Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck Accident Attorney In Glendale, AZ

Trucking accidents are more common than people realize. In fact, more than 1 in 10 accidents on highways are caused by semi trucks, and 88% are the result of negligence. Both fatal and non-fatal accidents can result in extremely high costs and long lasting emotional turmoil. So if you or a loved one have been involved in a trucking accident that was not your fault, it is highly important that you seek out the right legal assistance from a qualified Glendale truck accident lawyer. Nobody should have to deal with this devastating situation all on their own, and you deserve compensation for what you have had to go through. Contact Klink Law, PLLC today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help you.

Maricopa County Semi-Truck Accident Statistics

While you may not hear about semi-truck accidents in Glendale all that often, they do happen. There are over 500,000 commercial vehicles registered in Arizona, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. This figure does not include the total number of tractor-trailers that travel through our state daily. 

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, in the most recent reporting year, there were:

• 2,760 truck tractor accidents
• 111 fatal semi-truck accidents
• 662 semi-truck accidents involving injuries
• 85,970 total accidents in Maricopa County
• 613 total, fatal accidents in Maricopa County

According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were approximately 148,000 injuries and more than 4,700 fatalities linked to big commercial truck accidents in the United States during the previous reporting year.

Case Illustration of a Semi-Truck Accident in Glendale

As a truck accident lawyer in Glendale, we know that semi-truck crashes are often deadly. A fully loaded truck can weigh 80,000 pounds, and the stopping distance of a big rig is much further than that of a smaller, lighter vehicle.

Imagine this scenario:

Marco is driving on Highway 134, a road we all know gets backed up with traffic. It’s raining outside, so he’s driving with his lights on, and traffic is a little slower than normal. 

A big rig is honking its horn behind him, and before he knows it, he’s rear-ended. The driver’s brakes failed, causing the rig to hit Marco’s car, pushing him into the other lane and hitting a third vehicle.

Macro’s injuries are severe, suffering from a serious head injury, broken ribs and vertebra in his back.

As your lawyer, we’ll seek damages from all responsible parties, which may include:

• Truck driver
• Trucking company
• Brake manufacturer
• Mechanics

Marco’s road ahead is long. He’ll be left with medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, potential future lost wages and other damages. Due to multiple parties being potentially negligent, his best course of action is to work with a lawyer who can hold all negligent parties responsible.

What To Do After A Truck Accident In Arizona

The immediate aftermath of a truck collision is frightening. Many people, on the other hand, fail to realize that the consequences of a truck accident can be just as bad as the initial impact. Accidents resulting from large commercial vehicles clogging the roadways are all too common. Accident victims and bystanders will be less visible to other cars on the road because of it. Blind spots on the road and inclement weather might make things worse, especially for smaller vehicles like motorcycles.

Before anything else, make sure you’re safe and remain calm. If at all feasible, find a secure area off the road and wait for help to arrive. Firefighters, police, and EMTs can assist with medical care and prevent subsequent injuries by diverting oncoming traffic. As previously said, the site of the incident might be hazardous. In fact, there have been several examples of truck accident victims being struck by other passing cars while waiting for first aid to arrive. Anything you say after an accident may be used in court to show culpability for the incident, which is why it’s critical to know what your rights are. It’s natural to apologize after an accident, even if you’re not sure who is to blame, but saying the wrong thing may endanger any potential personal injury claims for injuries incurred. Once you’ve been extracted from the accident and examined by medical personnel for any significant injuries, your next step should be to contact a Glendale truck accident attorney as soon as possible.

Do I Have a Case?

As a truck accident lawyer in Glendale, we know that insurers do not want to offer you a fair settlement and navigating trucking accidents is complicated. Multiple parties may be responsible for your damages, which may include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages and lost future wages
• Property damage (your vehicle and items)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional injuries
• Punitive damages
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of consortium

If your loved one died in the accident, death benefits may also be sought. Every accident is different, but they all rely on proving negligence to seek damages and have a valid case. We’ll review your case during your free consultation to determine:

• If you have a case
• Who may be liable 
• What steps to take next

Who Is At Fault In A Truck Accident?

When a big truck wrecks, it usually involves drivers from multiple vehicles. The potential case will draw in more parties as time goes on. Not only that, but each of the parties concerned will have the benefit of their own insurance firms. If they’re not able to pay, they’ll most likely have their own legal counsel fighting on their behalf to minimize any settlements as much as feasible. Due to the numerous variables involved in this sort of situation, obtaining legal assistance from a truck accident attorney in Glendale, AZ is critical. Klink Law, PLLC has worked on countless similar cases and understands the complex intricacies and tricks involved from the other parties seeking a way out or avoiding paying you what you truly deserve. Below are some of the most common parties that are at fault in truck accident cases.

The Truck Driver

When it comes to truck accidents, the driver is usually solely responsible if he or she is driving erratically, carelessly, or under the influence. Generally, these types of truck accident cases can be straightforward if neglect is clear; however, other cases will involve other parties who may have played a role in the crash.

The Trucking Company

A truck may be a business vehicle, or it might have been purchased by someone else. It’s also possible that the trucking company will cover the driver’s insurance. In situations like these, the legal team would take care of the collision’s paperwork.

The Truck Manufacturer

Although trucks are less prone to suffer from mechanical problems, they do occasionally happen. In the case of a mechanical failure, the manufacturer of the vehicle may be held responsible. Air brakes that do not function correctly are one of the most prevalent issues that trucks suffer.

The Loading Company

If loose items become a danger, and the truck was not properly packed before departure, that firm may be held responsible for the injuries or wrongful death that occured. Many drivers are afraid of falling debris from vehicles, and it’s understandable given how often they occur.

Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In Arizona

In Arizona, the most typical causes of semi-truck accidents are negligence and reckless behavior while driving a big vehicle. The truck driver is frequently driving the vehicle in an illegal and dangerous way, risking the safety of others on the road. When driving a business, there is no room for error. Those who show reckless behavior must be held accountable by a Glendale semi-truck accident attorney. Truck accidents in Arizona are typically caused by the following factors:

• Hazardous Road Conditions
• Oversized Loads
• Falling Debris
• Blind Spots
• Distracted Driving
• Reckless Driving
• Poorly Screened Drivers
• Impaired Driving
• Fatigued Driving
• Tailgating

Common Truck Accident Injuries 

Truck accidents can cause a variety of injuries, ranging from mild to catastrophic. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Brain injuries can occur even if there is no direct trauma to the head. Whiplash and rapid acceleration or deceleration can lead to a TBI. Symptoms can include nausea, confusion, vision problems and other cognitive issues.
• Spinal injuries: Serious truck accidents can cause spinal cord injuries that lead to paralysis and disability. Spinal injuries can be devastating and life-changing.
• Scarring: Cuts and lacerations can leave behind scarring that may never heal. 
• Bone fractures: The powerful impact of a semi-truck accident can lead to broken bones that require extensive treatment and lengthy recovery periods. 
• Internal injuries: Blunt trauma can cause internal bleeding. These types of injuries are often serious and difficult to treat.
• In extreme cases, catastrophic injuries can impact the victim for life.

Injuries from truck accidents are often severe, requiring extensive treatment and rehabilitation. Some injuries are so severe that they cause temporary or permanent disability that impacts your ability to return to work.

What is my Truck Accident Claim Worth?

Any non-fatal trucking accident can result in thousands of dollars worth of damage to vehicles, and the cost can go up exponentially when medical costs (even for minor injuries) are factored in. Fatal accidents are naturally far more devastating, as there’s funerary costs in addition to vehicle damage and medical treatment, not to mention the severe emotional turmoil that stems from it. But because all accidents are different, costs are not all the same. This is a fact unfortunately overlooked by many insurance companies and basic claims courts, which is why it is important to understand exactly what kind of compensation you deserve. In fact, the average cost tends to go up with truck size. For example, an accident involving a regular truck with no trailer ends up costing around $100,000, whereas an accident involving a semi pulling a trailer can result in hundreds of thousands more. If a fatality results, the cost can top a whopping $7 million, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Unfortunately, most insurance policies, even those for large trucking companies, don’t even come close to providing coverage for that, leaving victims and their families stuck with unfair bills.

How To Choose The Best Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer for My Claim

Semi-truck accidents can leave you with life-changing injuries. If someone else’s carelessness is the cause of the accident and your injuries, you have a right to pursue compensation for your damages.

It is crucial to have a lawyer in your corner who will fight for your interests. Semi-truck accident claims are complicated. You need someone who understands how to navigate the claims process. 

There are several things to consider when choosing a lawyer for your case, including:

• Experience: Do they have experience handling cases involving semi-truck accidents? Semi-truck accidents are complex and often involve multiple parties. You need a lawyer who understands how to build a strong case and achieve the best possible outcome. 
• A positive track record: Does the lawyer have a track record of achieving positive outcomes for clients? Do they have positive testimonials from clients? It is important to choose a lawyer who gets results for clients and fights for their best interests. 
• Compatibility: Do you feel comfortable with the lawyer? Don’t overlook the importance of compatibility. You need a lawyer you can trust. Mutual respect is crucial.
• Availability: Does the lawyer have enough time to dedicate to your case? What is their caseload? To achieve the best outcome, you need a lawyer who will be able to give your case the right amount of attention.

At Klink Law, we handle all of our cases directly, so you know exactly who will be working with you. We are available to answer your questions and help you chart the best path forward in your claim. 

We won’t settle for less than you deserve and won’t hesitate to litigate your case if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Compensation Can Truck Accident Victims Recover?

If a negligent driver or someone else caused a truck accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation to cover the damages you have suffered. A settlement from a truck accident may not erase the pain and suffering you had to go through, but it could allow you and your family to pay off related expenses and move on with financial peace of mind. Although circumstances will vary, truck accident cases could result in the following types of compensation:

• Medical bills
• Disability costs
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional injuries
• Lost quality of life
• Loss of consortium
• Death benefits
• Punitive damages

How Do Truck Accidents Differ From Car Accidents?

Although all motor vehicle accidents have their similarities, there are some key differences between truck accidents and car accidents. For example, the enormous size of commercial trucks can cause much greater injury and damage than the average car accident. An average semi-truck can weigh anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 pounds unloaded.

Truck accidents also frequently create more significant stakes in personal injury lawsuits and insurance claims. Not to mention, the strict federal regulation of commercial trucking adds additional steps and procedures to such cases.

Truck accidents can also differ from car accidents due to the number of parties involved. The driver may not be the only party responsible for the accident. Employers, manufacturers of defective parts and other parties may have also been negligent.

Because truck accidents are so complex, it is crucial to work with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Glendale who has successfully handled cases involving semi-trucks, corporations, and their insurance companies.

Contact A Glendale Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you want to get the compensation you deserve (and you should), it is imperative that you enlist the help of experienced legal counsel. Trucking accidents can be very traumatic and difficult to deal with, but you should not have to suffer further just because of extensive costs from the accident. A Glendale truck accident attorney who is experienced with trucking and other vehicular accidents can help determine what exact costs should be covered by the party who is at fault, and they can help build your case and subsequently carry your lawsuit through until you get the full monetary compensation you deserve. Furthermore, pursuing your own rightful compensation for having been involved in a trucking accident helps to set a precedent of justice for others who have suffered similar situations. When you’re ready, it’s time to get the legal help you need.