Tucson Truck
Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents can cause devastating injuries and property damage. You may wonder where to turn for help after a collision. A Tucson truck accident lawyer from Zanes Law Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and protect your interests.

Our personal injury lawyers have helped thousands of injury victims recover significant financial compensation over our two decades of serving Arizona. We take an aggressive approach to commercial truck accident cases. We are here to win for our clients.

If you have questions about whether or not you have a case on your hands, a free legal consultation with our Tucson personal injury lawyer team can help you determine your best path forward.

Why do I Need a Tucson Truck Accident Lawyer?

Legal representation is crucial to ensure a favorable outcome in personal injury claims involving large trucks. Truck accident claims typically involve severe injuries with high financial stakes, and several liable parties can be involved.

This means you may face off with teams of corporate attorneys and several insurance carriers simultaneously. They will fight tooth and nail to reduce or deny your claims to protect their profits, even if it is clear they are at fault.

Our lawyers can protect your interests and help to ensure you are treated fairly and compensated fully.

Here are four reasons why having a truck accident lawyer in Tucson is of utmost importance:

• Significance of experience and knowledge: Our personal injury attorneys have in-depth knowledge of state and federal trucking laws. We know how to counter insurance companies’ tactics. We can handle your case efficiently and effectively, increasing the chances of a positive outcome.
• Advantages of legal services and fee structure: Hiring a truck accident lawyer allows you to access quality legal representation without worrying about upfront fees. Most reputable firms, like ours, operate on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case and secure compensation. This fee structure ensures everyone can obtain the legal representation they deserve regardless of financial means.
• Gathering evidence and identifying responsible parties is crucial: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, such as the driver, trucking company, and maintenance personnel. A lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify the negligent parties. This is crucial for securing the rightful compensation you deserve.
• Benefits of negotiation and litigation skills: A lawyer is adept at negotiation and litigation. We can advocate for your rights and interests through settlement negotiations or in the courtroom. Our ability to build strong cases and present compelling arguments increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

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

The Cause of a Truck Accident Is Not Always Obvious

Trucking accidents are usually severe due to the weight and size of these vehicles. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, various factors may have contributed to the cause. Our firm often sees the following factors contributing to truck accidents:

Driver Fatigue

Federal trucking regulations outline how far a truck driver should drive before taking a break. However, commercial drivers may insist on driving extra miles despite being fatigued, risking accidents. Tight deadlines or using illegal substances to stay awake can contribute to driver fatigue.

Improperly-Loaded Trucks

If a trucking company fails to consider a road’s weight limits or the balance of a rig, they can endanger the truck driver and other motorists. Improper loading can lead to accidents, and the trucking company or affiliated corporate partner may be liable.

Dangerous Weather

Commercial truck drivers should adjust their driving speed whenever they notice dangerous weather conditions. However, drivers may fail to slow down in order to meet deadlines, increasing the risk of accidents.

Inadequate Training

Inadequate training can lead to accidents, as drivers may lack the specialized knowledge and skills required to operate trucks safely. Trucking companies may be held liable for accidents when they fail to take care in hiring and training their drivers properly.

Driver Errors and Negligence

Driver errors, such as failing to check blind spots and improper lane changes, are significant contributors to truck accidents. Negligence, including distracted driving, drunk driving, or aggressive driving behaviors, can also cause catastrophic injuries.

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

Lack of Maintenance or Defective Parts

Improper maintenance or defective parts can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake failures or tire blowouts, increasing the risk of accidents. Trucking companies, drivers, maintenance teams, and vehicle or parts manufacturers may be held responsible.

Distracted Driving Behaviors

Truck drivers are not immune to the dangers of driver distraction. Using mobile devices, eating while driving, or adjusting in-cab controls can lead to accidents with severe consequences.

Improper Vehicle Maintenance

Neglecting regular inspections and maintenance can create hazardous conditions on the road. Common issues like brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions can cause devastating collisions, and multiple parties may be liable.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Truck drivers who exceed speed limits or engage in reckless maneuvers put everyone on the road at risk. These behaviors can lead to devastating collisions, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, seeking legal counsel from an experienced truck accident lawyer is crucial. Our experienced truck accident attorneys in Tucson can investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

The Serious Impact of Tucson Truck Accidents: Key Facts and Trends

Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous

Truck crashes in Tucson and across Arizona can be extremely serious. Because large trucks are so much bigger and heavier than regular cars, accidents involving them often cause severe injuries or even death. Understanding how often these accidents happen and why they’re so dangerous is important.

Arizona and National Statistics

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reported 1,912 truck crashes across the state in 2019. That means thousands of people were hurt or changed their lives in a year. Truck accidents increased by 13% nationwide between 2010 and 2020, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Every year, around 5,000 people die in crashes involving large trucks, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). What’s especially alarming is that 71% of those killed are people in other vehicles—not the truck drivers. This shows just how dangerous these collisions can be for everyday drivers.

Tucson’s I-10: A High-Risk Area

In Tucson, many truck crashes happen on Interstate 10 (I-10), a major highway that runs through the city. Nearly 2 million large trucks travel on U.S. roads daily, and many pass through Tucson. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, truck accidents on I-10 near Tucson have risen by 17% over the past five years, making it one of the most hazardous stretches of highway in the state.

The Cost of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can also be very expensive. The FMCSA estimates that a single truck crash involving injuries costs over $200,000. If a crash results in a death, the total cost can exceed $3.6 million, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses. These financial burdens can add even more stress for families already dealing with trauma.

Size and Weight Make a Difference

Large trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, compared to an average car that weighs about 4,000 pounds. That’s a weight difference of 20 times. Because of this, even a low-speed crash with a truck can cause major damage and serious injuries to the people in smaller vehicles.

Driver Fatigue: A Leading Cause

Tired truck drivers are a major cause of accidents. The FMCSA says that driver fatigue contributes to about 13% of all commercial truck crashes. Even with rules that limit how many hours drivers can work, many say they feel pressure to meet delivery deadlines and don’t get enough rest. A study by the National Sleep Foundation found:

• 65% of truck drivers feel drowsy while driving
• 47% admit they’ve fallen asleep at the wheel at least once

Other Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Other reasons truck accidents happen in Tucson include:

• Improperly loaded cargo (about 9% of crashes)
• Equipment failures, such as brake problems (about 10%)
• Bad weather, like heavy rain or dust storms (about 14%)

Why These Facts Matter

Knowing these facts can help people be safer on the road and better understand who might be at fault if an accident happens.

For Tucson residents affected by a truck accident, these statistics are more than just numbers—they reflect real-life challenges and pain. Recognizing how common and serious these crashes are is the first step toward getting the support, legal help, and compensation needed to recover and move forward.

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There Is a Legal Time Limit to File Your Claim for Compensation

If you want to bring a truck accident lawsuit to the court’s attention, you must act quickly. Your suit is bound up in the statute of limitations by A.R.S. § 12-542. According to this statute, all civil lawsuits detailing personal injury losses must reach a county clerk within two years of the day an accident takes place. Trying to submit a personal injury suit outside of this deadline is an automatic no-go.

Unless you can work with an attorney to argue extenuating circumstances, failure to file can see you forgo your right to legal compensation. When you contact a Tucson tractor-trailer accident attorney early into your recovery, you can secure the right to have a court consider your case.

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Damages You Can Recover

Common injuries in 18-wheeler accident cases are often severe and may involve multiple broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. When evaluating your damages, it is important to consider the financial impact of several factors:

• Medical expenses: Gathering all medical records and bills related to your truck accident injuries is crucial. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment. These expenses can add up quickly and should be included in your evaluation.
• Property damage: If your vehicle or any other property was damaged, you must assess the repair or replacement cost. We can help obtain estimates from trusted mechanics or professionals to calculate the full value of your property losses.
• Lost wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work or decrease your earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of income. Keep track of the days you could not work and any income you have lost as a result.
• Pain and suffering: Evaluating the non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life, can be challenging. It is important to gather evidence demonstrating the impact on the truck accident victim’s daily life and emotional well-being.
• Medical bills: Evaluating your accident damages requires careful consideration of various financial factors. One aspect to assess is the impact on your medical expenses. Gathering all relevant records and bills related to your injuries, including hospital visits, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment, is crucial. These expenses can accumulate quickly and should be included in your overall evaluation.

Once you have evaluated your damages, the next step is to calculate fair compensation. This involves considering the extent of your injuries, their long-term effects, and their impact on your quality of life.

Insurance negotiations may be necessary to settle, but trial preparation becomes essential if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Having an experienced attorney by your side can greatly enhance your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Our skills and extensive experience will ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

How Tucson Truck Accident Lawyers Maximize Compensation for Victims

At Zanes Law, our experienced truck accident attorneys utilize a comprehensive legal strategy to maximize compensation for victims. Here’s how we ensure you receive the compensation you deserve:

• Thorough Investigation: We investigate the accident scene, gather vital evidence, and interview witnesses.
• Analysis: Our team analyzes police reports, traffic camera footage, and the truck’s black box data.
  Accident Reconstruction: We consult with experts to establish liability and illustrate the extent of your injuries.
• Aggressive Negotiation: We negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair settlements, leveraging our legal insight.
• Trial Preparedness: If necessary, we are ready to take cases to trial to protect your rights.
  Comprehensive Compensation: We explore all potential sources of compensation, including the negligent truck driver, trucking company, and vehicle manufacturers.
• Medical Documentation: We collaborate with medical professionals to document the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs.
• Personalized Attention: Throughout your case, we maintain clear communication and provide regular updates to keep you informed.
  Our dedicated team will fight to secure the best possible outcome for 18-wheeler accident victims.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the immense size and weight of commercial vehicles. Some of the most common injuries sustained include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

TBIs are among the most severe consequences of motor vehicle accidents. These life-altering injuries can result from the tremendous force of a collision between a passenger vehicle and a large truck. Traumatic brain injuries can lead to long-term disabilities, impacting the lives of victims and their families.

Factors considered in pursuing compensation for a TBI include immediate and long-term medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and the impact on quality of life.

Spinal Cord Damage

Spinal cord damage is another devastating injury. This type of injury can lead to partial or complete paralysis, affecting a person’s ability to move, feel sensations, or control bodily functions.

Compensation for spinal cord damage considers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, adaptive equipment or home modifications, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and the impact on quality of life.

Broken Bones

Broken bones frequently occur in truck accidents due to the sheer force and impact involved. These injuries can range from simple fractures to complex, compound breaks requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Common types of broken bones in truck accidents include fractured ribs, broken arms or legs, skull fractures, pelvic fractures, and spinal fractures. 

Internal injuries, neck injuries, organ damage, soft tissue injuries, and other types of injuries are common types of injuries to experience in a truck accident claim. Our goal is to ensure victims of truck accidents receive the medical care and financial support needed to recover from the devastating impact.

Understanding Comparative Negligence Laws in Tucson Truck Accident Cases

Comparative negligence laws play an essential role in truck accident cases. These laws determine how fault is assigned and how compensation is distributed when multiple parties share responsibility for an accident.

The comparative negligence system in Arizona allows plaintiffs to recover damages even if they’re partially at fault for the accident. However, the amount of your financial recovery may be reduced based on the percentage of fault.

Here are key points to grasp about comparative negligence laws:

• Arizona follows a “pure” comparative negligence rule
• Plaintiffs can recover damages even if they’re 99% at fault
• Compensation is reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault
• Multiple parties can share fault in truck accident cases
• The court determines fault percentages based on the evidence presented

It’s important to note that truck accident cases often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, another at-fault driver, a commercial trucking company, and potentially manufacturers of faulty equipment.

We’ll work diligently to identify all responsible parties and pursue compensation from each of them, taking into account comparative negligence laws throughout the process.

What Is My Case Worth?

The amount of your claim directly reflects both your losses and the insurance company’s willingness to be flexible. You can be certain that the insurance provider for the trucking firm knows exactly how much your claim is worth. The insurance adjuster is betting that you don’t know as much as he or she does.

Your trucking accident attorney comes into play at this point. Your attorney will assign a monetary and non-monetary value to your losses. We can give you an indication of the worth of your claim by combining these estimations.

What if I Can’t Afford a Tucson Truck Accident Attorney?

It would be best not to worry about money while considering your post-accident legal options. Our Tucson truck accident attorneys, for example, work on a contingency basis. We do not ask you for a retainer. Instead, we receive compensation for our services at the end of your case – but only if you win.

If you receive a settlement, the contingency fee agreement signed at the beginning of our relationship entitles us to a percentage of those winnings. Most of the time, personal injury cases are resolved through a negotiated settlement.

What Happens if My Loved One Died in a Truck Accident?

When someone dies as a result of severe injuries they received in a trucking accident, then a Wrongful death claim is appropriate. Usually, the deceased person’s spouse or child will file. The wrongful death statute in Arizona (ARS 12-612) defines the individuals who are eligible to claim after a fatal accident.

You may be eligible to pursue damages, including funeral expenses, burial costs, loss of companionship, emotional trauma, and the loss of your loved one’s future earnings. Our legal team can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation from the at-fault parties. 

Contact a Tucson Truck Accident Lawyer to Discuss Your Legal Options

Experienced commercial truck accident lawyers in Tucson play a major role in winning you the right compensation, so having the right legal representation is wise when someone else’s actions have injured you.

When going up against the trucking industry feels impossible, you can turn to Zanes Law Injury Lawyers. Our legal team has decades of combined legal experience and the resources needed to help you fight for the financial support you need to address your accident-related losses.

Contact us over the phone or through our website to learn more about how we can help you get back on the road to recovery. We offer free initial consultations to help you understand how we can help. Don’t put your claim at risk. Contact us today.