The Arizona Crash Facts Summary reports 1,912 truck accidents in 2019. Given the number of vehicles on the road, this number is unlikely to drop. If you’ve been injured as a result of a truck accident, or you’ve lost a loved one in a truck accident, trying to recover from the physical trauma while navigating confusing legal terrain and mounting expenses can be very challenging.
A Tucson truck accident lawyer can manage your personal injury or wrongful death claim so you can focus on healing – physically and emotionally. Call (844) 430-1030 for your free consultation with Ben Crump Law, PLLC.
Establishing Liability in Truck Accidents
While the injuries are generally far more severe than those in car accidents, the premise of liability and negligence remains the same. Victims seeking compensation need to prove that the accident was caused by recklessness or negligence on the part of the truck driver.
A local law enforcement officer will fill out an accident report and outline what they believe to be the cause of the accident when they arrive on the scene. If a cause is not immediately apparent, an investigation will take place. Generally speaking, most truck accidents are caused by one of four things.
Causes of Truck Accidents
- Driving While Drowsy: Despite regulations designed to ensure truck drivers don’t end up driving while fatigued, research still shows that a significant number of trucking accidents result from mistakes made by tired drivers.
- Improper Loading of Trucks: Ignoring the capacity of a truck and trailers before loading is a common cause of collisions.
- Inclement Weather Conditions: Official regulations suggest taking breaks at the onset of severe weather. Many drivers, however, tend to ignore these suggestions in order to meet delivery deadlines.
- Recklessness and Negligence: Including speeding, driving while distracted, driving under the influence, and more, driver recklessness or negligence can prove especially dangerous in truck drivers.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established mandates drivers must adhere to when operating these larger vehicles. These mandates are effectively the rules of the road for truck drivers, and failure to adhere to them results in driver liability.
FMCSA Truck Driver Regulations
- Drivers are required to keep accurate logs of mileage and delivery locations.
- Drivers are prohibited from driving more than the allotted number of hours they’ve been given.
- Drivers must ensure their tractor-trailers and commercial vehicles are properly maintained.
- Drivers are required to adhere to traffic laws and drive at safe speeds.
Given the need to establish negligence or recklessness, determining the exact cause of the accident is critical. This, however, can be more complicated than in a car accident. If you’ve suffered an injury or lost a loved one as a result of a truck accident, consulting with a Tucson truck accident lawyer often proves invaluable.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Tucson, call (844) 430-1030
Filing a Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Claim
While the days and weeks after a truck accident can be overwhelming, confusing, and physically painful; it is critical that victims begin the process of filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim as soon as possible. Trucking companies contact their lawyers almost immediately in an effort to protect their rights. Your case will be dramatically stronger if you do the same.
How a Tucson Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, you are not alone and you do not need to fight this battle alone. A Tucson truck accident lawyer can lighten your load, give you peace of mind, and fight for justice for you and your family by:
- Reviewing the specifics of the accident to determine whether you have a strong personal injury or wrongful death claim.
- Explaining the likelihood of a robust settlement and giving you a clear idea of what to expect – both with the process itself and with potential settlement offers.
- Communicating with all involved parties to gather evidence and build your case.
- Filing your claim and litigating in court if necessary.
Under Article 4 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, victims of truck accidents have up to two years from the date of the injury or fatality to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. If victims act within that time frame and have a viable case, they may be entitled to seek financial compensation for damages that include:
- Past, present, and future medical bills that directly correlate to injuries suffered as a result of the accident.
- Wages lost as a result of an inability to work while recovering physically or emotionally from the accident. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work in the same capacity as prior to the accident and result in a reduction of career opportunities, the liable parties may be responsible for covering the salary differences.
- Current or future emotional distress, pain and suffering that can include depression, anxiety, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more.
- Funeral and burial costs associated with providing your loved one a proper burial after a truck accident fatality. Additionally, you may be able to seek compensation for the loss of companionship you’re experiencing as a result of your loved one’s death.
- Any damaged personal property.
Tucson Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 430-1030
Consult a Tucson Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents are horrendous and often traumatic. Recovering physically is a big enough task. There is no need to add the stress of navigating the complex legal terrain involved in filing personal injury or wrongful death claims to the equation.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, the legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC is dedicated to fighting for your rights. Your initial consultation is free, and we don’t collect our fee unless we win your case. Call (844) 430-1030 for a free consultation today.
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