When an accident occurs that involves two automobiles, the experience can be traumatic for the victims, especially if injuries result. But when an accident involves a commercial truck, the emotional trauma experienced by victims can be heightened by catastrophic injuries.
After experiencing an accident, innocent victims might logically expect that the negligent driver would be held liable for damages. However, in accidents that involve commercial trucks, liability for compensation is not always so straightforward. Other factors that are not so obvious at the outset may have contributed to the accident.
This is why the assistance of an Arizona truck accident lawyer is absolutely necessary if you or your loved one has been involved in an accident with a commercial truck. The personal injury lawyers of Phillips Law Group have the experience needed to help you get fair compensation for damages suffered. Our team of lawyers has successfully recovered hundreds of millions in compensation for victims. Call us today for a free consultation.
How Truck Accidents Are Different From Auto Accidents
Most people may not realize that there are considerable differences between accidents that involve just automobiles and accidents that involve commercial trucks. The following list highlights some of the most notable differences between the two.
- Damages and injuries: Since commercial trucks weigh considerably more than cars and generate more force on impact, the results after an accident are drastically different from an accident that involves just cars. Whereas with automobile accidents damages and injuries can range from mild to severe, commercial truck accidents typically result in extensive damages and leave victims with catastrophic injuries
- Liability: Establishing liability in commercial trucking accidents is usually extremely complex because multiple parties may share a measure of liability. In addition to the driver possibly being found liable, the truck manufacturer, maintenance company, loading company, or trucking company itself may also be found liable.
- Insurance policies: In car accidents, typically just two insurance policies are involved with relatively lower limits. In contrast, in accidents with commercial trucks, several insurance policies with much higher limits may be involved, which usually results in higher compensation for damages to victims.
- Laws and regulations: Truck drivers are obligated to abide by regulations stipulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in addition to traffic laws established by the state. The FMCSA has set out specific laws for trucks and their drivers such as weight restrictions, the number of driving hours allowed, and drug testing requirements.
- Investigation: The investigative work after a truck accident is much more extensive than the same work done after an accident that involves just two automobiles. Not only must insurance information and police reports be collected, but also data logs, repair and inspection reports, prior drug testing results, and information from the truck’s black box.
This list is by no means comprehensive. There are other differences between auto accidents and truck accidents, which makes pursuing compensation complicated without the assistance of an experienced Arizona truck accident lawyer.
Verdicts And Settlements
$
1,171,438
Personal Injury -Fall Down Stairs
$
750,000
Personal Injury
$
500,000
Personal Injury -Permanent Injuries, Fractured Arm and Ribs, Ligament Damage
$
500,000
Personal Injury -Crushed Tibia, Fibula, Contusions
Potentially Liable Parties in Truck Accidents
In accidents that involve a commercial truck, multiple parties could be found liable for damages in addition to the truck driver. Some of these potentially liable parties can include:
- The truck company
- The manufacturer or parts supplier
- The maintenance company
- The vendor
- The municipality
When the Truck Driver May Be Found Liable
Although the other potentially liable parties listed may have contributed to the accident, in most cases it is discovered that the primary cause of the crash is driver error. Some possible causes of driver-related causes include the following:
Although the other potentially liable parties listed may have contributed to the accident, in most cases it is discovered that the primary cause of the crash is driver error. Some possible causes of driver-related causes include the following:
- Distracted driving: When a truck driver engages in any activity that diverts his or her attention away from the road, an accident can result in a matter of seconds. According to one study, 71 percent of commercial truck accidents occurred when the driver was distracted. Phone usage, eating and drinking, and adjusting the GPS are all forms of distracted driving.
- Fatigued driving: Since commercial truck drivers frequently have scheduled times for picking up or delivering goods, they may tend to continue driving despite feeling fatigued. Some other factors that lead to a trucker driving while drowsy include increased stress from driving, side effects from medications, and not sleeping enough during off hours.
- Blind spots: While driving on the highway, there is a very real risk of a truck merging into a lane that is already occupied by an automobile due to the limited vision of the driver. To compensate for the lack of vision, the truck driver must make sure the mirrors and driver’s seat are properly adjusted before starting the drive.
The many factors that can contribute to a truck accident highlight why it is so important to have the assistance of a knowledgeable Arizona truck accident lawyer helping with the personal injury claim. An experienced law firm would know how to gather the evidence and analyze the facts in order to pursue all responsible parties for compensation.
What Our Clients Are Saying
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...
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled to Receive
Victims of truck accidents are, in most cases, left with catastrophic or fatal injuries, so it only makes sense for fair compensation to be paid by the responsible parties. Innocent victims or their families have a legal right to seek a fair settlement.
Compensation for loss and damages may include the following:
- Present and long-term medical expenses
- Present and long-term lost wages
- Household renovation for disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Compensation for wrongful death
An Arizona Truck Accident Lawyer With Our Law Firm Can Help You With Your Claim
If you or your loved one has suffered injuries and damages from a truck accident in Arizona, do not suffer alone. Trying to navigate on your own the complexities of gathering the evidence and pursuing all the responsible parties while trying to heal physically and emotionally would simply just increase any anxiety you may already be feeling.
Insurance adjusters know how to use tactics in an effort to minimize the cost of your claim. Additionally, trucking companies typically have teams of lawyers whose sole purpose is to protect the interests of the trucking company. You need a team of knowledgeable lawyers protecting and fighting for your interests. Lawyers who are familiar with the tactics that insurance companies use and who know how to go about pursuing full compensation for damages.
The lawyers at Phillips Law Group have the resources nationwide to gather the facts and hold all responsible parties liable for compensation. Always prepared to file a lawsuit for compensation beyond the limits of insurance companies, we can get you what you need.
(602) 222-2222 
