While any auto accident can cause one or more people involved to sustain serious injuries, crashes involving tractor-trailers are more likely to cause life-altering trauma than they are to cause no injuries at all. Even worse, you may have a lot more trouble than you would expect with any civil litigation you try to pursue over this sort of accident, in no small part because of the opposition you are likely to face from the company that owns and operates the truck.
Fortunately, you have support available from an experienced Phoenix, AZ commercial catastrophic injury lawyer who knows through experience how to handle cases with high stakes like this. A dedicated truck accident attorney from Phillips Law Group will not only enforce your rights during private settlement negotiations, but will also take your case all the way to a civil courtroom if necessary to get you paid what you deserve.
Can Companies Be Held Liable for the Negligence of Their Employees?
Like any other type of driver, a commercial trucker who causes a wreck by breaking a traffic law or otherwise acts irresponsibly behind the wheel can be held civilly liable for losses stemming from that wreck based on their negligent driving. However, since crashes involving tractor-trailers so often cause debilitating and potentially life-threatening injuries, it is rare for an individual truck driver to have enough insurance coverage or personal assets to cover all the losses this sort of incident can cause.
Fortunately, it is often possible to hold trucking companies vicariously liable for the negligence of their employees under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. This legal principle allows accident victims to seek compensation from the trucking company, not just the individual driver. In many cases, this can significantly increase the total compensation available to an injured party.
Additionally, there are situations where a Phoenix, AZ commercial catastrophic injury attorney may be able to hold a trucking company directly liable for its own negligent actions. For instance, if the company knowingly hires unqualified drivers or forces drivers to stay on the road longer than is legally allowed under federal regulations, the company may be directly responsible for any resulting accidents. These actions reflect a disregard for safety and compliance, potentially leading to substantial liability for the company.
Examples of Commercial Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries in commercial truck wrecks are often life-altering and can result in long-term or permanent disabilities. Examples of such injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can impair cognitive functions, memory, and emotional regulation
- Spinal cord injuries may lead to paralysis, limiting a person’s mobility and independence
- Severe burns from fuel-related explosions can cause disfigurement and require extensive surgeries
- Amputations, often resulting from crushed limbs
Additionally, internal organ damage can occur, leading to life-threatening complications and the need for prolonged medical care. These types of injuries dramatically affect a person’s quality of life and future. Working with a commercial catastrophic injury lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona is essential to ensure any settlement awards adequately reflect the full extent of an injured person’s needs.
Demanding Compensation for Short-Term and Long-Term Losses
Regardless of who specifically is held liable for a catastrophic injury stemming from a commercial truck wreck in Phoenix, AZ, a qualified lawyer can help an injured person seek restitution for both economic and non-economic losses stemming from that incident, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost work income
- Property damage, including vehicle repair/replacement costs
- Physical pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma and anguish
- Lost enjoyment/quality of life
Importantly, this can include both losses that have already occurred by the time the civil litigation process begins, as well as losses expected to occur in the future as a result of the incident. For example, this might involve emergency medical expenses incurred immediately after the accident, along with the anticipated costs of long-term rehabilitative therapy, assistive equipment, and other necessary care in the months, years, or even decades that follow.
This forward-looking approach ensures that accident victims receive compensation not only for their immediate needs but also for ongoing and future hardships caused by the crash.
Contact a Phoenix, AZ Commercial Catastrophic Injury Attorney for Help
There is no easy route forward after sustaining a life-changing injury in a traffic collision involving a massive commercial truck. However, you will have much better chances of finding a positive result from this situation if you seek help from seasoned legal counsel as soon as possible after initially getting hurt.
Phillips Law Group has been locally owned and operated in the Phoenix metro area for over 30 years, and we have the experience and expertise necessary to get you the restitution you need. Call today to discuss your options with a team member and learn what a Phoenix, AZ commercial catastrophic injury lawyer can do for you.
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