed to secure cargo under 49 CFR § 393.100-136 can be held liable for cargo shift accidents.
5. The Truck Manufacturer: If a design defect in the braking system, tires, or underride guards contributed to the accident, we pursue product liability claims against the manufacturer.
6. The Parts Manufacturer: Defective brake components, tires, or steering mechanisms that fail under stress create liability for the component maker.
7. The Maintenance Company: Third-party mechanics who negligently serviced the truck or failed to identify critical safety issues during inspections required under 49 CFR § 396.17 share liability.
8. The Freight Broker: Brokers who negligently hired carriers with poor safety records or inadequate insurance can be liable under 49 U.S.C. § 13906 for failing to verify carrier authority.
9. The Truck Owner (if different from the carrier): In owner-operator arrangements, the individual owner may be liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain the vehicle.
10. Government Entities: If dangerous road design or lack of signage contributed to the accident on county or state highways, we pursue claims against the Arkansas Department of Transportation or Greene County Road Department. Note: Arkansas requires notice of claims against government entities within 180 days under the Arkansas Tort Claims Act—a much shorter deadline than the general statute of limitations.
The Evidence That Wins Cases—and How We Preserve It
Trucking companies send rapid-response teams to accident scenes before the ambulance arrives. Their lawyers and investigators are working immediately to protect their interests. You need someone moving just as fast for you.
Within 48 hours, we send spoliation letters to the trucking company and their insurer demanding preservation of:
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Electronic Control Module (ECM)/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes for the 30 seconds before the crash. This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days.
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Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records: Mandated under 49 CFR § 395.8, these prove whether the driver violated Hours of Service rules by driving more than 11 hours or exceeding the 14-hour on-duty window.
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Driver Qualification File: Required under 49 CFR § 391.51, this contains the driver’s application, background check, medical certification, drug test results, and training records. If the trucking company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or failed to verify their CDL, that’s evidence of negligent hiring.
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Vehicle Maintenance Records: Under 49 CFR § 396.3, carriers must systematically inspect and maintain vehicles. We look for deferred maintenance, ignored out-of-service orders, or skipped annual inspections under 49 CFR § 396.17.
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Cargo Documentation: Bills of lading reveal weight and loading instructions. Overweight trucks violate 49 CFR § 658 and create liability for the shipper.
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Dashcam and Surveillance Footage: Many trucks have forward-facing and inward-facing cameras that capture the driver’s behavior. Nearby businesses on Highway 412 or in Paragould may also have surveillance footage that shows the accident.
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Cell Phone Records: Under 49 CFR § 392.82, truckers cannot use hand-held mobile phones while driving. We subpoena call logs and text messages to prove distraction.
As client Donald Wilcox told us after we took his case when another firm rejected it: “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 don’t give up, and we don’t let evidence disappear.
Catastrophic Injuries and Arkansas Law
The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents aren’t minor whiplash—they’re life-altering catastrophes. Under Arkansas law, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105), and three years for wrongful death claims. However, comparative negligence rules in Arkansas are strict.
Modified Comparative Fault (The 50% Rule)
Arkansas follows a modified comparative negligence standard under Ark. Code § 16-64-122. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, you recover nothing. If you are 49% or less at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. This makes evidence preservation and accident reconstruction critical. The trucking company will try to blame you—we gather the ECM data, witness statements, and physical evidence to prove they were the ones who ran the red light on Emerson Avenue or drifted across the centerline on Highway 49.
Damages Available
Economic Damages: Medical expenses (including future care for catastrophic injuries), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and out-of-pocket costs. For traumatic brain injuries requiring lifetime care, costs can exceed $3 million. For spinal cord injuries causing paralysis, lifetime care ranges from $1.1 million to $5 million or more.
Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium for spouses. Arkansas does not cap non-economic damages in standard personal injury cases, unlike some states. However, punitive damages are capped under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-55-208 at the greater of $250,000 or three times compensatory damages (up to $1 million for certain claims), unless the defendant acted with malice or intent to harm.
Punitive Damages: Available when the trucking company acted with gross negligence, reckless disregard for safety, or intentional misconduct—such as knowingly keeping a dangerous driver on the road or falsifying logs to hide Hours of Service violations. Currently, our firm is litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity involving hazing allegations—a case that demonstrates our willingness to take on powerful institutions when they harm innocent people.
Common Questions After a Greene County Trucking Accident
How much is my case worth?
There is no “average” settlement for a Greene County trucking accident. Factors include the severity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, the trucking company’s insurance limits (typically $750,000 to $5 million), and whether punitive damages apply. Our firm has recovered settlements ranging from $2 million for maritime back injuries to $5 million for traumatic brain injuries. Every case is unique—your medical needs, your lost income, and your pain and suffering determine the value.
Will the trucking company’s insurance settle quickly?
Often, yes—and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than you deserve before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage may not fully manifest for months. Never accept a settlement without consulting an experienced trucking attorney.
What if I was partially at fault?
As long as you were not 50% or more at fault under Arkansas law, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. If the truck driver was 80% at fault and you were 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages. But if the trucking company convinces the jury you were 51% at fault, you recover nothing. This is why having an attorney who knows how to gather and present evidence matters.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases with moderate injuries may settle in 6-12 months. Complex catastrophic injury cases or those involving multiple defendants often take 18-36 months. Wrongful death cases involving disputed liability may take longer. We work efficiently, but we don’t rush—your future medical needs must be fully calculated before we settle.
Can undocumented immigrants file claims?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation in Arkansas courts. If you were injured by a negligent truck driver, you have the same rights as any other accident victim.
What if the accident happened on a rural road with no witnesses?
ECM data, ELD records, and physical evidence like skid marks and debris patterns can reconstruct the accident even without eyewitnesses. We work with accident reconstruction experts who use physics and engineering to prove what happened.
Do I need to pay upfront?
No. We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs, expert fees, and litigation expenses. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
What about workers’ compensation if I was driving for work?
If you were injured while working (for example, driving a delivery truck for a Greene County business), you may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party claim against the negligent truck driver who hit you. Arkansas allows you to pursue both, though workers’ comp may have a lien on your recovery.
The Attorney911 Advantage in Arkansas
Greene County residents deserve local attention with national-level expertise. While we’re based in Texas with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we handle federal cases and serious trucking accidents throughout the United States. For Arkansas families, this means you get the resources of a firm that’s gone against BP and major universities, combined with personalized service.
Ralph Manginello’s admission to the Southern District of Texas federal court matters because interstate trucking cases often involve federal jurisdiction under the FMCSA regulations. When a truck crosses state lines—as many do on US-412 connecting Arkansas to Tennessee and Missouri—federal law applies. You need an attorney who understands both Arkansas state law and federal trucking regulations.
Our client Ernest Cano put it best: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” That’s not just marketing—it’s how we operate. We don’t hand you off to a paralegal and disappear. Ralph Manginello personally oversees catastrophic injury cases, and our bilingual team ensures Spanish-speaking families in Greene County receive the same level of representation.
Call Now—Evidence Disappears Fast in Greene County
The trucking company that hit you or your loved one has already:
- Contacted their insurance carrier
- Dispatched a rapid-response team to the scene
- Potentially destroyed or overwritten electronic evidence
- Begun building a defense to minimize your claim
What are you doing?
The clock is ticking. Under Arkansas law, you have three years to file suit, but critical evidence like ECM data and dashcam footage can be gone in 30 days. Witness memories fade. Skid marks wash away in the rain.
Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We answer 24/7 because trucking accidents don’t happen during business hours. We’ll send a spoliation letter today to preserve the evidence that proves your case. We’ll come to you in Paragould, Marmaduke, Oak Grove Heights, or anywhere in Greene County.
Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña is available to discuss your case in Spanish without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 ahora.
You didn’t ask for this fight. The medical bills, the pain, the lost income—none of it was your choice. But choosing the right attorney is. Choose a firm that treats you like family, knows the trucking industry from the inside out, and has the track record to prove it.
Attorney911. Because trucking companies shouldn’t get away with it. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
