Truck Accidents in Arizona: What Victims Need to Know to Protect Their Rights

Truck accidents are a significant concern in Arizona, particularly due to the large volume of commercial truck traffic passing through the state. Highways like I-10 and I-17, which connect major cities and serve as key transit routes, are often crowded with commercial vehicles. Unfortunately, this increases the likelihood of devastating truck accidents that leave victims facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, understanding your rights and taking the proper steps is crucial to seeking justice and fair compensation. 

Why Truck Accidents Are a Major Concern in Arizona

Arizona’s extensive highway network is a vital hub for the transportation of goods across the Southwest. However, with the high volume of large trucks on our roads comes an elevated risk of accidents. These collisions are often far more severe than typical car accidents due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, which can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds when fully loaded.

Several factors contribute to the frequency and severity of truck accidents in Arizona. Common causes include:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers are often required to meet tight delivery deadlines, which can lead to extended hours behind the wheel. Although federal regulations limit driving hours, violations still occur. A fatigued driver has slower reaction times and is more likely to make errors that can result in serious accidents.
• Overloaded Trucks: When trucks are overloaded or improperly loaded, they become harder to handle and are at higher risk of tipping over. Excess weight also increases the severity of collisions, as heavier vehicles cause greater damage to other cars and passengers in an accident.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Commercial trucks operate under immense strain, requiring regular maintenance to keep them safe. When trucking companies or drivers neglect maintenance tasks like checking brakes, tires, or lights, the risk of mechanical failure increases dramatically. For example, a blown tire or faulty brake system can lead to catastrophic accidents.

These factors, combined with Arizona’s busy highways, create a hazardous environment for all drivers. Truck accidents not only endanger truck drivers themselves but also pose a significant threat to passenger vehicles, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.

Arizona Laws & Regulations for Trucking Accidents

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding truck accidents is critical for victims seeking compensation. Arizona operates under a comparative negligence system, which means that fault for an accident can be shared between multiple parties. If you’re found partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 20% responsible for the accident, you will receive $80,000.

Federal and state trucking regulations also play a key role in determining liability. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes strict standards for the trucking industry, including rules governing:

• Hours of Service (HOS): Designed to prevent driver fatigue, HOS rules limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road each day and week.
• Vehicle Inspections: Trucking companies and drivers are required to conduct routine inspections to ensure vehicles are in safe operating condition.
• Substance Testing: Drivers must undergo regular drug and alcohol testing to ensure they are fit to operate large vehicles.

Violations of these regulations can serve as strong evidence in a truck accident case, helping to establish negligence or fault.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?

One of the complexities of truck accident cases is the potential for multiple parties to share liability. Unlike standard car accidents, truck accidents may involve various entities, including:

1. Truck Drivers: Drivers are responsible for operating their vehicles safely and adhering to traffic and industry regulations. If a driver is found to have been speeding, distracted, or driving under the influence, they may be held liable for the crash.
2. Trucking Companies: Employers are required to ensure their drivers are properly trained, follow regulations, and operate safe vehicles. A trucking company may be liable if it fails to vet its drivers, encourages unsafe practices, or neglects routine maintenance of its fleet.
3. Manufacturers: If a mechanical defect, such as faulty brakes or a tire blowout, contributed to the accident, the truck’s manufacturer or parts supplier may be held responsible.
4. Third-Party Maintenance Providers: Maintenance companies hired by trucking firms to service their vehicles may face liability if they fail to identify and address mechanical issues, leading to unsafe conditions on the road.

Identifying all potential liable parties is crucial for maximizing the compensation a victim can recover.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Mesa

Being involved in a truck accident is overwhelming, but your actions in the immediate aftermath can significantly impact your ability to protect your rights and recover compensation. 

Here’s what you need to do to safeguard your health and strengthen your case:

1. Call 911 and Report the Accident
2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
3. Avoid Discussing Fault at the Scene
4. Document the Scene and Collect Evidence
5. Keep a Detailed Record of Everything
6. Speak With an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

Having a skilled personal injury lawyer by your side can relieve stress, allowing you to focus on your recovery while they work to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Time is of the essence in truck accident cases. Acting quickly to document evidence, seek medical care, and consult an attorney can make all the difference in protecting your rights. By following these steps, you give yourself the best chance to obtain justice and the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

How SGP Law Can Help

At Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC, we understand the unique challenges that victims of truck accidents face. Our team has years of experience handling truck accident claims and fighting for the maximum compensation our clients deserve. We’ll thoroughly investigate your case, determine liability, and work to secure compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.

Truck accident cases often involve going up against large corporations and their legal teams, but we’re here to level the playing field. From gathering evidence to representing you in negotiations or court, we’re dedicated to making the process as smooth as possible for you and your family.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Arizona, don’t wait to seek legal help. You may be entitled to significant compensation, but timing is crucial for preserving evidence and meeting filing deadlines. Contact Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC today for a free consultation. Together, we’ll work to protect your rights and help you rebuild your life.