Scottsdale Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck Accident Lawyer Scottsdale, AZ
Compared to other types of car accidents, as a truck accident lawyer Scottsdale, AZ victims trust from SL Chapman Trial Lawyers have seen, truck accidents in particular can be terrorizing for people to go through. A truck vastly outweighs your everyday passenger vehicle by thousands of pounds. Consider the fact that a commercial truck can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds when stocked to its maximum. Your average vehicle weighs a measly 3,500 on average, making the driver and passengers more vulnerable to severe injury and fatality. Here are a few factors that can cause serious injury when a truck accident occurs.
Lack of Truck Maintenance
Truck drivers and the companies that hire them are required to abide by trucking regulations. But despite these rules, there are many instances where poor truck maintenance has resulted in terrible truck accidents. Many trucking companies are too focused on meeting a deadline rather than the safety of the truckers who drive these hefty vehicles, and others on the road. A lack of truck maintenance can point to mechanical issues that arise while in motion, potentially causing the truck to become out of control. A Scottsdale truck accident lawyer can investigate to see what factors contributed to the accident.
Trucker Fatigue and Time Pressures
Working in the trucking industry is a very high-stress job, and the trucking company may create a culture of prioritizing getting to a delivery on time instead of the safety of the trucker and the general public. A trucker who caused an accident may have been speeding because they were in a rush from their boss pressuring them to get somewhere as soon as possible. Truckers may skip out on sleep and rest breaks because they are worried that if they fail to get to a location on-time, that they will lose their job. By not prioritizing the well-being of the trucker and others on the road, a tragic truck accident can unfold where many victims suffer.
Use of Stimulants, Drugs, or Alcohol
There are studies that suggest a large number of truck drivers take stimulants or drugs while on route to their destination. Drugs such as caffeine and illegal stimulants can cause the trucker to suddenly get a drop in energy, increasing the chances of a crash from falling asleep behind the wheel. Stimulants keep truckers awake in a way that is not natural for the human body, and they may be inclined to drive in a riskier way as well.
Truck accidents should always be taken seriously. Our team understands just how much devastation can unfold because of truck driver fatigue, lack of truck maintenance, and the use of stimulants or other drugs, among other reasons. Anyone that has been hurt in a truck accident is advised to reach out to a Scottsdale truck accident lawyer from the team at SL Chapman Trial Lawyers today so that we can find out more about your situation right away.
Truck Accident Lawyer Scottsdale, AZ
If you were hurt in a truck accident, you may want to speak with a truck accident lawyer Scottsdale, AZ residents trust. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your losses. A lawyer can help you bring a timely injury claim against the negligent party and look out for your best interests.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and most often occur due to driver error. Here are the most common causes of truck accidents.
- Distracted driving. Truck drivers spend more time on the road than drivers of passenger vehicles, so they are more likely to give into distractions. They might send text messages, talk on the phone or listen to music to kill the boredom. However, these actions can force truck drivers to take their eyes and attention off the road ahead, increasing the risk of a collision. To keep everyone on the road safe, truck drivers must focus on the road at all times.
- Poor maintenance. Truck companies are required to perform regular maintenance on their vehicles and make repairs when necessary. However, some companies neglect to do this to save money and time. Unfortunately, poor maintenance can result in tire blowouts or brake failures, which can cause accidents.
- Speeding. Trucking companies often place strict deadlines on their drivers to deliver goods. Some truck drivers may feel immense pressure to meet these deadlines and drive over the speed limit. Speeding gives drivers less time to react to hazards on the road, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Improper cargo loading. As a Scottsdale truck accident lawyer can confirm, truck accidents can also occur due to improper cargo loading. Even large trucks can only handle so much cargo. If a load is too heavy, it can fall in the road and cause an accident.
- Driver fatigue. Driving a truck can be an exhausting profession. Truck drivers often spend multiple hours on the road every day, which can take its toll eventually. These drivers may also not get quality sleep at night, which can make them tired and less focused the next day. Fatigued drivers may not be able to concentrate on the road ahead and cause accidents. They may even fall asleep behind the wheel.
- Poor training. Operating a commercial truck is a lot different than driving a passenger vehicle. That is why it is critical for trucking companies to provide sufficient training to new drivers. Otherwise, they may be ill-equipped to handle a large truck and cause an accident.
- Alcohol and drugs. Unfortunately, alcohol and drug use is quite common among truck drivers. The profession can be very stressful, and some truck drivers may use alcohol or drugs to cope. Alcohol and drugs can affect your judgment and reaction times, increasing the risk of a collision.
If you have been involved in a truck accident, you should schedule a consultation with a Scottsdale truck accident lawyer from SL Chapman Trial Lawyers today to discuss your case in detail.
COMMON CAUSES OF TRUCK ACCIDENTS INFOGRAPHIC
Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury from a Truck Accident
A Scottsdale, AZ truck accident lawyer victims turn to knows that the injuries that people suffer in truck accidents are often catastrophic. One of the most common of those catastrophic injuries is a traumatic brain injury.
If you or someone you love has been in a truck accident, it is critical that you receive an examination from a qualified healthcare professional. This not only protects you, in the event that a lawsuit or claim may be necessary, but it also ensures that any injuries are promptly treated. In some cases, this can mean the difference between life and death. Traumatic brain injury is a prime example. Learn more with help from the following information.
What Is Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is caused when one experiences a spike, blow, or serious jarring of the head. It causes the brain to swell, which can, in extreme cases, lead to death. In most other cases, however, traumatic brain injury causes issues with memory, cognition, coordination, and emotion. For example, a person with traumatic brain injury may:
- Experience intense or frequent headaches
- Seem more forgetful than usual
- Seem more irritable than usual
- Have trouble sleeping
- Struggle to complete even routine tasks
- Display symptoms of anger or frustration
- Suffer from short-term memory loss
- Be more forgetful than usual
- Experience feelings of helplessness and depression
Healing from Traumatic Brain Injury
Generally, cases of traumatic brain injury heal over the course of weeks, months, or years. However, there are some who experience life-long complications after their brain injury. This could be due to a difference in the areas of the brain affected, or it could simply be related to genetics and willingness to be patient during the healing process. Indeed, it does take a great deal of patience because most people with a TBI cannot read or do work for extended periods of time.
Rather than get frustrated over the things you cannot do, try to remind yourself that your brain needs time to heal, and that swelling can take quite a bit of time to go down. It is also important that you avoid contact sports and any form of violence during this time since both places you at a higher risk for a second, deadlier injury.
Contact Our Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers
TBIs that are the result of another person’s wrongful or negligent actions may give you the right to pursue compensation after the accident. Keep in mind, however, that the process is highly complex. In truck accident cases, there are often multiple parties that may be liable for the losses you have suffered, such as the truck driver and the trucking company the driver works for.
Call SL Chapman Trial Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Scottsdale truck accident lawyer and find out what legal recourse you may have.
Steps to Take Following a Truck Accident
Working with a Scottsdale, AZ truck accident lawyer is critical for victims who have suffered losses in a truck accident. While motor vehicle collisions can range in severity in terms of property loss, injuries, and damages, when a large truck is involved, it’s highly probable that utter devastation will follow. Because of this, knowing the proper steps to take at the accident scene and the days and months following can be challenging, especially when recovering from extensive injuries. However, when the appropriate measures are taken with the assistance of SL Chapman Trial Lawyer, it’s possible to receive the best possible outcome for your legal case.
Step #1: Call Law Enforcement & Emergency Services
The scene of an accident involving a large truck can be incredibly chaotic, and because of this, it can be challenging to know what to do next. It’s important to note that the steps the victim takes in the accident can vary depending on whether the victims involved are responsive. Sometimes, injuries may be so severe that the victim won’t even realize what’s happening until they regain consciousness. However, if you can, it’s vital to ensure that emergency services and law enforcement are contacted at the scene for several reasons. Emergency services can provide necessary medical treatment and bring victims to the hospital should they require additional care. Law enforcement can secure the scene, ensure that those involved are moved to safety, and will conduct a thorough investigation of the collision. While these emergency responders play an essential role in the victim’s well-being, they can also offer key evidence.
Step #2: Seek Medical Attention
Our Scottsdale truck accident lawyer will share that regardless of case legalities, those involved must seek medical attention immediately when injuries have been sustained. Being seen by a medical provider and following up with doctors and specialists as recommended is imperative. While some injuries may be apparent, others may not even realize they have been injured until it’s too late. For example, a person with underlying injuries may experience complications or worse should they forgo medical attention. While adrenaline at the scene will be rushing and ultimately mask physical injuries, the last thing anyone wants is to be left without medical treatment. Additionally, failing to seek medical attention only to discover injuries can significantly impact a successful case outcome.
Step #3: Begin Gathering Evidence
Evidence is one of the most critical aspects of a truck accident case because victims will be responsible for proving the negligent party was liable for the losses. It’s in the victim’s best interest to begin this process sooner rather than later, as evidence can be easier to collect and keep track of. Gathering evidence while it is fresh and writing down all accident details can help to preserve it when moving forward with the case.
Step #4: Consult with a Legal Professional
Before speaking with anyone regarding the case details, consulting with a legal professional is essential. In some cases, when injuries are catastrophic, or the other party is aware that they were at fault for the accident, the insurance company may reach out with an initial settlement offer. Even in grossly negligent situations, this initial settlement offer may be far below the case’s value. In addition, the insurance company or defendant’s lawyer may call with questions regarding injuries or the case; this can be highly damaging, especially in situations where the victim inadvertently underscores their injuries or admits fault. Working with a Scottsdale truck accident lawyer from SL Chapman Trial Lawyers can provide a clear strategy for moving forward and can contend with the stress of communicating with insurance adjusters and lawyers.
How are damages calculated?
The damages for a truck accident can be a sizable amount because truck accidents tend to end up with a large scale of destruction and financial costs, as a Scottsdale, AZ truck accident lawyer can tell you. The injuries that many truck accident victims suffer are often severe like broken legs, organ damage, and traumatic head injuries. If you were injured in a truck accident, you can ask a lawyer to compute the costs of your damages. They will tell you an accurate list of what economic and non-economic damages that you could be entitled to. If you do not first consult with a lawyer, you may end up with a much lower final compensation amount.
Who can be sued in a truck accident case?
Unlike other types of personal injury cases involving vehicles, when you are involved in a truck accident you may be able to sue other parties besides the truck driver. They may not be solely liable in your case. For example, if you have been injured in a case involving a commercial truck or dump truck, you may be able to include the employer and shipping companies in the list of defendants in your case. A Scottsdale truck accident lawyer can assist you with identifying the liable parties and determining what legal actions can be taken. Finding out which parties you can sue helps to ensure you are able to recover the right compensation amount.
When should I talk to a lawyer?
The sooner that you talk to a truck accident lawyer the better because there is limited time to file a claim. You may not be able to get the information and help that you need if you wait too late to take action. Many accident victims speak to a lawyer shortly after their accident because it can take a long time to file a claim, especially for truck accident cases. Lawyers will need to gather a large amount of information, examine evidence, and speak with the insurance company as well as communicate with other parties. They can take longer to complete because of their complexity, so it is best to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.
What can I expect in a truck accident case?
It can be difficult to get an idea of how your case will go because there are so many factors involved. From the severity of your injuries, the number of parties involved, and the financial losses, a qualified lawyer will have to review many elements of your case and it can take some time. The timeline of your case can range from several months, but it can take roughly a year or longer for your case to be completely resolved. You can ask a truck accident lawyer if they are able to give you a rough timeline and what to expect from each stage of your personal injury case.
Will my case go to trial?
It can be hard to tell if your case will go to trial until much later in the process. However, it is important to be aware that the majority of personal injury cases, including truck accident cases, are settled without the case going to trial. A case may go to trial for reasons such as disputes and lack of cooperation. If the trucking company for example continues to blame you for your injuries, your lawyer may choose to go to trial. If you would like to find out more information about how to file a truck accident case, consult with an experienced Scottsdale truck accident lawyer like one at SL Chapman Trial Lawyers.
