Trucking accidents can be devastating and often result in life-changing injuries. Every truck collision is unique, and these complex cases require a deep understanding of federal and state laws. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can create a strategy for your specific case that aligns with your injuries and legal needs.
Victims and their families may be offered settlements from insurance companies, but all too often, these offers do not represent the total value of the claim. Before you accept any payment, consider reaching out to our Sierra Vista truck accident attorneys at Zanes Law, who can evaluate your case and likely negotiate a much higher settlement.
Why Truck Accidents Are So Complicated
A typical car accident involves two vehicles, and most of the time, only one party is considered at fault. However, in a commercial truck accident, multiple parties may have contributed to the collision, some of which may not have even been present when the accident happened.
Multiple parties could mean multiple insurance policies from separate companies, resulting in a more substantial settlement.
Multiple Insurance Providers
That said, having multiple insurance providers involved can complicate the case. Each insurer is essentially working against the other to reduce the amount they have to pay. The stakes can be high in truck accident cases because of the severity of the injuries and the fact that trucking companies typically carry insurance with higher limits.
With so much at stake, it’s vital to have a skilled and experienced commercial truck accident attorney in your corner. Our results speak for themselves because we are relentless in getting our clients the compensation they need.
Severe Injuries
Semi-trucks are much larger than passenger vehicles and weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Due to their enormous weight and size, trucks can cause catastrophic injuries in a collision with a smaller car or truck.
Injuries are often severe in these dangerous accidents, requiring expensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Sierra Vista, call 866-499-8989
Pursuing All Liable Parties in a Sierra Vista Trucking Collision
An experienced truck accident attorney in Sierra Vista will examine potentially responsible parties, such as:
- The trucking company
- A parts manufacturer
- The truck’s manufacturer
- A third-party cargo loader
- Any mechanic or maintenance provider
The reason it’s so important to consider everyone who might be responsible for a truck accident is because Arizona follows something known as “the rule of several liability.” That means that when multiple parties are liable for an accident, each person or entity is responsible only for their percentage of fault.
Unlike states that follow the doctrines of joint and several liability, Arizona courts will not hold a single party responsible for the full amount and then require that party to collect from the other responsible parties. Since everyone must be held liable individually, going after all liable parties is crucial to your personal injury case.
Trucking Company
Typically, a trucking company bears at least some responsibility for an accident. These companies are required to hire and train qualified drivers, perform the appropriate drug screens required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), and supervise their employees.
With the help of an experienced Sierra Vista truck accident attorney, a trucking company can be held directly liable for its negligence in hiring or training a truck driver. They may also be held indirectly liable under the doctrine of vicarious liability. In addition, the company can be held responsible for failing to inspect and maintain its vehicle.
Loading Company
If a truck tips over and the accident is related to its cargo, the loading company might be to blame. The cargo loaders might have been negligent if the trailer contents were not properly distributed and secured for transit.
Mechanic or Repair Service
In Arizona and elsewhere, mechanics can be held liable for accidents caused by the careless or intentional mishandling of a vehicle that they were paid to service or repair. Truck mechanics must act reasonably while a vehicle is in its possession, and failure to provide an adequate standard of care could result in the assignment of liability.
Truck or Parts Manufacturer
Sometimes, we can bring a manufacturer into a lawsuit. For instance, if the accident were due to brake failure, it would be essential to determine whether the brakes were defective due to the manufacturer’s design or the manufacturing process.
Since identifying all liable parties is highly beneficial to your case, securing proper legal representation is usually more than worthwhile.
Sierra Vista Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 866-499-8989
Time Limit for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Arizona
If you were injured in a collision with a truck, you only have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the liable party or parties. This is because Arizona has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this impending deadline, your case will likely be thrown out.
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Consult With our Sierra Vista Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or someone close to you is the victim of an accident caused by a truck, we may be able to help. It is best to get legal representation as early as possible after an accident so that we can preserve vital evidence and meet all court deadlines.
Contact Zanes Law immediately if you are pursuing a truck accident claim. Insurance companies are actively working against you and may try to blame you for the crash or get you to settle for less than your case is worth. Our Sierra Vista truck accident attorneys can evaluate your case for free, so there’s no risk in asking for our help. Reach out today!
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