Truck Accident Lawyer AZ
Truck accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant. One moment you’re driving along, and the next, you’re facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and a future full of uncertainty. It’s a scary situation, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our skilled AZ truck accident lawyer, can be your advocate, fighting for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
The trucking industry plays a vital role in our economy, with approximately 15.5 million trucks operating across the United States. But with so many big rigs on the road, accidents are bound to happen.
In fact, the National Safety Council reported that 117,300 large trucks were involved in injury-causing crashes nationwide last year alone. Here in Arizona, the numbers are just as concerning.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, our state saw 15,481 truck crashes in the past year, resulting in 3,752 injuries and 157 fatalities. These aren’t just statistics – they represent real people whose lives have been forever changed by truck accidents. If you’ve been hurt in a truck crash, you might be wondering what steps to take next. Let’s break down what you need to know about truck accidents and how a truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the road to recovery.
Understanding the Complexities of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents aren’t your typical fender benders. These crashes involve massive vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. The sheer size and weight difference between a commercial truck and a passenger car means the consequences of a collision are often catastrophic. The process of filing a commercial truck accident claim can be quite complex.
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, each of these parties may bear some responsibility for the accident, and each will likely have their own insurance company and legal team working to minimize their liability. This is why having a truck accident lawyer on your side is crucial. They can help determine who is at fault and build a strong case for your compensation.
Below is a list of parties that are commonly involved in truck accidents:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo loading company
- The truck manufacturer
- Maintenance providers
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
While every accident is unique, some common factors contribute to truck crashes in our area. Understanding these can help you and your lawyer build a stronger case:
Driver Fatigue
Long hours on the road can lead to drowsy driving, which is just as dangerous as drunk driving. A Harvard study found that 50% of truck drivers admitted to “drifting off” while driving, with 25% saying they’ve actually fallen asleep at the wheel.
This is why it’s crucial for truckers to follow federal hours of service regulations to ensure they’re well-rested. Many trucking accidents occur because of driver error.
Distracted Driving
Just like any other driver, truckers can be distracted by phones, GPS devices, or even eating while driving. But when you’re operating a vehicle that weighs tens of thousands of pounds, even a moment of distraction can have dire consequences. Make sure to get a copy of the police report as it will have details about the accident.
Improper Loading
An improperly loaded truck can be a ticking time bomb on the road. Unbalanced cargo can cause the truck to tip over on turns or jack-knife in sudden stops.
Poor Maintenance
Trucks cover thousands of miles and require regular maintenance to stay safe on the road. Neglecting this maintenance can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, and other dangerous situations. Trucking companies are required to abide by federal motor carrier safety regulations.
What Does an Truck Accident Attorney Do?
After a truck accident, you might be tempted to handle things independently. But the reality is, these cases are often too complex for the average person to navigate successfully. Here’s how a truck accident lawyer can help:
Thorough Investigation
A good lawyer will leave no stone unturned in investigating your accident. They’ll gather crucial evidence like police reports, witness statements, and the truck’s black box data.
Your lawyer will request driver logs and maintenance records from the trucking companies involved. They may even use the truck’s heavy vehicle event data recorder (HVEDR) to piece together what happened in the moments leading up to the crash.
Determining Liability
With multiple parties potentially involved, determining who’s at fault can be tricky. Your lawyer will work to identify all responsible parties to ensure you’re seeking compensation from the right sources. This is one of the many practice areas a truck accident law firm will specialize in.
Calculating Damages
It’s not just about your current medical bills. A skilled truck accident lawyer will consider all your damages, including future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
They will also consider emotional distress and property damage. They’ll fight to make sure you’re compensated for all of these, not just the obvious ones.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Your lawyer will handle all communication with these companies, protecting your rights, and pushing for a fair settlement. You will likely have to file an injury claim with your insurance company as well.
Taking Your Case to Court
If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial. They’ll present your case to a jury and fight for the compensation you deserve. They will look for evidence of things such as skid marks and anything that violates traffic safety.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
When it comes to truck accident cases, time is of the essence. In Arizona, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This might seem like a long time, but building a strong case takes time.
Evidence can disappear quickly after an accident. Skid marks fade, witnesses’ memories become less clear, and crucial data from the truck’s black box can be overwritten. The sooner you involve a truck accident lawyer, the better chance they have of preserving this vital evidence.
Moreover, Arizona’s minimum insurance requirements for drivers are pretty low – just $25,000 for bodily injury to one person and $50,000 for two or more. These limits are often woefully inadequate for serious truck accident injuries. Your lawyer can help identify all possible sources of compensation to ensure your damages are fully covered.
What to Look for in a Truck Accident Lawyer
Not all lawyers are created equal, especially when it comes to handling complex truck accident cases. Here’s what to look for:
Experience
Look for a lawyer who has specific experience with truck accident cases. They should be familiar with federal trucking regulations, Arizona traffic laws, and the tactics used by trucking companies and their insurers. Ideally, you will want an injury lawyer who has experience with cases involving truck accidents.
Resources
Truck accident cases often require extensive investigation and expert testimony. Make sure your lawyer has the resources to build a strong case, including relationships with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists. They will likely request your medical bills from you so they can present them as part of the accident case.
Track Record
Don’t be afraid to ask about a lawyer’s past results. While every accident case is unique, a history of successful settlements and verdicts in truck accident cases is a good sign.
Communication
You want a lawyer who will keep you informed throughout the process and be available to answer your questions. During your initial consultation, pay attention to how well the lawyer listens to you and explains things.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
If you’ve been in a truck accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Call the police and make sure an accident report is filed.
- If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and road conditions.
- Get contact information from any witnesses.
- Don’t give statements to insurance companies or sign any documents without consulting a lawyer first.
- Contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case. Have your initial consultation to get an idea of what to expect during this process.
Remember, the trucking company will likely have their team of investigators and lawyers working to minimize their liability from the moment the accident occurs. You deserve to have someone fighting just as hard for you.
Contact Us Today
Dealing with a truck accident’s aftermath can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. A skilled truck accident lawyer in Arizona, like Brad Lakin, can be your advocate, fighting for your rights, and working to secure the compensation you need to move forward. They can handle the legal complexities while you focus on what’s most important – your recovery.
Remember, time is critical in these cases. The sooner you reach out to a lawyer, the better chance they have of building a strong case for you. Don’t let the trucking companies and their insurers take advantage of you. Stand up for your rights and get the help you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait. Reach out to SL Chapman Trial Lawyers today and take the first step towards justice and recovery.
