Many big rigs pass through Glendale to get to destinations in Arizona and the rest of the country. However, high rates of commercial vehicle traffic inevitably lead to collisions. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, 2,247 semi-trucks were involved in accidents in 2018, resulting in 536 injury cases and 58 fatal crashes in the state.
If you recently sustained harm in a trucking crash, our dedicated personal injury attorneys may be able to help you obtain monetary compensation from the people responsible for your injuries. At Zanes Law, a Glendale truck accident lawyer could review the details of your situation to see if you have a viable claim against any negligent parties.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that a number of common factors may contribute to any crash, including:
Regardless of the cause, the consequences of large semi-trucks colliding with significantly smaller passenger vehicles are often catastrophic. Beyond property and road damage, big rig and semi-truck collisions can cause severe physical injures to any motorists, passengers, or pedestrians involved, including:
Unfortunately, the bodily harm sustained in these accidents can be disabling or even fatal. Furthermore, the physical and emotional damage can leave survivors burdened by significant medical and rehabilitative costs. Truck collision victims may benefit from pursuing comprehensive recovery with the help of a skilled lawyer in their area.
When seeking recovery for truck collision injuries, several factors come into play. A claim for compensation could cover the following damages:
Truck accident settlements depend on the severity of the injuries and how they affect one’s life going forward. Additionally, victims are often able to recover more for their losses if there are multiple responsible parties named in their claim.
The most frequent contributing factor in truck crashes is driver error. If a tractor-trailer operator causes an accident due to negligent or reckless actions, an established attorney in the area could hold them liable in a claim for damages on behalf of an injured victim. Examples of dangerous behavior by truck operators include:
If a truck driver’s mistakes led to a collision, a law firm could help an injured Glendale resident pursue a claim against that individual. An experienced attorney could examine all evidence from the crash scene, including police reports, medical records, the driver’s log, and the truck’s black box. A rigorous legal investigation could help an injured victim prove that the trucker was at fault for the accident.
Courts sometimes hold employers vicariously liable for their employee’s wrongful actions, so a skilled Glendale attorney could help pursue a claim against a trucking company for their driver’s mistakes. Employers could be held responsible for their employee’s errors if a claimant is able to establish that they failed to properly train their drivers, violated federal and state safety rules and regulations, or encouraged their workers to drive for more hours than allowed under federal hours of service regulations. For example, if the company that employed the truck driver did not ensure the driver had proper training and certification, the company behaved negligently by allowing the driver to be on the road.
Multiple parties involved in the operation if a truck could be found liable after an accident that caused injuries. For example, if unsecured or unbalanced cargo led a truck to crash into another vehicle or caused the freight to spill onto the road, an injured Glendale resident could seek damages against the loading company. A claimant who was struck by a jackknifing tractor-trailer could hold the company that owns the truck or trailer accountable. Other potentially liable companies include those that supplied items like tires and brakes for the commercial vehicle.
If the truck was inherently defective or contained an operational flaw, a claimant could proceed with a defective product suit against the manufacturer. Similarly, if a worn-down part led to an accident, an injured victim could pursue a claim against the mechanic or repair shop if a skilled civil attorney can show that the truck did not receive regular service and maintenance.
Because trucking litigation could involve multiple defendants, it is essential to work with a knowledgeable attorney who has an understanding of both federal and state laws and regulations. Particularly when facing large trucking corporations and insurance companies, a Glendale truck accident lawyer could be a valuable and strong advocate.
Zanes Law has the experience and skill to pursue compensation for a claimant’s injuries from all possible defendants. Furthermore, we work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we do not accept payment until the case reaches a satisfactory settlement. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
