Tempe Truck Accident Lawyers

Driving throughout the Tempe area often means sharing the road with a wide array of vehicles, including big rigs. Despite your best efforts to exercise due care, truck accidents can and do occur–and when they do, the consequences are often severe. When a tractor-trailer collision does occur, having the right legal support may make all the difference in protecting your rights and securing maximum compensation for injuries and losses.

Working with a Tempe truck accident attorney who is well-versed in trucking litigation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Common Types of Trucks and Trucking Accidents

When people think of truck accidents, they often picture massive 18-wheelers on the roadway. While these vehicles are highlighted in news reports due to their potential for catastrophic wrecks, they are not the only commercial vehicles involved in serious traffic collisions on roads across Arizona. Here is a breakdown of the most common types of trucks and how they are involved in crashes:

• Big Rigs: Commonly referred to as 18-wheelers, semis, or tractor-trailers, these trucks consist of a tractor unit pulling a large cargo trailer. When these vehicles are fully loaded, they can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, requiring experienced drivers to operate them safely.
• Tractor Trucks: Also known as bobtail trucks, these vehicles consist of the front cab where the driver is seated, and the engine is housed. Even without an attached trailer, tractor trucks are dangerous in collisions due to their massive size and limited maneuverability.
• Delivery Trucks: With the surge in e-commerce, delivery trucks and vans are now everywhere in Tempe. Drivers are often subject to tight delivery schedules, increasing the risk of speeding or distracted driving, especially in residential or urban areas.
• Tanker Trucks: These trucks transport gases or liquids, many of which are hazardous or flammable. Tanker truck crashes are dangerous, as collisions can lead to explosions, fires, chemical spills, and life-threatening injuries such as toxic exposure and burns.
• Utility Trucks: These may include a wide range of service vehicles such as construction vehicles, postal trucks, fire engines, and garbage trucks. Many are owned by government agencies, and Arizona cases including these parties as defendants must be filed within six months.

If you or a family member has been involved in a crash with any type of commercial or utility truck, it is important to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer serving Tempe who can guide you through the process and help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation today, give our law firm a call or fill out an online contact form.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Trucking Collision?

Determining who is responsible for a truck accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share liability depending on the facts and circumstances of the case. Potential defendants in a personal injury or wrongful death case for a big rig crash may include:

• The truck driver, whether they are an employee of a trucking company or an independent owner-operator
• The company, organization, or public agency that owns or operates the truck or employs the truck driver
• Government entities responsible for road design or maintenance, if hazardous conditions contributed to the crash
• Maintenance providers, if a mechanical failure or poor vehicle serving contributed to the incident
• The truck or trailer’s manufacturer, in cases involving mechanical defects or vehicle recalls

An experienced Tempe trucking accident attorney can help investigate all possible sources of liability to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable and that you receive the maximum compensation available for injuries and losses.

What Types of Damages are Recoverable?

In addition to establishing who is liable for the crash, the injured party must also demonstrate the losses they have suffered due to the incident. Common types of economic and non-economic damages recoverable in a truck accident case include:

• Medical bills for accident-related treatment
• Lost wages and diminished earning potential
• Property damage for repairs or replacement of a vehicle
• Pain and suffering from injuries sustained in the incident

Proving economic and non-economic damages is important to build a strong personal injury case and recovering maximum compensation. Consult with a local injury attorney for guidance on the timeline of your Tempe truck accident case.

Importance of a Spoliation Letter for an 18-Wheeler Wreck Case

Trucking companies are required by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations to keep specific records related to their operations, safety compliance, and driver activity. These records include driver logs, vehicle maintenance reports, inspection records, electronic logging device (ELD) data, and accident reports. However, these records are only required to be retained for a limited period.

A spoliation letter formally notifies the trucking company to preserve all relevant evidence. This notice helps prevent the destruction or loss of key information and holds the trucking company accountable by warning of potential sanctions if evidence is not properly preserved. If these documents are not preserved early on, they may be permanently erased or destroyed–making it challenging to establish liability in a commercial truck accident.

Having an experienced Tempe truck accident lawyer send a spoliation letter early in your case is important for protecting your rights and strengthening your case. This ensures that your injury attorney has access to all necessary information to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, gather proof of negligence, and build a strong case for the maximum financial recovery you deserve.

Key Factors That Can Influence Your Settlement for a Big Rig Crash

Several key factors may affect the total value of a personal injury case for a tractor-trailer collision, including:

• Your age at the time of the incident
• The severity of accident-related injuries
• Your overall health and lifestyle prior to the wreck
• Duration of your hospital stay and medical treatment
• The extent of damage to your vehicle and other property
• Lost wages due to time off work or reduced earning capacity
• Your recovery timeline, projected medical costs, and overall prognosis
• How the truck accident has negatively impacted your daily life and overall well-being
• Whether the trucking collision caused a permanent disability or long-term impairment

Each of these elements are considered when calculating economic and non-economic damages. A skilled injury lawyer can help evaluate your case and maximize your recovery.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Trucking Accident Case in Arizona?

The statute of limitations to file a personal injury case, such as those involving commercial truck accidents, is generally two years from the date the incident occurred. If the truck is owned or operated by a government entity, the time limit is shortened to 6 months or 180 days for filing. It is important to act quickly and file in civil court before the deadline, as failing to protect the statute may mean losing the opportunity to recover compensation.

About Our Law Firm

At Southwest Injury Law, we understand how devastating a big rig crash can be for injured parties and their families. With decades of combined experience and a strong track record of success, we know how to take on trucking companies and their insurers. Our Tempe truck accident attorneys are committed to thoroughly investigating each case, gathering key evidence, and advocating for the justice and compensation our clients deserve.

Contact a Tempe Truck Accident Lawyer for Assistance

At Southwest Injury Law, we are committed to supporting clients throughout the entire process–keeping them updated on their case, answering their questions, and involving them in all key decisions along the way. As dedicated Tempe trucking accident attorneys, our goal is to recover maximum compensation for clients. Book a free consultation at (602) 777-3300. Our law office proudly serves Tempe and surrounding areas in Maricopa County.