Each day, numerous commercial trucks traverse the United States, transporting goods to various businesses.
Unfortunately, due to their sheer size and weight, these trucks have the potential to cause devastating injuries to others when involved in an accident.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we know how serious these accidents are for victims and their families.
That’s why every Phoenix truck accident attorney at our firm passionately fights for our client’s recovery using our extensive legal resources and experience.
Types of Truck Accidents and Their Causes
The causes of truck accidents are sometimes more complex than other types of crashes.
In fact, many of them come down to mechanical issues rather than a driver’s negligence. However, that doesn’t mean drivers are completely fault-free.
Some common types of truck accidents include:
- Rollovers—There are several reasons a trailer may roll over on the road. Whether due to slippery roads or unbalanced cargo, a rollover puts everyone on the road at risk.
- Jackknifing—This type of accident is relatively common in adverse weather conditions or when making high-speed turns. It occurs when the trailer swings out from behind the tractor at a 90-degree angle.
- Underrides—These accidents are among the most deadly when it comes to truck crashes. Essentially, an underride is any time a smaller vehicle gets pinned under a truck’s trailer.
- Runaway trailers—Although not as frequent as other accident types, runaway trailers are particularly dangerous. A trailer might detach because of a mechanical failure, a defect, or even a poor connection to the tractor.
Of course, these aren’t the only types of truck accidents out there. Even if you don’t see your specific situation listed here, we recommend reaching out to a Phoenix truck accident lawyer.
How Trucking Accidents Differ from Other Claims
On the surface, truck accidents may not seem that complicated. However, many complexities with a truck accident claim don’t always exist in other accident types.
For example, injuries are usually more serious, and the person responsible isn’t always the driver. Most importantly, there are specific laws and operating procedures motor carriers must follow regarding safety.
This is why many victims consult with Phoenix truck accident attorneys about their cases.
$2.25 Million Verdict
THE CASE: Alexander Kim of STI Trucking Inc. was driving a truck when it struck Andy, a dedicated driver for ABF Freight. Kim’s unsafe maneuver caused a collision that damaged Andy’s truck and left Andy with various injuries. The most significant was a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), a condition that often goes underestimated. Despite the evident cause of the accident, Andy faced significant challenges in securing fair compensation for his injuries. Initial emergency room records downplayed the severity of Andy’s head injury, focusing on more visible wounds, like an injury to his eye. This, coupled with the lack of detailed evidence from the scene due to the initial shock, presented a challenge. CASE RESULT: The defense brought in their own experts, who argued that Andy’s symptoms were due to a pre-existing condition and that the accident lacked the force to induce a concussion. However, the jury saw through these arguments. Following thorough deliberation, the jury reached a strong verdict in favor of Andy, awarding him $2.25 million. This victory validated Andy’s injuries and challenges and highlighted the importance of comprehensive medical assessments in personal injury cases.Damages Are Often More Severe
Truck accidents, more so than regular car accidents, often involve catastrophic injuries.
In other words, the injuries are usually so severe that they completely change the life of the victim. This includes things like permanent disability, disfigurement, amputation, and more.
For this reason, there’s a lot more at stake in a truck accident than in other minor crashes. The injuries wreak physical, emotional, and financial havoc on a person’s life, causing extreme pain and suffering.
In these cases, it’s best to have a Phoenix truck accident attorney on your side who will fight for your recovery.
The Negligent Party Isn’t Always Clear
At first, it might seem like the truck driver is at fault for an accident. However, there are many scenarios where it’s more complicated than that.
For example, let’s say that the motor carrier uses a third-party company to repair and maintain its fleet. A mechanic from this company fails to correct a broken part on the truck, which eventually leads to an accident.
In this case, the mechanic’s company may be liable for the crash instead of the truck driver. This is just one example of how complex these cases get.
Laws and Regulations Vary Between Interstate and Intrastate Motor Carriers
Perhaps the most significant difference between a standard auto collision and a trucking accident is the laws and regulations involved. In the United States, the law puts motor carriers into one of two categories: interstate or intrastate.
An interstate carrier is any company that travels between different states or between the U.S. and another country. In contrast, an intrastate carrier is any company that only travels within the state they operate from. So, how does this affect trucking accidents?
Interstate carriers must follow the rules set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This includes guidelines regarding hours of service, driver experience, and safety.
However, intrastate carriers don’t have to follow federal regulations. Instead, they follow state rules, and while some states use the federal regulations by default, others have more specific laws.
This is why it’s crucial to consult a truck accident attorney in Phoenix if a truck ever hits you.
There is always a chance that the driver or motor carrier actively or passively disobeyed a federal or state trucking law.
The Benefits of Hiring a Phoenix Arizona Truck Accident Attorney
It’s important to note that not every case requires an Arizona truck accident attorney.
However, if you sustain any injuries in a trucking accident, there are several reasons why you should consider legal assistance.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we manage every aspect of your case from day one so you can focus on recovery.
This includes:
- Gathering photo, video, and black box evidence of the crash;
- Contacting and interviewing potential witnesses;
- Calculating your total economic and non-economic damages;
- Finding quality medical care for your truck accident injuries;
- Negotiating a settlement with the defense on your behalf; and
- Preparing your case for trial if necessary.
In addition, our Phoenix Arizona truck accident attorneys have extensive experience with truck accident cases and understand the different laws and regulations that motor carriers follow.
This is especially important if you suspect the driver or motor carrier ignored regulations.
Speak to One of Our Truck Accident Attorneys in Phoenix Today
If you sustain an injury in a truck accident, we’re here to fight for you.
With decades of combined legal experience, our attorneys understand the impact that truck accidents have on victims.
The uncertainty and pain make for a difficult recovery, so we always fight aggressively on behalf of our clients. For us, there is no substitute for hard work, competence, and compassionate service.
To schedule a free consultation with a Phoenix truck accident attorney, send us a message or call us at 575-222-1000.