Tempe Truck Accident Lawyer

Were you involved in a truck accident? If so, you might be in a lot of pain—both emotionally and physically. It wouldn’t surprise us to hear that your finances are suffering, too. While it can be hard to process such a traumatic event, it’s important to remember that help is available.

At Zanes Law, our Tempe personal injury lawyers are dedicated to fighting for justice and pursuing compensation on your behalf. For over two decades, we’ve helped clients just like you rebuild their lives. We have a 99% success rate and over 20 years of experience. 

In that time, we have recovered more than $500 million in compensation. When you need a Tempe truck accident lawyer in your corner, we’re here to stand up for you and advocate for your rights. 

What to Look for When Hiring a Tempe Truck Accident Lawyer

When you think about what to look for in a truck accident lawyer, it’s important to seek out legal counsel with experience handling personal injury cases. Since truck accidents often involve multiple parties, you’ll want a lawyer who knows how to identify which parties to hold liable.

Furthermore, the insurance providers of trucking companies often have a lot of resources at their disposal when it comes to defending themselves. Keep an eye out for an attorney who knows how to level the playing field by building a strong case on your behalf.

Also, it’s not uncommon for truck accident claims to involve federal and state regulations, such as hours-of-service rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Your attorney should understand these regulations and use them to strengthen your case.

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

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Understanding the causes of truck accidents can help your truck accident lawyer in Tempe establish liability and pursue a case against the person or people responsible for the crash. Here are common causes of truck-related collisions: 

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Fatigue
• Driving under the influence
• Faulty brakes
• Tire blowouts
• Engine malfunctions due to poor maintenance
• Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
• Trucks that tip over or lose control 
• Poor visibility, rain, and slippery roads 

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Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?

Potentially liable parties in truck accidents may include: 

• Truck drivers
• Trucking companies
• Cargo loaders
• Manufacturers
• Other drivers

Truck drivers might be found liable if they acted negligently by succumbing to distractions behind the wheel or driving despite being too tired to operate a vehicle safely. Trucking companies might be identified as the at-fault party if they fail to enforce safety standards. 

They can also be held responsible if they do not maintain their vehicles properly. Cargo loaders could be at fault if they improperly loaded the cargo in a way that contributed to the accident, and manufacturers could be at fault if any parts of theirs were defective. 

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Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled to as the Victim of a Truck Accident 

Truck accident victims may be entitled to various types of compensation, including economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Not all types of damages are available for every case, but your truck accident lawyer in Tempe can let you know what your options are. 

Economic damages refer to medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and rehabilitation costs that you accrued as a direct result of the collision. Meanwhile, non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any loss of enjoyment of life you endure. 

Last but not least, punitive damages may be considered in cases that involve egregious negligence, such as reckless or drunk driving. Punitive damages are not intended to be a monetary form of compensation for victims; they are intended to punish the person who caused the crash. 

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Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Cases Like Yours 

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Arizona—including truck accidents—is two years from the date of the accident. This means you have a 24-month timeframe to file a lawsuit if you want to pursue compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses. 

However, specific circumstances can alter this timeline. For instance, if a government entity was involved in the collision—such as a municipal vehicle or public employee—the deadline to file a notice of claim is much shorter. It’s generally 180 days from the day the crash took place. 

Failing to meet these deadlines can result in your claim being barred, which might leave you unable to recover compensation. We encourage you to act quickly. That way, your truck accident lawyer in Tempe can make sure you do not miss any deadlines. 

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident?

The moments following a truck accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can help you protect your health and your potential legal claim. For starters, you’ll want to seek out medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you are seriously injured. 

Some injuries—like whiplash or internal damage—may not be immediately noticeable. However, calling 911 means emergency responders will have the opportunity to document the accident and provide you with any care they deem necessary. 

Once you have been medically cleared, make sure you reach out to a truck accident attorney in Tempe. Insurance adjusters may try to contact you without legal representation, but we advise you not to speak with the at-fault party’s insurance company without us by your side.

How Long does It Take to Settle a Truck Accident Claim?

The timeline for settling a truck accident claim in Tempe varies based on several factors, especially:

• The specific details of your case 
• How willing insurance companies are to negotiate 

Some claims might be resolved within a few months, while others—especially those involving severe injuries or disputed liability—could take a year, if not longer. One of the main factors influencing the timeline is the extent of your injuries. 

It’s always smart to wait until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling to ensure that all your medical expenses are accounted for. Now, if your injuries require ongoing treatment, your lawyer will factor future costs into your claim. 

Additionally, if an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, litigation may be necessary. While filing a lawsuit can extend the timeline, it can also increase your chances of receiving full and fair compensation. 

Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault?

Yes—you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for a collision involving trucks. Since Arizona abides by a pure comparative negligence rule, the amount of compensation you are eligible for will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. 

For example, if it is discovered that you are 40% at fault for the crash and your total damages add up to $100,000, then you would lose out on $40,000 and only be entitled to $60,000. However, insurance companies might try to assign you a higher percentage of fault in an effort to reduce how much money they owe you. 

That’s why legal counsel is so important. Your attorney can gather evidence to challenge any unfair fault assessments as they work toward ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Never admit fault to anyone at the scene. Call a lawyer instead. 

How a Tempe Truck Accident Law Firm Can Help Your Case

A lawyer can handle the legal side of things and fight for your rights while you focus on healing and recovering from what you experienced. First and foremost, your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident. This includes: 

• Gathering police reports
• Collecting eyewitness statements
• Requesting medical records
• Accessing trucking company logs

We will also work with accident reconstruction experts, if necessary, to determine your level of liability. Additionally, a lawyer can handle all communications with insurance companies. That way, you won’t have to worry about defending yourself against low settlement offers. 

Trucking insurers often attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether, but when you have a lawyer advocating for you, the odds of being pressured into accepting less than you deserve go down. 

From there, if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your attorney can take your case to court. They will present compelling evidence, advocate for your best interests, and present the strongest possible case for financial recovery. 

Reach Out to a Tempe Truck Accident Attorney as Soon as Possible 

If you or someone you love was involved in a collision with a truck, don’t wait to reach out for legal help. At Zanes Law, we’re here to provide you with professional support and guidance every step of the way. 

We know this is a challenging time for those trying to recover from a truck accident, and we want to work toward securing the compensation you deserve. After all, our family’s passion is helping Arizona families recover after tragedy, so contact us today for a free consultation.

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