What Are the Top Causes of Truck Accidents in Arkansas?
Truck accidents can happen anytime and anywhere, from Northeast Arkansas' rural roads to major highways like I-55 and I-40. In Jonesboro and throughout the state, accidents involving tractor-trailers often have catastrophic consequences. A rear-end collision involving a big rig may lead to significantly more property damage and more serious injuries than a similar crash involving two passenger vehicles. A head-on crash or highway accident can involve multiple vehicles and multiple injuries.
When fully loaded with cargo, most tractor-trailers weigh about 80,000 pounds. An accident involving such a large vehicle can have catastrophic consequences. They can easily go out of control if the driver is intoxicated, texting or falling asleep at the wheel, or even distracted for any reason. From defective brakes and poor truck engine maintenance to negligent truck drivers, there are many reasons Arkansas area highway accidents take place and why we see so many devastating injuries in truck wrecks:
- Fatigued Truck Driver/Fake Log Books
- Aggressive Driving/Road Rage
- Speeding
- Alcohol/Drug Violations
- Overloaded Trailers or Unsecured Loads
- Untrained Drivers
- Distracted Driving
- Poorly Maintained Trucks
Contact a Jonesboro truck accident lawyer at McDaniel Law Firm, PLC today
Many tractor-trailer accidents may seem similar. But the circumstances surrounding each accident are unique. No two accidents are the same. No two clients are the same, either. That's why McDaniel Law Firm, PLC works so hard on behalf of each client. Don't foot the bill for somebody else's careless mistake.
You have questions after your accident. McDaniel Law Firm, PLC has the answers you need. Contact us today. Call 870-336-4747 and schedule a free consultation today at our Jonesboro office. We proudly serve clients throughout Northeast Arkansas (including Jonesboro, Paragould, Craighead County, Lawrence County, Greene County, Mississippi County, and Poinsett County), all of Arkansas, Southeast Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee.
Fatigued Truck Driver/Fake Log Books
Fatigued drivers risk lives every day. We can help.
Federal hours-of-service rules limit the amount of time truckers can spend on the road. But that doesn't mean truck drivers follow the law. Long-haul truckers are under pressure to deliver their cargo quickly. The longer they stay behind the wheel, the more they get paid. Many drivers may push themselves to the point of exhaustion, risking the lives and safety of everyone on the road.
Sometimes, trucking companies even fake the log books used to keep track of hours. As of August 2014, truckers were limited to driving no longer than 11 hours per day and working no more than 14 hours at a stretch. Safety advocates, however, have noted that handwritten log books are easy to manipulate to make it appear that a driver is following the rules when he or she really isn't.
McDaniel Law Firm, PLC works tirelessly to hold fatigued truckers responsible for their actions. Fatigued driving is a form of impaired driving. Tired truckers are just as dangerous drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A tired truck driver may rear-end another vehicle or cross the center line and cause a head-on collision. He or she may even fall asleep at the wheel, leading to a jackknife accident involving multiple vehicles.
Can a fatigued truck driver accident lawyer help me?
A truck driver fatigue accident case can be complicated and difficult to prove. The trucker may deny that he or she was fatigued or fell asleep while driving. We rely on facts and conduct a comprehensive investigation to get answers. Our experienced attorneys have access to investigators and experts in accident reconstruction who can help you build a compelling case. We understand how serious injuries from truck driver fatigue accidents can destroy your life. If you lost a loved one, we can help you pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
When you contact McDaniel Law Firm, PLC, rest assured your case will receive personalized attention from a Jonesboro fatigued truck driver accident lawyer who puts clients' needs first. McDaniel Law Firm, PLC routinely handles truck accident cases of all types. We're ready to put our experience to work for you. Don't foot the bill for somebody else's reckless behavior. That's why we're here. Call 870-336-4747 and schedule a free consultation today at our Jonesboro office.
Hold reckless truckers accountable for their actions
Reckless driving and road rage accidents happen when you least expect them. While we rightfully expect to safely share the road with large tractor-trailer trucks, sometimes this is not the case. Sometimes, truck accidents in Arkansas occur as a result of a trucker's reckless and potentially aggressive behavior behind the wheel. If you or a loved one was injured as a result of a truck driver's reckless or negligent behavior, you may be entitled to compensation.
At McDaniel Law Firm, PLC, we understand that tractor-trailer accidents are rarely minor. We understand occupants of smaller vehicles often simply can't get out of the path of a reckless tractor-trailer driver. Truckers are held to higher standards than other drivers for a reason. Yet you may find dealing with the driver and the trucking company to be a complicated and intimidating process. We can help. McDaniel Law Firm, PLC knows what evidence to look for after a truck crash, including:
- Safety records of the truck driver, including training and police records.
- Evidence of trucker's past alcohol or substance abuse problems.
- Trucker's hourly driving log, going as far back as possible, in order to assess trucker fatigue.
- Trucking crash evidence such as breathalyzer results, items in the driver's cab, or truck-stop security cams.
- Truck's black box and GPS locator, which may reveal the truck speed at the time of the accident and how long the big rig had been on the road.
McDaniel Law Firm, PLC is ready to protect your rights. Contact us today.
Every tractor-trailer accident case presents its own unique challenges. No two accident victims are the same. That's why McDaniel Law Firm, PLC takes a personalized approach to each case. We're here to serve your legal needs. You shouldn't have to suffer financially because of somebody else's careless mistakes. Call 870-336-4747 and schedule a free consultation today at our Jonesboro office.
High-speed accidents with tractor-trailer trucks can be catastrophic
Speeding is a reckless action that puts all drivers on the road in danger. But when you combine speeding with a large tractor-trailer truck on a busy highway such as I-55 or I-40, the results can be catastrophic. Most of the time, truck drivers know how to maneuver their vehicles at high speeds on a highway. But all it takes is one false move and the result can be a serious truck accident involving multiple vehicles and fatalities.
At McDaniel Law Firm, PLC, we understand timing is everything to trucking companies. The faster they can get somewhere, the more money they can make. But that's not an excuse for truckers to disobey the speed limit or put other drivers in danger. When a truck driver speeds, that speeding truck becomes a fast-moving weapon capable of injuring or killing numerous people in an instant. If you were injured or a loved one was seriously injured or killed, contact us today.
High-speed truck accidents in Arkansas can lead to head-on collisions, rear-end crashes, and serious, multi-vehicle rollover and jackknife accidents. Common injuries sustained in speeding accidents include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Death
Let McDaniel Law Firm, PLC help you
No two tractor-trailer accidents in Arkansas are the same. No two clients are ever the same, either. That's why McDaniel Law Firm, PLC takes the time to learn about every client we work with. You have enough to worry about after an accident. How to pay for medical bills and other expenses related to an accident caused by someone else shouldn't be one of them. Call 870-336-4747 and schedule a free consultation today at our Jonesboro office. Find out how we can help you with your truck accident claim.
Impaired truck driver accident lawyers in Jonesboro
The dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol are well-documented. Truckers passing through Arkansas are held to higher standards than drivers of passenger vehicles. But that doesn't stop some truck drivers from driving under the influence. When they do, they not only violate laws and trucking regulations - they turn their big rigs into large, fast-moving weapons capable of catastrophic damage to other vehicles.
At McDaniel Law Firm, PLC, we understand impaired truck drivers aren't just drunk truck drivers. Truck drivers under the influence of drugs are just as dangerous. Yet proving a truck driver was impaired when he or she caused an accident can be difficult. The truck company might try to say you caused the accident. You need an experienced lawyer on your side who knows where to look to hold negligent truckers accountable for their actions.
A closer look at DUI trucker accidents
In the state of Arkansas, the driver of a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level over .04 is legally a drunk driver. By comparison, drivers of passenger vehicles who are 21 and older are legally allowed to drive if their BAC is under .08 percent. Professionally licensed commercial truck drivers are held to higher standards than drivers of passenger vehicles for a reason. However, the negligent behavior may go beyond the driver. Liability on the part of the trucking company extends to supervision and assessment of the drivers. McDaniel Law Firm, PLC investigates every angle to be sure all parties who contributed to the impaired truck driver accident are held accountable.
Can a Jonesboro tractor-trailer accident lawyer help?
We understand accidents happen fast in Arkansas. Knowing what to do can be difficult and confusing. That's why we work so hard for each of our clients. We put your needs first. If somebody else caused your accident, you shouldn't have to foot the bill alone. Don't let big truck companies - or their insurance companies - intimidate you. McDaniel Law Firm, PLC can help. Call 870-336-4747 and schedule a free consultation today at our Jonesboro office.
Overloaded Trailers or Unsecured Loads
McDaniel Law Firm, PLC will hold negligent parties accountable
Failing to load a large truck properly can cause serious tractor-trailer accidents on I-55, I-40 and other roadways throughout Craighead County. Putting too much weight on a truck is illegal. Trucks and tractor-trailers carrying an unsecured load pose a serious threat to others. Drivers may have a difficult time stopping or safely turning a truck transporting too much cargo or carrying an unsecured load.
At McDaniel Law Firm, PLC, we hold negligent truckers and truck companies accountable for their actions. Someone who improperly loads a truck might not seem as irresponsible as someone who drives while under the influence, but both actions can have similar, devastating results. Truck drivers and companies responsible for loading the trailers have a responsibility to load a truck correctly to protect against serious accidents.
What makes overloaded tractor-trailer trucks dangerous?
Truckers and their companies often try to save money by exceeding legal loading limits, ignoring the dangers this creates. Overloaded trucks - or improperly loaded trucks - can tip over easily. They also need much more room to come to a safe stop. That's why the risk of speeding accidents involving overloaded trucks is much higher. Overloaded trucks are also harder to control when taking a turn around a corner. And when they do collide with other vehicles, all that additional weight means much more serious tractor-trailer accidents involving catastrophic injuries or even a wrongful death.
These cases can be complicated because several different parties may be liable, from the driver to the driver's employer to the cargo company that loaded the truck. And they all may be pointing fingers at each other. It takes an experienced law firm with resources and knowledge of the law to support your claim and get you the justice you deserve.
Can a truck accident attorney in Jonesboro help?
Every tractor-trailer accident case presents unique challenges. This is especially true when a truck might have been carrying too much cargo. No two accident victims are the same. That's why McDaniel Law Firm, PLC, takes a personalized approach to each case. We're here to serve your legal needs. You shouldn't have to suffer financially for somebody else's careless mistakes. Call 870-336-4747 and schedule a free consultation today at our Jonesboro office.
Take a stand against poorly trained truck drivers in Jonesboro, Paragould
Regulations limit who can operate 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and other large commercial vehicles. At the same time, truck drivers are under pressure to deliver their cargo quickly. The more truck drivers they employ, the more money they can make. But sometimes this leads to truck companies sending poorly trained or unlicensed drivers on the road. Unfortunately, untrained drivers injure and kill hundreds of drivers every year across the United States.
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident in Arkansas or elsewhere in Northeast Arkansas, contact an experienced truck accident attorney at McDaniel Law Firm, PLC. We can investigate your untrained truck driver accident and determine liability. If a tractor-trailer driver was poorly trained or operating a truck without a commercial driver's license (CDL), you may be entitled to compensation. We hold the truckers and their employers accountable for their actions.
How we investigate trucking companies
It can be difficult to prove a driver's lack of experience. Tractor-trailer drivers and their employers may deny any wrongdoing. Trucking companies may falsify driving records. We rely on facts and conduct a thorough investigation to get answers. Investigating truck accidents is critical if you want to mount a successful case. McDaniel Law Firm, PLC has access to investigators and experts in accident reconstruction who can help you build a strong case. We understand how serious injuries from tractor-trailer accidents can impact your life.
Because they lack experience, untrained drivers can cause a number of serious trucking accidents, including crashes involving speeding, improper braking, turns, blind spots, and more.
How can a Jonesboro truck accident lawyer help?
McDaniel Law Firm, PLC wants to take the time to learn about your case. We understand how difficult life can become after an accident. We care about helping Arkansas families and making our state a safer place to live. That's why we work so hard for each of our clients. Don't foot the bill for somebody else's careless mistakes. Call 870-336-4747 and schedule a free consultation today at our Jonesboro office.
Distracted driving tractor-trailer accident lawyers ready to fight for you
Distracted driving has been a problem for decades. But with the increase in the number of cell phones and other hand-held gadgets over the past few years, distracted driving is a bigger public safety concern than ever before in Arkansas. Truck drivers who get distracted behind the wheel pose a grave threat to other motorists. Unfortunately, accidents involving truck drivers who take their attention off the road are all too common.
What causes distracted driving tractor-trailer accidents?
At McDaniel Law Firm, PLC, we understand that any potential list of driver distractions is long and distressing. Truck driver distraction can range from texting while driving (Federal law prohibits texting while driving illegal by bus drivers and truck drivers) to fiddling with a sound system or glancing at something along the side of the road. Some of the most common causes of distracted driving accident include:
- Texting and driving
- Making cell phone calls
- CB radios, GPS units, or MP3 players
- Eating and drinking
Truck accidents can be extremely complicated. Often, the truckers work for a large corporation located somewhere far away. Truck companies know this intimidates many people from actively pursuing an aggressive case against them. That's why they and the insurance companies that represent them often make lowball offers to people after an accident. In addition, there may be multiple levels of liability. One company may own the cab, while another company may own the trailer. An accident caused by a defective tire or defective brakes may lead to a product liability claim involving the company that manufactured or designed the defective part.
How a Jonesboro tractor-trailer accident law firm can help
Serious accidents demand serious legal representation from experienced trucking lawyers. There's no room for error when dealing with negligent individuals and companies that caused your accident - or insurance companies looking to keep money out of your pocket. That's why we're here. McDaniel Law Firm, PLC has the experience and resources necessary to get the results and compensation you deserve. Call 870-336-4747 and schedule a free consultation today at our Jonesboro office.
Truck accident lawyers in Jonesboro - McDaniel Law Firm, PLC
Independent haulers and nationwide logistics companies are required to keep maintenance records to show that they have taken steps to prevent maintenance problems. In many tractor-trailer crashes in Arkansas, it's often found that trucking companies failed to meet the required standard. Poorly maintained trucks put everyone on Arkansas roadways at risk.
If you were in a tractor-trailer accident in Arkansas because of a poorly maintained truck, contact us today. McDaniel Law Firm, PLC knows how to hold truck companies responsible for poorly maintained trucks. We how know to investigate truck companies to uncover the true cause of your accident. Chances are you did nothing to cause your accident. We can work on your behalf to fight for the compensation you need.
Common causes of accidents due to poorly maintained trucks
In their rush to meet deadlines and ship cargo quickly, truckers may overlook the required daily pre-trip safety inspection of the tractor-trailer. Drivers are required to document such inspections but sometimes fail to do so. Trucking companies carry a moral and legal obligation to properly maintain trucks on a routine basis. Sometimes these companies value profits over the safety of people. When they do and accidents happen, they must be held accountable.
The following are some of the causes of accidents due to poorly maintained trucks:
- Truck brake failure
- Tire blowouts
- Defective turn signals
- Broken steering components
Let a truck accident law firm in Jonesboro help you. Contact us.
You shouldn't have to suffer twice because of someone else's mistakes. Let McDaniel Law Firm, PLC, help you. Our firm routinely handles tractor-trailer accident cases of all types. We understand no two accidents are the same, and no two clients are the same, either. That's why we take a personalized approach to each case. Our focus is on you. Call 870-336-4747 and schedule a free consultation today at our Jonesboro office.
