Phoenix Truck
Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents can inflict catastrophic damage, leaving victims and their families grappling with physical injuries, emotional turmoil, and financial hardship. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries due to a truck collision, managing the aftermath can be an overwhelming ordeal. 

You don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. Our Phoenix truck accident lawyers can handle your claim and help to ensure you get the support you need to move forward.

At Zanes Law, our Phoenix personal injury lawyers provide unwavering support and tailor-made legal strategies to assist you in seeking justice and rebuilding your life. Our impressive 99% win rate underscores our team’s unwavering dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.

Phoenix Truck Accident Claims Are Complex

When you’re involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle like a delivery truck, garbage truck, 18-wheeler, or other large truck, you find yourself dealing with formidable opponents– large corporations, multiple insurance companies, and possibly even teams of aggressive lawyers.

These cases present significantly more challenges than a standard passenger car accident claim. Our Phoenix truck accident attorneys are intimately familiar with these obstacles and possess the skills and expertise necessary to overcome them effectively.

Here are some common challenges frequently encountered when pursuing truck accident injury claims:

Evidence Preservation Challenges

Trucking companies may attempt to quickly repair or discard vehicles and equipment involved in the accident to eliminate potential evidence of negligence on their part.

Securing and preserving all relevant evidence, such as black box data, driver logs, inspection records, and vehicle maintenance records, is crucial for building a strong case.

Multiple Parties Potentially Involved

In a truck crash, there are often several potentially liable parties beyond just the truck driver–such as the trucking company itself, the vehicle manufacturer, the cargo company, and others.

Determining all sources of potential liability is a complex task that requires thorough investigation and resources.

Comparative Negligence Arguments

Trucking companies and their legal teams will frequently argue that the victim was partially at fault for the accident, in an attempt to reduce or deny compensation under comparative negligence laws.

Building a strong case and proving the trucking company’s negligence is key to overcoming these tactics.

Federal Regulations Governing the Trucking Industry

The trucking industry is governed by numerous federal safety regulations in areas such as hours of service for drivers, vehicle maintenance, cargo loading and securement, and more.

Showing that the trucking company or driver violated these regulations often requires expert analysis and testimony.

Aggressive Litigation Tactics

Trucking companies are typically represented by well-funded legal teams that will vigorously defend against claims to avoid high-dollar payouts. They may deny fault, delay proceedings, or make lowball settlement offers in an attempt to minimize their financial exposure.

Catastrophic Injuries and Extensive Damages

Due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, injured victims often suffer extraordinarily severe and catastrophic injuries resulting in massive medical costs, lost income, home modifications, and other economic and non-economic damages that must be meticulously calculated and accounted for.

Overall, these cases require meticulous investigation, gathering of robust evidence, detailed damage calculations, expert testimony, and an unwavering commitment from your legal team.

An experienced truck accident attorney in Phoenix, like those at Zanes Law, is invaluable in navigating the complexities of these cases and ensuring that victims receive the full and fair compensation they deserve.

For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Phoenix, call (866) 499-8989

Potential Compensation in Truck Accident Claims

The damages and compensation you may be able to seek in a truck accident claim can vary significantly depending on the severity of the accident and the injuries suffered. However, an experienced Phoenix semi-truck accident lawyer can pursue financial recovery for a wide range of economic and non-economic damages, including:

Current and Future Medical Expenses

The at-fault party or parties may be held liable for all medical expenses incurred due to the truck collision, including costs related to emergency treatment, hospitalization, medical tests, surgical procedures, medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, home healthcare, medical equipment, and future anticipated medical needs.

A well-prepared personal injury claim allows you to secure maximum compensation to cover both your immediate and long-term medical costs.

Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Potential

If the truck accident resulted in injuries that prevented you from working or reduced your ability to earn an income, you may be entitled to financial compensation for lost wages, bonuses, raises, and diminished future earning capacity.

This is particularly important in cases involving disabling conditions like paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, or other severe injuries that may prevent you from returning to your previous occupation.

Property Damage

The responsible parties, such as the trucking company, truck driver, or their insurance providers, may be required to cover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle after a collision involving a garbage truck, tow truck, semi-truck, or any other large commercial vehicle.

Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress

With the assistance of a skilled Phoenix big rig accident lawyer, you may receive fair compensation for non-economic damages, such as physical pain and suffering, emotional trauma, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other personal hardships resulting from these often harrowing and life-altering collisions.

Punitive Damages

In cases involving egregious negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct on the part of the trucking company or driver, a judge or jury may award you punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.

Punitive damages are designed to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future. It’s important to note that the specific damages and compensation available in your case will depend on the unique circumstances and the evidence presented.

Pursuing the Maximum Compensation Possible

While there is no universal average for compensation in truck accident cases, the damages you can list in your complaint may have precedents from previous cases.

Our attorneys will carefully review the losses you incurred and refer to state precedents to determine the financial support you may qualify for.

A Phoenix truck accident attorney can thoroughly investigate your case, gather all relevant evidence, and fight to secure the maximum compensation you are owed under the law.

Phoenix Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (866) 499-8989

Identifying Liable Parties

Individual truck drivers are rarely held liable for medical damages and losses. Instead, when an accident occurs while a commercial driver is on duty, the commercial trucking company typically bears responsibility.

Consequently, you will often name the trucking company as the liable party in your complaint, rather than the individual driver.

The Truck Driver

While the truck driver is not often the sole liable party named in a truck accident lawsuit, their actions and potential negligence can still contribute to liability. Some ways a truck driver may be deemed negligent include:

• Fatigued or drowsy driving due to violating hours-of-service regulations
• Distracted driving (texting, eating, etc.)
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Speeding or reckless driving behavior
• Failure to properly check blind spots or maintain a safe following distance

Even if the trucking company is held vicariously liable for the driver’s negligence, having evidence of the driver’s errors can strengthen the case. The truck driver may also be separately named as a defendant.

The Trucking Company

The trucking company that employs the driver is typically the primary liable party in a truck accident case. There are numerous ways a trucking company may be deemed negligent, including:

• Failure to properly train or supervise drivers
• Requiring drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, promoting fatigued driving
• Lack of adequate driver screening, hiring, and monitoring procedures
• Failure to inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles
• Violation of FMCSA regulations on cargo loading, vehicle weight, etc.
• Encouraging drivers to violate hours-of-service rules
• Negligent entrustment of vehicles to unqualified drivers

Trucking companies are often corporations with substantial insurance coverage, making them a prime target for liability. Proving negligent company policies, procedures, or oversight is key to holding them accountable.

Experienced truck accident attorneys know how to investigate all potential negligent parties thoroughly to determine liability and build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation. However, other parties may also be held accountable, including:

The Loading Team

If the accident was caused or contributed to by improper loading of the truck’s cargo, resulting in an imbalanced or unsecured load, the team or individuals responsible for loading the truck may be held liable.

This could include the trucking company’s loading crew or a third-party logistics or shipping company.

The Truck’s Mechanic or Maintenance Provider

If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure, defective parts, or improper maintenance of the truck, the mechanic or maintenance provider responsible for servicing and maintaining the vehicle may be held liable for their negligence.

The Truck’s Manufacturer

In some cases, the accident may have been caused by a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or other issue with the truck itself. In these situations, the truck’s manufacturer could be held liable for producing a defective or unreasonably dangerous product.

Municipalities or Government Entities

If the accident was caused or exacerbated by poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or other issues related to the maintenance and upkeep of the roads or highways, the municipality or government entity responsible for those roads may be held liable for failing to uphold local road safety standards.

Other Third Parties

Depending on the specific circumstances, other third parties may also be found liable, such as companies responsible for cargo loading, companies that leased or rented the truck to the trucking company, or other drivers who may have contributed to the accident through their negligence.

Our experienced Phoenix commercial truck accident attorneys can assist you in conducting a thorough investigation, gathering all relevant evidence, and building a strong body of evidence to accompany your complaint or lawsuit.

This ensures you have a solid legal claim and the best chance of recovering fair and full compensation from all responsible parties.

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Why Is It Important to Identify All Liable Parties?

It’s critically important to pursue and identify all potential sources of liability in a truck accident case for several key reasons:

Maximizing Compensation

By identifying and going after all parties that may be liable for the accident and your resulting injuries and damages, you increase the chances of receiving full and fair compensation to cover the totality of your losses.

Different parties may be responsible for compensating you for different aspects of the accident – for example, the trucking company may be liable for paying your medical bills, while the truck manufacturer may be responsible for covering the property damage to your vehicle.

Pursuing all avenues of liability ensures you don’t leave any potential sources of compensation on the table.

Ensuring Accountability

Holding all negligent parties accountable, rather than solely pursuing the individual truck driver, helps ensure that every entity or individual whose actions or lapses contributed to the accident takes responsibility for their role.

This pursuit of comprehensive accountability not only delivers justice in your specific case but also creates incentives for improved safety practices and deterrents against future negligence across the trucking industry.

Accessing Larger Resource Pools

Trucking companies, vehicle manufacturers, and other larger corporate entities typically have far greater assets, resources, and insurance policies to draw compensation from compared to an individual truck driver.

By pursuing claims against these larger corporations and their insurers, you improve your ability to collect the full and fair compensation you are owed.

Facilitating a Thorough Investigation

Exploring and investigating all potential sources of liability requires a meticulous and comprehensive approach that uncovers every circumstance, factor, and decision that may have played a role in causing the truck accident.

This exhaustive process leaves no stone unturned, ensuring that all relevant evidence and contributing factors are brought to light.

Gaining Negotiation Leverage

Having multiple parties that you can potentially make claims against gives your legal team more leverage during settlement negotiations. An aggressive and exhaustive pursuit of all avenues of liability maximizes your chances of receiving complete compensation through a favorable settlement or court judgment.

Identifying all liable parties in a truck accident case is about ensuring accountability, maximizing your compensation, and delivering justice through a thorough legal process.

It’s about making sure that every entity or individual whose negligence contributed to the accident is held properly liable and that you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries, losses, and suffering.

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Providing Evidence to Prove Liability

When you file your initial complaint or lawsuit regarding the truck accident, you need to include evidence clearly demonstrating who was at fault and liable for your damages and injuries.

While you can provide additional evidence later as the case progresses, your first complaint must connect your losses and injuries directly to the responsible party or parties through supporting evidence.

Various types of evidence can be utilized in commercial truck accident cases to establish liability, including but not limited to:

• Logbooks: These legally required records document the driving hours, routes, and on-duty/off-duty status of the truck driver involved. Logbook violations or inconsistencies can show issues like fatigued driving.
• Black Box/Electronic Control Module (ECM) Data: Many modern commercial trucks are equipped with data recording devices, similar to “black boxes” in aircraft, that can provide crucial information about vehicle speed, braking inputs, and other factors in the moments leading up to and during the accident.
• Load Documentation: These records and paperwork detail the weight, contents, and distribution of the cargo the truck was hauling, which can be relevant if improper loading or overweight conditions contributed to the crash.
• Delivery Records and Route Information: Data on previous shipments, routes taken, and scheduled delivery times can shed light on potential factors like driver fatigue or unrealistic schedules imposed by the trucking company.
• Truck and Trailer Inspection Reports: Regular inspection and maintenance records for the truck and its trailer can reveal potential equipment failures, lack of proper maintenance, or safety violations by the trucking company.
• Accident Reconstruction Analysis: Experts can utilize available evidence and data to create simulated reconstructions of how the accident likely occurred, which can help identify causation and liability factors.
• Driver Training and Qualification Records: Information about the truck driver’s training history, certifications, and qualifications is relevant to potential issues like negligent hiring or supervision by the trucking company.
• Police Reports and Official Accident Documentation: Reports filed by law enforcement at the accident scene, including officer narratives, citations issued, and any documented factors like impairment or violation can serve as critical evidence.

Additionally, our legal team will work to locate and interview any eyewitnesses who directly observed the accident, as their testimony can provide valuable supporting evidence.

The more detailed, fact-based information and evidence you can provide upfront in your initial complaint, the stronger your position will be, and the more smoothly the entire legal process is likely to proceed when pursuing your rightful compensation.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including commercial vehicle accidents, is outlined in A.R.S. § 12-542. According to this statute, you have two years from the date of your accident to bring your complaint forward.

Failing to file within this two-year window could result in your case being dismissed, preventing you from recovering compensation for your damages.

It’s crucial to consult with an experienced Phoenix truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable statute of limitations and avoid any potential legal pitfalls that could jeopardize your pursuit of justice and compensation.

Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents

Some of the most prevalent and serious injuries claimed in truck accident cases include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Head Trauma: These range from concussions and contusions to severe brain bleeds, swelling, and permanent brain damage that can impair cognitive abilities, motor functions, personality, and quality of life.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: While not immediately life-threatening, soft tissue injuries like sprains, strains, whiplash, and severe contusions can still cause long-lasting, debilitating pain and limit mobility/range of motion.
• Severe Lacerations and Disfigurement: The force of impacts can cause deep lacerations that require surgical repair and may leave disfiguring scars, especially on the face/head area. 
• Internal Organ Damage and Internal Bleeding: The incredible blunt force can rupture internal organs like the spleen, lungs, kidneys, or liver, causing profuse bleeding that requires emergency treatment.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Truck accident victims often sustain multiple complex, compound fractures in the limbs, ribs, pelvis, and other areas from the sheer forces involved.
• Amputations and Crush Injuries: Extremities like arms and legs can be partially or fully severed, amputated, or permanently disabled/disfigured due to the shearing, crushing impact of the heavy truck.
• Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs): Among the most devastating injuries, SCIs can result in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation and mobility below the injury site, and permanent loss of independence.
• Severe Burns: Both thermal and chemical burns are possible in truck accidents, causing excruciating pain, permanent scarring, and disfigurement.
• Psychological Trauma: Even in non-catastrophic accidents, truck crash victims frequently suffer psychological issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

The size differential between massive commercial trucks and lighter passenger vehicles puts occupants of cars and smaller trucks at severe risk when impacts occur. Injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitative care, and they can permanently diminish your quality of life.

Documenting and proving the full extent of these injuries is crucial for truck accident victims to receive proper compensation.

You have the legal right to seek medical care, rehabilitation, and physical therapy to recover from all your injuries. Our personal injury lawyers will fight to ensure you receive full and fair compensation to cover all necessary past, present, and future medical costs.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Numerous factors can contribute to truck accidents, and our experienced trucking accident lawyers meticulously examine the circumstances surrounding each incident. Some of the most common causes our firm encounters include:

• Commercial Truck Driver Fatigue: Driver fatigue is one of the primary causes of truck accidents. While drivers of semi-trucks are legally required to adhere to specific driving hour limits for their safety and that of others on the road, our attorneys frequently witness truck drivers exceeding these limits to complete their hauls. Logbooks documenting these hours are crucial evidence.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alarmingly, some truck drivers operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This can lead to unsafe lane changes, speeding, and other negligent actions behind the wheel that can result in accidents.
• Overloaded Trucks and Improper Maintenance: Overloaded and improperly loaded trucks can significantly increase the risk of crashes. Sometimes, an accident may not be the driver’s fault but rather the result of equipment failure. Trucking companies are required to follow maintenance schedules and keep repair logbooks, which our attorneys will obtain to gather evidence.
• Poor Driver Training: Inexperienced or inadequately trained truck drivers pose an extreme hazard, often resulting in injuries or fatalities to other motorists. Individuals seeking truck driver training should thoroughly research programs and ensure they have reputable references.
• Dangerous Weather Conditions: Inclement weather can also contribute to horrific truck accidents, many of which involve smaller passenger vehicles. These crashes are particularly devastating due to the immense size and weight of trucks. Many modern trucks are equipped with black boxes that record notable events during an accident, and our reputable law firm will obtain this information to build a strong personal injury case.

How Much does a Phoenix Truck Accident Lawyer Charge for Legal Representation?

The attorneys at Zanes Law do not give you a bill after your first consultation. In fact, you won’t be charged for services rendered while your case is ongoing. Instead, Zanes Law operates on contingency.

When you first come and speak with one of our team members, we’ll discuss your case’s contingency fee. This fee represents what percentage of your settlement we’ll be entitled to if we win your case.

Should you receive a settlement from negotiations or a trial, we’ll take this percentage without you ever having to sign a check. What’s more, you only share your settlement with us if we win your case. If we can’t appeal a court’s decision or fight for your cause, you won’t pay a dime for our representation.

In a Truck Accident? Here’s What You Do Next

Truck accidents can be horrific events and it is important to know exactly what to do if you are involved in one. As Phoenix truck accident attorneys we recommend that you do the following if you are involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler or other commercial truck:

• Remain at the Scene and Call 911: Never leave the scene of the accident. Call 911 immediately to report the crash and request medical assistance if needed. Wait for the police to arrive to document the incident properly.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s crucial to get evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. Some internal injuries may not show symptoms right away. Following your doctor’s treatment plan is important.
• Gather Evidence: If you can, take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from the truck driver, their employer, and any eyewitnesses. Note details like the truck/trailer numbers and logos.
• Avoid Discussing Fault: Never admit any blame or provide a recorded statement to insurance companies without your lawyer present. Simply exchange basic insurance and contact info required by law with the other parties involved.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Promptly notify your own auto insurance company that an accident occurred, but avoid giving full details that could compromise your claim. Just stick to the basic facts.
• Consult a Truck Accident Attorney: As soon as possible, consult an experienced truck accident lawyer who can advise you on preserving evidence, dealing with insurers, and protecting your rights to compensation. They understand complex trucking regulations.
• Follow Your Doctor‘s Orders: Fully comply with all medical treatments your doctor prescribes. Failing to follow their recommendations could negatively impact your injury claim and potential compensation.
• Document Everything: Keep detailed records and documentation of all expenses, medical bills, lost wages, and evidence related to the accident. This information is crucial for your lawyer to evaluate your damages.

Remaining calm, avoiding negotiating with insurers, and having an attorney advocate for your full interests from the start can greatly improve your chances of receiving maximum compensation after a truck accident.

What Are the Hours of Service Rules for Truck Drivers?

Federal law dictates what rules commercial truck drivers are expected to follow. It lays out the amount of time a commercial driver may drive their truck before they are legally required to stop and rest.

• 14-hour duty limit (minimum 10 hours of rest after 14 hours on duty)
• 11-hour driving limit (minimum 10 hours rest after 11 total driving hours)
• 60/70-hour duty limit

Unfortunately, commercial drivers are often pushed by their employers to violate these regulations to deliver their cargo more quickly. This creates situations involving driver fatigue and driver drug use to stay awake, which leads to horrific accidents.

When you hire an experienced trucking accident lawyer at Zanes Law, we will properly investigate driver fatigue and violations of federal trucking regulations.

Contact a Phoenix Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Initial Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal representation. At Zanes Law, our Phoenix truck accident attorneys have extensive experience handling these complex cases and fighting for maximum compensation for our clients. 

We understand the devastating impacts these accidents can have, and we are committed to providing compassionate support and aggressive advocacy every step of the way. 

Contact us today for a free, no–obligation consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

Call or text (866) 499-8989 or complete a
Free Case Evaluation form

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