Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident can turn your life upside down. Between painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and the stress of figuring out who’s responsible — it’s a lot to handle on your own. That’s where we come in.
At Esquire Law, our experienced Phoenix truck accident lawyers are ready to step in and fight for you. We know how overwhelming this process feels, and we’re here to make it easier. Our team handles the legal stress, from dealing with insurance companies to gathering evidence and fighting for full compensation, so you can focus on healing.
Truck accident cases often involve large companies, multiple parties, and complicated federal regulations. That’s why you need someone who knows how to navigate it all. We take the time to understand your unique situation and build a case that reflects the full impact this crash has had on your life.
Let us help you take back control. Call now or start a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 and ready to fight for your recovery.
Truck Accident Claims Are So Complicated
As you might see from the legislation points on truck driving and accident regulations, truck accident claims are complicated. There are even more challenges involved:
- Multiple Parties Involved: Liability can include the truck driver, trucking company, manufacturer, and even maintenance providers. Arizona’s pure comparative negligence law means fault is divided among these parties, complicating the claim process.
- Federal Regulations: Truck drivers must follow FMCSA regulations like hours-of-service rules. Proving violations often require detailed evidence from logbooks, electronic tracking, and black box data.
- Complex Insurance Policies: Commercial trucks have extensive insurance coverage, often involving multiple policies. Dealing with a commercial truck accident and trucking company insurers can be challenging, as they typically employ legal teams trained to limit payouts.
- Expert Analysis Required: Interpreting evidence and proving negligence usually involves working with experts to analyze complex data, making the claims process more demanding.
Seeking legal guidance ensures every aspect is thoroughly examined to secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Phoenix
In Phoenix, truck accidents represent a significant portion of traffic incidents. Based on the Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts data, trucks, and truck-related vehicles, such as semi-trailers and dump trucks, were involved in a total of 14,759 crashes. This includes 152 fatal crashes, 3,586 injury crashes, and 11,021 property damage-only (PDO) crashes.
Truck accidents in Phoenix can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. Understanding these common causes is crucial for staying safe on our busy roads and highways, which see frequent commercial truck traffic:
- Blind Spots: Large trucks have significant blind spots, especially on routes like I-17 and US 60, where trucks often share the road with passenger vehicles. These blind spots can lead to serious accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence: Impaired truck drivers pose an increased danger, especially in areas with heavy traffic like Downtown Phoenix or near Sky Harbor Airport.
- Failing to Obey Signals and Traffic Signs: Running red lights or failing to follow stop signs at busy intersections can result in catastrophic collisions.
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to fatigued truck drivers, making it difficult for them to stay alert and react quickly to changing road conditions.
- Improper Vehicle Maintenance: On Phoenix’s hot desert roads, neglecting regular truck maintenance can lead to overheating or mechanical failures, which increase the risk of accidents.
- Inexperienced Drivers: With Phoenix’s expanding transportation needs, less-experienced drivers may struggle to navigate heavy traffic on roads like Grand Avenue or Bell Road.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behavior can lead to dangerous accidents involving large trucks.
- Tire Blow-Outs: The extreme summer heat in Phoenix can put added pressure on truck tires, leading to sudden blow-outs, which can cause the driver to lose control.
- Improperly Secured Loads: In busy industrial areas improperly secured cargo can shift and cause accidents, particularly on highways where high speeds are involved.
Being aware of these common causes can help reduce the risk of accidents, but when accidents do happen, the consequences can be severe. Understanding the various types of truck accidents is just as important for those seeking compensation.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Phoenix roads, with their mix of heavy commercial truck traffic and passenger vehicles, are prone to various types of truck accidents, each presenting unique challenges:
- Underride Accidents: Smaller vehicles can become trapped under large trucks, particularly on Phoenix’s major highways like I-10 or US 60, where high-speed conditions make these collisions more severe.
- Override Accidents: When a truck drives over a smaller vehicle, it can cause devastating damage.
- Jackknife Accidents: The trailer of a truck can swing out from the cab, often happening on sharp turns or during sudden braking, especially on Loop 202 or I-17 when trucks travel at high speeds.
- Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks making wide turns on busy streets, like Camelback Road or Central Avenue, can easily collide with nearby vehicles if drivers miscalculate the space required.
- Blind Spot Accidents: Phoenix’s multi-lane roads and highways are especially prone to accidents caused by truck drivers’ blind spots, as they change lanes or merge onto roads like Loop 101.
- Rollover Accidents: These often occur on curvy or unstable roads, and trucks may tip over, especially during sharp turns or in windy desert conditions. Phoenix’s extreme weather can contribute to stability issues that increase the risk of rollovers.
No matter what type of truck accident you may be involved in, our experienced Phoenix truck accident attorneys are equipped to handle all types of cases, ensuring you get the support and compensation you deserve.
What to Do if You’re Involved in a Truck Accident
In the chaotic aftermath of a truck accident, your actions can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the immediate aftermath:
- Ensure Safety: Check yourself and others for injuries. If possible, move to a safe location to prevent further harm.
- Call for Help: Dial 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
- Exchange Information: Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle details with the truck driver and witnesses.
- Document the Scene: Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and road conditions.
- Gather Witness Information: Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses present.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid discussing fault or liability with anyone at the scene, including the truck driver.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if personal injuries seem minor, seek medical evaluation as some injuries may surface later.
- Notify Your Insurance: Report the accident to your insurance company without admitting fault.
- Consult a Truck Accident Attorney: Reach out to a Phoenix truck accident lawyer to discuss your case and understand your rights.
Types of Compensation You Could Receive from a Phoenix Auto Accident Case
Injuries due to a truck crash can lead to a cascade of financial burdens and personal hardships. Our dedicated team at Esquire Law will for your rights and help you get the money you deserve. Here are the different types of compensation you might qualify for:
Medical Costs
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries. We’ll work tirelessly to ensure your medical expenses are covered.
Lost Wages and Income
If your injuries prevent you from working, we’ll fight for compensation for the income you’ve lost.
Decrease in Earning Ability
Serious injuries can impact your ability to earn in the future. We’ll factor in your diminished earning capacity.
Property Damage
Repairing or replacing your vehicle is essential. We’ll seek compensation for your property damage.
Pain and Suffering
Physical pain and emotional distress deserve acknowledgment. We’ll work to secure compensation for your suffering.
Mental Anguish
The emotional toll of a large truck accident can be significant. We’ll ensure your emotional distress is recognized.
Loss of Consortium
If the accident has affected your relationships, we’ll fight for compensation for the loss of companionship or support.
Important Trucking Laws in Phoenix
If you’re injured in a truck accident in Arizona, understanding trucking laws is crucial for those of us dealing with large vehicle accident cases. Below, we outlined the key regulations and legal considerations that apply specifically to trailer-truck accidents in Phoenix.
Arizona Statute of Limitations
In Arizona, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This statute of limitations is strictly enforced, and failure to file within this time frame may prevent you from recovering compensation for your injuries.
Hours of Service Regulations
Truck drivers in Phoenix must adhere to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, which allow them to:
- Drive for up to 11 consecutive hours within a 14-hour workday before taking a 10-hour rest period.
- Rest for 34 consecutive hours after working 60 hours in seven days or 70 hours in eight days.
These rules are designed to prevent driver fatigue and reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Driver Licensing and Physical Exams
To operate a commercial truck, drivers must pass rigorous skills and knowledge tests, including additional requirements for those carrying hazardous materials. They are also required to undergo a physical exam every two years to remain eligible to drive. Arizona imposes severe penalties for truck drivers who violate these requirements.
Blood Alcohol Limits for Commercial Drivers
In Arizona, commercial drivers (CDL holders) face strict blood alcohol content (BAC) limits. A CDL holder cannot operate a vehicle with a BAC higher than 0.02, and no alcohol is permitted in the truck during operation. Violating these laws can result in severe consequences, including license suspension.
Logbook and Cargo Security Rules
Truck drivers must maintain accurate logbooks to track driving hours, rest periods, and compliance with FMCSA rules. Additionally, strict regulations govern how cargo must be secured. Since January 2004, the FMCSA has enforced rules for tying down cargo and using proper security devices to prevent load shifts.
Comparative Negligence
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. This is crucial in semi-truck accident cases where multiple parties may share liability.
Minimum Insurance Requirements for Trucks
Commercial trucks in Arizona must meet state and FMCSA-mandated minimum liability insurance coverage standards. The coverage requirements depend on the type of cargo being hauled and the distances traveled. Ensuring that trucking companies comply with these insurance standards is vital for truck accident victims seeking compensation.
What Our Legal Team Does for You
When you hire our firm, you’re not just getting a lawyer. You’re getting a dedicated legal team that’s here to guide you every step of the way.
- We Listen and Learn About Your Story
You can reach out by phone, chat, or our online form — whatever’s easiest for you. From your very first call, our intake team will take the time to understand what happened, what injuries you’ve suffered, and how your life has been affected. We don’t rush this part because every detail matters. - We Evaluate Your Case — Fast
Once we have your information, our team quickly reviews your case to determine how we can help. Truck accident cases move fast, and evidence can disappear quickly, so we act right away to protect your claim. You’ll know within hours whether we can take your case, not days. - We Make Hiring Simple and Stress-Free
When you’re ready to move forward, you can e-sign all documents online — no office visit needed. We’ve made the process simple, so you can focus on healing while we get started on your case. - You’re Matched With an Attorney Within 24 Hours
Once you sign, we assign your case to an experienced Phoenix truck accident lawyer within 24 hours. Your attorney immediately begins investigating your crash by gathering police reports, trucking company records, black box data, and witness statements to build your case from the ground up. - We Guide You Every Step of the Way
Your attorney stays in touch with you throughout your recovery. We’ll help coordinate medical care, deal with the insurance adjusters, and make sure your bills don’t pile up while your case is pending. You’ll always know what’s happening and where your case stands. - We Fight for Maximum Compensation
Truck accident cases are complex as they often involve multiple companies, insurance carriers, and federal trucking regulations. Our attorneys know how to handle these challenges. - We pursue every available source of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses and future treatment
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages (for families who’ve lost a loved one)
We don’t settle for what’s “good enough.” We fight for what’s fair.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Arizona, don’t wait to get help. The sooner we start, the stronger your case will be.
Talk to a Phoenix Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Visit us at our Phoenix law office, which is located at the address: 4747 N 22nd St, Suite 300, Phoenix, AZ 85016. Get directions to it.
Or call us today or start a chat for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here for you 24/7 — ready to fight for your recovery and your peace of mind.
FAQs
Tractor-trailer accidents pose unique dangers due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. The reasons include:
Massive Size: Tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making them significantly heavier than passenger cars.
Limited Movement: Tractor-trailers have larger blind spots and limited movement, making them prone to accidents while changing lanes or turning.
Cargo Shift: Improperly secured cargo can shift, leading to a lack of stability and potential accidents.
Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to truck driver fatigue, impairing reaction times and decision-making.
What is the most important thing to do after you’ve been in an accident? The first thing that you should always do is call the police. If they’re not willing to make a report, then you want to make sure that you document everything. Take photos of the vehicles, the insurance cards, the license plates, and the scene. Look around for witnesses—did anyone see the accident who can help you? Are there any cameras nearby where you can collect footage?
After that, the most important thing is to get medical treatment. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, you should still get checked out. Often, adrenaline masks pain at the scene, and injuries can show up later. Documenting your injuries and symptoms early is one of the most important parts of bringing a successful claim.
A lot of times, when you’re in an accident, you don’t feel symptoms right away because your adrenaline is running high and you’re nervous and scared. Then later, you go home, and your symptoms start to develop, and they may develop slowly over time.
But the longer you wait to see a doctor, the more likely it is that the insurance company is going to say that something happened between the accident and the doctor’s visit that caused your injuries. They’re not going to believe that you were just at home, hoping you would get better.
The insurance company is always looking for someone else to blame for your injuries, whether they say it’s pre-existing or caused by something after the accident.
If you don’t go to the doctor right away, document your symptoms, and treat as your doctors tell you to until you feel better, the insurance company is going to argue that the car accident wasn’t the cause of your injuries, and they won’t pay you for them.
Unless you receive a policy limits offer, you should never accept the first settlement offer. Insurance companies live by under-settling your claims. They want to pay you the least amount of money so that they can increase their profits.
That is why we always advise clients never to accept the first settlement offer, and talk with an attorney about your options and what steps to take next. You would be surprised how beneficial it is to hire an attorney and how they could increase that offer from what the insurance company has already presented you with.
Insurance companies offer fast money for one sneaky reason.
What do you do if, after a crash, the insurance company is all over it? They’ve got someone evaluating your car, they’re offering you a check, maybe $5,000, and they’re ready to pay you right now.
Why do you think they’re so eager to get this done so quickly? They want you to take it and sign away your rights before you have the opportunity to speak with a lawyer.
Don’t fall for that trick.
The biggest red flag from an insurance company:
– You’re not at fault for the accident, and the insurance company tries to blame you? Huge red flag.
– You were in a big accident, and the insurance company tries to get you to sign a document for a small amount of money? Huge red flag.
– You’re trying to make a claim, and the insurance company is giving you the runaround and delaying your claim? Huge red flag.
– Insurance company is trying to get you to sign a release immediately? Huge red flag.
– Insurance company is offering you pennies on the dollar? Huge red flag.
– Insurance adjuster is not returning your calls? Huge red flag.
– Insurance company isn’t answering the phone? Huge red flag.
– Insurance company telling you that you can resolve it with them, and you don’t need representation? Huge red flag.
– Insurance company telling you not to worry about it, and they’ll pay for your medical bills? Huge red flag.
– Insurance company telling you, “Oh, don’t worry about it, just take this money and if you need treatment later, call us back”? Huge red flag.
– Insurance company treating you like a number, not a human being? Huge red flag.
One of the most common questions we get from clients is, what is my case worth? And here’s how we break it down. There’s honestly no way to know what your case is worth at the very beginning. And I generally tell clients—any lawyer that’s giving you a concrete amount or telling you what your case is worth is lying to you. There are so many factors that go into the value of your case.
Those factors include:
Applicable insurance coverage:
– How much coverage is there?
– What are the policy limits?
– Does the person at fault have insurance coverage?
– Does the person at fault have assets?
– Do you have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage?
That’s the beginning. What also goes into how much your case is worth would be your damages—so the question becomes, what are your injuries? What is it going to take to get you better? And what does your future look like?
Another thing that goes into how much your case is worth is whether or not you have lost wages, pain and suffering. There are so many factors, and there’s no way to know right away the value of your claim. It takes time.
If I am partially at fault for the accident, how does the percentage of fault get calculated? There’s no real formula. It’s really a back-and-forth argument between the insurance company and you or your attorney.
The more evidence your attorney can collect to place blame on the other driver, the less fault percentage will be placed on you. It’s really just kind of a battle.
The only way that fault percentage is truly calculated is if your case goes to trial, and a jury decides the percentage based on the evidence presented.
You were just in a truck accident. Who do you think is responsible for paying for your damages? The answer might surprise you. You might think that when you’re in an accident that the only person responsible for paying for your damages is the other driver.
In reality, there are a lot more options that we can look into for you. A lot of people can be responsible for your damages, whether that be:
– The driver
– Another passenger in the vehicle
– The owner of the vehicle, if it’s a different person from the driver
– A company that owns the vehicle
– Your insurance company, if you have the right insurance
– Maintenance workers
– Negligent HOAs
Really, there’s a whole list of possibilities for you, depending on your case, that you can recover money from.
Some people might think that we are just passive on cases. That’s all we do is wait for you to finish with the doctor’s appointments, then tell the insurance company you’re done treating, and get an offer for you. That is not the case at all.
A good personal injury attorney will hire experts to review everything. They’ll be in contact with:
The police department
Any witnesses
Any medical providers
The hospitals
The ambulances
Lawyers want to understand every detail of your case possible. And that does not come without lots of phone calls, lots of hard work, lots of emails, and lots of time. We research all the case law that’s available. We research the conditions of the road. We go to the scene of the accident. We go to the scene of the slip and fall and take pictures, ask people if they saw anything—all for you. You might think that we are only talking a little bit back and forth with the insurance company, but it is so much more than that.