All across the United States, drivers often share the roadways with semi-truck drivers and it can be a little intimidating. Semi-trucks are very large compared to other vehicles. Arizona semi-truck accidents are not uncommon and the injuries that come from these crashes can be severe and even fatal.
Arizona drivers should know what warning signs to look for to try and avoid getting into a semi-truck accident. If you do find yourself a victim of an Arizona truck accident, knowing how to handle the situation afterward is crucial.
Our Esquire Law personal injury attorneys are well versed in handling truck accident cases and are experienced in recovering compensation for their clients. In a semi-truck accident case, you must prove three things in order to receive fair compensation:
- The accident was due to the at-fault driver being reckless or driving unsafe.
- Injuries or death of the victim were a direct result of the semi-truck accident.
- The damages are compensable to the victim.
Common Causes of Arizona Semi-Truck Accidents
Arizona semi-truck accidents and car accidents have similar common causes like speeding, distracted driving, and fatigue. But there are a couple of major differences:
- The truck driver is operating over the allotted amount of hours during a day or week which is against Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations (FMCSA).
- The driver is speeding above the speed limit or going too fast for the current conditions.
- Unfamiliar with the road.
- Not checking blind spots.
- Changing lanes or turning without using a turn signal.
- Driving while distracted by a phone or other devices.
- The truck driver is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Not performing a pre-drive check or overall inspection of the commercial truck.
When these large trucks drive recklessly or do not follow safe driving practices, accidents can occur and cause major damage. The Arizona Department of Transportation reported that in 2020 there was a total of 1,481 crashes with 61 being fatal and 323 resulting in injuries just for semi-truck-related accidents. Other trucking accidents like concrete trucks, commercial vehicles, tanker trucks, garbage trucks, tractor-trailers, and others had over 9,000 accidents with 44 fatal accidents and 2,088 resulting in injuries.
Normally, the truck driver is held accountable for an accident they caused if they were driving recklessly. In some cases, the truck companies can be held negligent for accidents involving semi-trucks. The trucking industry has standards set that trucking companies have to follow in order to have safe drivers handle their vehicles. These circumstances include:
- Not adequately conducting a driver background check on all new hires.
- Failing to check for driving certifications, like having a commercial driver’s license.
- Allowing drivers to operate vehicles beyond the allotted amount of hours.
- Enabling the overloading of semi-trucks to maximize profit.
- Not properly inspecting and maintaining the semi-trucks according to the FMCSA regulations.
Common Injuries Caused by Semi-Truck Accidents
The most common injuries in the state of Arizona resulting from semi-truck accidents are brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, back injuries, broken bones, burns, cuts, and bruising. After an accident, the adrenaline is pumping and you might disregard the injuries you have and not seek medical attention. That is the biggest mistake an Arizona semi-truck accident victim can make. Some injuries aren’t physically visible like broken bones, burns, cuts, and bruising.
Injuries to the brain, spinal cord, and back can take a couple of days to show themselves. The longer you wait to visit a doctor, the more likely it is for that injury to get worse. It is recommended to seek medical attention right after experiencing a semi-truck accident. Especially if you are looking to receive compensation from the at-fault driver.
As an accident victim, you can claim compensation for more than just injuries and property damages. Alongside medical bills, you can seek compensation for non-economic damages too. Such as pain and suffering, lost wages, short-term or permanent disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life and activities.
With an Esquire Law personal injury lawyer, you will be able to receive full compensation from the insurance company or from the trucking company. It is important to note that in Arizona, there is no cap set on semi-truck accidents. This means that they cannot limit the amount of economic and non-economic damages you can collect a settlement for. However, this is only possible with assistance from our truck accident lawyers!