18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Lincoln County, Arkansas

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

The impact came out of nowhere. One moment you’re driving home on US-65 through Lincoln County, Arkansas—maybe heading toward Pine Bluff or coming back from Dumas—and the next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck has destroyed your life. You didn’t ask for this. You didn’t deserve this. But now you’re dealing with catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and a trucking company that already has lawyers working to protect their interests.

We’re Attorney911. We’ve spent over 25 years fighting for families across Arkansas—right here in Lincoln County and throughout the Delta—who’ve been devastated by 18-wheeler accidents. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. We’ve recovered millions for TBI victims, families who lost loved ones, and hard-working Arkansans whose lives were shattered by careless truckers.

Think the trucking company’s insurance will treat you fairly? Think again. But here’s what they don’t tell you—you have power. You just need to know how to use it before the evidence disappears.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7, and we don’t charge a penny unless we win your case.

Why Arkansas Trucking Accidents Are Different

The Rural Danger

Lincoln County isn’t Dallas or Little Rock. We’re rural Arkansas—US-65 running through pine forests and farmland, US-79 connecting us to the Mississippi Delta, county roads that see heavy agricultural traffic during harvest season. These aren’t interstates with wide medians and bright lights. These are tight, two-lane highways where an 18-wheeler crossing the centerline leaves nowhere to go.

Every year, Arkansas sees hundreds of fatal truck crashes. Many happen right here in the Delta region, where long-haul truckers push through fatigue on routes connecting Memphis to Little Rock, where logging trucks haul timber from the Ouachita foothills, and where rice and soybean haulers rush during peak season. The Arkansas Department of Transportation data shows what we already know—rural counties like Lincoln see disproportionate truck accident rates because:

• Narrow shoulders leave no escape room
• Wildlife crossings (deer, especially near the Arkansas River) cause sudden stops
• Weather hazards—ice storms in winter, flash flooding in spring, fog rolling off the river
• Fatigued drivers pushing past Memphis toward Texas or Oklahoma
• Agricultural traffic mixing with interstate commerce

The Arkansas Advantage for Victims

Here’s what matters for your case: Arkansas gives you three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. That’s longer than Louisiana (1 year) or Tennessee (1 year), but don’t wait. Why? Because the trucking company isn’t waiting to build their defense.

Arkansas follows modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar. That means if you’re found less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 49% responsible, you recover 51% of your damages. But hit 50% or higher, and you recover nothing. This is why evidence matters immediately—because the trucking company will try to shift blame to you.

The Attorney911 Advantage: 25 Years of Making Trucking Companies Pay

Ralph Manginello—Your Lincoln County Fighter

Ralph Manginello didn’t just start practicing law in 1998—he started winning. For over two decades, he’s navigated the federal courts of the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas, fighting Fortune 500 trucking operations and massive insurance carriers. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and brings that federal court experience to every Arkansas case he handles.

But it’s not just about credentials. It’s about results. Ralph has recovered over $50 million for families across the South. Think about that—$5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log. $3.8 million for a client who lost a limb after a crash and subsequent infection. When Ralph takes your case, you’re not getting a junior associate learning on the job. You’re getting a veteran who’s seen every trucking defense tactic twice.

Our client Chad Harris put it best: “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 Lincoln County case—like our own family is suffering.

Lupe Peña—The Insurance Defense Insider

Now, here’s where we get an unfair advantage. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working at a national insurance defense firm. He was inside the machine. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. He knows their playbook.

As Lupe himself says about his transition: “I used to defend insurance companies. Now I fight against them.” That’s your advantage. When the trucking company’s insurer calls with a lowball offer, Lupe knows exactly how they calculated it—and exactly how to dismantle their argument.

Plus, Lupe is fluent in Spanish. For Lincoln County’s Hispanic community working in agriculture and manufacturing, this matters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Lincoln County

Every truck accident is different, but rural Arkansas presents unique dangers. Here are the crashes we see most often—and how we fight them.

Jackknife Accidents on US-65

US-65 cuts right through the heart of Lincoln County—connecting Pine Bluff to Dumas and beyond. When an 18-wheeler jackknifes on this highway, the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, blocking all lanes. These accidents often happen when:

• Drivers brake suddenly on wet roads (common during Arkansas thunderstorms)
• They’re speeding through curves near the Arkansas River
• Cargo shifts on the narrow highway shoulders

Federal law under 49 CFR § 393.48 requires properly maintained brake systems. When a jackknife happens because of brake failure or improper loading violating 49 CFR § 393.100, we prove negligence through ECM data and cargo manifest records.

Rollover Crashes on County Roads

Lincoln County’s agricultural roads—think AR-11 or AR-88 near the river—weren’t designed for 80,000-pound trucks. When a driver takes a curve too fast or overcorrects after hitting a pothole, rollovers happen. The physics are brutal—20 times the force of a car crash. We investigate whether the trucking company violated 49 CFR § 392.6 by scheduling routes that required unsafe speeds, or if they failed to train drivers on rural road hazards under 49 CFR § 391.11.

Underride Collisions—The Most Deadly

Arkansas still sees too many underride accidents, where a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer. This often happens on US-79 or US-165 during dawn or dusk—low visibility times when truckers fail to use proper lighting. We check for violations of 49 CFR § 393.11 regarding lighting and reflectors, and 49 CFR § 393.86 requiring rear impact guards. If the guards were missing or inadequate, that’s automatic liability.

Rear-End Collisions from Fatigue

A fully loaded truck needs nearly two football fields to stop from highway speed. When a trucker falls asleep on US-65 heading toward the Little Rock metro—or is distracted by a cell phone—they rear-end vehicles stopped at intersections. We subpoena ELD (Electronic Logging Device) records under 49 CFR § 395.8 to prove hours-of-service violations. If the driver exceeded the 11-hour driving limit or skipped required breaks, we prove they were fatigued in violation of 49 CFR § 392.3.

Wide Turn Accidents in Grady and Gould

Small towns like Grady and Gould have tight intersections. When an 18-wheeler swings wide for a right turn—often blocking opposite lanes—cars get crushed. We examine whether the driver signaled properly under 49 CFR § 392.2 and checked blind spots under 49 CFR § 392.11. Many truckers lack training for rural Arkansas infrastructure.

Tire Blowouts in the Delta Heat

Arkansas summers are brutal on tires. When a truck’s tire blows on US-165 near the Mississippi Delta, the driver can lose control, sending debris (“road gators”) into your windshield. We check tire maintenance records under 49 CFR § 396.3—if the company deferred maintenance to save money, they’re liable.

Federal Regulations That Protect You

Trucking companies must follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. When they break these rules, they pay. Here are the key statutes we use to prove negligence:

49 CFR Part 390—General Applicability

Applies to all commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds operating in interstate commerce. This covers virtually every 18-wheeler on Lincoln County highways.

49 CFR Part 391—Driver Qualifications

Before a driver can legally operate a commercial vehicle, they must:

• Be medically certified every two years (§ 391.41)
• Pass a road test or equivalent (§ 391.11)
• Have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Complete entry-level driver training

When trucking companies hire unlicensed drivers or ignore medical restrictions (like sleep apnea), they commit negligent hiring under Arkansas law.

49 CFR Part 392—Driving Rules

Prohibits:

• Operating while fatigued or ill (§ 392.3)
• Using drugs or alcohol (§ 392.4, § 392.5)
• Speeding (§ 392.6)
• Following too closely (§ 392.11)
• Using handheld cell phones while driving (§ 392.82)

49 CFR Part 393—Vehicle Safety & Cargo Securement

Requires:

• Proper cargo securement to withstand 0.8g deceleration forces (§ 393.102)
• Working brake systems (§ 393.40-55)
• Adequate lighting and reflectors (§ 393.11)
• Tire tread depth minimums (§ 393.75)

49 CFR Part 395—Hours of Service (The Most Violated)

The 11-hour driving limit, 14-hour duty window, and mandatory 30-minute break rules exist because fatigue kills. We download ELD data to prove violations—data that can be overwritten in as little as 30 days if we don’t act fast.

49 CFR Part 396—Inspection and Maintenance

Requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance. Drivers must complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections (§ 396.11, § 396.13). Annual inspections are mandatory (§ 396.17). When companies skip maintenance to save money, brake failures and tire blowouts happen.

Who Can Be Sued Under Arkansas Law?

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is liable, trucking accidents involve multiple responsible parties. We investigate every avenue:

1. The Truck Driver
Direct negligence for speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. We check cell phone records and drug test results taken after the crash.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligence. Plus, we look for:

• Negligent hiring: Did they check the driver’s record? Violation of 49 CFR § 391.51 (Driver Qualification File requirements).
• Negligent training: Did they teach the driver how to handle Arkansas’s rural highways?
• Negligent supervision: Did they monitor ELD compliance?
• Negligent maintenance: Did they skip brake repairs to save money?

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper
If a rice mill in Stuttgart overloaded a truck or a timber company demanded unsafe hauling schedules, they share liability.

4. The Loading Company
Third-party loaders who failed to secure cargo per 49 CFR § 393.100 are liable when shifts cause rollovers.

5. Truck/Trailer Manufacturers
When brake systems fail due to design defects or trailers lack proper underride guards, we pursue product liability claims.

6. Parts Manufacturers
Defective tires from manufacturers like those used on logging trucks can cause blowouts. We preserve failed tires for expert analysis.

7. Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or missed critical safety issues during inspections.

8. Freight Brokers
Brokers who negligently hired carriers with poor safety records (high CSA scores) to save money.

9. The Truck Owner
In owner-operator situations, separate liability exists for negligent entrustment.

10. Government Entities
Arkansas DOT or Lincoln County may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage on blind curves, or failure to maintain shoulders on US-65. Note: Arkansas requires notice of claims against government entities within 180 days—much shorter than the general 3-year statute.

The Evidence Window: Why 48 Hours Matters

Here’s the truth trucking companies don’t want you to know: Evidence disappears fast.

• ECM/Black Box Data: Can overwrite in 30 days or with new ignition cycles
• ELD Logs: Only required to be kept 6 months, but often deleted sooner
• Dashcam Footage: Frequently recorded over within 7-14 days
• Surveillance Video: Local businesses near the crash site may delete footage in days
• Witness Memory: Fades within weeks

We act immediately. Within 24 hours of being retained, we send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. These letters create a legal duty to preserve:

• Electronic control module data
• Driver qualification files
• Maintenance records
• Cell phone records
• GPS tracking data
• Drug and alcohol test results

If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, Arkansas courts can impose sanctions or instruct the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the defense.

Catastrophic Injuries and What They’re Worth

We don’t sugarcoat it—18-wheeler accidents cause devastating harm. Here’s what we’ve recovered for Arkansas families:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Settlement Range: $1,548,000 – $9,838,000

Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, chronic headaches, and cognitive impairment. TBI requires lifelong care. We work with neurologists and life care planners to calculate future medical costs.

Spinal Cord Injury

Settlement Range: $4,770,000 – $25,880,000

Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia) changes everything—home modifications, wheelchairs, ongoing care. We factor in lost earning capacity and quality of life.

Amputation

Settlement Range: $1,945,000 – $8,630,000

Whether traumatic (severed at scene) or surgical (due to crushing injuries), amputation requires prosthetics, rehabilitation, and psychological counseling. Our client who suffered a partial leg amputation after a truck crash settled for over $3.8 million.

Wrongful Death

Settlement Range: $1,910,000 – $9,520,000

When a trucking accident takes a loved one in Lincoln County, surviving family members can recover:

• Lost future income
• Loss of consortium (companionship)
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence, like falsified logs or known drunk driving)

As client Glenda Walker told us: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our promise.

Insurance: The Money Available

Federal law mandates commercial trucking insurance minimums:

Most carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage. But here’s the catch—insurance companies are trained to pay you as little as possible. They use software like Colossus to calculate “acceptable” settlement ranges based on average injuries, not your specific catastrophic harm.

That’s why you need us. We know their algorithms because Lupe Peña used to work with them. We know when they’re bluffing and when they’ll pay maximum policy limits.

Common Questions for Lincoln County Truck Accident Victims

How long do I have to sue in Arkansas?
Three years from the accident date for personal injury. But evidence preservation is immediate—call us within 48 hours.

What if I was partially at fault?
Arkansas uses modified comparative negligence. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage. If you’re 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages.

Can I sue if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Yes. The trucking company may still be liable under federal regulations, and we can pursue the owner-operator’s insurance directly.

What if the trucking company is from out of state?
We handle interstate commerce cases regularly. Federal court jurisdiction may apply, and Ralph Manginello’s federal bar admission lets us file anywhere.

How much does it cost to hire you?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you pay no attorney fees unless we win. Standard fees are 33.33% pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. We advance all investigation costs.

Do I really need a lawyer for a “simple” truck accident?
There is no such thing as a simple 18-wheeler accident. The physics alone guarantee severe injuries, and the regulatory complexity requires specialized knowledge. Studies show represented victims recover significantly more than unrepresented victims, even after attorney fees.

What if the insurance adjuster calls me?
Do not give a recorded statement. They’re trained to get you to say things that minimize your claim. Refer them to us immediately.

Can undocumented immigrants file claims in Arkansas?
Yes. Your immigration status does not affect your right to compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.

Your Next Step: Call Attorney911

You’ve been through enough. The pain, the medical bills, the uncertainty about your future—you shouldn’t have to fight the trucking company alone while you’re healing.

Ralph Manginello has spent 25+ years making trucking companies pay for the devastation they cause. From Federal Court in Little Rock to the county courthards in Star City and Gould, we know the Arkansas legal system. We know how to preserve evidence before it disappears. We know how to prove that FMCSA violations caused your injuries. And we know how to get Lincoln County families the compensation they deserve.

Don’t wait. The clock is ticking on your evidence.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (that’s 1-888-288-9911). We answer 24/7. We’ll come to you in Lincoln County—whether you’re recovering at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff or healing at home in Grady.

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña está listo para ayudar.

Your consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. And as our client Donald Wilcox said after we took his case when another firm rejected it: “I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”

Let us fight for you. Let us be your family when you need family most.

1-888-ATTY-911. Call now.