Phoenix Truck Accident Lawyers

Immediate Steps to Take Following a Truck Accident

Experiencing a truck accident in Phoenix can be overwhelming. Here’s a concise guide to help you navigate the immediate aftermath:

• Ensure Safety:  If possible, move to a safe area away from traffic and check for injuries among all parties involved.​

• Contact Authorities:  Dial 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.​

• Gather Information:  Exchange names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, insurance information, and vehicle details with the truck driver. Also, note the trucking company’s name and contact information.​

• Document the Scene:  Take clear photos of vehicle damages, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries.

• Collect Witness Details:  Obtain contact information from any witnesses present.

• Seek Medical Attention:  Even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent, consult a medical professional promptly. ​

• Notify Your Insurance Company:  Report the incident to your insurer, providing accurate and factual information.​

• Consult a Truck Accident Attorney:  Engage with an experienced lawyer to understand your rights and explore potential compensation avenues.​

Taking these steps can protect your well-being and legal interests. Get your FREE CASE REVIEW with Thompson Law today.

Understanding the Causes of Truck Accidents in Phoenix

Understanding the specific factors contributing to truck accidents in Phoenix is crucial for both prevention and legal recourse. Key causes include:

• Driver Fatigue: Extended hours on the road without adequate rest can lead to drowsiness, impairing reaction times and decision-making abilities.​
• Distracted Driving: Activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting in-cab devices divert attention from the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents.​
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Exceeding speed limits or engaging in aggressive driving behaviors reduces the ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, posing significant risks.​
• Improper Vehicle Maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance can result in mechanical failures, such as brake or tire issues, leading to loss of vehicle control.​
• Inadequate Driver Training: Drivers lacking proper training may be ill-equipped to handle large commercial vehicles safely, especially in complex traffic situations.​
• Improper Cargo Loading: Failure to secure or balance cargo correctly can cause load shifts, leading to vehicle instability and potential rollovers.​

Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Phoenix

Certain roads and intersections in Phoenix have higher incidences of truck accidents due to factors like heavy traffic, complex layouts, and inadequate lighting. Notable hazardous locations include:

• Interstate 10 (I-10): A major thoroughfare with heavy commercial traffic, I-10 has been identified as one of the most dangerous roads in Phoenix.

• Interstate 17 (I-17): Known for its steep grades and sharp curves, I-17 presents challenges for truck drivers, contributing to a higher rate of accidents. ​

• 43rd Avenue: This road has been highlighted as particularly hazardous, with a significant number of accidents reported. ​

• Indian School Road: Heavy traffic and numerous intersections make this road prone to accidents, especially involving larger vehicles. ​

• 27th Avenue and Camelback Road Intersection: This intersection has been identified as one of the most dangerous in Phoenix, with a high frequency of accidents. ​

• 51st Avenue and Thomas Road Intersection: Another high-risk area, this intersection has seen numerous collisions, underscoring the need for caution. ​

Recognizing these factors and locations is crucial for both prevention and legal action. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Phoenix, understanding the cause and location can be vital for your case. Get your FREE CASE REVIEW today.

Common Injuries Resulting from Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often lead to significant injuries due to the massive size and weight of commercial vehicles. Understanding these injuries is crucial for victims seeking appropriate medical care and legal compensation.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI):  Sudden impacts can cause concussions or more severe brain injuries, leading to memory loss and long-term cognitive challenges.
• Spinal Cord Injuries:  Damage to the spine may result in partial or complete paralysis, profoundly affecting mobility and independence.
• Fractures and Broken Bones:  The force of a truck collision can cause fractures, particularly in the limbs and ribs, often necessitating surgeries and prolonged recovery periods.
• Internal Injuries:  Blunt force trauma can harm internal organs or cause internal bleeding, posing life-threatening risks if not promptly addressed.
• Burn Injuries:  Accidents involving fires or hazardous materials can lead to severe burns, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Amputation:  In catastrophic scenarios, victims may suffer traumatic limb loss, resulting in permanent lifestyle changes.
• Psychological Trauma:  Experiencing a truck accident can lead to emotional distress, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you’ve sustained injuries from a truck accident, securing fair compensation is vital to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and other related damages. The compensation amount varies based on injury severity and the accident’s circumstances. Engaging an experienced truck accident attorney can help navigate the legal process and advocate for the compensation you deserve. Get your FREE CASE EVALUATION today to discuss your situation with our dedicated legal team.

Most Common Reasons for Truck Wrecks

Understanding the various types of truck accidents is crucial for both prevention and legal recourse. Here are some of the most frequent types:

1. Rear-End Collisions

These occur when a truck crashes into the vehicle in front of it. Due to their massive size and weight, trucks require longer stopping distances. Factors such as driver distraction, speeding, or following too closely can lead to devastating rear-end collisions.​

2. Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident happens when the trailer of a truck swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, resembling a folding jackknife. This often results from sudden braking or slippery road conditions, leading to loss of control and potential multi-vehicle crashes.​

3. Rollover Accidents

Rollovers occur when a truck flips onto its side or roof, typically due to taking curves too quickly, abrupt steering maneuvers, or uneven cargo loads. Such accidents can block multiple lanes and pose significant hazards to other road users.​

4. T-Bone (Side-Impact) Collisions

Also known as broadside collisions, T-bone accidents happen when the front of a truck strikes the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape. These are especially common at intersections where a driver may run a red light or fail to yield the right of way.​

5. Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswipes occur when a truck and another vehicle traveling parallel collide. This can happen if a truck driver fails to check blind spots during lane changes or drifts out of their lane due to distraction or fatigue.​

6. Underride Accidents

One of the most severe types, underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck trailer. These often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, highlighting the importance of proper underride guards on trucks.​

7. Head-On Collisions

These occur when a truck collides front-first with another vehicle. Causes can include driver fatigue, impaired driving, or loss of control, leading to the truck veering into oncoming traffic. Given the size disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles, head-on collisions often have tragic outcomes.​

8. Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents

Trucks have substantial blind spots, known as “no-zones,” where the truck driver cannot see other vehicles. Accidents can occur when a truck changes lanes or turns, unaware of a vehicle in its blind spot.​

9. Wide Turn Accidents

Due to their size, trucks often need to swing wide to the left before making a right turn. If other drivers are unaware of this maneuver, it can lead to collisions on the truck’s right side.​

Recognizing these common types of truck accidents can aid in awareness and prevention. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, understanding its nature is vital for pursuing appropriate legal action. Get your FREE CASE REVIEW today.

How to Determine Liability in Truck Accident Case

Establishing fault in a truck accident involves identifying all parties whose actions or negligence contributed to the incident. Potentially liable entities include:

Truck Driver

The driver may be at fault if their negligence—such as distracted driving, speeding, fatigue, or impairment—directly led to the accident.

Trucking Company

The company can be held responsible under several circumstances:

• Vicarious Liability:  Employers are often accountable for their employees’ actions performed within the scope of employment.

• Negligent Hiring and Training:  Failing to properly vet or train drivers can place responsibility on the company.

• Poor Vehicle Maintenance:  Inadequate upkeep of vehicles, leading to mechanical failures, can result in company liability.

Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers

If a defect in the truck or its components—such as brakes or tires—contributes to an accident, the manufacturer may be held accountable.

Cargo Loaders

Improper loading practices that cause cargo shifts or overloads can lead to accidents, making the loaders or shipping companies liable.

Third-Party Maintenance Providers

External contractors responsible for vehicle upkeep may share liability if inadequate maintenance leads to mechanical failures.

Determining fault requires a thorough investigation, including reviewing driver logs, maintenance records, and accident reports. Understanding these potential liabilities is crucial for pursuing appropriate compensation. Get your FREE CASE REVIEW today.

Proving Negligence in a Truck Wreck Cases

Establishing negligence is crucial for securing compensation after a truck accident. To demonstrate negligence, the following elements must be proven:​

1. Duty of Care:  The defendant owed a legal obligation to ensure the safety of others on the road.​

2. Breach of Duty:  The defendant failed to uphold this obligation through actions or omissions.​

3. Causation:  The breach directly caused the accident and resulting injuries.​

4. Damages:  The plaintiff suffered measurable harm, such as medical expenses or lost wages.​

Key Evidence to Support Negligence Claims

Gathering substantial evidence is essential to substantiate a negligence claim in truck accident cases. Important evidence includes:​

• Police Reports:  Official documentation detailing the accident scene and initial findings.​

• Eyewitness Testimonies:  Statements from individuals who observed the incident.​

• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data:  Records of the truck driver’s hours and activities.​

• Driver Records:  Information on the truck driver’s qualifications and history.​

• Vehicle Maintenance Logs:  Documentation of the truck’s upkeep and repairs.​

• Photographs of the Scene:  Visual evidence capturing vehicle positions, skid marks, and damages.​

Collecting and analyzing this evidence can be complex. Engaging an experienced truck accident attorney can significantly enhance the effectiveness of this process.​ Get your FREE CASE REVIEW today.

How Thompson Law Assists Truck Accident Victims in Phoenix

At Thompson Law, our dedicated team provides comprehensive support to truck accident victims in Phoenix through the following services:

• We conduct meticulous investigations to gather critical evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and electronic logging data, to establish liability.​
• Our attorneys negotiate assertively with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.​
• If necessary, we are prepared to represent you in court, advocating vigorously to achieve the best possible outcome.​
• We assist in connecting you with medical professionals to ensure you receive appropriate care and that your injuries are well-documented.​
• Our team maintains open communication, keeping you informed about your case’s progress and promptly addressing any concerns.

Every truck accident case is unique, but our deep knowledge of Arizona law and experience with trucking regulations allow us to tackle even the toughest claims. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Reach out to our experienced team for a FREE CASE EVALUATION today!

Why Choose Thompson Law?

When it comes to truck accident claims, choosing the right legal team can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Thompson Law, we are committed to providing exceptional service, support, and results for truck accident victims in Phoenix. Here’s why you can trust us:

• No Fees Unless We Win – You pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we only get paid if we win your case and recover compensation for you.
• Proven Results – With over $1.9 billion recovered for our clients, we have the skills to achieve the best possible outcome.
• Quick and Easy Process – Getting started is simple. Call us anytime, and you’ll speak with a lawyer right away. You can sign up easily from your smartphone or computer, and we’ll get to work on your case immediately.
• Available 24/7 – Accidents can happen at any time, so we’re available 24/7 to provide the support you need, when you need it.
• Personalized Attention – Every client matters to us. We treat you with respect, compassion, and care while keeping you updated every step of the way.
• Bilingual Support – We provide bilingual assistance for Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring that language is never a barrier to getting justice.

At Thompson Law, we focus on securing the maximum compensation for truck accident victims. From investigating the crash and negotiating with insurance companies to preparing for trial if necessary, we’ll handle every detail of your case so you can focus on healing.

Don’t wait to take action. Contact us today to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with one of our experienced Phoenix truck accident lawyers. We are here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide you with the legal guidance you need to make informed decisions about your case. Our goal is to help you recover the maximum compensation possible and move forward with your life.

We never collect a dime until you win. We are available 24/7/365 to take on your case so you can get on with living and recovering from the injuries you suffered. Call Thompson Law today and get your FREE CASE EVALUATION with no obligations.

FAQs for Truck Accident Cases in Phoenix

How much are most truck accident settlements?

Truck accident settlements can vary significantly based on the severity of injuries, property damage, and other factors. On average, settlements range from $50,000 to $500,000. For cases involving catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or wrongful death, settlements can exceed $1 million. 

What are most lawyer fees for a car accident?

We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

How long do most accident settlements take?

The time to settle a truck accident case depends on the details of the case, the severity of injuries, and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate. Simple cases can settle within a few months, while more complex claims involving serious injuries or disputes can take 12 to 24 months or longer, especially if the case goes to trial.

What is the duty of the driver in case of an accident?

In the event of an accident, a driver has several legal duties:

1. Stop immediately and remain at the scene.
2. Check for injuries and call 911 for medical help if needed.
3. Report the accident to the police.
4. Exchange information with other involved parties, including names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information.
5. Avoid admitting fault and only provide necessary details to law enforcement.

What makes truck accident cases different from car accident cases?

Truck accident cases are more complex due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, the involvement of federal trucking regulations, and the potential for multiple liable parties.

In addition to the driver, trucking companies, cargo loaders, and vehicle manufacturers may share responsibility. These cases often involve larger settlements because injuries and damages tend to be much more severe.