Truck accidents in Phoenix are a serious concern, given the city's bustling highways and high volumes of commercial traffic. These accidents can result in devastating consequences, causing injuries, property damage, and, tragically, loss of life.
You will need a lawyer who understands the unique challenges and legal aspects of truck accidents in the Phoenix area.
The experienced Phoenix truck accident lawyers at Impact Legal can provide clear insights and guidance to help you navigate the aftermath of these often-complicated claims. We work to ensure your rights and well-being are protected.
With offices in Phoenix, we are familiar with local and state laws that may affect your right to file a personal injury claim. We have also handled hundreds of truck accident claims and are well-versed in federal regulations that govern the trucking industry. We know where to look to find the answers to support your claim.
Call us at (602) 345-1818 to discuss your unique case with an attorney. We have the experience and skills you need to secure the legal justice you deserve.
Schedule a free consultationWhy Choose Impact Legal for Your Phoenix Car Accident Claim?
After a truck accident in Phoenix, choosing the right legal representation is not just a crucial decision – it's a lifeline. We make your recovery and well-being our top priorities and are here to provide the support and legal experience you need to confidently move forward.
Impact Legal has a track record of successful outcomes that speaks for itself. With local offices, we understand the unique dynamics of Phoenix's roadways and traffic patterns, which is crucial in building a strong case. We understand that each truck accident case is unique, and we tailor our strategies to fit your specific circumstances and needs. the goal of Phoenix personal injury attorneys is to secure the maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain, and suffering.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case.
Our Phoenix Office Location and Headquarters
Impact Legal Car Accident Attorneys’ office is at 16202 North Cave Creek Road, Suite D, Phoenix, AZ 85032. You can call us at (602) 345-1818 to meet with one of our personal injury attorneys to discuss your claim.
Phoenix Traffic and Truck Accident Statistics
The Phoenix Street Transportation Department recorded 25,224 collisions annually, resulting in 9,173 injuries and 185 fatalities. Seventy-eight percent of all crashes were either rear end, left turn, angle, or single vehicle.
Statewide, in its most recent annual crash facts summary, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reported 119,991 traffic crashes. These crashes resulted in 35,878 injuries and 1,178 deaths. Phoenix led the state with 38,331 crashes, 282 fatalities, and 10,668 injuries.
The state had 15,481 crashes involving trucks and buses, for 6.64 percent of the total crashes. Of that number, 157 accidents killed people and 3,752 injured them.
Crashes in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, accounted for 71.65 percent of all crashes in Arizona and 52.04 percent of fatal crashes.
ADOT noted that this means approximately 3.55 people are killed in traffic accidents in the state every day, and about 144 people are injured in traffic crashes daily. In the reporting period, 16.05 percent of all pedestrian crashes and 4.06 percent of bicycle crashes killed their victims.
The most common type of vehicle involved in crashes with injuries and deaths were passenger cars, followed by station wagons, pickup trucks, vans, and semi-trucks with or without a trailer. Many other types of trucks were next on the list, including concrete mixer trucks, dump trucks, garbage trucks, tanker trucks, and tow trucks.
According to the City of Phoenix Transportation Department, Phoenix covers 500 square miles and averages 85 traffic crashes per day. They also report an average of one fatal crash every other day.
Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents encompass a broad spectrum of scenarios. These incidents often differ in their causes, outcomes, and the parties involved.
Here are a few of the most common types of truck accidents:
- Underride Accidents: As the name suggests, an underride crash involves a passenger vehicle moving underneath the truck’s trailer in a crash.
- Rear Underride Accidents: This type of accident occurs in a rear-end accident when a smaller vehicle collides with the back of a truck and slides underneath it. Rear underride crashes may result in severe injuries or fatalities, including decapitation. Federal regulations require tractor-trailers to have rear underride guards that meet a minimum standard for safety to try to prevent the smaller vehicle from going under the truck.
- Side Underride Accidents: These happen when a smaller vehicle collides with the side of a truck and slides underneath it. These accidents can occur when a truck turns, changes lanes without seeing the smaller vehicle, or if the smaller vehicle tries to pass the truck on the side. These accidents can kill the occupants of the passenger vehicle. No federal regulations require side underride guards on commercial trucks in the U.S.
- Rear-End Collisions occur when an 18-wheeler strikes the vehicle in front of it. Due to the truck's size and weight, these accidents can result in significant damage and injuries.
- Jackknife Accidents: This happens when a truck's trailer swings out to the side, forming an L or V shape with the cab. It can lead to collisions with other vehicles on the road.
- Rollover Accidents: When a truck tips over on its side, it can block multiple lanes and seriously threaten other drivers.
- Blind Spot Accidents: Large trucks have substantial blind spots, and accidents can occur when smaller vehicles enter these blind spots.
- Tire Blowouts: A blown-out tire on a big rig can lead to the driver losing control, potentially causing an accident.
- Cargo Spills: Improperly secured or overloaded cargo can lead to cargo spills, creating hazards for other drivers.
If you or someone you know is in a truck accident, consult a legal expert. These complicated cases involve state and federal rules and regulations. An experienced truck accident attorney will know the laws that may affect your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can You Hold Liable for a Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a truck accident often involves a thorough, complex investigation. Liability can extend to several parties, depending on the circumstances.
Here are the parties you might hold liable:
- Truck Driver: You can hold the truck driver liable if their negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence, contributed to the accident.
- Trucking Company: The trucking company that employs the driver may also bear responsibility, especially if they fail to properly train, supervise, or maintain their vehicles.
- Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defect in the truck’s design or manufacturing contributed to the accident, you can hold the vehicle manufacturer liable.
- Cargo Loading Company: You can hold companies responsible for loading the truck’s cargo liable if improperly loaded cargo leads to an accident.
- Maintenance and Repair Contractors: If inadequate maintenance or repairs were a factor in the accident, you can hold the parties liable for these negligent services.
- Government Entities: In some cases, poor road conditions or inadequate signage and maintenance by government entities can contribute to accidents, leading to liability on their part.
Vicarious Liability
Vicarious liability allows an injured party to hold not only the at-fault driver responsible but also the driver’s employer or the trucking company liable for the driver’s actions. The law holds the employer indirectly responsible for its employees’ actions while performing their job duties.
If you’re in a truck accident, consult a personal injury lawyer who has experience handling truck accident claims. Our team of Phoenix truck accident lawyers has the resources to thoroughly investigate your crash. We will investigate to identify the at-fault parties and establish liability for your claim.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Truck Accident in Phoenix?
A lawyer can navigate the complex legal aspects of a truck accident claim. They can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to establish the cause of the accident and liability.
Your attorney will determine the extent of your damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can handle discussions with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers your losses.
Your lawyer will determine if vicarious liability or other parties, such as the trucking company, are responsible for the accident and seek compensation from them. If the insurer balks at a reasonable settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
Your legal team will meet important deadlines for filing claims and lawsuits, ensuring your case remains valid.
Throughout the process, your lawyer will advocate for your best interests, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. They will explain your rights, options, and the legal process, making making informed decisions easier.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
If a loved one has tragically lost their life in a truck accident due to someone else’s negligence, such as the truck driver, a trucking company, or a third party, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. A qualified attorney can assist you in pursuing such a claim on behalf of the deceased’s estate and surviving family members.
The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to seek compensation for the financial and emotional losses resulting from the loss of a loved one. These losses may include funeral and medical expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional suffering experienced by surviving family members.
What Type of Damages May Be Available After a Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, these damages may compensate the injured party:
- Medical Expenses: Damages to cover the cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and future medical care related to the accident.
- Property Damage: Compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle or other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income you’ve lost due to the accident, including time off work for recovery, doctor’s appointments, and any future lost earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages to address the physical and emotional distress, pain, and suffering resulting from the accident and its aftermath.
- Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care: If you require ongoing medical care, such as rehabilitation or long-term nursing assistance, your claim can include these costs.
- Wrongful Death Damages: After fatal truck accidents, surviving family members may recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior.
The specific damages available will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of your injuries. Work with a qualified attorney who can assess your case and help you pursue the appropriate compensation for your losses.
Your Phoenix personal injury lawyers also know the state and local laws that may affect your claim. For example, Arizona follows a comparative negligence system, which means your compensation may decrease if you helped cause the accident.
How Long Do I Have to File a Phoenix Personal Injury Claim?
The Arizona Statute of Limitations sets the time limit for filing a personal injury claim. Failing to file within this timeframe can erase your claim’s value. The statute of limitations in Arizona is typically two years.
Contact Impact Legal Attorneys Today
If you've been involved in a truck accident and need experienced legal guidance, don't hesitate to contact Impact Legal Car Accident Attorneys.
We're here to provide the support and representation you need to navigate the complexities of your case. We explain the legal process in a straightforward manner, ensuring you understand every step of your truck accident claim.
We make your well-being and the compensation you deserve our top priorities. Your case is unique, and we tailor our strategies to fit your specific needs and circumstances.
Our dedicated Phoenix personal injury attorneys can provide the support and get the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys are a call or text away. Contact us at (602) 345-1818, or fill out the contact form on this website, and we'll contact you.