Trucks are huge, and can create a huge amount of destruction as well. They can crush a passenger car – and everyone in it – as easily as the average person can crush a soda can. No matter what the type of truck accident can be, the consequences can be life altering, or tragic.
When someone is hurt or suffers the tragic loss of a loved one due to negligence resulting in a truck accident, they deserve maximum compensation for that suffering. Penn Kestner & McEwen Arizona truck accident attorneys have been doing just that for years. We’ll get to the bottom on what happened, and then work to get you the money you have coming. Schedule a free case evaluation by contacting us online or calling (800) 732-3070.
Arizona Truck Accident Statistics
Arizona roads see their share of wrecks involving massive commercial trucks. There were 2,382 truck accidents in Arizona in 2021. These led to 81 fatalities and 784 severe injuries.
Causes of Arizona Truck Accidents
There are a lot of different reasons truck accidents happen. Some common causes include:
- Driver error. Truck drivers may make mistakes due to fatigue, distraction, or impairment.
- Vehicle malfunction. Trucks may be more prone to mechanical issues due to their size and the heavy loads they carry.
- Improper loading. If a truck’s load is not properly secured or balanced, it can be more likely to lose control or tip over.
- Lack of maintenance. Neglecting to properly maintain a truck can lead to mechanical issues, tire blowouts and accidents.
- Aggressive driving. Trucks can be difficult to maneuver and may be more likely to be involved in accidents due to aggressive driving behaviors.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents can result in serious and life-threatening injuries for all parties involved. Some common injuries that may occur in truck accidents include:
- Head injuries. These can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries and may require ongoing medical treatment.
- Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis. Even when they don’t, they can require extensive medical care.
- Broken bones. Trucks are large and heavy vehicles, and collisions with them can result in multiple broken bones.
- Internal injuries. These can be difficult to diagnose and may require surgery to repair.
- Lacerations and cuts. Resulting from broken glass or debris, deep lacerations require immediate medical attention.
- Burn injuries. Truck accidents may involve explosions or fires, which can cause burn injuries.
Potential Liable Parties in an Arizona Truck Accident
There are several parties that may be liable in a truck accident. These may include:
- Truck driver. If the driver was at fault for the accident, they may be held liable. This could be due to factors such as distracted driving, impairment, or reckless behavior.
- Trucking company. The company that employs the driver may be held liable if the accident was caused by inadequate training, maintenance, or supervision of the driver.
- Truck manufacturer. If the accident was caused by a defect in the truck, the manufacturer may be held liable.
- Cargo loading company. Improper loading of the truck’s cargo could have contributed to the wreck. The company responsible for that loading may be held liable as a result.
Multi-Party Liability in Truck Accident Cases
In a truck accident, multi-party liability refers to the situation where multiple parties may be held responsible for the accident and any resulting injuries or damages.
For example, in a jackknife truck accident involving a malfunctioning brake system, the manufacturer of the brake system, the company that maintained the truck, and the driver of the truck may all be held liable. In this case, multiple parties would be considered to have multi-party liability.
Determining multi-party liability in a truck accident can be complex, as it requires identifying all of the parties that may have contributed to the accident and determining their level of responsibility. This may involve a thorough investigation and the use of expert testimony to determine the cause of the accident and the parties that may be held liable.
Damages You Can Recover from an Arizona Truck Accident Claim
In a truck accident, damages refer to the compensation that may be sought by the injured party or parties to cover the costs associated with the accident. These costs can include both economic damages (such as medical expenses and wages lost because you can’t work) and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering).
Types of Evidence Used in Arizona Truck Accident Cases
Many types of evidence may be used in truck accident cases to establish liability and determine damages. Some common types of evidence include:
- Police reports. These can provide important information about the circumstances of the accident, including the location, time, and weather conditions.
- Witness statements. Witnesses who saw the accident or the events leading up to it can provide valuable testimony about what happened.
- Expert testimony. Experts in fields such as engineering, accident reconstruction, and medicine may be called upon to provide testimony about the cause of the accident or the nature and extent of the injuries sustained.
- Electronic data. Many modern trucks are equipped with electronic systems – often referred to as “black boxes” – that can record critically important data such as speed, braking, and steering. This data can be used to reconstruct the events leading up to the accident.
It’s important to gather and preserve as much evidence as possible after a truck accident, as this can help establish liability and support a claim for damages. An experienced attorney can help identify the types of evidence that may be relevant and assist with collecting and presenting it in court.
How Can the Truck Accident Attorneys at Penn Kestner & McEwen Help Me?
If you’re going to have any realistic chance to be able to win your case and get the compensation you deserve, you’re going to need the help of a seasoned Arizona truck accident attorney. That’s just the type of attorney you’ll be working with when you choose Penn Kestner & McEwen.
Please get in touch with us as soon as you can to schedule a free case review. Doing so could make all the difference between paying for all of your accident-related expenses and being responsible for taking care of them on your own. You can give us a call at (800) 732-3070, or you can contact us online.