Phoenix Truck Accident Lawyers Helping Clients Seek Justice

Commercial vehicles are a vital part of America’s economy. While few people think about the uses of commercial trucks, they deliver the goods necessary so we can find the items we need on store shelves. However, in the event of driver error or equipment failure, a big rig can quickly turn from a helpful vehicle into a deadly machine.

A collision with a commercial truck is usually devastating because these vehicles are so large. They typically carry a large amount of cargo, and if the items aren’t loaded properly, the driver may not be able to control the truck’s movement. The weight also makes it difficult to stop or slow down in the case of a sudden accident.

While some accidents are unavoidable, sometimes a truck crash could have been avoided but only happened because of the driver’s or truck company’s negligence. In these truck accident cases, victims can pursue compensation through an insurance claim or a lawsuit. However, accident victims should be aware that insurers usually offer a lowball settlement initially, hoping the individual will take the money and walk away. These amounts are almost never enough to cover the many medical expenses and other costs associated with a big rig collision.

If you have been in a crash with a commercial vehicle, you should only accept money from the insurance company or sign agreements once you have spoken with a trusted truck accident attorney. Your lawyer can help determine whether the settlement amount is fair and will fight for your legal rights in a truck accident lawsuit if necessary.

Please get in touch with our law firm for understanding, compassionate phoenix truck accident attorneys who will work diligently for your best interests. Desert Star Law Group has over 60 years of experience helping clients like you collect full compensation for their injuries involving large trucks. We know what it takes to win a truck accident case in Arizona, and we will leverage that experience on your behalf. Call today for a free consultation at 602-584-8957.

Why Are Truck Accidents So Dangerous?

While any car accident can be catastrophic, truck accidents are notoriously destructive for many reasons, including the truck’s size, weight, cargo, and the strict schedule of the truck driver.

Size

One reason truck accidents are dangerous is because of the size of most commercial trucks. Compared to most cars, trucks are enormous in height and length. This means the truck has the potential to do incredible amounts of damage to smaller vehicles and their occupants.

Weight

A wreck with a semi-truck can easily be fatal because of the truck’s weight. The mass of these enormous vehicles makes it extremely difficult to bring them to a stop or to swerve out of the way if an object is suddenly in the road. Large trucks may weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and a small car, which is about 5,000 pounds on average, just can’t stand up to that kind of impact.

Cargo

Another important aspect of a truck collision is the cargo being hauled in the semi. If the objects were not properly loaded into the truck, this could cause irregularities in how the vehicle handles, and the driver can easily lose control. Additionally, some trucks carry hazardous material that can cause extra danger, as the material could catch fire or do other damage.

Driver Deadlines

Finally, the trucking industry is notorious for being hard on truck drivers who must make it to their destination on time. While legal standards have changed over the years to ease this burden on drivers, the truth is that some truck accidents still occur because of commercial truck driver fatigue.

What Are Some Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In The Phoenix Area?

Our law firm handles truck accident claims for accidents that occurred for many different reasons. However, a few causes of truck accidents occur more than others, including driver fatigue and distracted driving.

Some causes of truck accidents that we see often include:

• Drowsy or inattentive drivers – This is one of the leading causes of accidents with large trucks. When a driver is trying to meet a deadline, they may lose sleep or stay behind the wheel longer than is healthy, leading to an accident.
• Distracted driving – Another leading cause of accidents is when drivers are distracted by cell phone use, eating, or other negligent driving behavior. This limits reaction times and makes the truck more likely to collide with another vehicle.
• Poor vehicle maintenance – If a trucking company does not properly keep up with vehicle maintenance, problems with the brakes or engines can lead to devastating crashes. A truck manufacturer who creates defective parts may also contribute to collisions.
• Adverse weather conditions – Truck drivers are often pressured to endure poor road conditions to get to their destinations on time. In these conditions, an accident is more likely to occur.
• Overloading or improper loading of cargo – Properly loading the cargo is critical for the safety of truck drivers and others on the road. If items are not evenly balanced, this can affect the driver’s handling of the vehicle.
• Inadequate training – Commercial drivers who are not adequately trained may do significant physical and property damage to others on the road. They may not have the knowledge necessary to drive defensively and make good choices in bad weather conditions.
• Speeding and disobeying traffic laws – Another negative result of truck drivers holding to a tight schedule is that they may make poor driving choices such as speeding and running stop signs or red lights.

What Injuries Do Truck Accident Victims Suffer?

Because colliding with a big rig usually has such a serious impact, victims of truck accidents tend to have more devastating injuries than those in many other car accidents. While federal motor carrier safety laws have mandated stricter rules regarding truck driver hours and safety, crashes still happen that lead to catastrophic results.

Some commonly seen injuries in truck accident victims are:

• Broken bones – A fractured bone is one of the leading injuries that result from truck accidents. These injuries are painful and may require a lengthy rehabilitation period.
• Traumatic brain injuries – Also known as TBI, brain injuries may include concussions, lacerations, and other damage to the brain. TBI can cause severe disability, alter mood, and greatly reduce the victim’s quality of life.
• Lacerations – When a semi-truck impacts a smaller car, the shards of glass and other debris may cut a victim’s skin, leading to blood loss and possible infection.
• Burns – Any car accident may lead to burns with spilled fuel that could ignite. This is even more likely when a large commercial vehicle collides, potentially spilling flammable contents onto the road.
• Wrongful death – The most devastating result of a wreck with a large truck is one someone dies. With the huge impact that the truck has on the smaller car, these accidents are often fatal.

Modern safety regulations have reduced the number of wrecks nationwide, but truck accidents still occur in the Phoenix area. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident with a semi or any kind of truck, you need a truck accident lawyer to help recover damages for your injuries. Reach out to our law group right away for help getting compensation for your pain and suffering.

Who Is Responsible For Paying For My Truck Accident Injuries?

One question many people have is who will pay for the mounting medical expenses and other bills, especially when the victim can no longer work. The answer is complicated because some accidents are the fault of the driver, others are the fault of the company, and others are caused by a third party. What’s more, not all truck drivers work directly for a company. If the large vehicle was privately owned, the driver might be entirely to blame.

Answering this question will depend on the details of your personal injury case, which we can only do by meeting with you in person. However, we can assure you that the talented legal team at Desert Star Law Group is qualified to help truck accident victims recover the damages they deserve.

Whether you need to sue the trucking company, a driver who is an independent contractor, or a third party, we will be there to fight alongside you. Call today for a free initial consultation.

How Much Compensation Will I Receive In My Truck Accident Claim?

The compensation you receive in your truck accident lawsuit depends on many factors. These include how serious your injuries are, how much they affect your daily life, how much money you have spent because of the crash, and how much future expense you expect to incur.

If the wreck was not your fault, you might be eligible for damages for the following:

• Medical costs – Your medical expenses include past and future charges for doctor visits, hospital stays, ambulance charges, medical equipment, physical therapy, and more.
• Lost wages – You may also be entitled to compensation for lost income, lost the income-earning ability, lost vacation time, and lost bonuses.
• Non-economic damages – These amounts are difficult to calculate because they don’t come with a price tag. They include emotional distress, psychological trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, loss of companionship, and more.

For the best chances of recovering full compensation, you need experienced truck accident attorneys who will be strong allies in your corner. Your attorney will gather evidence of the many expenses associated with your truck crash and provide proof that the accident was not your fault. Call today to learn more!

What Do Phoenix, Arizona Truck Accident Lawyers Do?

Truck accident lawyers are personal injury attorneys from Arizona who understand the law governing truck accidents. They work with these types of crashes regularly and can quickly identify who was at fault in the crash.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, you should first see that you and any other victims seek urgent medical attention. After you are safely out of harm’s way, you may consider contacting a lawyer. Your lawyer can help determine whether you have a valid claim against the trucking company or driver. They will negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company and can also provide evidence to the court that you were not at fault if your case goes to trial.

When you are fighting for your rights in a truck accident case, you need a knowledgeable personal injury attorney on your side. Call today to speak with our legal team about how we can help!

Should You Hire Our Phoenix Truck Accident Lawyers?

Truck accidents happen all too often in Arizona, leaving families devastated and grieving. We wish to offer our deepest condolences if you have lost a family member or suffered catastrophic injuries in a trucking accident. We recognize that no amount of money can take away the pain left because of the crash.

However, we believe that all victims of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing deserve to receive financial help for their suffering. Suing for damages isn’t always about revenge. You didn’t ask for this accident to happen, and you don’t deserve to pay the entire bill without help from the people who are at fault. You may even be able to prevent future accidents by holding negligent drivers and companies accountable.

If you are considering bringing a lawsuit because of your truck accident injuries, please reach out to Desert Star Law Group. Our knowledge and experience allow us to achieve positive results in your truck accident claim. We promise to dedicate our time, energy, and integrity to your case. Call today for a free consultation at with a Phoenix, Arizona truck accident lawyer near you at 602-584-8957.