Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer Phoenix, AZ

Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer Phoenix, AZ

If you or a loved one have been injured in an Arizona truck accident, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for the damages you have suffered as a result of your injuries. These damages can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and permanent disability. Truck accidents are often more complex than other type of vehicle accidents because there may be more than one party who is liable for the victim’s injuries. While it is often the case that some act or failure by the truck driver resulted in the crash, the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, and other parties may also be liable. A tractor trailer accident lawyer in Phoenix, AZ can  help determine who is liable for your losses and how much those losses add up to.

Truck Driver Negligence

National statistics gathered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) reveal that negligent operation of the vehicle by the truck driver is the cause of a huge percentage of the truck accidents that occur each year. One of the most common causes is distracted driving. Because of their huge size and weight, as well as the type of braking system used, tractor-trailers require a longer period of time than passenger vehicles to come to a stop. If a truck driver is engaged in some form of distracted driving behavior – such as texting or looking at their GPS – they may not see the vehicles in front of them stopping and the result can be deadly.

Another major cause of tractor-trailer accidents is truck driver fatigue. A Phoenix, AZ tractor trailer accident lawyer knows that the FMCSA has put regulations in place that limit the number of hours a truck driver is allowed to operate their vehicle and how often breaks should be taken. Unfortunately, these hours of service regulations are often broken by truck drivers because of the pressure they feel from the trucking companies to meet almost impossible delivery schedules. A drowsy truck driver is just as dangerous behind the wheel as one who is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, which is another serious issue and frequent cause of truck accidents.

Is the Trucking Company Liable?

Even if the truck driver’s negligence caused the crash, the trucking company the driver works for is likely also liable for the victim’s losses. The trucking company may have hired a driver who was inexperienced, had a bad driving record, or was known to have a substance abuse problem. If the issue was a mechanical one that caused the crash, the question of liability could be failure to properly maintain the vehicle. Overloaded or improperly secured cargo is also another accident cause that could leave the trucking company liable.

Let Our Firm Help

If you would like to learn more, contact a Phoenix, AZ tractor trailer accident lawyer to find out what legal options you may have. Call Saavedra Law Firm, PLC today to schedule a free consultation.