# Jonesboro *Truck Accident Attorneys* A commercial truck crash can change everything instantly. Collisions with 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers often result in severe injuries and financial strain, while insurers act quickly to protect themselves. At Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers, we represent victims and families in Jonesboro and Jackson Parish, managing investigations and legal strategies to secure full compensation after serious wrecks. [Your Free Consultation](https://ricekendig.com/contact-us) [Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers](https://ricekendig.com/) > [Areas We Serve](https://ricekendig.com/areas-we-serve) > [Jonesboro Personal Injury Lawyer](https://ricekendig.com/jonesboro-personal-injury-lawyer) > Jonesboro Truck Accident Lawyer ## Awards & Recognition - Super Lawyers - Accredited Business - Preeminent - Avvo 10 Superb - Top 100 - Top 10 shreveport - Advacates Forum - Top 100 2020 - Seal of Shreveport Bar Association featuring a stylized column in navy blue. ## Cases ## Results in Serious *Truck Injury Cases**‍* - **[$900,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/mansfield-roadway-obstruction-900k-settlement)** — Motor Vehicle Accident: A truck towing a large piece of equipment blocked a rural roadway, leading to a collision that left our client with rib and ankle fractures. - **[$1,000,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/18-wheeler-wrongful-death-1m-settlement)** — Wrongful Death: A series of truck collisions on a rural roadway resulted in catastrophic injuries and the wrongful death of our client. - **[$900,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/oilfield-truck-accident-900k-settlement)** — Car Accidents: Clients were rear-ended by an oilfield service truck, resulting in shoulder and wrist injuries and the aggravation of a hernia. - **[$755,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/rear-end-collision-755k-settlement)** — Car Accidents: A distracted driver failed to stop for our client’s vehicle, causing injuries, including sacroiliac joint dysfunction and post-concussion syndrome. - **[$650,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/shreveport-trip-and-fall-650k-settlement)** — Trip and Fall: A caterer suffered major shoulder and knee injuries requiring surgery after tripping over a loose board that the facility had failed to repair. - **[$826,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/haughton-rear-end-accident-826k-settlement)** — Car Accidents: A client was rear-ended in Haughton by a distracted driver, resulting in herniated discs and central stenosis. - **[$675,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/desoto-parish-distracted-driver-675k-settlement)** — Car Accidents: Our client sustained spinal injuries and chronic headaches after being rear-ended by a distracted driver in Desoto Parish. - **[$850,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/shreveport-rear-end-accident-850k-settlement)** — Car Accidents: A driver’s failure to yield on LA 3132 led to a high-impact rear-end collision, causing the client to suffer multi-level disc disease and chronic pain. - **[$2,000,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/truck-tire-defect-2m-settlement)** — Truck Accidents: An 18-wheeler driver suffered severe facial and internal injuries after a defective tire blew out, causing the truck to flip several times. - **[$2,700,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/slip-and-fall-head-injury-2-7m-settlement)** — Slip and Fall: A client suffered a head injury after slipping on unattended mop water in a facility that failed to post warning signs. - **[$16,000,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/wrongful-death-18-wheeler-16m-settlement)** — Wrongful Death: A tragic head-on collision caused by a speeding 18-wheeler resulted in the wrongful death of a mother and great-grandmother and injuries to an infant. - **[$1,000,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/premises-liability-roadway-collapse-1m-settlement)** — Premises Liability: The client was a passenger in a vehicle when the roadway suddenly collapsed, causing vertebral compression fractures and significant PTSD. - **[$2,150,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/wrongful-death-2-15m-settlement)** — Wrongful Death: The client suffered fatal injuries when the defendant ran a stop sign, causing a collision that resulted in multiple broken bones and severe head trauma. - **$1,600,000** — Truck Accidents: Former sheriff's deputy, age 72, was rear-ended by a heavy-duty work truck, aggravating a degenerative neck problem. - **[$1,275,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/car-collision-1-275m-settlement)** — Car Accidents: The client was a passenger when another driver ran a stop sign, causing a t-bone collision resulting in a broken femur requiring surgery. - **[$750,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/truck-accident-750k-settlement)** — Truck Accidents: An 18-wheeler lost power and rolled back into the client's vehicle, aggravating a pre-existing lower back injury. - **[$2,000,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/car-accident-2m-settlement)** — Car Accidents: The client's pre-existing Chiari malformation was aggravated in a rear-end collision, requiring a posterior craniotomy. - **[$650,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/car-accident-distracted-driver-collision-650k-settlement)** — Car Accidents: The client was turning into a gas station when struck from behind by a distracted driver, resulting in neck injuries requiring a 2-level cervical fusion. - **[$465,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/truck-accident-leads-to-neck-surgery-465k-settlement)** — Truck Accidents: An inattentive 18-wheeler driver made an improper turn, causing a collision that aggravated the client's pre-existing neck injury requiring surgery. - **[$1,000,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/car-accident-collision-1m-settlement)** — Car Accidents: An 84-year-old client suffered multiple injuries when a vehicle turned left in front of her, causing a t-bone collision. - **[$2,500,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/pedestrian-hit-by-sleeping-driver-2-5m-settlement)** — Pedestrian Accidents: The client was helping a friend load car seats when struck by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel. - **$987,525** — 18-Wheeler Collision: Logging truck’s failure to yield caused client to suffer fractures in the arm and leg, amputation of 3 toes, and shoulder injuries. - **$1,000,000** — Premises Liability: Fall at a hotel convention center caused hand, neck, and low back injuries resulting in a 7-year recovery period. - **$500,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Injuries to back, chest, shoulder, leg and spine requiring surgery. - **$500,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Client was rear-ended sustaining injuries to the neck, back, and knee. - **$500,000** — Wrongful Death/Motor Vehicle Collision: Client was struck and killed during daylight hours while retrieving an item from the highway. - **$500,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Client was t-boned by a city vehicle sustaining neck and back injuries, TMJ, and headaches that required physical therapy and multiple injections. - **$504,150** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Client was rear-ended causing injuries to the neck and right side of the body. Client’s neck injury required surgery. - **$545,000** — Cycling/Motor Vehicle Collision: Client on a bicycle was hit by a police patrol car causing brain damage, and injuries to the head, neck, legs, and arm. - **$550,000** — 18-Wheeler Collision: Client was rear-ended by a big rig causing low back and neck pain; physical recovery and treatment included injections, physical therapy, and counseling. - **$625,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Head-on collision led to wrist and hand injuries that required surgery, seat belt injuries, pain in the neck, sternum, pelvis, abdomen, shoulder, and back, and post-traumatic stress disorder. - **$650,000** — 18-Wheeler Collision: 18-wheeler driver was rear-ended by another 18-wheeler causing headaches and neck injury. - **$663,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Client was backed into while on the job at an oil field site. Collision resulted in numerous back and neck injuries requiring surgeries. - **$665,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision/Wrongful Death: Client went to the aid of a vehicle accident victim and was struck and killed by a passing vehicle. - **$685,000** — Premises Liability: Client sustained two broken legs from a fall over an unreasonably dangerous tripping hazard. - **$800,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Head-on collision that left client with back and neck injuries as well as seat belt injuries. Client’s recovery was lengthy and included physical therapy and injections. - **$800,606** — Motor Vehicle Collision: A defendant driver's unprotected left turn caused a collision, resulting in a severely broken leg requiring surgery, PTSD, loss of independence, and job loss for the client. - **$950,000** — 18-Wheeler Collision: 18-wheeler driver turned left, without the protection of a green arrow, in front of client. The collision caused injuries to the hand, neck, shoulder, low back, hip, foot, ankle, and eye. - **$950,000** — 18-Wheeler Collision: Client was hit by a delivery truck and the vehicle rolled over. Client’s injuries included six broken ribs and a neck injury requiring extensive medical treatment. - **$987,610** — 18-Wheeler Collision: Client was rear-ended multiple times by a big rig causing PTSD, spinal injuries requiring spinal fusion surgery, physical therapy, and counseling. - **$1,000,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Client was hit by a commercial vehicle that ran a stop sign. Injuries to the knee, neck, and back requiring interventional pain management. - **$1,000,000** — 18-Wheeler Collision: Client was rear-ended by a drunk driver of an 18-wheeler causing client to suffer short-term memory loss and injuries to the head, neck, shoulders, and back. - **$1,151,000** — Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision: Client was struck by a vehicle in a gas station parking lot. Client suffered head and brain damage resulting in memory loss. - **$1,250,000** — Wrongful Death: Client’s husband died due to a logging truck running a red light. - **$1,375,000** — Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision: Client sustained injuries to head, leg and wrist. Client’s broken leg required surgery. In addition, client sought treatment with a neurologist for his head injury and cognitive issues. - **$5,100,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Client’s motorcycle was hit by a car leaving him in the ICU with facial injuries, arm injuries, and amputation of one leg. - **$1,996,460** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Client was rear-ended while sitting at a stop sign. Neck and back injuries resulting in headaches and disability. Neck injury required surgery. - **$1,855,500** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Defendant driver’s failure to stop at a stop sign caused a collision injuring the client’s leg and ankle (required surgery), knee, hip, back, and chest. The airbags deployed, causing airbag injuries. - **$1,500,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Client was hit head-on by a delivery truck sustaining injuries to the knee, hand, neck, and back. Neck injury required surgery. - **$1,400,000** — Workplace Injury: A piece of loading equipment fell on client causing spinal injuries resulting in partial disability. [See How We’ve Won for Others](https://ricekendig.com/results) ## Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Jonesboro Large trucks travel through Jonesboro every day on Interstate 555, US-167, US-63, and US-49, increasing the danger for drivers in smaller vehicles. Identifying exactly why a wreck happened is one of the most important steps in building a strong claim, especially in cases involving commercial carriers and federal safety regulations. - ### Hours-of-Service Violations Truck drivers are subject to strict limits on how long they can stay behind the wheel without rest, but some carriers still pressure drivers to push past those limits or manipulate electronic log records to stay on schedule. Our experienced 18-wheeler attorney team reviews driver logs, GPS data, and related records to uncover fatigue-related violations that may have contributed to the crash. - ### Distracted Behind the Wheel When a truck driver looks away from the road to check a phone, adjust navigation, or handle another distraction, the consequences can be catastrophic. A fully loaded truck can cover a tremendous amount of ground in just a few seconds. We use phone records, onboard footage, and witness statements to show when distraction played a role in a collision. - ### Mechanical Failures from Neglect Trucking companies must regularly inspect and repair their vehicles. Neglecting maintenance on brakes, tires, or steering puts others at risk. Our aggressive 18-wheeler lawyers investigate inspection and repair records to prove if a preventable mechanical failure caused your accident. - ### Cargo Loading Errors A truck with an overloaded trailer or an improperly secured load can become unstable without warning. That instability may lead to rollovers, jackknife crashes, shifting cargo, or roadway spills. We analyze weight records, loading practices, and shipping documentation to determine whether cargo mistakes contributed to your injuries. - ### Impaired Operation A truck driver operating under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription medication that causes drowsiness can create a deadly situation on the road. In these cases, we pursue evidence of impairment and examine whether the employer failed to follow required testing and safety procedures. - ### Aggressive Maneuvers Speeding, unsafe lane changes, following too closely, and running traffic signals are dangerous in any vehicle, but those actions become far more destructive when an 80,000-pound truck is involved. We gather camera footage, witness accounts, and reconstruction evidence to prove how reckless driving led to the collision. ## The Harm We Commonly See After a Commercial Truck Crash A crash involving a commercial truck usually causes far more severe trauma than an ordinary passenger-vehicle collision. Rice & Kendig has represented clients dealing with serious injuries such as: - Whiplash and serious neck trauma: Sudden impact can damage muscles, ligaments, discs, and surrounding soft tissue. - Spinal injuries: Back and spinal damage may interfere with movement, work, and day-to-day independence. - Concussions and head injuries: Head trauma can affect memory, concentration, balance, and normal functioning. - Traumatic brain injuries: More serious brain injuries may require long-term treatment and can permanently alter a person’s life. - Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding may become critical quickly after a violent crash. - Facial injuries and scarring: Broken facial bones, lacerations, and other trauma can leave lasting physical and emotional effects. - Damage to major joints: Knees, shoulders, and hips often suffer serious injuries in high-impact wrecks. - Severe fractures: Broken bones may require surgery, hardware, and extended rehabilitation. - Psychological trauma: Anxiety, fear, flashbacks, and post-traumatic stress can remain long after the crash itself. We strive to show the full impact and cost of these injuries on your daily life, your finances, and your future, so your claim reflects more than just the bills you have today. ## What to Do Before the Trucking Company Gets Too Far Ahead Your actions immediately following a truck accident impact both your health and legal recovery. Because insurers and trucking firms start investigations quickly, taking early action helps you preserve evidence and maintain control over the narrative. ### Step 1: Get Medical Care Right Away Your health comes first. Accept emergency treatment at the scene and follow up with a doctor as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Truck crashes often cause injuries that are not immediately obvious, and prompt medical records can become important evidence later. ### Step 2: Report the Crash and Gather Basic Information Call law enforcement to create an official record of the collision. If you are able, collect the truck driver’s name, the trucking company’s name, the license plate number, trailer number, and USDOT number. Those details can make it much easier to identify the right company and preserve the right evidence. ### Step 3: Photograph Everything You Can Take pictures of the vehicles, skid marks, debris, cargo spills, roadway conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. The more you capture, the better, because scenes change quickly after a truck crash. Photos can later help illustrate the force of the impact, how the wreck occurred, and the conditions at the scene. ### Step 4: Talk to Witnesses If anyone saw the collision, get their names and contact information before they leave. Independent witnesses can be especially valuable in truck accident cases, where the trucking company may quickly begin building its own version of events. A neutral witness account can help support your side if liability is later disputed. ### Step 5: Do Not Give a Recorded Statement Too Soon The trucking company’s insurer may contact you quickly, sometimes before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. Do not guess, speculate, or agree to a recorded statement before you understand your rights. Something said too early can be used later to minimize your injuries or shift blame onto you. ### Step 6: Preserve Records and Speak with a Lawyer Early Keep your discharge papers, medical bills, prescriptions, repair estimates, receipts, and photos in one place. In truck accident cases, early legal action by our experienced 18-wheeler attorneys can help preserve critical evidence such as electronic logs, inspection reports, maintenance files, and onboard data that may not be available later. ## Damages We May Recover in a Jonesboro Truck Accident Claim ### Economic Damages Economic damages cover the financial losses resulting from a truck accident. These are the out-of-pocket and measurable financial losses tied to the crash, such as: - Ambulance and ER charges - Hospital bills, surgery, imaging, and rehabilitation - Prescription costs and follow-up care - Future medical treatment and long-term support - Lost wages from missed work - Reduced future earning capacity - Vehicle repair or replacement Louisiana’s general fault article states that a person who causes damage to another is obliged to repair it. In fatal cases, Louisiana also recognizes survival actions and wrongful death actions for qualifying family members. ### Non-Economic Damages Not every loss shows up on a bill. These are the human losses that do not come with a receipt, including: - Physical pain - Suffering and mental anguish - Emotional distress - Loss of normal life - Permanent impairment - Scarring or disfigurement - Loss of independence - Impact on daily activities and relationships Louisiana’s survival and wrongful death statutes identify who may recover after a death caused by another’s fault, and those claims can include non-financial harm suffered by eligible survivors. ### Punitive Damages These damages are more limited in Louisiana than compensatory damages. In motor-vehicle cases, [Louisiana Civil Code art. 2315.4](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109373) specifically allows exemplary damages when the injuries were caused by a defendant’s wanton or reckless disregard for the rights and safety of others, and the defendant’s intoxication while operating a motor vehicle was a cause-in-fact of the injuries. ## The Trucking Laws and Liability Issues That Can Shape Your Case ### Louisiana Deadlines and Fault Rules Two timing rules matter right away: - Most Louisiana truck-accident injury claims must be filed within 2 years of the date of injury — La. Civ. Code art. 3493.11 . - Survival and wrongful death claims generally run 1 year from death or 2 years from the date of injury , whichever is longer — La. Civ. Code arts. 2315.1 and 2315.2 . - Under Louisiana’s modified comparative fault rule, a person who is 51% or more at fault cannot recover damages ; below that, recovery is reduced by that percentage — La. Civ. Code art. 2323 . ### Federal Trucking Rules That Often Supply the Evidence Commercial truck cases often rise or fall on federal safety rules, including: - 10 consecutive hours off duty before driving — 49 C.F.R. § 395.3(a)(1) . - No driving after the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty. - No more than 11 hours of driving in that work window. - Carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles — 49 C.F.R. § 396.3(a) . - Cargo must be secured to prevent it from leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling — 49 C.F.R. § 393.100(b) . ### Evidence That Can Strengthen a Claim The most important evidence may include crash-scene photos, the police report, witness information, medical records, the truck’s company name and USDOT number, electronic logging data, inspection and maintenance records, cargo records, and driver qualification materials. In serious truck cases, securing these records early can make a major difference. ### Multiple Liable Parties Many truck accident claims involve more than one negligent party. Depending on the facts, responsibility may extend to: - The truck driver - The trucking company - A maintenance provider - A cargo loading company - A manufacturer of defective parts or equipment We investigate every possible source of liability so no responsible party is overlooked. A Serious Truck Crash Calls *for a Serious Legal Response* Commercial vehicle claims are different from ordinary wrecks. Let our team investigate the logs, records, and evidence that can make the difference. Free Consultation or Call Us (318) 222-2772 ## TESTIMONIALS ## What Clients Say After *Working with Rice & Kendig* - They were there to support me all the way. Even when I wanted to give up, honestly. - I genuinely feel like Rice & Kendig had my best interest at heart and they made sure that nothing was left out. - I knew that they would take care of us, and I would definitely recommend them to anybody. - Rice & Kendig are very good at seeing what the weakness in our case is and what the strength is and developing both sides of the case. - They take great care of you. They care, and they make sure that you get what you need, they make sure that you're okay. - I suggest Rice & Kendig if you want someone who cares about you and your situation. - They did such a good job fighting for us and not dragging it on... Thanks to Rice & Kendig, the matter was over within a year. - He called me every day, made sure I was okay... he was just perfect. You couldn't ask for a better attorney. - They took care of us right away. They were loving. ## BENEFITS ## What Makes Us a Strong Choice for *Jonesboro Truck Accident Cases* - **Proven Experience**: Rice & Kendig has represented injured clients for more than 40 years. In truck accident cases, that experience matters. These claims are harder fought, more evidence-driven, and often involve catastrophic injuries and larger insurance policies. - **Direct Attorney Access**: Your case should not be passed around without the involvement of a real attorney. We believe clients deserve clear communication, honest answers, and guidance from 18-wheeler lawyers who understand commercial truck litigation. - **Strong Investigations**: A truck accident claim requires more than a crash report. As experienced Jonesboro truck accident lawyers, we review black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, inspection files, witness statements, and other key evidence to determine what really happened. - **Local Insight**: Our firm knows Jonesboro, Jackson Parish, and the surrounding area. That local familiarity helps us investigate crashes more effectively and approach each case with a stronger understanding of the roads, courts, and community. - **Clear Communication**: Clients should always understand where their case stands and what comes next. Our team prioritizes responsive communication, and our Spanish-speaking support helps more families get the guidance they need. - **No Upfront Fee**: You should not have to worry about attorney’s fees while recovering from a devastating crash. We handle these claims on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you. ## Your Local Advocates: ## Helping Truck Accident Victims *Across Jackson Parish* Rice & Kendig is committed to helping truck accident victims in Jackson Parish and surrounding areas. We provide the resources and advanced legal knowledge and skill necessary to take on trucking companies and commercial insurers, representing clients in: - Hodge and North Hodge - Quitman - Chatham - Eros - Weston - Wyatt ## Get the Dedicated ## Don’t Wait While Trucking Records Are Still Available After a serious truck wreck, victims are often left dealing with pain, medical treatment, lost income, and constant pressure from insurance companies. Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers helps Jonesboro families move quickly to secure critical evidence, protect their claims, and hold negligent trucking companies accountable. The sooner legal action begins, the better the chance of preserving the records that can make a difference in your case. ## FAQ ## Frequently Asked Questions ‍*About Truck Accident Claims* ### Should I speak with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster? Not before you understand what is at stake. In a commercial truck claim, even a casual phone call can give the insurer something to use against you later. A Jonesboro truck accident attorney can handle those communications and help prevent an early statement from hurting your case. ### What is a preservation letter, and why does it matter? A preservation letter is a formal notice instructing the trucking company to retain key evidence rather than allowing it to be deleted under routine deletion or document retention policies. That can include onboard data, driver logs, inspection records, maintenance files, dashcam footage, and internal communications. In truck cases, sending that notice early can be one of the most important steps. ### What if the truck driver says they were an independent contractor? That does not automatically take the trucking company off the hook. In many cases, the company’s level of control, dispatch role, safety responsibilities, and business relationship with the driver matter more than the label used on paper. A Jonesboro truck accident lawyer will look past the title and examine how the operation actually worked. ### Does it still count as a truck accident if I was hit by a box truck, delivery truck, or work vehicle? **Often, yes.** A claim may still involve commercial insurance, company records, driver qualification issues, and fleet maintenance evidence, even if the vehicle was not a classic 18-wheeler. What matters is not just the truck’s size, but whether it was being operated as part of a business. --- Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers — [https://ricekendig.com/jonesboro-truck-accident-attorneys](https://ricekendig.com/jonesboro-truck-accident-attorneys)