A truck accident can change everything in seconds. A collision with a commercial vehicle can leave victims facing catastrophic injuries, financial uncertainty, and emotional trauma that lasts for years. If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash involving a semi-truck, you need a Phoenix truck accident lawyer who understands the stakes and knows how to fight for your future.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., our attorneys have spent years advocating for individuals whose lives have been shattered by negligence on the road. We’ve seen how trucking companies and insurers move quickly to protect their interests, and we make sure our clients never face them alone.
With a proven record of success, a reputation for aggressive advocacy, and a deep sense of compassion for the people we serve, our firm helps Arizona families rebuild after tragedy.
Get started with a free consultation by calling (575) 222-1000 or sending us an online message today.
What Are Common Causes of a Truck Accident?
Truck crashes in Phoenix are often the result of preventable failures in judgment, training, or maintenance.
Below are the most common causes:
- Driver fatigue. Sometimes truckers push past their limits or violate hours-of-service rules, increasing the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.
- Distracted driving. Texting, changing radio stations, or even eating while driving a big rig can have deadly consequences.
- Impaired driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication puts everyone on the road at risk.
- Improperly loaded cargo. Shifting or overloaded cargo can cause a truck to tip, jackknife, or spill into traffic.
- Speeding or aggressive driving. When a commercial truck speeds or tailgates, stopping becomes difficult in an emergency.
- Inadequate training. Some drivers aren’t adequately trained on safety protocols, braking techniques, or how to handle Arizona’s unique road conditions.
- Poor maintenance or equipment failure. Bald tires, faulty brakes, or broken lights can contribute to semi accidents.
Understanding the cause of the crash is the first step toward identifying who should be held accountable and building a strong legal case.
$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.Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a truck accident case is rarely straightforward, as multiple parties often share responsibility.
Truck Driver
The truck driver is often the first party investigated in the aftermath of a crash. They may be held liable if they were speeding, driving under the influence, distracted, or fatigued. Federal regulations limit the amount of time a truck driver can operate without rest, and violations of these rules often indicate negligence.
Logbooks, phone records, and black box data can help determine if the driver acted irresponsibly.
Trucking Company
Trucking companies can be held responsible under a legal principle known as “respondeat superior,” which means employers can be liable for the negligent acts of their employees.
In many cases, companies can also be directly negligent. Examples include failing to properly train drivers, pushing unrealistic delivery schedules, or neglecting vehicle maintenance.
A skilled lawyer can investigate the company’s role and uncover patterns of unsafe practices.
Cargo Loader
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can cause a truck driver to lose control of their vehicle. In these cases, third-party loading crews or freight companies may be to blame. If a load shifts suddenly or spills onto the roadway, the results can be catastrophic, especially at highway speeds.
Investigators will look at weight distribution, securing mechanisms, and whether the cargo complied with federal regulations. If a loading error contributed to your crash, those responsible can be held accountable.
Truck Manufacturer
Sometimes, the crash isn’t due to driver error, but rather a mechanical failure, such as faulty brakes, defective tires, or steering problems. In these situations, the truck or parts manufacturer might bear legal responsibility.
These cases often require expert testimony and detailed technical analysis.
Truck Maintenance or Service Company
Routine maintenance is critical for the safe operation of commercial vehicles. If evidence shows that a mechanical issue was foreseeable and preventable, the party responsible for upkeep could be included in the lawsuit. These claims often involve reviewing service records, repair logs, and inspection checklists to verify the accuracy of the claims.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?
In the chaotic moments after a truck accident, it’s hard to think clearly. However, the steps you take can significantly impact your health, recovery, and ability to pursue a legal claim. Here’s what to do if you’re involved in a truck accident in Phoenix.
1. Prioritize Your Safety and Get Medical Attention
Your health and safety come first. If you’re able, move to a safe location away from oncoming traffic. Call 911 to report the crash and request emergency medical assistance.
Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, like brain trauma or internal bleeding, aren’t immediately visible. Medical records also serve as essential evidence in your claim.
2. Report the Accident
An official accident report is a key document in any truck accident case. When the police arrive, provide a clear and factual account of what happened. Don’t speculate or admit fault.
The report will include statements from all parties, initial observations of fault, and whether any citations were issued, all of which can support your injury claim.
3. Gather Evidence If You Can
If you’re physically able, begin documenting the crash scene. Take photos or videos of vehicle damage, skid marks, the position of the truck, license plates, visible injuries, road signs, and surrounding traffic conditions.
If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information. This early evidence can disappear quickly, so it’s crucial to capture what you can.
4. Contact a Phoenix Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident cases are complex and often involve multiple liable parties, federal trucking regulations, and aggressive corporate insurers. A skilled Phoenix 18-wheeler accident attorney from Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. can help preserve evidence, communicate with insurers, investigate liability, and build a strong case for full compensation. The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of recovering what you are entitled to.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Truck Accident?
If you were injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses. Your recovery will depend on the severity of your injuries, how the accident impacted your life, and the strength of your evidence.
Here are some of the damages you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Reduced earning capacity,
- Property damage,
- Pain and suffering, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
A skilled Phoenix truck accident lawyer at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. can calculate the full value of your case and fight to ensure the insurance company does not shortchange you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Truck Accidents
Here are the answers to some of the most common truck accident questions we receive.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Case?
Arizona law gives injury victims two years from the date of the truck accident to file a lawsuit. If the two-year deadline passes and you haven’t filed a claim, the court will likely dismiss your case entirely.
Should I Speak to the Insurance Company?
It’s best not to speak with the insurance company before consulting a lawyer. Adjusters may seem helpful, but they’re trained to ask questions that can minimize your payout. They often pressure victims into quick, lowball settlements before the full extent of injuries or losses is known.
Let us handle these conversations to protect your rights and strengthen your claim.
What Evidence Is Used to Prove My Case?
Truck accident claims rely heavily on evidence that’s often in the hands of the trucking company.
A lawyer can act quickly to secure:
- Black box (event data recorder) information,
- Driver logbooks and GPS data,
- Photos and video surveillance footage,
- Vehicle maintenance and inspection records,
- Witness statements,
- Police crash reports, and
- Expert accident reconstruction.
Acting fast is key. Necessary evidence can be lost or destroyed if you wait too long.
Do I Need to Hire an Attorney?
Truck accident cases are not like ordinary fender benders. You often face large trucking corporations, complex insurance policies, and aggressive legal teams.
An attorney levels the playing field by:
- Investigating the accident thoroughly;
- Identifying all liable parties;
- Preserving and analyzing complex evidence;
- Negotiating with insurance companies; and
- Taking your case to trial, if needed.
Without legal help, you may miss out on key compensation.
What If I Am Also at Fault for the Truck Accident?
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your total award will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
Speak with Phoenix Truck Accident Attorneys Who Fight for You
When you’ve been hurt in a truck crash, you need a lawyer who understands the stakes. At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we don’t back down from tough cases. Our trucking accident lawyers possess the resources, determination, and expertise to effectively represent clients against trucking companies and their insurers.
We understand what it’s like to represent a client whose life has been turned upside down. We take that responsibility seriously. Our team works tirelessly to build strong cases, negotiate assertively, and go to trial when necessary. When safety rules are broken and lives are ruined, we’re here to hold the wrongdoers accountable.
If you’re looking for a Phoenix truck accident lawyer who will treat your case like it matters, because it does, contact our firm online or call (575) 222-1000 today for a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice you deserve.