Contacting an Attorney After a Phoenix, AZ Truck Accident

When a massive semi-truck or tractor-trailer causes an accident, the truck driver often walks away unharmed, while those in the passenger vehicle are left with catastrophic injuries. Truck accident victims may need months to recover, unable to work for most of that time while facing a growing mountain of medical bills.

In such a situation, it is normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. You may wonder: “How do I recover compensation for my injuries? Do I need to hire a truck accident lawyer or can I file a claim on my own? If I hire a truck accident lawyer, when is the best time to do so?”

The trusted personal injury lawyers at Phillips Legal Group have been helping victims of truck accidents for close to three decades. We can answer any legal questions you may have and determine whether you have a valid claim to compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation to review your case.

Call us, start a live chat on this page, or complete the evaluation form to get started today. 

The Statute of Limitations on Truck Accident Cases

Our compassionate legal team understands that it may take months or weeks to recover after a severe truck accident. Some injuries may leave a victim with a life-long disability. However, it is important that you assert your right to demand compensation as soon as possible after the crash. If you fail to do so before the statute of limitations runs out, you could lose your right to file a claim.

The “statute of limitations” is a legal mandate that sets the amount of time a person has to file a personal injury lawsuit after being harmed in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.

The deadline to file a truck accident claim differs from state to state. In Arizona, a truck accident victim usually has 2 years from the date of injury to file a claim.

You may have less time depending on the specifics of your case, so you must contact a personal injury lawyer as soon a possible after being injured in a truck accident. The longer you wait to contact a truck accident lawyer, the greater the chance that essential evidence will be lost or destroyed.

Should You Immediately Settle With the Insurance Company?

If you sustained serious injuries in the truck accident, you may be surprised at how quickly you hear from the trucking company’s insurers. Their goal is to get you to settle for as low of an amount as possible. Insurance adjusters may take advantage of the stressful time immediately following a crash to try to pressure you into accepting a settlement that is far less than what your claim is actually worth.

Keep in mind that you are under no obligation to speak to the trucking company’s insurers. They may try to trap you into saying something that can be used as evidence against you in a lawsuit. Even a simple statement such as “I’m sorry,” could be misconstrued as an admission of guilt.

What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney immediately following your accident? One is that your lawyer will handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf. Meanwhile, you can relax and focus on healing while the professionals handle things.

Phillips Legal Group’s experienced lawyers know the tactics insurance companies use to deny claims or try to reduce their value. When you have our law firm on your side, you can have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are not being taken advantage of by the other party’s insurance representatives.

A Truck Accident Lawyer Will Help Gather Evidence and Determine Fault

An important step in any truck accident case is determining fault and liability. This may require an in-depth investigation to determine the cause of the accident and who was responsible.

A truck accident injury lawyer can help determine whether one or more of the following parties may be liable:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The company that loaded the cargo
• The company that maintained the semi-truck
• Other drivers
• The company that manufactured the truck

Once it is determined who caused the accident, evidence will need to be provided as proof. Your personal injury lawyer can help you gather the evidence needed to build a solid truck accident case on your behalf.

Evidence used to determine fault and liability in truck accident claims often includes:

• The police accident report: An accident report will usually contain important information such as who was involved in the accident, the location of the crash, and whether anyone involved acted negligently.

• Dashcam or video surveillance footage: Dashcams are commonly mounted in trucks to help companies monitor their employees’ driving. The camera may have captured a video of the entire incident. Other video footage from surrounding surveillance cameras in the area could also provide essential evidence.

• Witness statements: If possible, obtain the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident. Their statements can provide valuable support to a personal injury claim.

• Data recorder or “black box” information: Most modern semis are equipped with a data recorder or black box. This device holds important information as to the speed the driver was going at the time of the collision, the truck’s GPS coordinates, when the driver braked, and more.

• The trucker’s driving history: Trucking companies have a responsibility to complete a thorough background check on any potential drivers and check their driving history. If a trucker has a record of reckless driving charges, DUIs, or other traffic violations, this could be proof of both the trucking company and the driver’s negligence.

What is a Spoliation Letter and How Can It Protect My Truck Accident Claim?

After taking on your case, your personal injury lawyer will quickly send out a spoliation letter to the opposing party. This is a notice that requests that all relevant evidence is preserved. For example, in a truck accident case, your attorney will likely request that the information on the event data recorder (EDR) not be deleted.

Even if the trucking company is not specifically trying to hide evidence, the information on an EDR may automatically be erased after a certain amount of time. Thus, it is imperative to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. A spoliation letter can prevent important evidence from being tampered with, destroyed, or hidden.

Morgan W.

I felt they were more my friends than my personal injury lawyer and that isn't something you're taught it's something you have inside. If I ever needed a lawyer again Phillips Law Group Injury Lawyers would be my only choice. I can't recommend them enough. They are professional on every level and compassionate throughout. Thank you for everything.

Blanca D.

When in pain because of an accident all you want to do is focus on getting better and that is what did thanks to this firm. My family and I were set up with a Dr and Chiro right away. The treatment we received was great. I am extremely thankful for all the help we received and the outcome on the cases. Thanks to everyone involved on my case. A special thanks the intake specialist Rosalba who was very kind on the phone when I first called. I highly recommend this firm to anyone, they treat you like family.

Erika A.

I am so thankful for Ruthann and Maria. They both were amazing throughout the process. When Maria took over my case, I felt like I was being treated with empathy about my pain and experiences while treating. She also made sure to answer my questions. Maria always responded to my communication attempts and answered questions I had as they came up. She helped me with things I needed in regards to my case and helped ease the anxiety as bills piled up and my injuries were still being treated. I was able to contact her as I was treating and she helped find providers closer to my home to make it more accommodating for me. This helped me juggle work...

Santana D.

Ruby, Jennifer, Angela did me great over at this law firm. I will recommend them to anybody that has been in an injury in Phoenix Arizona they are awesome 😎. Got paid 6 months after my accident. Then out of the blue a couple years later they still contract me with another check $$$$$🤑😎🤑. Thank you....

Yunior R.

Philips Law Group offers outstanding customer service and a profound knowledge of personal injury law. Right from the initial call through to your office visit, they ensure you feel well-supported. A special mention goes to Ilse, the client experience coordinator. Her expertise in insurance policies is remarkable, and she articulately explains them in both Spanish and English. She skillfully navigates you through the process with empathy and understanding. A heartfelt thanks for the exceptional experience!

Art R.

Phillips was able to get me a good settlement after the first law group I called completely failed. Highly recommend you give them a call after your personal injury.

Rebecca M.

Philips was an awesome choice got me into the doctors offices for visits quickly and efficiently. I also want to give a big shout out to Michael the negotiator for Philips he went above and beyond to help my case get to the finish line! Also want to thank Jason and the friendly front staff.

Vallery A

Throughout the most stressful time Carmen and Donato managed to get me to the correct doctors and get the correct care I needed to make the whole process smooth and less stressful. They always answered any question or concern with professionalism and courtesy. They always valued my time as I valued theirs. Definitely recommend this great firm!

Martin K.

I'm sincerely grateful to my noble Phillips Law firm legal experts for their integrity n intelligent work for making my accident to not go free in my paint injuries. God richly bless them, for bring settlement big cash to me.

Latosha E.

What can I say about Phillips Law group. I was involved in a major car accident and sustained injuries. I looked up for Law Firms in Arizona and stumbled across Phillips Law Group. I decided to give them a call about my accident, and they were very respectful and took in my case immediately. They assigned me Tim LeDuc to represent me. From the beginning, he was very responsive and made sure to give me the proper care I deserved from this accident. Him and his team fought tooth and nail to give me the best settlement I deserved. I am so thankful, and I highly recommend Phillips Law Group to represent anyone who has been in any accident and...

Emily N.

My case closed yesterday and I RAN to make this review because of how exceptional my experience has been with Phillips Law Group! I received the best settlement I could've hoped for and am extremely happy with the outcome; but I especially wanted to shout out and give praise to Julianna, the Litigation Paralegal on my case. From the moment Julianna was assigned to my case almost two years ago, until the completion of the settlement process yesterday, Julianna's commitment to exceptional customer service, clear communication, and unwavering support truly stood out. I had so many questions -- from the legal process, to where to seek medical treatment, to questions about medical bills, to the negotiation process, and more --...

Ari

I am very impressed by how much care and effort this group puts into helping the homeless. That’s not something you see enough, especially in this time of increasing need for community. It’s important to me to work with companies that align with my views, and I would definitely go to Phillips for any future personal injury lawyer needs.

Rich S.

Just would like to share my experience with Phillips And Associates. Ever since my accident in the first of the year, it was a life changing event for me and I finally decided to go with a personal injury attorney. I contacted Phillips And Associates and they made me feel like I was an actual person instead of a lot of other firms try to go with me like a number, Phillips And Associates has reached out to me in a kind, courteous and caring way they fully understand on the circumstances of the accident So far, Phillips And Associates has been absolutely wonderful. I truly recommend going with Phillips And Associates. Thanks (RuthAnn), your the Best!!! And Thank you...

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Do Not Hesitate to Contact an Attorney After a Truck Accident

Have you or someone you love been injured or killed in a truck accident? If so, do not hesitate to contact Phillips Legal Group as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, or other damages. An experienced member of our legal team can review your case, explain your rights, and answer any questions you might have about the claims process.

The majority of truck accident cases are handled out of court during negotiations with the insurance company. Our truck accident lawyers are skilled negotiators and know how to secure maximum compensation for our clients. However, we are prepared to take your case to trial if that is what is necessary for you to be awarded a fair settlement.

Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only owe us legal fees once we recover compensation for you. Schedule a free, no-obligation review of your case today.

Call Phillips Legal Group at 602-222-2222 or complete the free case evaluation form today to book an appointment.