Common Causes of Arizona Truck Accidents

With thousands of miles of highway connecting the west coast with the rest of the country, Arizona sees a disproportionate amount of semi-truck traffic. According to the most recent government statistics, in 2018 alone, there were over 12,500 Arizona truck accidents. This figure accounts for about 5% of all Arizona traffic accidents.

Nearly all truck accidents are preventable, with the exercise of due care. And while there are many causes of tractor-trailer accidents, some causes are more common than others. For example, the following are among the most common causes of Arizona semi-truck accidents.

Fatigue – Truck drivers have a financial incentive to travel as many miles as they can per day. Thus, many truck drivers spend long hours on the road, often with little to no sleep. While federal law requires truck drivers only drive a certain number of hours per day and take breaks at specified intervals, not all truck drivers obey these regulations.

Alcohol and drug use – Due to the long hours on the road, some truck drivers enlist the use of prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal drugs to help keep them awake and alert. Of course, alcohol and drugs affect a truck driver’s ability to safely operate the rig, and as the effects of these substances wear off, drivers often find themselves battling the effects of fatigue.

Poor driver training – Trucking companies are responsible for providing adequate training to ensure that their truck drivers are safe to be on the road. Too often, trucking companies do not verify a driver’s credentials, experience, or background and end up employing a hazardous driver. Trucking companies can be held liable for an accident victim’s injuries under several theories of liability.

Speeding and passing – As professional drivers, some truck drivers feel as though they own the road, and they may take liberties that put other motorists in danger. It is not uncommon for truckers to travel at unsafe speeds, especially during times of inclement weather. Truckers must also take care when passing other trucks and slow-moving vehicles.

Distraction – Spending so much time on the road can get boring. Some truck drivers install televisions in their cabs, talk on the phone, text, or watch videos on their phone. Of course, this takes their attention away from the road, increasing the chance of causing an Arizona semi-truck collision.

Truck drivers have a duty to drive in a safe and responsible manner, and when they fail to live up to that duty they can be held responsible for any resulting injuries. Anyone who has been injured in an Arizona truck accident should consult with a dedicated personal injury lawyer.

Consult with an Experienced Arizona Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love has recently been injured in an Arizona truck accident, contact the dedicated personal injury lawyers at the Saavedra Law Firm, PLC. At our Phoenix personal injury practice, we represent accident victims and their families in all types of motor vehicle accident claims, including semi-truck crashes, tractor-trailer collisions, and bus accidents. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call 602-878-6625 today.