Introduction
18-wheeler accidents often result in severe injuries and complicated legal battles. Unlike typical car accidents, liability in truck accidents can extend beyond just the driver. Identifying who is responsible for an 18-wheeler accident in Arkansas is crucial for ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve. In this post, we’ll break down the potential liable parties and how an experienced Arkansas truck accident lawyer can help build your case.
1. The Truck Driver
In many cases, the truck driver is at fault due to:
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting, adjusting the radio).
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Speeding or reckless driving to meet delivery deadlines.
- Driver fatigue, despite federal regulations limiting driving hours.
If the accident was caused by the truck driver’s negligence, they may be held liable for damages.
2. The Trucking Company
Trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and ensuring their vehicles are safe. They can be held liable if they:
- Failed to properly train drivers on safety regulations.
- Encouraged drivers to violate federal hours-of-service laws, leading to fatigue-related crashes.
- Neglected vehicle maintenance, resulting in brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues.
If a trucking company prioritizes profit over safety, they may share responsibility for an accident.
3. The Truck Manufacturer or Parts Supplier
Defective truck parts, such as faulty brakes, steering failures, or tire defects, can lead to catastrophic crashes. If a manufacturing defect or poor maintenance contributed to the accident, the truck manufacturer or parts supplier may be held liable.
4. The Cargo Loading Company
Improperly loaded cargo can make a truck unstable, increasing the risk of rollovers and jackknife accidents. Liability may fall on the company responsible for loading the truck if:
- Cargo exceeded federal weight limits.
- Improperly secured cargo caused a load shift.
If shifting or spilled cargo led to the crash, the loading company could be held accountable.
5. Government Agencies or Contractors
Sometimes, poorly maintained roads or faulty traffic signals contribute to an accident. In these cases, liability may rest with the government entity responsible for road maintenance or the contractors hired to build or repair roads.
How Liability is Determined
Because multiple parties may be responsible, an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Arkansas will:
✅ Investigate driver logs, black box data, and truck maintenance records.
✅ Examine trucking company policies and prior safety violations.
✅ Work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze road conditions and crash reports.
Determining liability requires in-depth legal knowledge and access to crucial evidence, which is why hiring an attorney is essential.
Why Choose DZN Law Firm?
At DZN Law Firm, we specialize in Arkansas trucking accident claims. Our legal team has extensive experience identifying liable parties and holding them accountable. Whether it’s the truck driver, trucking company, or another entity, we fight to maximize your compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Conclusion
18-wheeler accidents often involve multiple liable parties, making it critical to have an experienced attorney on your side. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Arkansas, contact DZN Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll investigate your case, determine who is responsible, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
