Phoenix Truck Accident Attorneys

Fighting For Truck Accident Victims in Arizona

When large trucks like 18-wheelers are involved in an accident, the consequences can be devastating. Occupants of passenger vehicles are likely to suffer serious or catastrophic injuries, and severe cases can result in death. The costs of medical treatment can be high. Adding to the financial burdens is a loss of income, as victims may need to miss work as they recover. If the truck accident was caused by another person’s or entity's negligence or recklessness, victims could take action against them to seek compensation for damages. Unfortunately, these matters can be extremely difficult because several parties may be liable for the crash, which means a claim or lawsuit may be filed against any of them.

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident in Phoenix, you could have a personal injury lawyer assist with your case and help you hold the responsible parties accountable. At IBF Law Group, we recognize the challenges individuals face when pursuing compensation. Still, we also recognize the importance of obtaining the financial recovery needed to cover losses and expenses. That is why we listen to our clients’ accounts of the incident and develop personalized solutions to seek justice on their behalf.

Schedule a free 30-minute case consultation with our Phoenix truck accident lawyers by calling us at (602) 833-1110 or contacting us online.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Thousands of large truck accidents happen every year. While some of these collisions are unavoidable accidents, others result from negligence or recklessness. They often result in costly damages and significant injuries.

Common causes of truck accidents include the following:

• Driver fatigue: Truck drivers can be on the road for long stretches. Regulations exist concerning required rest periods. Still, not all drivers adhere to them, perhaps because they are trying to make unrealistic deadlines or simply don’t feel they need a break. Unfortunately, operating a big rig when exhausted can lead to a lack of safe vehicle control. 
• Distracted driving: A truck driver who takes their hands off the steering wheel, eyes off the road, or mind off driving could hit other vehicles or structures, causing a serious accident.
• Improper cargo load: Large trucks must be loaded according to regulations. If the truck carries too much weight or the cargo is placed haphazardly in the trailer, the driver could have difficulty steering or stopping the vehicle. Similarly, if the load is not correctly secured, it could shift or fall off the truck, hitting other vehicles or creating obstacles on the road that other drivers must dodge.
• Mechanical failure: A problem with the design or construction of vehicle parts can compromise the safe operation of the truck.
• Inadequate training: If a trucking company puts a driver on the road before they are ready, the driver might be ill-equipped to respond to hazardous situations.

Because of the different causes of truck accidents, various parties could be liable when a collision occurs.

These parties include:

• The truck driver, 
• The cargo loader, 
• The vehicle or parts manufacturer,
• The mechanic, or
• The trucking company.

Our Phoenix truck accident lawyers thoroughly investigate to determine what happened, how it happened, and who caused the collision. From there, we develop a plan to pursue just compensation for our clients.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Some of the most common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The impact from a collision with a truck can cause serious head injuries, leading to traumatic brain injuries. TBIs could result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, and long-term neurological issues.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of a truck wreck can damage the spinal cord, resulting in partial or full paralysis. Spinal cord injuries often demand extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and can result in permanent disability.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The immense force involved in truck accidents can cause multiple fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries may require surgeries, physical therapy, and can leave the victim with long-term pain or mobility issues.
• Internal Injuries: The impact from a truck accident can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, and lungs. Internal injuries are often life-threatening and demand prompt medical attention.
• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Even in less severe truck accidents, victims can suffer from whiplash or other neck injuries. These injuries could lead to chronic discomfort, limited mobility, and require long-term medical treatment.
• Burns and Lacerations: In some cases, truck accidents can result in fires or explosions, leading to serious burns. Additionally, shattered glass and debris can cause deep cuts and lacerations, which may result in scarring or disfigurement.
• Emotional and Psychological Injuries: The trauma of a truck accident can also result in emotional and psychological injuries, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These conditions may require therapy and can significantly impact a victim's quality of life.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Claim?

Potential damages may include:

Economic Damages

Common economic damages in a truck accident claim include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes the expense of emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care that are related to the injuries sustained in the accident.
• Lost Wages: If the victim is unable to work because of their injuries, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This also includes loss of earning capability if the injuries stop the victim from returning to their previous job or working at all.
• Property Damage: Victims can recover the cost of restoring or replacing their vehicle and any other personal property that was damaged in the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages can include:

• Pain and Suffering: Victims could be qualified to compensation for the physical misery and discomfort caused by their injuries.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for the psychological effect of the accident, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, is also recoverable.
• Loss of Consortium: If the victim's injuries have affected their relationship with their spouse or family, they may be compensated for loss of companionship, support, and affection.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injuries prevent the victim from engaging in activities they once enjoyed, they may be entitled to damages for the diminished quality of life.
• Punitive Damages: In instances where the truck driver or trucking company operated with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, punitive damages may be granted. These damages are intended to penalize the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Proving Fault in a Truck Accident

Victims can pursue claims against the liable party or parties. When they do, they have the burden of proving that the defendant was at fault and owes them compensation. Generally, accident claims are based on the theory of negligence.

Under the principle, the plaintiff must prove the following:

• The responsible party owed them a duty of care, meaning that the individual or entity was expected to act as a reasonable person would to prevent harm to others. 
• The responsible party breached their duty of care, meaning that the individual’s or entity’s acts or omissions fell below the expected standards.
• The breach of duty caused the accident. In other words, the accident would not have happened if the other party had not engaged in certain conduct.
• The accident resulted in damages, meaning the victim suffered compensable losses and expenses. 

Meeting the burden of proof requires presenting various pieces of evidence. 

Evidence can include: 

• Photos,
• Videos, 
• Witness testimony, 
• Police reports, and 
• Other relevant information.

Our team collects and preserves objects and other data in Phoenix truck accident cases to help support our clients’ claims and seek maximum financial recovery.

Statute of Limitations to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in AZ

In Arizona, the statute of limitations to file a truck accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, it's important to be aware that specific circumstances of the case or legal nuances could impact this timeframe. Seeking legal counsel promptly after a truck accident is crucial to ensure that you understand and adhere to the applicable statutes of limitations for your particular situation.

Why You Need an Experienced Phoenix Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents can result in serious injuries and damage to property. If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is important to seek legal representation to protect your rights and maximize your compensation. Here are some reasons why hiring an experienced Phoenix truck accident attorney is crucial:

• Knowledge of trucking laws: Trucking companies and drivers are subject to strict federal and state regulations. A truck accident attorney will have the knowledge and experience to navigate these complex laws and regulations.
• Investigation and evidence gathering: Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, and possibly even the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident and gather evidence to determine liability.
• Negotiation and settlement: Insurance companies will often try to offer a low settlement to victims of truck accidents. An attorney will have the negotiation skills to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
• Courtroom experience: If a settlement cannot be reached, an attorney will have the courtroom experience to represent you in a trial and fight for your rights.

At IBF Law Group, our Phoenix truck accident attorneys have the knowledge and experience to handle even the most complex truck accident cases. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your legal options.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Phoenix Today

At IBF Law Group, we fight to protect our clients’ rights. We leverage our varied legal backgrounds to build innovative and personalized strategies for each case we handle. 

To speak with one of our Phoenix truck accident attorneys, please contact us at (602) 833-1110.