Dedicated Attorneys Assisting Motor Vehicle Collision Victims in Phoenix
Truck accidents pose a unique threat because large trucks, such as tractor trailers, are massive vehicles that carry heavy cargo. When a truck collides or jackknifes, deaths or serious injuries can result. Common causes of truck accidents include drivers traveling too fast for the conditions, roadway problems, alcohol or drug use, and equipment failure. Under Arizona law, persons who are injured in truck accidents may recover compensation from the person or company responsible for their injuries. Pursuing legal action may be one of the last things that someone thinks about while they are focused on recovering from severe and potentially life-altering injuries. At Abels & Annes, our Phoenix truck accident lawyers provide compassionate and diligent legal advice to individuals who were injured in a truck accident.
Causes of Truck Accidents in Arizona
While many different scenarios can lead to a Phoenix truck accident, a few common ones predominantly place pedestrians and other motorists at risk.
When drivers suffer from fatigue, they can become inattentive or even fall asleep. Drivers of large trucks are often tasked with delivering cargo over great distances. Although federal rules dictate when the driver must stop to rest, a driver seeking to deliver the cargo on time or ahead of schedule may ignore these safety rules.
Alcohol and drug use is also a leading factor in truck accidents. When truck drivers use alcohol or take prescription or over-the-counter drugs while driving, this can impact their recognition of road conditions and affect their decision-making process. Some drivers turn to substances to help them stay awake while others use them to deal with the monotony of driving long distances. Regardless of their reason, truck drivers are subject to strict regulations on their blood alcohol levels or drug use while operating these large vehicles.
Poor maintenance of trucks is another frequent cause of truck accidents. When a truck experiences brake or tire problems while traveling down the highway at high speeds, the driver can lose control of the truck and endanger other vehicles on the roadway. Regular maintenance should include inspections of braking devices, turn signals, and mirrors that help the driver see other vehicles or pedestrians near the truck, as well as routine checks of all tires for wear and damage.
Finally, distracted driving can be a problem for truck drivers. Driving long distances day after day can be monotonous and lead some drivers to look at their phones as a way to pass the time. When truck drivers become distracted, they may fail to adequately surveil their surrounding conditions and react to changes in traffic patterns and roadway conditions. An experienced lawyer can help you review police and other investigatory reports to determine the cause of your truck accident.
File a Civil Claim to Pursue Damages
A truck accident is a type of personal injury accident. To recover damages from the driver who caused your injuries, you can work with a Phoenix lawyer and file a claim or lawsuit against the driver. In many situations, the driver is employed by a trucking company. Under Arizona law, employers are liable for the negligent acts caused by their employees during the scope and course and scope their employment. This means that when drivers act negligently and cause an accident to occur, their employers may also be liable for your damages.
The first step of the claim or lawsuit is proving that the defendants failed to act with appropriate care and skill. You may have a claim against the trucking company under an agency theory or if you can show that the trucking company did not conduct a diligent background check when hiring the driver or failed to perform proper and routine maintenance.
Next, you will need to show that you would not have suffered the injuries but for the defendants’ negligence. If the defendants can identify some other substantial cause of your injuries, such as your own negligence, the award may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Finally, your attorney will offer evidence supporting the amount of damages that you are claiming in the lawsuit. He or she will gather documentation of your past medical costs, as well as evaluate the future medical costs, missed paychecks, reduced future earning capacity, and reduced quality of life that resulted from your injuries.
Schedule a Consultation with a Compassionate Truck Accident Attorney
A truck accident can be one of the most unexpected and traumatic experiences that someone will endure in their lifetime. Our goal is to ensure that you understand your legal rights and that you receive the compensation that you deserve. Our team of Phoenix personal injury lawyers at Abels and Annes is familiar with the common causes of truck accidents, and we offer a free and private consultation to review your case in Phoenix and throughout Maricopa County. Call today at (602) 819-5191 or contact us online to get started.