Arizona Truck Accident Attorneys

Causes of Truck Accidents in Arizona

Fighting a trucking company in and out of court is probably not exactly what you want to do with your time, especially when you’re recovering from a serious injury. Yet that is likely what will happen after you’ve been in a crash with a commercial truck. The defendant will try to put the blame on you and say that you made a mistake that caused it.

Allow our Arizona truck accident attorneys to work on your case, so we can find and use evidence that proves you didn’t cause the wreck. Our goal is to keep your liability as low as possible, so you can demand as much compensation as possible.

Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Truck driver exhaustion
• Drunk or impaired driving
• Speeding
• Unsafe lane changes
• Overloaded trailers
• Truck part defects

FMCSA Regulation Violations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a federal agency that sets rules for commercial vehicles and trucking companies to follow. Each rule is designed to keep the roads safe for truck drivers and other motorists who share the road with them. As such, if an FMCSA rule or regulation is violated by a truck driver or their employer, then it inherently makes the roads more dangerous. If we can prove that your truck accident case involves an FMCSA regulation violation, then it could be the tipping point in your claim that solidly places liability on the defendant.

Important FMCSA regulations include:

• Limits to how long a truck driver can work in a single shift.
• Limits to truck weight, including weight placed on each axle.
• Limits to truck speed on and off the highway.

Injuries Suffered in Truck Accidents

Truck accident claims often involve catastrophic injuries because the impacts in these types of collisions are so devastating. Our firm is highly familiar with serious injury claims and the consequences of such injuries. We can work with medical experts to get a full understanding of your injury and how it will affect your life for years to come, or perhaps permanently.

Severe injuries that are often associated with truck accident claims include:

• Back injuries
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Broken bones
• Neck injuries
• Permanent disfigurements

How much does hiring an Arizona truck accident lawyer cost?

Hiring an Arizona truck accident attorney from Rafi Law Group is highly affordable for everyone. We use contingency fee agreements for truck accident cases, which means you don’t have to pay any attorney fees unless your case ends in your favor. Yes, that’s right, you won’t have to pay our attorney fees unless we secure a positive settlement or award in your name. Furthermore, the contingency fee is equal to a percentage of any winnings we secure for you. This payment system ensures that our fees are never more than you can afford, so your financial risk is completely minimized when you choose to work with us.

How are truck accidents different from car accidents?

Truck accidents are different from car accidents in several significant ways. Firstly, due to their size and weight, trucks can cause much more severe damage and injuries than cars in an accident. Secondly, the legal aspects differ as well; while a car accident usually involves the drivers of the vehicles involved, a truck accident might implicate the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, or other parties responsible for the truck's maintenance and operation. Additionally, trucks have different operating requirements and safety regulations compared to cars, governed by federal agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Do all commercial trucks have electric onboard recorders?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires most commercial trucks and buses involved in interstate commerce to be equipped with electronic logging devices or electronic onboard recorders (EOBRs). These devices automatically record a driver's driving time and other hours-of-service (HOS) data to help prevent driver fatigue and ensure compliance with federal regulations. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, including most older vehicles, drivers who operate under the short-haul exceptions, and drivers who don't keep logs for more than 8 days during any 30-day period.

Do you have to call the police after a truck accident?

It is recommended to call the police after a truck accident, regardless of the severity. Not only is it often legally required, especially in cases involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage, but a police report can also be crucial when filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. The report typically includes important details about the accident, such as the date, time, location, involved parties, witness statements, and the officer's observations and initial assessment of fault. It's also important for ensuring the immediate safety of the scene, managing traffic, and facilitating the arrival of emergency medical help if needed.

What information should you collect after a truck accident?

After a truck accident, it's crucial to collect as much information as possible for insurance and legal purposes. This should include the names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details of all other drivers involved. Record details about the truck, such as the company name, any identifying numbers or logos, and the condition of the truck. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information as well. You should also document the exact location and time of the accident, the weather and road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. If it's safe to do so, take photographs or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and injuries.

Can you sue if a truck hit you while you were in its blind spot?

You can potentially sue if a truck hits you while you are in its blind spot, but the success of your lawsuit will depend on various factors. In general, all drivers have a responsibility to ensure they're operating their vehicles safely, which includes checking blind spots before changing lanes or making other maneuvers. If the truck driver failed to do this and caused an accident, they could be held liable for negligence. However, it's also worth noting that other drivers have a duty to avoid lingering in a truck's blind spots whenever possible. For such complex questions of liability, you should leave it up to our Arizona truck accident attorneys.