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.
Common Causes and Effects of Glendale Tractor-Trailer Crashes
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that a number of common factors may contribute to any crash, including:
- Driver error
- Improper driver training
- Traffic law violations
- Improper maintenance of the truck’s engine or other parts
- Improper tire inflation
- Braking system failure
- Cargo weight exceeding legal limits
- Improper cargo loading that leads to a sudden shift of the cargo
- Poor weather conditions
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:
- Sprained or dislocated joints
- Broken bones
- Severe cuts
- Concussions, head trauma, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Facial disfiguration
- Loss of limbs
- Internal organ damage
- Emotional trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Glendale, call 866-499-8989
Tractor-Trailer Crash Claims
When seeking recovery for truck collision injuries, several factors come into play. A claim for compensation could cover the following damages:
- Cost of medical bills
- Cost of hospitalization
- Cost of physical therapy
- Wages lost during medical care
- Estimated future costs of medical care
- Future wages lost because of injuries
- Pain and suffering
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.
Claims Against Truck Drivers
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:
- Distracted driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Speeding
- Changing lanes without looking
- Tailgating
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
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.
Claims Against the Trucking Company or Driver’s Employer
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.
Claims Against Third Party Companies
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.
Claims Against the Manufacturer or Mechanic
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.
Glendale Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 866-499-8989
Reach Out to a Glendale Truck Accident Attorney
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.
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Semi-trailer trucks, especially when loaded with items, can create dangerous circumstances on the road and easily crash into a passenger car. During 2018 in Arizona, 2,247 semi-trucks were involved in accidents, resulting in 536 injury crashes and 58 fatal crashes, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
If you suffered an injury after a crash with a semi-truck or another kind of truck, consider turning to a truck accident lawyer in Glendale, AZ, for help with your case. Our truck accident lawyers at Zanes Law go the extra mile for clients, helping you through the entire process of filing a personal injury claim.
Call us today at (866) 499-8989 for a free consultation. We will stand by your side through negotiations with insurers, even if the case goes to court.
Determining Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident
Multiple parties involved in the operation of a truck could be found liable after an accident that caused injuries. Those potentially liable parties include the:
- Driver
- Company that employs the driver
- Company that owns the truck
- Company that owns the trailer
- Manufacturer of the truck
- Repair shop that worked on the truck
- Company that supplied items like tires and brakes for the truck
If any of these parties performed their duties in a negligent manner, they may be held responsible for their part in causing the accident.
For example, if the company who 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. If the truck possessed an operational flaw, the truck manufacturer may be held liable.
Causes of Truck Accidents
When a truck has an accident with another vehicle, the injuries to the other party are can be severe. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that a number of factors may contribute to any crash, including:
- Improper training of the driver
- A distracted driver
- A drunk driver or a driver under the influence of drugs
- A fatigued driver
- A driver behaving recklessly
- A driver ignoring or violating traffic laws
- Improper maintenance of the truck’s engine or other parts
- Improper tire inflation
- Failure of the braking system
- Cargo weight exceeding legal limits
- Improper cargo loading that leads to a sudden shift of the cargo
- Driving too fast for the road or weather conditions
Another significant problem for many truck drivers is a company that gives the driver an unrealistic delivery schedule. If drivers feel they must hurry to meet their schedules, it can lead to negligent driving, causing an accident.
If you believe a truck driver was at fault in your accident, count on a truck accident lawyer in Glendale, AZ, from Zanes Law to help you form your case. We will study the facts in the accident, helping us determine whether you are eligible to receive compensation. Call us today at (866) 499-8989 to get started.
Injuries in Truck Crashes
Smaller passenger vehicles may have many safety features, but heavier trucks can still cause quite a bit of damage to cars and grave injuries to the passengers.
Some of the injuries people may suffer after a truck accident include:
- Facial injuries
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Neck injuries
- Spine injuries
- Broken bones
- Sprained joints
- Dislocated joints
- Severe cuts
- Loss of limbs
- Internal organ injuries
- Emotional trauma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Some of these injuries could lead to a permanent disability for the victim. Injuries severe enough can cause a significant loss of quality of life as well. You may no longer be able to do day-to-day tasks or work in your preferred type of profession after the crash due to your injuries.
Expenses That May Qualify for Compensation
When seeking damages for your injuries, several factors come into play for the compensation amount you may request, including:
- Cost of medical bills
- Cost of hospitalization
- Cost of physical therapy
- Estimated future costs of your medical care
- Cost of equipment related to your care
- Wages lost during your medical care
- Future wages lost because of your injuries
- Pain and suffering
These are not the only damages to which you may be entitled. Injury settlements depend on the severity of the injuries and how they affect your life going forward.
Wrongful Death Case
Sometimes, the injuries your loved one suffered during the accident with the truck may be so severe that they cause death. In a case where a death occurs, close relatives of the person who passed may become eligible for a wrongful death claim.
In the state of Arizona, the law allows for a personal representative of the deceased to bring a claim on behalf of the loved one’s family members, such as a spouse, child, parent, or life partner.
Dedicated Truck Accident Lawyers in Glendale, AZ
If the other party refuses to come to an equitable agreement in your personal injury case after an accident with a truck, Zanes Law will continue to fight on your behalf in a court case.
As truck accident lawyers in Glendale, AZ, we know how to help our clients with all aspects of the case. We will help you seek damages for immediate and future losses.
Call us today at (866) 499-8989 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means we do not accept payment until the case reaches a satisfactory settlement. We will study the facts in the case, ensuring you receive the fairest possible treatment from all parties involved.