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Surprise Truck Accident Lawyer

The weight and size of semi-trucks are immensely beneficial for transporting goods, products, chemicals, and other items, it’s those very attributes that make truck accidents so much more dangerous than a car crash. You can’t control whether or not you share the road fairly with commercial trucks or have a way to avoid the reckless actions that lead to the devastating truck accident, you can control what you do afterwards. 

At Jensen Phelan Law Firm, we can help you take legal action against the negligent parties that caused the truck accident. Truck accident claims can be particularly complicated because of the multiple parties and circumstances that could have contributed to the accident, the big trucking companies’ sophisticated defense processes and truck insurance is much different. Our specialized injury attorneys can carefully review your case and determine the best course of action based on our skilled experience since 1974. Jensen Phelan Law Firm will fight for your rights every step of the way. 

What Makes Truck and Car Accident Claims Different?

There are several ways in which car and truck accident personal injury claims differ. A few key differences include the following:

The Severity of Injuries

Truck accidents tend to be more severe than car accidents due to the size and weight of the truck. As a result, injuries from truck accidents are often more serious and may require longer periods of recovery or result in permanent disability. Many of the injuries sustained in a truck accident cross the line from standard personal injury and are considered catastrophic injuries. 

Regulations

There are many more specific regulations, both interstate (federal) and intrastate (Arizona), governing the trucking industry than those for passenger vehicles. This means that there may be more potential avenues for liability in a truck accident case, such as violations of federal regulations governing the number of hours a truck driver can operate a vehicle without rest and so many more. The ways to prove violations of these regulations are often difficult and complex: an experienced trucking accident lawyer is vital if there are serious injuries or damages. 

Insurance Coverage

Trucking companies are required to carry more insurance coverage than individual car owners. This means that there may be more potential sources of compensation in a truck accident case. It’s important to partner with a skilled truck accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident to make sure that insurance companies don’t take advantage of you during such a traumatic time. 

Evidence

The evidence in a truck accident case may be more complex than in a car accident case. This is because there may be more parties involved, such as the trucking company, the truck driver, and the manufacturer, and each of these parties may have their own evidence to present.

However, evidence is critical in establishing liability. Here are some types of evidence that may be used to prove liability in a truck accident case:

  • Police report: A police report can provide important information about the accident, such as the location, time, and date, as well as witness statements and the officer’s observations about the cause of the accident.
  • Eyewitness testimony: Eyewitnesses can provide details about what they saw before, during, and after the accident, which can help establish liability.
  • Black box data: Many commercial trucks are equipped with “black boxes” that record data such as the truck’s speed, braking, and acceleration. This data can be used to reconstruct the accident and determine who was at fault.
  • Driver logs: Federal regulations require truck drivers to keep logs of their driving hours. If a driver was driving for longer than the allowed hours, this could be used to establish liability.
  • Maintenance records: If a maintenance issue caused the accident, these records could be used to show who was at fault.
  • Surveillance footage: If there was a camera nearby, surveillance footage could be used to show what happened in the moments leading up to the accident.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you identify and gather the evidence you need to build a strong case and protect your rights.

Multiple Liable Parties

There are often multiple parties involved in a truck accident, and to determine who those liable parties are, it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney who can thoroughly investigate the accident, help you navigate the complexities of these cases, and protect your rights.

Who Can Be Held Liable For an Arizona Truck Accident?

Liability for an Arizona truck accident will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident. In general, there are several parties who may be held liable for a truck accident in Arizona, including:

  • The truck driver: If the accident was caused by the truck driver’s negligence, such as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the driver may be held liable.
  • The trucking company: If the accident was caused by the trucking company’s failure to properly maintain the truck or to properly train and supervise the driver, the company might be held liable.
  • The truck manufacturer: If the accident was caused by a defect in the truck’s design or manufacture, the manufacturer might be held liable.
  • Cargo loaders: Depending on the circumstances of the accident, other parties may also be held liable, such as the owner of the cargo being transported or a third-party contractor responsible for loading or securing the cargo.

Determining liability in a truck accident can be complex, and it may require an investigation by an experienced personal injury attorney. Additionally, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to make sure you file your claim within the statute of limitations. Failing to file a lawsuit within the two-year statute of limitations can result in your case being dismissed, so it is important to act quickly to protect your rights.

Retain a Skilled and Experienced Surprise, AZ, Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents are often physically, emotionally, and financially devastating for victims and surviving family members. At Jensen Phelan Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how much truck accidents impact our clients, which is why we are determined to provide the best legal representation our clients deserve with our over 65 years of combined experience. 

Jensen Phelan Law Firm offers a free assessment of your case and an explanation of your rights, so you have the tools and knowledge to make the best and most well-informed decisions on your case. Our truck accident attorneys are here to help. Contact our firm today at (928) 778-2660 or complete our online contact form.