Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Phoenix

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Phoenix, Arizona?

  602-262-6151 is the non-emergency contact number for the Phoenix local police station.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Phoenix, Arizona?

  You can submit police report requests online at Phoenix.gov/AtYourService and select police public records request. You will be notified via email once the request is completed. If you received an email confirmation that it has been completed, kindly download your request. For other concerns, contact the City of Phoenix Police Department. Public Record and Services Unit 1717 E. Grant St., Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85034

  Phone: 602-534-1127 email: policepublicrecords@phoenix.gov

• What factors might be considered in a Phoenix truck accident negligence claim?

  Factors that should be present in a truck accident negligence claim in Phoenix are: Duty of care wherein the other party is responsible for ensuring the safety of the victim by acting rationally; breach of duty when the duty of care is violated; causation as to the victim's injuries that are directly caused by the other party's breach of duty; and damages wherein victims suffered monetary damages for breach of the other party.

• What are the most frequent causes of trucking accidents in Phoenix?

  Trucking accidents are not the same as regular motor accidents in Phoenix. If an 18-wheeler collides with a car or SUV of any size, the driver and passengers suffer significant injuries. The truck driver is under pressure to deliver cargo at a specific time due to unrealistic truck timetables. Despite legally mandated safety precautions in Phoenix, drivers may feel driven to speed, sleep less, or neglect maintenance difficulties to fulfill deadlines. Many drivers are paid based on the number of miles or hours driven, which provides an incentive to push the limitations.

• Where in Phoenix do the most truck accidents occur?

  Commercial trucks frequently collide with smaller cars on US Route 60 and Interstates 10 and 17. Garbage collection, grocery, and delivery vehicles may also be seen in North Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and Arcadia, which should be driven through with caution.

• What is federal trucking law, and how does it apply to Phoenix truck accidents?

  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, implements rules, laws, and regulations that regulate motor carriers across the United States. And these include truck drivers in Phoenix. Drivers can work eleven hours in a fourteen-hour schedule and then rest for ten hours before driving again. They are not permitted to drive after working sixty hours in seven days or seventy hours in eight days. They can resume driving after taking at least thirty-four hours off work.

  Truck drivers can only have one driver's license, which they can receive by completing a skills and knowledge exam, and they must pass a physical every two years. No driver may report working with a blood-alcohol level of 0.02 or more, and no alcohol may be carried while driving. They must keep a logbook and use security equipment to secure shipments. They must also display the USDOT number, HAZMAT marks, and other vital information.

• What is the statute of limitation in truck accidents in Phoenix?

  The statute of limitations for truck accident cases in Arizona, including Phoenix, is two years from the date of the accident. This means you must either go for the settlement dispute or initiate a lawsuit before the two-year deadline. If the truck is owned by a government entity, such as the state, municipality, or school district, the statute of limitations is at one year. If you are wounded in a truck accident, you should contact a lawyer immediately because some procedures might take up to six months.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.