Truck Accidents

West Memphis Truck Accident Attorney

Legal Help After a Serious Truck Crash in the West Memphis Area

Collisions with commercial trucks can change a life in a matter of seconds. When a tractor-trailer weighing tens of thousands of pounds collides with a passenger vehicle, the people in the smaller vehicle usually suffer the most serious harm. If you were hurt in a crash with a large truck in West Memphis, a truck accident attorney from Wells & Wells can help you understand your options and protect your rights.

At Wells & Wells, we represent people and families who are facing medical treatment, time away from work, and pressure from insurance companies after devastating truck wrecks. Our firm focuses on building strong personal injury cases and pursuing the full compensation our clients need. 

We know this may be one of the hardest times in your life. Our West Memphis truck accident attorney provides practical guidance, clear communication, and more. You can reach out to us at any point after a truck crash to talk about what happened and what steps make sense for you.

Schedule a free consultation with our team to learn more about how our truck accident lawyer in West Memphis, AR, can support you.

Understanding Truck Crashes Around West Memphis

The area around West Memphis sees heavy commercial traffic due to its location near major freight routes. Interstates such as I-40 and I-55 carry a large number of tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers every day. When something goes wrong on these roads, the result can be a catastrophic crash.

Large commercial trucks can weigh significantly more than a typical passenger vehicle. That size difference means that even a relatively low-speed collision may cause severe injuries to occupants of smaller vehicles. People injured in these wrecks often face long hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, and time away from work. Our 18-wheeler accident attorney in West Memphis understands how these local traffic patterns and road conditions can play a role in commercial truck collisions, and we take those factors into account when reviewing what happened in a case.

What to Do After a Commercial Truck Accident

The moments and days after a collision with a semi-truck can feel confusing and overwhelming. Taking certain steps can help protect your health and any future injury claim.

Prioritize medical care for yourself and others:

  • Call 911, or ask someone else to, so that emergency responders and law enforcement come to the scene.
  • Accept medical attention, even if you do not think you are badly hurt. Some injuries, such as internal trauma or certain head injuries, may not be obvious right away.
  • When officers arrive, give a calm, factual description of what happened, without guessing about fault or minimizing your pain. 

Gather information if it is safe to do so:

  • Exchange names, contact information, and insurance information with the truck driver and any other drivers involved.
  • Write down or photograph the truck's license plate number, the trucking company name on the vehicle, and any trailer markings.
  • Take photos or videos of vehicle damage, the roadway, skid marks, and visible injuries, if your physical condition allows.
  • Ask witnesses for their names and contact information, since their observations may later help clarify what happened.

Be cautious with insurance companies:

  • Report the crash to your own insurer, but be careful about providing recorded statements before you talk with a lawyer.
  • If a trucking company representative or insurance adjuster contacts you, remember that their job is to limit what they pay. Avoid signing documents or accepting a quick settlement before you understand the full impact of your injuries.

Talk with a lawyer about your rights:

  • Consulting a truck accident lawyer in West Memphis early can help protect important evidence and deadlines. 

Common Causes & Injuries in 18-Wheeler Crashes

Many factors can contribute to a big rig wreck, and more than one person or company may share responsibility.

Frequent causes of large truck collisions include:

  • Driver fatigue 
  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding or following too closely 
  • Improper loading 
  • Inadequate maintenance 
  • Poor training or hiring practices 

Injuries that often result from a semi-truck crash include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries and other head trauma.
  • Spinal cord injuries and serious back or neck damage.
  • Multiple fractures 
  • Internal injuries and organ damage.
  • Burns and severe lacerations.
  • Amputations
  • Death

These injuries can require surgery, long hospital stays, and months or years of follow-up care. Many people are unable to return to their previous jobs or to any work at all for extended periods. As a big rig accident attorney in West Memphis, our role is to seek compensation that takes current and future needs into account.

Why Injured Truck Crash Victims Turn to Wells & Wells

At Wells & Wells, we work to provide both strong legal representation and attentive service to every client.

Choose us to benefit from:

  • Free consultations: Speak with our team at no cost to learn about your legal options after a truck accident.
  • Recognized legal excellence: Our attorneys have been honored by respected publications, including Best Lawyers in America, the Mid-South Super Lawyer® Edition, Outstanding Lawyers in America, and others.
  • Client-centered representation: We take a personalized approach to truck accident cases, prioritizing communication, responsiveness, and your individual goals.
  • Decades of experience: Our firm brings more than 50 years of combined experience handling complex claims.

If you are looking for a truck accident lawyer West Memphis crash victims can turn to for both guidance and support, our firm can talk with you.

Talk With Our Truck Accident Team About Your Options

If you or someone you love was injured in a collision with a commercial truck in the West Memphis area, you do not have to face the aftermath on your own. Our semi-truck accident lawyer in West Memphis can provide clear legal guidance and practical support.

To work with a tractor-trailer accident attorney in West Memphis, call (870) 782-4084 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a claim after an 18-wheeler crash in Arkansas?

Arkansas law sets deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, that limit how long you have to file a lawsuit after an 18-wheeler crash. Typically, this timeframe is three years from the accident date. As evidence can fade and important deadlines can pass, it is wise to talk with an attorney as soon as you are able.

What makes a truck case different from a regular car accident?

Truck accident cases are often more complex than typical car accidents. Commercial vehicles are subject to additional state and federal safety rules, and several companies may be involved in operating, owning, loading, or maintaining the truck. There are usually larger insurance policies at stake, and the injuries tend to be more severe. All of this means there are more records to examine and more parties that may share responsibility. As a West Memphis tractor-trailer accident attorney, our firm takes these factors into account when we review what happened and when we work to pursue fair compensation for our clients.

Why Choose Wells & Wells?

  • You will get maximum compensation for your injury.
  • You’ll get a lawyer who has earned multiple awards & accolades.
  • You will pay nothing unless we win.
  • You get a team with 50 years of combined experience.
  • You’ll receive personalized and attentive representation.

Car Accident FAQ

Our Jonesboro car accident lawyers are here to answer your accident questions. Don't see an answer to your question? You can always contact the Wells & Wells office to schedule a free and confidential consultation!

  • What if I can't get in contact with the trucking company after my crash?
    If you made sure to collect the trucking company's contact information from the trucker at the time of your accident, but have not been able to get a hold of them, we may be able to help. Our truck accident lawyers are used to dealing with trucking companies and can help get the information you need. Oftentimes trucking companies are located in a different state than the one in which the accident occurred, so having an attorney contact them on your behalf may lead to better results than contacting them yourself.
  • Who is financially responsible in a trucking accident, the driver or the trucking company?

    The answer to this question depends on the situation and can be fairly complicated. Is the driver an employee or an independent contractor? Typically, a company cannot be held financially responsible for the actions of an independent contractor. To learn more about the "respondeat superior" theory and how this may influence your case, contact our truck accident lawyers to schedule a free consultation.

  • Why are trucks more likely to cause injuries in an accident than passenger cars?
    The primary difference between a trucking accident and a passenger car accident is the huge difference in weight. Because of the sheer difference in size, trucks typically cause more destruction in an accident than a typical passenger vehicle does. Trucks also can often be hauling hazardous or flammable material, which makes them more dangerous in an accident.
  • How long do I have to file my auto accident lawsuit in Arkansas?

    According to Arkansas Code Annotated section 16-56-105, motorists have up to 3 years following the date of their accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.

  • Are drivers required to carry car insurance in Arkansas?

    Yes, they are. At a minimum, all motorists are required to carry liability insurance in the amount of $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in a single accident, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of more than one person in a single accident, and $25,000 for property damage in a single accident.

  • When am I required to report a car accident in Arkansas?

    Arkansas Code § 27-53-202 requires motorists to report a car crash any time that someone is injured or killed, or the damage to any property appears to be in excess of $1,000. All accidents should be reported to the Arkansas Office of Driver Services. While a police officer will typically make the report for you if one does not fill out the report at the scene you are still responsible to submit proper documentation.

  • What Damages Can be Recovered After a Car Accident?

    Although every case is different, car accident claims commonly pursue compensation for the following damages:

    • Pain and suffering
    • Lost wages
    • Loss of earning capacity
    • Medical expenses
    • Costs of rehabilitation
  • When Should You Contact an Attorney After a Car Accident?

    If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an auto accident that was caused by another party's negligence, we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact our car accident attorneys in Jonesboro today for the assistance that you deserve! You may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation for the injuries that you have suffered.

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