Fort Smith 18 Wheeler & Semi Truck Accident Attorneys

Semi Truck Accident Lawyers

Semi-trucks are mainstays on Arkansas roads, playing a crucial role in delivering goods and resources across the nation. Nevertheless, 18-wheelers can also present some major dangers. Weighing up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, semis can cause catastrophic damage and life-threatening injuries when wrecks happen. The Fort Smith truck accident attorneys at WALKER & HARP, P.L.L.C. understand how devastating semi wrecks can be. We also are highly skilled at helping truck crash victims protect and exercise their rights to compensation and justice. Whether you were hurt by the negligence of a trucker, a motor carrier, or some other party, we’re ready to help you get on the road to recovery. Additionally, if your injuries occurred while you were on the job, you may also be entitled to workers' compensation benefits to help cover your medical expenses and lost wages. Call 479-783-5000 or contact our firm online to learn more about your potential truck accident case in a confidential consultation.

How Do I Prove Fault for a Truck Accident?

Liability for an 18-wheeler accident will depend on how that crash was caused. Typically, fault for these wrecks will lie with one or more of the following parties:

Motorists, including truck drivers, passenger vehicle drivers, motorcyclists, and others
Trucking companies, brokers, and/or shippers
Vehicle equipment manufacturers and/or vehicle service technicians
Cities, counties, and/or crew responsible for road construction and/or maintenance

To figure out and prove which party (or parties) are at fault, this (and other) evidence can be essential:

Pictures of the accident scene
Witness statements
Trucker and motor carrier records
Records from electronic onboard records
Dashcam footage
Cellphone records
Police reports
Toxicology reports
Expert witness opinions

How Long Does It Take to Resolve Truck Accident Cases?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The complexity of the case, the available evidence, and much more can affect how quickly truck wreck claims are resolved. For a specific answer pertaining to your situation, contact WALKER & HARP, P.L.L.C. for a no-obligation consultation.

Do I Need a Sebastian County Truck Accident Attorney for My Case?

You need a truck accident attorney if:

You are serious about protecting your rights and the strength of your potential case.
You have been severely injured, and you need someone else to handle your claim while you focus on treatment and healing.
You want the best chances of obtaining justice and recovering full, fair compensation for your injuries, damaged property, lost earnings, pain, suffering, and more.

Talk to an Experienced Fort Smith Truck Accident Lawyer About a Case: Contact Us

If you or someone you love has been hurt in an 18-wheeler wreck, you may be entitled to justice and financial recovery. To discover more about your rights, contact a Fort Smith truck accident attorney at WALKER & HARP, P.L.L.C. We fight for the victims of truck accidents, seeking swift justice and favorable resolutions. Call 479-783-5000 or contact our firm online to learn more about your legal options during a confidential consultation. With over 70 years of combined experience, our talented Fort Smith truck accident attorneys have the skills, knowledge, and dedication to provide strategic, fierce advocacy. We are known for our integrity, reliability, and relentless representation, and we won’t stop until our clients recover full, fair compensation. For more on our record of excellence and success, we invite you to check out our reviews and awards.

OUR OFFICE

Fort Smith Office
400 North 6th Street
P.O. Box 998
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72902-0998

Phone: 479-783-5000
Fax: 479-783-0420

Attorney Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a truck accident lawyer in Fort Smith represent me if I'm from another state but had an accident in Fort Smith?

Yes, a Fort Smith truck accident lawyer can represent you even if you're from another state. Truck accidents involving interstate travel are common, and local attorneys are equipped to handle the complexities of state and federal laws that may apply.

What should I do if the trucking company or their insurance contacts me after an accident?

If you are contacted by the trucking company or their insurance representative, it is best to refrain from providing any detailed statements or accepting any settlements before speaking with your attorney. Anything you say can be used to undermine your claim, and early settlement offers may not fully compensate for your damages. Always consult with your lawyer who can handle communications and negotiations on your behalf.

What trucking specific evidence should be preserved right after an 18 wheeler crash?

Preserve the truck’s electronic data recorder information, electronic logging device hours, dashcam clips, and GPS breadcrumbs. Save the driver’s qualification file details, drug and alcohol test results, and recent inspection and maintenance records. Photograph skid marks, debris fields, trailer positions, and damage to barriers or signage. Get contact information for witnesses and note which agency investigated the scene. Keep your medical records, discharge summaries, and all bills organized from day one. An attorney can send preservation letters quickly so critical records are not altered or lost.

How do federal trucking regulations affect negligence claims in Arkansas crashes?

Truck drivers and carriers must follow federal safety rules that govern hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and load securement. When a violation contributes to a wreck, that breach can support a negligence claim. Records created to comply with those rules often supply powerful evidence about timelines and decision making. These regulations also help define what a reasonably careful motor carrier should have done. Your lawyer can compare the facts of the crash to the applicable rules to identify failures. Using those comparisons can strengthen liability arguments and settlement leverage.

Can multiple companies be responsible for a semi truck collision and how does that change my case?

Yes, liability can reach beyond the driver to include the motor carrier, broker, shipper, or maintenance provider. Each entity may have separate insurance and different defenses, which can complicate negotiations. Identifying who controlled routing, scheduling, and equipment maintenance helps allocate fault accurately. Claims may proceed against several parties at once to protect your recovery. Coordinated discovery can reveal how decisions by one company created pressure or risks for another. A lawyer familiar with commercial transportation can map these relationships and pursue every responsible party.

How can I learn more about my rights after a truck accident?

Understanding your rights after a truck accident is fundamental to ensuring justice and compensation. Contact us for a confidential consultation where we can discuss your case specifics and outline your legal options.

Additional Information in Fort Smith, Arkansas

Arkansas Department of Transportation - Trucking Permits: Provides detailed information on obtaining trucking permits in Arkansas, essential for truck drivers and companies operating within the state.

Arkansas State Police - Highway Safety Office: Offers resources and safety tips for truck drivers in Arkansas, promoting safer road environments.

View Live Traffic Information | Fort Smith, AR: Provides current road hazard and traffic incident updates in Fort Smith, helpful for drivers to avoid areas prone to truck accidents.

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Truck Accident Lawyer in Fort Smith