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A truck crash on an Arkansas highway can lead to serious injuries, big medical bills, and questions about how to move forward. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Because of their massive weight, these big trucks cause major damage to regular cars in an accident. Injuries can range from brain injuries, spinal cord harm, broken bones, and some accidents are unfortunately fatal. Truck accidents are much harder to tackle than a normal car crash. You have to deal with federal safety rules, multiple parties who might be at fault, and corporate legal teams working to minimize what you recover.
At Gates Law Firm PLLC, Little Rock truck accident attorney Joseph Gates has recovered over $162 million for injured clients across Arkansas. A national transportation research report found that Arkansas had approximately 30 truck-crash fatalities per 100 million population per year from 2017 to 2021, the fourth-highest rate in the nation. Our personal injury attorneys handle cases involving jackknife collisions, underride accidents, and rollovers on I-40, I-30, I-630, and highways throughout Little Rock and Pulaski County.
This guide explains why truck accidents cause more severe injuries than car crashes, who can be held liable, what compensation Arkansas law allows, how federal regulations strengthen your case, and what deadlines you must meet. Call Gates Law Firm PLLC at (501) 779-8091 for a free consultation.
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Michelle Watson
Joseph and Kristen were so helpful with our case, they made everything so easy. Joseph was great in negotiating our settlement, I will definitely call him again if needed!
Trent Grage
I cannot express how grateful I am for Gates Law Firm, Joseph took my case and was able to get my suit settled super fast. I was struggling financially so this helped me tremendously!!! More than he will…
Sherri Latimer
Joe did a wonderful job representing me and respected my decision to settle out of court. He “worked the case” giving it the time and attention it needed, which resulted in a very reason…
Ali Campbell
I can’t say enough good things about Joseph and Kristen! They were so helpful with my case and made the whole process easy. Joseph negotiated a great settlement for me and if I am ever in this situ…
El Boogie
Gates law firm took my case for me, that no one else would touch. Joseph and his firm got me my settlement in a timely manner. I’d like to thank Joseph and his team for their hard work
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The steps you take in the first hours and days after a truck accident can determine whether you recover full compensation or lose critical evidence. Acting quickly protects both your health and your legal rights.
Your first priority must be a medical evaluation, even if you feel uninjured. Traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding often lack immediate symptoms, and a medical record created shortly after the crash is vital for your claim. Contact 911. An official accident report from the Little Rock Police Department or Arkansas State Police provides an objective account of the event that is difficult for insurance companies to dispute later.
If you are physically able, photograph everything at the scene: vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and the truck’s United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number displayed on the cab. Get the truck driver’s name, commercial driver’s license (CDL) number, insurance information, and employer details. Write down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
In the days following the crash, maintain a strict “no-comment” policy regarding the details of the accident. Do not discuss fault with the truck driver, their employer, or any insurance adjusters, as these statements can be used against you. Most importantly, do not sign any documents or accept settlement offers without professional oversight. Truck accident lawyer Joseph Gates can act immediately to send “spoliation letters” that legally require the company to preserve black box data and driver logs.
Truck accidents cause more severe injuries and higher fatality rates than collisions between passenger vehicles because of fundamental differences in size, weight, and stopping capability. These differences help explain why the injuries you suffered may require years of medical treatment.
Truck collisions take several forms, each presenting different investigation challenges:
A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds under federal law. A typical passenger car weighs around 4,000 pounds. This 20-to-1 weight ratio means your vehicle absorbs the vast majority of the impact force in a collision. At highway speeds, a commercial truck can require up to 525 feet to stop, compared to roughly 316 feet for a passenger car. When truck drivers fail to maintain safe following distances or drive too fast for conditions, collisions become unavoidable.
Client testimonial
E rae
They are very professional and will work hard to make sure that u get your money and medical bills taking care of. Thanks Gates Law Firm I’m a satisfied client.
Jen L
Joseph is a wonderful advocate for his clients. He’s compassionate, hard working, and effective at getting maximum justice. I would send a family member and friend to him. I highly recommend him!
Ashlee Pinkston
Mr Gates represented me in the best way possible! I was very satisfied with the service I received and definitely would use him as my lawyer in the future! Very kind. Quick to…
Ana Wright
Mr Gates & his staff helped me with my case from beginning to end. I admire their work ethic and most of all excellent representation. Highly recommend to family and friends. Thank you so much!!!
Darin Watson
Joseph advised us, fought for us, and I could tell he really cared about us. A very good man, and although I hope we’ll not need his services again, I would not hesitate to call him if we did.
Katelyn Leisenring
Joseph and his team were quick, efficient, and readily available to us any time we had any questions. He was able to alleviate all of our anxieties and guide us in best practices that u…
Tiana C
My family and I are very thankful for the amount of detailed time, patience, kindness, and commitment Mr. Gates had towards our cases. All of my cases thus far have been in need of thor…
Joseph Gates is the founding attorney of Gates Law Firm PLLC and has dedicated his legal career to representing injured victims throughout Arkansas. He is licensed to practice law in Arkansas and before the United States District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas. His practice focuses on personal injury cases involving commercial vehicles, including truck accidents, traumatic brain injuries, wrongful death claims, products liability, and child injury cases.
Gates has recovered over $162 million for his clients and has been recognized as a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 member, a Super Lawyers Rising Star, and an AAJ President’s Club member. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Arkansas Bar Association, the Pulaski County Bar Association, the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association (ATLA), and the American Association for Justice (AAJ). He represents clients throughout Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Benton, and communities across central Arkansas.
Most truck accidents result from preventable causes. Identifying what caused the crash determines who can be held liable and what evidence Joseph Gates needs to build your case.
Driver fatigue remains one of the leading causes of truck accidents nationwide. Federal hours-of-service (HOS) regulations limit truck drivers to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour on-duty period, followed by 10 consecutive hours off duty. Despite these rules, some drivers falsify logs or manipulate electronic logging devices (ELDs) to drive longer hours. Drowsy drivers suffer from delayed reaction times, impaired judgment, and sometimes fall asleep at the wheel.
Distracted driving contributes to thousands of truck accidents each year. Drivers who use cell phones, eat meals, adjust GPS systems, or communicate with dispatch while driving take their attention off the road. Speeding and aggressive driving are particularly dangerous in trucks because of their extended stopping distances. Impaired driving from alcohol, drugs, or drowsiness-inducing medications also causes serious crashes.
Trucking companies cause accidents when they cut corners on safety. Inadequate training leaves new drivers unprepared for emergencies. Some companies hire drivers with poor safety records, suspend required drug testing, or pressure drivers to exceed HOS limits to meet delivery deadlines. Companies that pay by the mile instead of by the hour create financial incentives for drivers to speed and skip required rest breaks.
Poor maintenance causes brake failures, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, and lighting defects. Federal regulations require regular inspections, but some companies defer maintenance to reduce costs. Improper cargo loading creates instability that increases rollover risk, and overloaded trucks exceed federal weight limits, increasing stopping distances and tire failure risk.
| Cause Category | Common Violations | Potentially Liable Party |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Fatigue | Hours-of-service violations, falsified logs | Driver and trucking company |
| Distracted Driving | Cell phone use, eating, dispatch communications | Driver |
| Inadequate Training | Failure to properly certify drivers | Trucking company |
| Poor Maintenance | Brake failures, tire blowouts, lighting defects | Company or maintenance provider |
| Improper Loading | Overweight trucks, unsecured or imbalanced cargo | Loading company or shipper |
| Equipment Defects | Defective brakes, tires, or steering systems | Manufacturer |
Joseph Gates of Gates Law Firm PLLC can investigate the cause of your crash, obtain driver logs and maintenance records, and identify every party responsible. Call (501) 779-8091 for a free consultation.
Client testimonial
Debbie Hatfield
Gates lawfirm was very professional and easy to work with. Joseph handled my daughter and granddaughter’s case efficiently and communicated with us very well. We…
Robert Greer
Joseph did and does an incredible job. Forthright and honest is how I would describe the experience. In one of my most difficult times in my life, he was there as a lawyer and a counsel…
E rae
They are very professional and will work hard to make sure that u get your money and medical bills taking care of. Thanks Gates Law Firm I’m a satisfied client.
Tiana C
My family and I are very thankful for the amount of detailed time, patience, kindness, and commitment Mr. Gates had towards our cases. All of my cases thus far have been in need of thor…
Darin Watson
Joseph advised us, fought for us, and I could tell he really cared about us. A very good man, and although I hope we’ll not need his services again, I would not hesitate to call him if we did.
Amber Souriyavong
I Was definitely in very good hands! Joseph was very professional and I am more than happy with the outcome. He is very down to earth and understanding. I appreciate Joseph taking on my case.
Beyond compensation
We fight to expose wrongdoing and prevent future harm.
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Unlike a typical car accident where a single driver is at fault, truck accident cases often involve multiple liable parties. Identifying all responsible parties affects the amount of compensation available and who pays your medical bills and lost wages.
The truck driver can be held personally liable for negligent conduct, including violating traffic laws, driving while fatigued, using a cell phone, driving under the influence, or failing to follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Arkansas law and federal regulations hold commercial drivers to a higher standard of care than ordinary motorists because of the catastrophic harm their vehicles can cause.
The trucking company often bears substantial liability under several legal rules. Under respondeat superior, employers are responsible for the negligent acts their employees commit within the scope of employment. Trucking companies also face direct liability for negligent hiring (employing drivers with suspended licenses or histories of impaired driving), negligent training (failing to properly certify drivers), and negligent supervision (ignoring safety violations or pressuring drivers to exceed HOS limits).
Truck and parts manufacturers can be liable under product liability law when defective brakes, tires, steering systems, or trailer coupling devices cause accidents. Maintenance companies that negligently perform inspections or improperly repair critical systems may also be responsible. Third-party cargo loading companies bear liability when they overload trucks, fail to secure cargo properly, or create dangerous weight imbalances.
Joseph Gates pursues claims against multiple defendants simultaneously. This approach maximizes the compensation available by accessing multiple insurance policies. Under federal regulations, for-hire property carriers are required to carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage for general freight, and many carriers carry policies of $1 million or more.
Arkansas follows a modified comparative fault system under Arkansas Code § 16-64-122. This law determines what happens when more than one party shares responsibility for a truck accident.
Under this rule, you can recover compensation as long as your fault is less than the fault of the party you are suing. If your share of fault equals or exceeds 50%, you cannot recover anything. If you are found partially at fault but below the 50% threshold, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if a jury awards you $500,000 but determines you were 20% at fault, you would receive $400,000.
Trucking companies and their insurers routinely attempt to shift blame onto injured victims to reduce what they owe. They may argue that you were speeding, failed to stay out of the truck’s blind spot, or did not take evasive action quickly enough. This is one reason why preserving evidence and hiring an attorney early is so important. Joseph Gates gathers evidence that accurately establishes fault percentages and prevents trucking companies from unfairly reducing your award.
Gates Law Firm PLLC represents truck accident victims throughout Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Benton, and all of Pulaski County. Call (501) 779-8091 for a free case evaluation.
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Truck accident compensation is often substantially higher than in a typical car crash because injuries are more severe, multiple parties may be liable, and trucking companies carry larger insurance policies.
Arkansas law allows you to seek economic damages, which cover the measurable financial impact of the crash. These include past and future medical expenses (emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, counseling, home health care), lost income and benefits while you are unable to work, and reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job. Economic damages also include property damage, long-term rehabilitation costs, and necessary home modifications, such as ramps or widened doorways, if you are left with permanent disabilities.
You can also recover non-economic damages for the personal impact of the crash. These include physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and loss of enjoyment of life. Damages for disfigurement or scarring may also apply. In some cases, a spouse can pursue a loss of consortium claim for the loss of companionship, affection, and support.
When trucking companies engage in gross negligence or reckless conduct, such as ignoring known safety violations, allowing falsified driver logs, or keeping unsafe trucks on the road, Arkansas juries may award punitive damages. These damages punish dangerous behavior and deter similar misconduct in the future.
If the crash caused a death, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim under Arkansas Code § 16-62-102. The personal representative of the estate files the claim on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, parents, and other beneficiaries. Recoverable damages include funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support over the victim’s expected lifetime, and loss of companionship and guidance.
Key Takeaway: Arkansas law allows truck accident victims to recover economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, future care costs), non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment), and, in cases of gross negligence, punitive damages to punish dangerous corporate behavior.
Arkansas law imposes strict time limits on filing truck accident claims. Missing these deadlines means losing your right to compensation permanently.
Personal injury claims resulting from truck accidents must be filed within three years of the accident date under Arkansas Code § 16-56-105. This statute of limitations begins running on the day the accident occurred. If you wait past that three-year window to file your lawsuit, the court will dismiss your case regardless of how strong your evidence is or how severe your injuries are.
Wrongful death claims also carry a three-year deadline under Arkansas Code § 16-62-102. This period typically begins on the date of death, which may be later than the accident date if the victim survived for some time before passing. There are limited exceptions: if the injured person is a minor, the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until they turn 18, giving them until age 21 to file.
Even though you have three years, waiting to contact an attorney is risky. Trucking companies may overwrite electronic logging data, dispose of maintenance records, or repair damaged trucks within weeks of a crash. The sooner your attorney can begin investigating, the more evidence is available to support your claim.
Key Takeaway: Under Arkansas Code § 16-56-105, you have three years from the accident date to file a truck accident lawsuit. Despite this deadline, critical evidence can disappear within weeks. Contact Gates Law Firm PLLC as early as possible to preserve your case.
Federal law plays a central role in truck accident litigation because the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets detailed safety standards for the entire commercial trucking industry. When a trucking company or driver violates these regulations, those violations serve as powerful evidence of negligence.
FMCSA regulations also require rigorous maintenance and inspection practices. These include:
When records reveal skipped inspections, ignored defect reports, failed drug tests, overweight loads, or improperly secured cargo, those regulatory violations help establish that the trucking company or driver failed to meet the federally required standard of care. Gates Law Firm PLLC obtains these records through discovery and works with trucking industry consultants to explain how violations caused the crash.
Key Takeaway: FMCSA regulations govern hours of service, maintenance, drug testing, CDL qualifications, weight limits, and cargo securement. Violations provide strong evidence of negligence and are often the key to proving liability in Arkansas truck accident cases.
Winning a truck accident case requires proving four elements: duty of care, breach, causation, and damages. Each element must be supported by evidence, and all four must be present to recover compensation.
Evidence that Joseph Gates gathers to prove these elements includes police reports and citations, ELD data showing HOS violations, event data recorder (commonly called “black box”) information revealing speed and braking patterns, driver qualification files documenting training and safety history, vehicle maintenance and inspection records, cargo loading documents showing weight violations, witness statements, medical records linking injuries to the accident, and testimony from accident reconstruction and trucking safety professionals.
Key Takeaway: Proving a truck accident case requires establishing duty, breach, causation, and damages through evidence, including electronic data, driver records, and maintenance logs. Gates Law Firm PLLC works with accident reconstruction professionals to build comprehensive cases for Little Rock truck accident victims.
Contact Joseph Gates at (501) 779-8091 for a free consultation to discuss your case.
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Dealing with serious injuries after a truck accident is difficult enough without also having to handle insurance adjusters, corporate legal teams, and complex federal regulations. You need an attorney who understands trucking law and has the trial preparation to take your case to a jury if the insurance company will not offer fair compensation.
Joseph Gates of Gates Law Firm PLLC has recovered over $162 million for injured clients and handles truck accident cases involving 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and delivery vehicles throughout Little Rock and Pulaski County. Gates Law Firm PLLC works with accident reconstruction consultants and medical professionals to document the full extent of your damages, obtain black box and ELD data before it is overwritten, and pursue claims against all liable parties. Cases filed in Pulaski County are heard at the Pulaski County Circuit Court at 401 West Markham Street in Little Rock.
Call Gates Law Firm PLLC at (501) 779-8091 for a free consultation. Our Little Rock office is located at 2725 Cantrell Road, Suite 200. We represent injured victims throughout Arkansas, including Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Benton, and communities across central Arkansas.
Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Call 911 so police can document the scene. If physically able, photograph vehicle damage, skid marks, the truck’s USDOT number, and your injuries. Get the truck driver’s name, CDL number, insurance details, and employer information. Do not discuss fault or sign anything from an insurance company before calling Joseph Gates at (501) 779-8091.
Truck accident cases involve federal regulations that do not apply to passenger vehicles, including HOS rules, ELD requirements, and FMCSA maintenance standards. Evidence is more complex, including black box data, driver qualification files, and company safety records. Multiple parties often share liability, and trucking companies carry much larger insurance policies, which means higher potential compensation but also more aggressive defense tactics.
Arkansas follows modified comparative fault under Arkansas Code § 16-64-122. You can recover damages as long as your fault is less than 50%. Your award is reduced by your fault percentage. For example, if you were 20% at fault and awarded $200,000, you would receive $160,000. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything. Trucking companies routinely try to shift blame, so having an attorney to counter these tactics is critical.
Under Arkansas Code § 16-62-102, a wrongful death claim is typically brought by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, parents, and other beneficiaries. However, if no personal representative has been appointed, the heirs at law can file the lawsuit directly. The three-year statute of limitations generally begins on the date of death.
Truck accident cases generally take several months to several years, depending on injury severity, liability disputes, and the number of defendants. Cases with clear liability and documented injuries may settle within six to twelve months. Complex cases involving permanent disabilities or multiple defendants take longer. If your case proceeds to trial at the Pulaski County Circuit Court, additional months may be needed for preparation and proceedings.
The black box, technically called an event data recorder (EDR), captures data about the truck’s operation in the seconds before, during, and after a crash. This data includes vehicle speed, throttle position, brake application, engine RPM, and impact forces. EDR information provides objective proof of what happened, showing whether the driver was speeding, failed to brake, or took evasive action. This evidence is critical because it can contradict the truck driver’s or company’s version of events.
Yes. Insurance adjusters who contact you after a truck accident work for the trucking company, not for you. Their goal is to get you to accept a quick settlement, make statements that weaken your claim, or admit partial fault. Contact Joseph Gates at Gates Law Firm PLLC before speaking with any insurance representative. Gates handles all communication with insurers so you can focus on recovery.
Gates Law Firm PLLC handles truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless the firm recovers compensation for you. Call (501) 779-8091 for a free consultation to discuss your case with no obligation.
