A multi-vehicle accident can leave victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and legal questions about who is responsible for the damages. Determining liability becomes even more complex when crashes involve corporate trucks, hazardous road conditions, or multiple vehicles. Understanding liability, insurance claims, and legal options is critical if you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a truck accident.
How Corporate Truck Accidents Lead to Major Legal Claims
Accidents involving corporate trucks can result in challenging legal claims when injuries occur. Unlike passenger vehicle crashes, collisions involving commercial trucks often require an investigation into multiple insurance policies, corporate responsibility, and federal trucking regulations. Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on one or more parties, including:
- Driver negligence. A truck driver who was speeding, distracted, or driving recklessly may be held responsible for damages.
- Company liability. If a trucking company failed to train drivers, enforce rest breaks, or adequately maintain vehicles, they could be legally responsible.
- Third-Party contractors. Independent contractors, rather than direct employees, operate some corporate trucks. When this is the case, multiple parties may share liability.
When serious injuries occur in a truck crash, victims may pursue claims against the driver, the trucking company, or even the manufacturer if defective parts contributed to the collision.
How Weather Conditions Impact Liability in Arkansas Car Accidents
While road conditions can make travel dangerous, drivers are still responsible for controlling their vehicles.
Arkansas law requires motorists to adjust their speed and driving behavior based on weather conditions. If an accident occurs during snow, rain, or icy conditions, liability may still fall on:
- The driver lost control due to unsafe speed or reckless driving.
- A trucking company that failed to equip vehicles for winter weather.
- Local authorities are responsible for road maintenance if untreated ice or improper drainage contributed to the crash.
In cases where severe weather causes an accident, an attorney can review police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction data to determine whether another party may be responsible for damages.
Arkansas Truck Accidents Can Lead to Severe Injuries
Collisions involving semi-trucks pose a greater risk of injury than standard vehicle crashes. According to the Arkansas State Freight Plan, from 2017 to 2020, large trucks were involved in numerous crashes across various roadway types in the state. While specific annual figures are not detailed in the plan, the data underscores the significant impact of large truck accidents on Arkansas roadways.
The size and weight of commercial trucks make accidents involving them more dangerous. Common injuries in these crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) —severe impacts can cause long-term cognitive damage;
- Spinal cord injuries—high-speed truck crashes may lead to paralysis or chronic pain; and
- Crush injuries—passenger vehicles often sustain severe damage, putting occupants at risk for broken bones and internal injuries.
For injured victims, medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing rehabilitation can be overwhelming. When a corporate truck accident causes harm, legal action may be necessary to recover full compensation.
What To Do After a Truck Accident in Springdale
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, taking the proper steps can protect your health and legal rights.
- Seek medical attention. A doctor’s evaluation is critical for health and legal claims, even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the accident. Call Arkansas State Police to ensure the crash is properly documented.
- Gather evidence. Take photos, collect witness contact information, and request a copy of the police report.
- Do not speak with insurance adjusters alone. Trucking companies and insurers may attempt to minimize your claim. Consulting an attorney can prevent unfair settlements.
- Contact a truck accident lawyer. An experienced Springdale personal injury attorney can help determine liability and seek full compensation for your losses.
Taking these steps immediately after a crash can strengthen your case and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. The sooner you act, the easier it is to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Compensation for Victims of Arkansas Truck Accidents
Victims of semi-truck crashes may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries and losses. A successful claim may include coverage for medical expenses, which can pay for hospital
bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical costs. If the accident forces you to miss work, lost wages may be recovered to compensate for income lost due to injury-related time off.
Additionally, victims can pursue damages for pain and suffering, which account for physical pain, emotional trauma, and long-term suffering. Property damage claims may also cover vehicle repairs or replacement if a truck caused severe destruction.
In fatal accidents, families may be able to seek wrongful death compensation for funeral expenses and loss of financial support. Corporate trucking accidents often involve high-value insurance policies, making it essential to have an attorney who can protect your rights and pursue full compensation.
Call the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a multi-vehicle or truck accident, you need a team of lawyers who will fight for your rights. The Law Offices of Jason Hatfield is committed to helping accident victims in Springdale and across Arkansas seek full compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and medical expenses. Trucking companies and insurers will try to minimize your claim—don’t let them. Call 479-361-3575 today for a free consultation. You can also connect with one of our Arkansas truck accident attorneys by completing our secure online contact form.