Big Truck Accidents Can be a Big Problem
There are millions of trucks driving across the United States, which leaves a lot of potential for accidents. With often overworked drivers, dangerous loads, and tons of weight to control, semi-truck accidents can be horrible, and these accidents often leave people hurt. Here are a few Arizona and New Mexico truck accident stats to show the frequency and gravity of these accidents:
-
In 2019, the Arizona Department of Transportation reported that there were 1,912 large truck accidents, with 60 of those resulting in death
-
In 2018, 195 people were injured in truck accidents in Arizona
-
In 2019, the New Mexico Department of Transportation reported that, on average, large truck accidents happen every three hours in New Mexico
-
The same agency reported that about 30 percent of all vehicle accidents result in injuries
-
In 2019, it was reported that big truck accidents had increased four years in a row
While these statistics are heartbreaking, victims of big truck accidents and their families do have compensatory options available to them. If you've been affected by an accident in Arizona or New Mexico, give us a call or text today to set up a free consultation to discuss your case.
Frequently Asked Questions about Semi-Truck Wrecks
Our tractor-trailer accident lawyers at Impact Legal put together these FAQs to help you better understand what actions to take after a truck wreck.
What Do I Do Right After an Accident?
When you are involved in an accident the biggest initial priority is immediate safety. Here are the steps to take to ensure your safety and the safety of other parties involved, as well as the future solidity of your potential case.
-
Assess the safety and health of yourself and others involved; call for medical assistance, if needed
-
Ensure you call the authorities to draft an official report; this may be a crucial piece of evidence going forward
-
Get information from the other driver(s), including their name, address, telephone number, driver's license number, and insurance information.
-
Obtain information from potential witnesses of the accident
-
Take pictures of the accident; remember to do so safely
-
Do not post pictures of the accident on social media
-
Never take blame or admit fault of any kind; this can be used against you later
-
See a doctor; even if you “feel fine” following the accident, remember that potential injuries may not be evident until days after it has happened
What Are the Typical Causes of a Semi-Truck Accident?
The causes of an accident involving a large truck vary from the weather to a driver error. Here are the top causes we've seen in big truck wrecks:
-
Driver Error - Even though drivers of large trucks should always drive with the utmost care, sometimes they drive recklessly and put other lives at risk. Sometimes the driver is severely overworked in an effort to make delivery times and mileage goals set by their companies. Sometimes the driver is distracted or operating his vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
-
Unmaintained or Badly Maintained Trucks - When a big truck is poorly maintained, it could lead to vehicle malfunctions, such as a brake failure that has the potential to cause a devastating accident.
-
Inclement Weather - Bad weather escalates the danger in any size vehicle. In a vehicle as large and heavy as a semi-truck, the dangers are even greater. Heavy rain, winds, and fog are all common causes of big truck accidents.
Additionally, commercial truck drivers can cause accidents because of poor training, speeding, tailgating, failure to use turns signals, and more. Driving a big truck comes with big responsibilities, and when a driver fails to uphold those, horrendous accidents do happen. For more frequently asked questions about semi-truck accidents, see our recent blog.
Who Is Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
There can be multiple parties involved, sometimes making liability difficult to determine, which is why having a semi-truck accident lawyer on your side is recommended. Liable parties might include the driver, the driver's company, the owner of the truck, the company leasing the truck or the trailer, the cargo shipper, and/or the manufacturer of the truck or trailer.
The Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers for You
If you've been in an accident, we're ready to help you get your life and health back on track. We'll help you seek the appropriate and entitled damages, including current medical bills, future medical bills, loss of earning capacity and wages, emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and more. Give us a call or text today at 602-854-8558 to set up your free initial consultation, so we can discuss your specific case. You can also fill out our convenient online form below, and we'll reach out to you.