Truck Accidents Lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona
Truck accidents are a big problem in Phoenix Arizona where commercial trucks share the road with cars, motorcycles, pedestrians and cyclists. Because of their size and weight, trucks can cause massive damage and injuries when they crash. Victims of these accidents face serious physical, emotional and financial challenges. At Keller Swan we represent truck accident victims to get them the compensation and justice they deserve. We have experience handling complex truck accident cases so we can fight for you.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents involve commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, dump trucks and long-haul trucks. Because of their size and weight (up to 80,000 pounds for a fully loaded tractor-trailer) they are a big risk on the road.
What is a Truck Accident
When a truck hits another vehicle or a pedestrian the consequences can be devastating. Here’s what makes a truck accident different from a regular car accident:
- Size and Weight: Trucks are much bigger and heavier than regular vehicles so they have a longer stopping distance and can cause more damage in an accident.
- Complexity: Commercial trucks require a high level of skill to operate. Accidents often result from lack of training, mechanical issues or driver fatigue.
- Hazardous Cargo: Trucks often carry hazardous or flammable materials which can make an accident worse, causing explosions or chemical spills.
Types of Truck Accidents
- Rear-End Collisions Rear-end collisions occur when a truck hits another vehicle from behind. Because of the truck’s longer stopping distance, rear-end collisions are more severe than similar accidents with smaller vehicles.
- Jackknife Accidents Jackknife accidents happen when the trailer swings out from behind the cab and forms a 90 degree angle. This occurs when the brakes lock up or the driver loses control and can cause multi-vehicle pile-ups.
- Rollover Accidents Trucks can roll over if they take a turn too fast, hit uneven road surfaces or have a tire blowout. Rollovers can block multiple lanes of traffic and cause massive damage.
- Wide-Turn Accidents Because of their size, trucks need extra room to make wide turns especially in urban areas. In a wide-turn accident, the truck may hit other vehicles or pedestrians during the turn.
- Underride Accidents In an underride accident, smaller vehicles get trapped under the trailer of a truck. These are dangerous because the roof of the vehicle may be sheared off causing serious injuries or fatalities to the occupants of the car.
- Tire Blowouts Tire blowouts are common in big trucks because of the immense pressure on their tires. When a tire blows out the truck may swerve out of control and cause serious accidents.
Phoenix Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Phoenix can be caused by many factors, often a combination of human error, mechanical failure and poor road conditions.
1. Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Truck drivers work long hours to meet delivery deadlines and despite federal regulations limiting driving hours, many drivers still push beyond the limits. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment and are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel and cause devastating accidents.
2. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another major cause of truck accidents. Truck drivers may use their phones, adjust navigation systems or even eat while driving and take their attention away from the road. A momentary distraction can cause a serious accident especially when driving a vehicle as big as a truck.
3. Speeding and Reckless Driving
Because of delivery deadlines and time constraints, truck drivers may be tempted to exceed speed limits or engage in reckless driving. Speeding increases the stopping distance of a truck making it harder to avoid accidents. Reckless driving such as changing lanes suddenly or tailgating also increases the risk of an accident.
4. Mechanical Failures
Commercial trucks are machines that need regular maintenance. Brake failures, engine malfunctions, tire blowouts and steering system failures are just a few of the mechanical issues that can cause serious accidents. Trucking companies and drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are well maintained and meet safety standards.
5. Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, uneven road surfaces and inadequate signage can cause truck accidents. Trucks are harder to maneuver than passenger vehicles so even minor road hazards can cause loss of control and accidents.
6. Driving Under the Influence
Commercial drivers are held to higher standards when it comes to alcohol and drug use but accidents still happen when drivers operate trucks under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This impairs their ability to make good decisions, control their vehicle and respond to changing road conditions.
Phoenix Arizona Truck Accident Laws
Truck accident cases are governed by both state and federal laws making them more complex than regular car accident cases. Here are some of the key laws for truck accidents in Phoenix:
1. Federal Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict regulations for the trucking industry. These rules cover:
- Hours of Service: Truck drivers are limited to a certain number of hours on the road per day and per week to prevent fatigue related accidents.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Trucks must be regularly inspected and maintained to be safe to operate.
- Driver Qualifications: Truck drivers must meet certain training and health requirements to operate commercial vehicles.
When truck drivers or companies violate these federal regulations they can be held liable for accidents.
2. Comparative Negligence
Arizona follows comparative negligence so if a truck accident victim is partially responsible for the accident, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example if a victim is found to be 20% at fault for an accident, they will get 80% of the total damages awarded.
3. Types of Damages
Truck accident victims may seek:
- Medical Bills: For hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy and any other medical treatment related to the injuries.
- Lost Wages: For wages lost during recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: For physical pain and emotional trauma.
- Property Damage: For damage to the victim’s vehicle and other personal property.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter future behavior.
4. Statute of Limitations
In Arizona the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim related to a truck accident is two years from the date of the accident. However there are exceptions to this rule especially if the accident involves a government entity or third party negligence. Failing to file within this period can result to the loss of the right to sue.
Phoenix Arizona Truck Accident Statistics (2023)
2023 showed alarming statistics for truck accidents in Phoenix, Arizona. These numbers prove we need more safety measures and stricter enforcement of trucking regulations:
- Total Accidents: 150 truck accidents in Phoenix in 2023. From minor to major accidents with injuries and fatalities.
- Injuries and Fatalities: 100 of the 150 accidents resulted in injuries, many serious or life threatening. 12 fatalities. Truck accidents are deadly.
- Causes: Most accidents were caused by driver error, speeding, distracted driving and fatigue. Mechanical failures, brake failure and tire blowouts were also major contributors.
These numbers are a reminder of the dangers of commercial trucks on Arizona roads.
Recent Personal Injury Case
One of the most notable truck accident cases in Phoenix was a collision between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle. The accident occurred on a busy interstate when the truck carrying hazardous materials hit a small car at an intersection.
Case Details
The accident resulted in severe injuries to the car occupants, third degree burns, multiple fractures and traumatic brain injuries. The plaintiffs sued the trucking company and the truck driver for multiple FMCSA violations, including driving beyond hours of service and failure to properly maintain the vehicle.
Result
The case settled for $8.5 million to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and long term care needs. This case shows the importance of holding trucking companies accountable for not following safety regulations and maintaining their vehicles.
Why Choose Keller Swan for Your Truck Accident?
Experienced Lawyers
At Keller Swan we have years of experience handling complex truck accident cases. We know the federal and state laws that govern the trucking industry and use that knowledge to build your case.
Client Support
We care for our clients by being client centered. We listen to you, investigate and develop a customized legal strategy for your case. We want to get you maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Results Oriented
Keller Swan has a history of getting good settlements and verdicts for truck accident victims. We have earned the trust of many clients who come to us to help them recover from these terrible accidents.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
1. Get Medical Help
Even if you think your injuries are minor, get medical attention right away. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and a medical evaluation will provide critical documentation for your case.
2. Document the Scene
Take photos of the accident scene, the damaged vehicles, road conditions and any visible injuries. This will be important evidence for your claim.
3. Report the Accident
File a report with the police and the trucking company. Make sure all details of the accident are documented and get a copy of the report for your records.
4. Call a Lawyer
Truck accident cases involve multiple parties, trucking companies, insurance companies and federal regulators. You need an experienced truck accident lawyer to guide you through the process and get you the compensation you deserve.
Call Keller Swan Now
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Phoenix, Arizona, contact us today. The lawyers at Keller Swan will help you navigate the truck accident laws and get you the compensation you need to recover.
