Causes of Large Truck Accidents

Large truck accidents can be caused by a multitude of things, whether it is due to negligence, mechanical failure, or bad weather/road conditions. Numerous truck accidents occur every day in Phoenix. Most often, a truck accident is the result of a negligent driver or a disregard in safety codes and standards of Arizona law. Truck accidents usually involve smaller vehicles that were crashed into by 18-wheelers, big rigs, semi-trucks, or tractor trailers. These accidents can regrettably cause a person serious injuries, permanent emotional and physical damage, or, possibly, death.

Negligence

One common cause of truck accidents is negligence. For example, a truck driver may become complacent with driving, and, thus, easily distracted. This distraction may cause a driver to overlook various warning signs and/or an area's speed limit. Another example is when a commercial truck driver is pressured to deliver a truck's contents by a certain time. This pressure can cause a truck driver to drive recklessly and speedily. A driver can also be highly negligent if they are intoxicated. Awareness and natural instincts when operating a vehicle will be significantly hampered and greatly decreased. Because of this, a driver may cause an accident since their reaction time will be slower than the average sober driver. Failure to drive with caution may cause an unwanted truck accident.

Product Defect

Another common cause of a truck accident is when there is a defect in the vehicle. These defects may include, but are not limited to, brake failure, a flat tire, or defects in signal lights. Manufacturers need to be accountable in providing safe vehicles that meet all safety codes and regulations of the State. Operators of the truck should also periodically check to see if maintenance is required to avoid any unnecessary accidents. Conscious violation of safety codes and standards might cause a truck accident.

Conscious Disregard of Regulations

Additionally, there are various federal regulations in place for trucks. According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), trucks have regulations on the length, width, and weight of the vehicle. It is also required that truck drivers undergo a truck driving test to ensure that they are qualified and capable of driving such a massive truck. If these regulations are disregarded, it could potentially cause serious injuries and, possibly, death to other drivers in smaller vehicles.

Weather and Road Conditions

Lastly, additional causes of large truck accidents are bad weather and/or road conditions. Bad weather, such as rain, snow, or hail, may limit a driver's vision or cause the extremely heavy truck to slide. Bad road conditions are also quite hazardous. For example, if the road is uneven or debris is present, the truck driver could potentially lose control of the vehicle. These hazardous conditions may potentially cause a person serious injuries.

Claims Involving Minor Children

When a minor (someone under 18 years of age) has a personal injury claim, in many cases, there is an extra set of procedures that apply to protect the interests of the minor. Specifically, the minor, usually through their attorney, will petition the probate court for approval of the minor settlement. This includes the amount of the settlement, the medical expenses to be paid from the settlement, the attorney's fees and costs, and the net settlement for the minor claimant. A more detailed explanation of this process is explained on our Minor Child Injury Pages.

Claims against Government Agencies or Public Entities

When a government or public employee or agency is negligent and causes an injury, there is a markedly different process involved as compared to a claim against an individual or private business. There is a much shorter time frame to bring a claim and a lawsuit. Therefore, there is an increased urgency to obtain legal counsel to timely submit a claim against a government agency or public entity. A more detailed explanation is available on our Government or Public Entities Claims Pages.

Litigation Process

We are able to resolve the overwhelming majority of our cases relatively promptly and without ever having to go to court. However, there are a number of reasons why we would recommend litigation to our clients. When that occurs, our office will thoroughly explain the litigation process, including the risks, benefits, and how it relates to your case before we file litigation. For more detailed information, please review our Litigation Process Pages.

Contact Us

Our lawyers have the experience to advise an injured victim and their family regarding the diverse issues involved with a truck accident. We will thoroughly investigate the victim's acquired injuries and their various losses. If you or a loved one has suffered a truck accident, please contact our Large Truck Accident Lawyers for a free, personal, and confidential consultation. You can contact the Law Offices of Michael Cordova at 602-265-6700.

Our lawyers not only work on large truck accident cases but in other Personal Injury areas, as well as Motor Vehicle Accidents, dog bites, motorcycle accidents, product and premises liability, and criminal defense and DUI, so please contact your local Phoenix attorneys for a free consultation.

*Contingent fees are charged on total recovery. **No Fee Guarantee applies in the event there is no recovery.