Truck accidents are unique because of the various factors involved in their operation and the severity of the crashes. Some key elements that distinguish truck accidents from regular car accidents include:
Size and Weight
Commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than regular passenger vehicles. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger vehicle weighs just around 3,000 pounds. This size disparity means trucks have a much longer stopping distance, and when they do crash, the damage caused is far greater. The force generated by a truck in a collision is immense, making these accidents far more dangerous.
Complexity
Operating a commercial truck requires more skill and training than driving a passenger vehicle. Many truck accidents occur due to inadequate driver training, mechanical failures, or driver fatigue. Truck drivers are required to follow strict federal regulations, including hours of service and weight limits, but these rules are often violated due to pressure from trucking companies to meet deadlines.
Hazardous Cargo
Trucks are frequently used to transport hazardous materials such as chemicals, explosives, and flammable liquids. If an accident involves hazardous cargo, the consequences can be even more severe. The risk of explosions, chemical spills, and fires increases significantly when hazardous materials are involved in a truck accident. These types of accidents may require specialized legal expertise from Phoenix truck accident lawyers familiar with the additional regulations governing hazardous materials transport.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur in various forms, each with different causes and outcomes. Understanding these types of truck accidents can help victims identify how the accident happened and what their legal options are.
Rear-End Collisions
A rear-end collision happens when a truck hits another vehicle from behind. Due to the truck’s longer stopping distance, rear-end collisions are often more severe than those involving smaller vehicles. These types of accidents are especially common in heavy traffic, where trucks may not have enough time to stop before hitting another vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that rear-end collisions are one of the most frequent types of truck accidents, and they often lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a truck swings out at a 90-degree angle to the cab. This can happen when the truck driver loses control or applies the brakes too suddenly. Jackknife accidents can result in multi-vehicle pile-ups and significant damage. These accidents are particularly dangerous because they can block multiple lanes of traffic.
Rollover Accidents
When trucks take turns too quickly, hit uneven road surfaces, or suffer from tire blowouts, they can roll over. A rollover accident can block multiple lanes of traffic and cause catastrophic injuries. The risk is particularly high for trucks carrying unstable loads or hazardous materials.
Wide-Turn Accidents
Commercial trucks require more space to make turns compared to smaller vehicles. In urban areas, where roads can be narrow, trucks may struggle to make wide turns. When they don’t have enough space to turn safely, they may strike other vehicles or pedestrians, leading to serious accidents.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle gets trapped under the rear of a truck. These accidents are extremely dangerous because they often result in severe head or spinal injuries to the occupants of the smaller vehicle. The roof of the vehicle may be sheared off, causing traumatic brain injuries or fatalities.
Tire Blowouts
Tire blowouts are common in large trucks because of the immense pressure placed on their tires. When a tire blows out, the truck may swerve out of control, leading to accidents. This is why it’s crucial for trucking companies and truck drivers to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles, particularly their tires.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Phoenix
Several factors contribute to truck accidents in Phoenix, and these often involve a combination of human error, mechanical failure, and environmental conditions. Understanding these causes can help victims pursue justice.
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Despite federal regulations limiting the hours a truck driver can be on the road, many drivers still push beyond these limits. Long hours on the road, inadequate rest, and unrealistic delivery deadlines all contribute to fatigue. Fatigued drivers experience slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and are at a higher risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another significant cause of truck accidents. Truck drivers may use their phones, adjust navigation systems, or even eat while driving, which takes their attention away from the road. Given the size and weight of commercial vehicles, even a brief distraction can result in a serious accident.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Time constraints and delivery deadlines can tempt truck drivers to exceed speed limits or engage in reckless driving. Speeding increases the truck’s stopping distance, making it harder to avoid accidents. Reckless behaviors like tailgating or sudden lane changes also elevate the risk of truck accidents.
Mechanical Failures
Commercial trucks are complex machines that require regular maintenance to ensure safety. Brake failures, engine malfunctions, and tire blowouts are common mechanical issues that can lead to accidents. Trucking companies and truck drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles in safe working conditions.
Poor Road Conditions
Phoenix’s road infrastructure can also contribute to truck accidents. Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and inadequate signage can cause a truck driver to lose control, especially in larger vehicles. Minor road hazards that a smaller car could navigate easily can cause significant problems for a truck.
Driving Under the Influence
Commercial truck drivers are held to higher standards when it comes to alcohol and drug use. However, accidents still happen when drivers operate trucks under the influence. Impaired judgment and reduced reaction times increase the likelihood of an accident.
Step-by-Step Process After a Truck Accident in Phoenix
After a truck accident, the process of pursuing compensation can seem complex, but knowing what to expect can help you take the right steps. Below is a breakdown of the typical legal process involved in handling a truck accident lawsuit in Phoenix, Arizona.
1. Seek Medical Attention and Document Your Injuries
The first priority after a truck accident should always be seeking medical attention. Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to be examined by a doctor, as truck accident injuries may not always be immediately visible. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, might not show symptoms right away but can be serious in the long term.
Documentation of your injuries and medical treatment is essential for building a strong truck accident claim. Ensure all medical bills, records, and prescriptions are well-documented, as they will play a key role in any personal injury lawsuit or truck accident case.
2. Call a Truck Accident Attorney
