Speak With a Phoenix Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Rear-end collisions involving commercial trucks can be among the most devastating accidents on Phoenix roadways. When a large semi-truck crashes into the back of a passenger vehicle, the massive weight and force of the truck can cause catastrophic injuries and severe vehicle damage. Even when a passenger vehicle rear-ends a truck, the consequences can still be serious due to the size and structure of commercial vehicles.
Phoenix sits at the crossroads of major trucking routes across Arizona and the Southwest. Highways such as Interstate 10, Interstate 17, Loop 101, and Loop 202 see heavy commercial truck traffic every day. With so many large vehicles sharing the road with passenger cars, rear-end truck accidents occur more frequently than many drivers realize.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck collision, working with an experienced Phoenix truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Farar & Lewis offers free consultations to victims of truck accidents throughout Phoenix. Our legal team understands the complex regulations governing commercial trucking and works aggressively to hold negligent drivers and companies accountable.
Call us now for a free case evaluation at 800-615-6595.
Why Rear-End Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous
Commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to a typical passenger vehicle weighing about 4,000 pounds.
Because of this size difference:
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Trucks require much longer stopping distances
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The force of impact in a collision is far greater
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Passenger vehicles may be crushed or pushed off the roadway
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Secondary collisions may occur involving other vehicles
These factors make truck-related rear-end collisions especially dangerous.
Common Causes of Rear-End Truck Accidents
Many truck accidents occur due to driver negligence or unsafe trucking practices.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road. Fatigue can slow reaction times and impair decision-making.
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers may become distracted by navigation devices, communication systems, or mobile phones.
Speeding
Large trucks traveling at excessive speeds require even more distance to stop safely.
Following Too Closely
Truck drivers who follow vehicles too closely may not have enough time to stop in traffic.
Brake Failure or Mechanical Issues
Poor vehicle maintenance can cause brake malfunctions or other mechanical failures.
When Passenger Vehicles Rear-End Trucks
While trucks sometimes rear-end passenger vehicles, the opposite situation also occurs. Passenger vehicles may collide with the rear of a truck due to:
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Sudden stops by the truck driver
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Poor visibility at night
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Lack of proper reflective markings on the truck
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Road debris or unsafe cargo
In some cases, smaller vehicles may slide underneath the rear of a trailer in what is known as an underride accident, which can cause severe injuries.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Truck Rear-End Collisions
Because of the immense force involved in truck accidents, injuries are often severe or life-threatening.
Common injuries include:
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
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Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
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Severe neck and back injuries
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Broken bones and fractures
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Internal bleeding or organ damage
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Crush injuries
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Burns from vehicle fires
Many victims face long recovery periods and extensive medical treatment.
Federal Trucking Safety Regulations
Commercial trucking companies must follow strict federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
These regulations address:
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Maximum driving hours for truck drivers
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Vehicle maintenance and inspections
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Driver licensing and training requirements
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Cargo weight and securement rules
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Drug and alcohol testing for drivers
Violations of these regulations can play a major role in determining liability in a truck accident case.
Determining Liability in a Truck Accident
Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties who may share responsibility for the crash.
Potentially liable parties may include:
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The truck driver
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The trucking company
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Cargo loading companies
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Maintenance providers
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Truck manufacturers (in cases involving defective parts)
A skilled Phoenix truck accident lawyer can investigate the crash and determine which parties are responsible.
Evidence Used in Truck Accident Investigations
Truck accident investigations often require extensive evidence.
Important evidence may include:
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Driver logbooks and work schedules
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Electronic logging device (ELD) data
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Truck “black box” data
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Maintenance and inspection records
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GPS tracking information
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Surveillance or dashcam footage
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Witness statements
Because trucking companies may move quickly to protect themselves after an accident, it is important to secure evidence as soon as possible.
Arizona’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning multiple parties may share responsibility for an accident.
Even if a victim is partially responsible—for example, if they were speeding—they may still recover compensation. However, the final award may be reduced based on their percentage of fault.
Insurance companies often use this rule to attempt to reduce payouts.
Compensation Available After a Truck Accident
Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages.
Economic Damages
These damages cover financial losses such as:
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Emergency medical care
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Hospital bills and surgeries
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Rehabilitation and therapy
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Lost wages
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Loss of future earning capacity
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Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
These damages compensate victims for personal losses such as:
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Permanent disability or disfigurement
In fatal truck accidents, families may also pursue wrongful death compensation.
Why Truck Accident Claims Are Complex
Truck accident claims are often more complex than standard car accident cases because they may involve:
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Multiple liable parties
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Large commercial insurance policies
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Federal safety regulations
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Corporate trucking companies
Insurance companies representing trucking companies frequently deploy aggressive legal teams to limit liability.
An experienced Phoenix truck accident lawyer can help level the playing field.
How Farar & Lewis Handles Truck Accident Cases
At Farar & Lewis, we understand the devastating impact truck accidents can have on victims and their families. Our legal team conducts thorough investigations and aggressively pursues compensation for injured clients.
We focus on:
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Investigating trucking company records
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Securing electronic vehicle data
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Working with accident reconstruction experts
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Identifying all responsible parties
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Calculating full and future damages
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Negotiating assertively with insurance companies
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Taking cases to trial when necessary
We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Arizona’s Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims
In Arizona, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. Claims involving government entities may require shorter deadlines.
Because trucking companies often begin investigating accidents immediately, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Call Farar & Lewis After a Truck Accident in Phoenix
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rear-end truck accident, you deserve experienced legal representation that understands the complexities of commercial vehicle cases.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free consultation with a Phoenix truck accident lawyer. Our team is ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call us now for a free case evaluation at 800-615-6595.
Sources
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Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – Trucking Safety Regulations
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov -
Arizona Department of Public Safety – Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Information
https://www.azdps.gov -
National Transportation Safety Board – Highway Accident Reports
https://www.ntsb.gov
