Phoenix Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

What is a Commercial Vehicle?

A commercial vehicle in Phoenix means any vehicle used for business purposes. This includes:

• Big trucks and 18-wheelers on the Phoenix highways
• Buses, like Valley Metro buses and school buses
• Delivery vans and trucks that service local businesses
• Taxis and rideshare vehicles (like Uber and Lyft)
• Construction vehicles at job sites
• Company cars used by businesses
• Any vehicle used to transport goods or people for profit

If you’ve been hit by a commercial vehicle in Phoenix it’s important to understand the legal and insurance implications. It may be helpful to talk to a Phoenix commercial vehicle accident attorney to help you navigate these situations.

Steps to Take and What to Expect After a Commercial Vehicle Crash

If you get into a commercial vehicle accident in Phoenix here’s what to do and what to expect:

1. Immediate Steps:

• Safely get to a secure location
• Call 911 to report the accident and request medical help
• Stay at the scene until help arrives

2. Document the Accident:

• Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the accident
• Get contact info from witnesses and others involved
• Get the commercial vehicle’s company name and any numbers

3. Get Medical Attention:

• Let Phoenix paramedics check you out at the scene
• Go to the hospital or clinic even if injuries seem minor
• Follow medical professional instructions

4. Report the Accident:

• File a police report with the officer at the scene
• Notify your insurance company
• Be ready for communication from the commercial vehicle’s insurance company

5. Preserve Evidence:

• Keep all medical records and bills from medical facilities
• Keep all receipts for expenses related to the accident
• Don’t repair your vehicle until it’s been documented and inspected

6. Legal Considerations:

• Think about hiring a Phoenix commercial vehicle accident lawyer
• Be careful what you say and sign without a lawyer
• Know that Phoenix commercial vehicle cases are complicated

7. Ongoing Processes:

• Expect an investigation from both insurance companies and possibly law enforcement
• You may need to go to follow-up appointments
• Be prepared to negotiate with insurance adjusters who know Phoenix laws

8. Outcomes:

• You may get a settlement offer from the insurance company
• If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case will go to court.
• Recovery time and financial impact will vary depending on the severity of the accident

Remember, every accident in Phoenix is different. Get expert advice through this process.

Common Injuries in Commercial Vehicle Accidents

When involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, the injuries sustained can be life-altering due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. Victims often face significant medical bills, time away from work, and a lengthy recovery process. Below are some of the most common injuries our Phoenix commercial vehicle accident lawyers frequently encounter:

• Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions
• Fractured bones, particularly in the legs from the impact or arms when bracing for impact
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis injuries
• Internal injuries, particularly organ damage
• Lacerations and abrasions
• Major scarring, often requiring surgical revision by plastic surgeons
• Joint injuries
• Amputation
• Wrongful death

If you or someone you love has been injured in a collision involving a commercial vehicle, contact our commercial vehicle accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION. We’re here to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Phoenix

Accidents fall into three main categories: driver error, mechanical failure, or environmental factors. A key job of a Phoenix commercial vehicle accident lawyer is to determine liability.

Driver Causes for Crashes

Driver errors are the most common cause of crashes. While many factors overlap with personal vehicle incidents, commercial drivers face unique risks:

• Distracted driving:  Using devices for navigation, deliveries, and payments. For instance, truckers might check their GPS, while rideshare drivers might be messaging customers.
• Fatigue:  Despite state regulations, some drivers may work beyond safe hours. Truckers can legally drive for up to 15 hours before taking a break, and logbook falsification is common.
• Speeding:  Tight schedules and heavy traffic often push drivers to go too fast.
• Lane Merge Errors:  Big blind spots in specialized vehicles can create hazardous merge situations.
• Cargo Load Issues:  Improperly loaded cargo can block the driver’s view, shift, or affect vehicle handling.

These factors affect road safety in Phoenix. If you were in a commercial vehicle crash, you should talk to an attorney to understand your rights and options.

Mechanical Causes for Crashes

In addition to driver error, other parties may be liable for an accident. Vehicle manufacturers are responsible for making and selling safe vehicles and equipment. Owners and others involved in the commercial use of the vehicle must ensure it’s well-maintained.

• Mechanical:  Brake failure, tire blowouts, airbag malfunctions, seat belt failures.
• Manufacturer:  Failing to issue recalls or not testing safety.
• Owner/Operator:  Not doing routine maintenance or not passing inspections.

Share your accident details with your personal injury attorney so they can help you figure out if any of these factors were involved in your crash.

Environmental Causes for Crashes

These can be natural or man-made, but they all impact the environment where the crash occurred.

• Construction:  We pay our taxes for our infrastructure. If poor maintenance or bad construction leads to hazardous road conditions that contribute to an accident, cities and states can be held liable.
• Weather:  A thunderstorm can’t be held responsible for an accident, but drivers can be held responsible for how they handle hazardous conditions.

How Commercial Vehicle Accidents Differ from Typical Car Accidents

Commercial vehicle accidents are different from regular car accidents because of the higher standards for professional drivers and commercial businesses. These differences include more stringent regulations, more insurance and unique scenarios.

Stricter Regulations

Commercial vehicle owners and operators must follow more rules and violations result in tougher penalties:

• Licensing Requirements:  In Phoenix and throughout Arizona professional drivers need a special Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to drive.
• Higher Expectations:  Professional drivers are held to a higher accountability and traffic violations result in more severe penalties than regular drivers.

Higher Insurance Coverage

Companies with commercial vehicles must have higher insurance policies:

• Minimum Coverage:  At least $750,000 in liability insurance is required, more for hauling hazardous or high-value cargo.
• More Protections:  These policies address the greater risks and damages associated with commercial vehicles.

Unique Collision Types

The size, weight and design of commercial vehicles lead to specific and severe types of accidents:

• Jackknife Accidents:  Trailers forming sharp angles with towing vehicles is common with big rigs.
• Rollovers:  Tall, top-heavy vehicles are more prone to roll over on sharp turns or sudden stops.
• Rideshare Risks:  Passengers in taxis or rideshare vehicles often don’t wear seatbelts and loose items become deadly projectiles in a crash.

More Serious Injuries

Because of these types of collisions, injuries from commercial vehicle accidents can be much more severe, with greater force and more complicated recovery scenarios.

Why Choose Thompson Law

We Charge No Upfront Fees Until We Win

You don’t have to go it alone. Commercial vehicle accidents are different and can have severe consequences. Survivors often face serious injuries and need support. While some injuries will heal over time, others will last a lifetime. In addition to the physical harm from a commercial vehicle accident, there’s also financial, mental and emotional fallout.

Our Phoenix commercial vehicle accident lawyers have a proven track record of fighting for our clients against insurance companies. We are dedicated to providing the best service so each client gets the best possible recovery and the maximum settlement they deserve. If you’ve been in a commercial vehicle accident, contact Thompson Law’s accident lawyers today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the commercial driver’s insurance company contacts me?

Don’t give them a statement or sign anything before talking to an attorney. Insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible so get legal advice to protect your rights.

Can I file a claim if the commercial vehicle was owned by a government agency?

Yes, you can file a claim against government-owned vehicles like city buses or state trucks. However, claims against the government in Phoenix are subject to different rules and shorter deadlines under the Phoenix Tort Claims Act. Call an attorney immediately to make sure you comply with those requirements.

What happens if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Phoenix is a pure comparative fault state, so you can still recover even if you were partially at fault. But your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can help you with your case and explain how that affects your claim.

How is compensation calculated for injuries in commercial vehicle accidents?

Compensation is based on medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering and long-term effects of the injuries. For more severe or catastrophic injuries, the payout is higher. An attorney can review your case to estimate what you may be entitled to.

Can I pursue a claim if the commercial vehicle was transporting hazardous materials?

Yes, accidents involving vehicles carrying hazardous materials result in more severe injuries and damages. Liability may extend to the driver, the transport company or even the manufacturer of the hazardous materials. These cases are complex so you need to work with an experienced attorney to identify all the responsible parties and get full compensation.