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

Average Settlement For Truck Accidents

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.

Truck Accident Statistics In Phoenix, AZ

While you may not hear about semi-truck accidents in Phoenix 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 on a daily basis from other locations throughout the United States. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, there were 2,247 total semi-truck accidents during the most recent reporting year of data. There were 58 deadly crashes and 536 injury collisions out of these events. 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.