Commercial trucks play a vital role in transporting goods throughout Arizona and across the Southwest, but their size and weight create significant dangers for other motorists. If you were injured in a collision with a commercial truck, contact a Phoenix truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options and pursue a personal injury claim.
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Injured in a Truck Accident in Phoenix?
Arizona’s highways, including I-10, I-17, Loop 101, and Loop 202, see a constant flow of commercial truck traffic. With thousands of truck drivers operating throughout the state, serious truck accidents occur far too often, resulting in severe injuries and fatalities each year. When a truck accident is caused by another party’s negligence or reckless conduct, that party can be held legally responsible. After obtaining medical care and gathering available evidence, consulting with an experienced Phoenix truck accident lawyer is a critical next step.
When Should I Call a Phoenix Truck Accident Lawyer?
A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer can be an invaluable ally after a serious crash. While your immediate priority should always be your health and medical treatment, contacting a Phoenix truck accident attorney as soon as possible can help protect your rights. Early legal involvement reduces the risk of mistakes—such as speaking to insurance adjusters—that could weaken your claim and limit your recovery.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Phoenix
Several factors increase the likelihood of truck accidents, including the size of commercial vehicles and the demanding schedules placed on truck drivers.
Fatigued Driving
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations limit how long truck drivers may operate their vehicles without rest. Despite these rules, driver fatigue remains a leading cause of truck accidents. Even when drivers technically comply with hours-of-service limits, driving while overly tired can still constitute negligence and place others on the road at serious risk.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Large commercial trucks have extensive blind spots. When truck drivers fail to check mirrors carefully or signal properly before changing lanes, they can easily collide with smaller vehicles traveling nearby.
Poor Driver Training
Commercial trucks require advanced driving skills and specialized training. Arizona requires commercial drivers to hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), but proper training does not stop once a license is issued. Drivers who lack sufficient experience or fail to maintain their skills may be unable to operate their vehicles safely, creating dangerous conditions on the road.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Delivery deadlines and pressure from trucking companies can encourage speeding and aggressive driving behaviors. Excessive speed reduces reaction time, increases stopping distance, and magnifies the severity of collisions—often resulting in catastrophic injuries.
Distracted Driving
Distractions behind the wheel can have devastating consequences, especially for truck drivers operating massive vehicles. Common distractions include GPS systems, radios, mobile phones, and interactions with passengers. Distracted truck driving frequently leads to rear-end collisions and serious injuries.
Common Truck Accident Injuries in Phoenix
Because of their size and weight, commercial trucks often cause devastating injuries when collisions occur.
Broken Bones
Truck accidents frequently result in fractures, particularly when occupants brace for impact or are violently thrown inside the vehicle. Severe fractures may require surgery, rehabilitation, and extended recovery periods.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain is jolted or struck during a collision. TBIs can cause long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments, and recovery may take months or longer. In severe cases, TBIs can be fatal.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury in truck accidents, especially rear-end collisions. The sudden force causes the neck to snap forward and backward, leading to pain, stiffness, and long-term mobility issues.
Internal Injuries
Blunt-force trauma from a truck collision can result in internal bleeding, organ damage, collapsed lungs, and broken ribs. These injuries are often difficult to detect immediately but can be life-threatening without prompt medical care.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord or surrounding vertebrae can disrupt communication between the brain and body. Spinal cord injuries may cause partial or complete paralysis and often require lifelong medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Finding the Right Phoenix Truck Accident Lawyer for You
After a serious truck accident, choosing the right lawyer is essential. An experienced Phoenix truck accident attorney will listen to your goals, investigate the accident thoroughly, build a strong legal strategy, and handle communications with trucking companies and insurers. This allows you to focus on your recovery while your lawyer pursues the compensation you deserve.
