Phoenix Truck Accident Attorney

Handling Even The Most Complex Personal Injury Cases in Arizona

Phoenix Truck Accident Lawyers

Trucking Accident Attorneys Serving Clients Throughout Maricopa, Navajo, and Yavapai Counties

Phoenix Truck Accident Attorneys

Car accidents can be scary enough as it is, but when you’re involved in a truck crash with a tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler, or semi-truck, this can only heighten the situation. This is in part because commercial trucks like these outweigh passenger cars by a landslide, often coming in at up to 25 times heavier than a regular car. As you can imagine, a vehicle this heavy and moving at high speeds can cause devastation in the event of an accident, especially if that accident is a collision with a passenger car.

That is why, if you’ve been involved in a Phoenix truck accident, you NEED the help of a skilled personal injury attorney to ensure you recover compensation for the injuries and damages you’ve experienced. At Belén Law Firm, our Phoenix truck accident lawyers know the havoc that a truck accident can wreak on you and your family’s lives, and we want to help you on your road to recovery. That starts with holding all liable parties accountable and making sure you receive the financial support you need to successfully recover and put the accident as far behind you as possible.

Although we are a Phoenix-based law firm, our attorneys proudly serve clients all throughout Maricopa County, Navajo County, and Yavapai County, including the cities of Holbrook, Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Winslow, Flagstaff, Sedona, Prescott Valley, and the Grand Canyon area. For a free consultation with Phoenix personal injury attorney Belén Olmedo Guerra, call our law office at (602) 715-0908 or reach out to us online today.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Phoenix

Truck accident claims are very unique from other motor vehicle accident claims in many ways. However, these accidents can be (and often are) caused by the same factors that may contribute to many car accidents. As such, things like driver negligence, defective auto parts, and inclement weather are all common contributors to Phoenix truck accidents. 

Truck Driver Fatigue

The number of consecutive hours a commercial truck driver is allowed to drive in a day is limited for their own safety and for others. Failure to comply with these hours-of-service regulations can result in the driver becoming tired and fatigued, which can ultimately lead to a lack of attention to the road and thus, a truck accident. Unfortunately, many truck drivers choose to ignore these federally-mandated regulations in order to meet strict deadlines and end up causing a devastating accident because of it.

Distracted Driving

Because commercial truck drivers often have to drive long hours, they may choose to engage in dangerous behaviors such as texting or playing on their phone while driving. Eating, smoking, talking on the phone, reaching for objects, and any other activity that diverts the driver’s attention away from the road are also common examples of distracted driving. 

Speeding or Reckless Driving

Because commercial trucks like 18-wheelers are so large and heavy, they require a longer distance between cars to stop or slow down. Exceeding the speed limit or otherwise driving recklessly can increase the likelihood that a truck driver is unable to slow or stop in time, potentially leading to a loss of control of the vehicle and a dangerous collision. Not only that, but speeding and reckless driving behaviors can also cause a truck’s cargo to shift which may lead to an imbalance in the vehicle’s weight distribution. This can also cause the driver to quickly lose control of the vehicle and increases the likelihood of a truck collision. 

Dangerous Weather 

Just as they can increase the risk of regular car accidents, dangerous weather conditions – such as heavy rain, wind, ice, fog, hail, and snow – can also significantly increase the risk of a commercial truck accident. Such conditions can lead to hazards like reduced visibility and slippery roads, for example. Truck drivers must take extra precautions in dangerous weather conditions by reducing their speed, increasing their following distance, and being prepared for sudden changes in road conditions.

Poor Truck Maintenance or Defective Parts

Worn down, defective, or malfunctioning parts in a large commercial truck can be a disaster waiting to happen. These trucks require regular (and thorough) maintenance and inspections to make sure they are safe for operation. Failure to do so–meaning the failure to properly inspect, diagnose, and repair any apparent issues–can lead to things like tire blowouts, brake failure, steering issues, or other problems that can cause or contribute to a truck accident. 

Failure to Follow Traffic Laws or Regulations

A commercial truck driver is required to comply with various state and federal regulations when it comes to operating a commercial vehicle. Of course, truck drivers must also obey all traffic laws and be cautious and respectful of others on the road. If it is found that the truck driver failed to obey these laws or regulations, they can be held liable for any accident and/or injuries that result. 

Phoenix Truck Accident Lawyers

Types of Injuries in Truck Accidents

A commercial vehicle involved in a collision almost always spells disaster. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles alone is enough to cause serious injuries, and that’s not even factoring in the fast speeds that these trucks are often going when accidents occur. 

At Belén Law Firm, we’ve worked with plenty of injured truck accident victims. Some of the more common truck accident injuries we see include:

  • Catastrophic injuries (such as traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury)
  • Internal organ injuries
  • Burn injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Whiplash and neck injuries
  • Amputations/limb loss
  • Emotional trauma and PTSD
  • Wrongful death

If you or someone you love received injuries in a serious truck accident, it is safe to say you probably had to take time off of work to recover. It is also safe to say you likely have loads of medical bills that are quickly piling up. If someone else’s negligence caused these injuries, it shouldn’t be your burden to make up for those lost wages and medical expenses. The experienced Phoenix truck accident attorneys at Belén Law Firm can help make sure you receive the compensation you need to make a full and fast recovery. 

Who May Be Liable in a Truck Accident Injury Case?

One of the many ways a commercial truck accident differs from a typical car accident is that there are often several people who may hold or share liability for the losses incurred. For example, liable parties may include:

A Negligent Truck Driver 

Commercial truck drivers are held to higher standards on the road than everyday drivers. As such, they must comply with all state and federal regulations and employ serious caution while sharing the road. Acts of negligence, such as driving under the influence, speeding, distracted driving, and otherwise violating traffic laws can have serious consequences for all those involved. 

The Truck’s Owner 

Commercial vehicle owners have a responsibility to ensure their vehicles are safe and in good working condition at all times. If they failed to properly maintain the truck or otherwise knowingly allowed an unsafe truck to be operated on the road, they may be held liable in a truck accident claim.  

The Trucking Company 

Trucking companies also have a legal responsibility to the general public in making sure their hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance practices are all up to code. Drivers should be properly trained and qualified, trucks regularly inspected and properly maintained, and all safety rules and regulations abided by. 

The Truck’s Manufacturer 

If the accident occurred due to a defect in the truck or one of its components, such as the brakes, tires, or steering components, the truck’s manufacturer may hold liability. Failure to properly design, manufacture, or test trucks as well as the failure to adequately warn or instruct for the safe use and operation of the vehicle are all examples of manufacturer negligence. 

The Truck’s Mechanic

Truck mechanics have a huge responsibility to ensure that repairs and maintenance are executed properly and that the truck is safe to drive on the road. Failure to properly diagnose and/or repair a mechanical issue, perform adequate inspections, or otherwise properly maintain the vehicle are all examples of negligence and may result in the truck’s mechanic holding partial or full responsibility in the event of a commercial truck accident. 

Cargo Company

Another aspect that makes commercial vehicles significantly more dangerous is the fact that they often are carrying heavy and sometimes even hazardous cargo. It is imperative that the cargo or freight company loading these trucks ensure that the cargo is properly secured, evenly distributed, and falls within the weight limit of the truck. Failure to do so could cause the vehicle to become unstable or difficult to control, potentially leading to a devastating truck accident. 

Other Drivers

Of course, there is always the possibility that other drivers on the road contributed to or directly caused the accident. For example, if another driver was engaged in negligent behavior such as texting while driving and swerved into the lane of a commercial truck which then caused a collision between a different driver and the truck, that negligent driver would be held accountable for the damages and injuries that resulted. 

Phoenix AZ Truck Accident Lawyer

How a Phoenix Truck Accident Attorney Can Help Your Truck Accident Case

Collecting Evidence and Witness Statements

Your Phoenix truck accident attorneys will start by investigating the accident scene to gather evidence for your claim. Physical evidence can include things like tire or skid marks, vehicle damage, and surveillance footage of the accident. They may also seek out witnesses who may be able to testify about what they saw or heard leading up to the accident. Further investigative efforts may include reviewing truck driver logs, maintenance records, and other documents related to the vehicle’s operation and maintenance. They may also examine the driver’s background, including their driving history and any prior accidents or violations. All of this information, in addition to medical records and documentation of your injuries, can be crucial in building a strong claim. 

Dealing with Insurance Companies and Negotiating a Fair Settlement

Odds are, the trucking company you are filing a claim against already has an aggressive legal team on retainer, and they along with the insurance company will do whatever it takes to avoid paying out the full amount of compensation you deserve. At Belén Law Firm, our Phoenix truck accident lawyers are familiar with the tactics insurance companies try to use to limit your compensation, and we are prepared to fight back. 

Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit and Representing the Client in Court

If the insurance company is not willing to settle on a fair amount of compensation, Belén Olmedo Guerra and her team of Phoenix truck accident attorneys are ready to file a lawsuit and take your case before the court. We will build and strengthen your case using our vast legal resources and make sure all of your losses are accounted for, including all medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more. We will then aggressively fight for your right to maximum compensation for each of these losses, stopping at nothing to make sure you are covered financially so you can work on recovering physically.  

Choosing the Right Phoenix Truck Accident Attorney

If you or someone you love is a truck accident victim, choosing the right Phoenix truck accident lawyer is imperative to the outcome of your case. There are many rules and regulations within the trucking industry, and you need someone who is familiar with these regulations while also having a firm understanding of Arizona’s personal injury laws.

Belén Olmedo Guerra is a Phoenix truck accident attorney who specializes in representing clients in trucking accident claims. She is well-versed in the complexities of the trucking industry and the regulations that govern the operation of commercial trucks, and with her vast legal skill and experience behind her, she will work hard to identify the at-fault party in a trucking accident and hold them accountable for the damages and injuries you’ve sustained.

At the Belén Law Firm, we have successfully represented clients in numerous truck accident lawsuits, recovering financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our legal team is dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured victims and ensuring that they receive the justice they deserve while the responsible party is held liable. As an experienced and skilled Phoenix personal injury attorney, Belén has the knowledge and resources to navigate the legal system and achieve the best possible outcome for her clients in truck accident cases.

Arizona Truck Accident Attorney

Need an Experienced Phoenix Truck Accident Lawyer? Call The Belen Law Firm Today

Trucking accidents can be terrifying for anyone involved, and the injuries sustained from such an event can lead to lifelong complications for victims and their families. Fortunately, a personal injury claim may be able to help with that. At Belén Law Firm, our Phoenix personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping each client receive just compensation and the best result possible in their particular case.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in the Phoenix area, contact Belén Law Firm right away for a free consultation regarding your case. You can reach us by phone at (602) 715-0908 or by reaching out to us via our online intake form. Don’t wait – call today.

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