TRACTOR TRAILER ACCIDENT LAWYER IN PHOENIX, AZ

Tractor trailer accidents are one of the leading causes of death and injury on the highway. In most cases, passenger vehicles take significantly more damage than the tractor trailer. But what causes these commercial vehicles to wreck? 

Our experienced attorneys list several causes of tractor trailer accidents, some of which are intentional, and some are not.

• Some accidents result from the vehicle traveling over the centerline or off the road entirely. Speeding, loss of control, inattention, and driver aggression are also cited.
• Driver nonperformance is another source. This includes fatigue, sickness, and the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Vehicle malfunctions, faulty parts, bad weather, and poor roads cause accidents as well.

What Should You Do If You Are in a Tractor Trailer Accident in Phoenix?

Tractor trailer accidents are often devastating, with massive medical bills and totaled vehicles. They terrify even the most experienced drivers, and can leave you at a loss. At YMLG, we understand how complex and confusing these situations are. Our compassionate tractor trailer accident lawyers will guide you through this step-by-step process of personal injury claims until you get the compensation you deserve.

1. Stop and immediately report the crash to law enforcement. Stay at the scene unless you require immediate medical attention. Once an officer arrives and fills out an accident report, request a copy from them. This is valuable evidence if you end up in court.
2. Seek medical attention. Even if you can’t see or feel any injuries at first, a doctor can provide a more thorough examination. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can seek compensation for your injuries.
3. Identify any and all involved parties. Make sure you know the company of the truck that hit you, as well as any unique characteristics about that truck, if possible. Always get the operator’s name and contact information, as well as their insurance information. Also try to get their driver’s license number, and the contact information for their employer.
4. Collect statements from witnesses or simply take their contact information if you need more details about the accident.
5. Take pictures of and notes about the accident for later use. These photos count as evidence in your case for injuries, damage to your vehicle, and more.
6. Stay mindful of what you say. If an insurance adjuster contacts you regarding the accident, they will try to use your statements against you. Always speak with an experienced tractor trailer accident attorney as soon as possible before giving any statements.

Who Is Liable in a Phoenix Tractor Trailer Accident?

Liability in these cases depends on a number of factors. The truck driver seems like the most likely candidate for assigning liability, but many other parties may also be responsible for the crash. We’ve compiled a list of potential parties to be held responsible for your injuries in a tractor trailer accident. In any case, we will prove negligence on your behalf to award you with just compensation.

• The tractor trailer operator
• The trucking company
• Trailer owners
• Manufacturers of truck parts
• Independent contractors
• Freight shippers
• Insurance companies

Someone in that list is responsible for your injuries and property damages. At YMLG, our Phoenix personal injury attorneys will use their experience in the courtroom to get what you’re entitled to.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Tractor Trailer Truck Accidents in Arizona?

In general, the Arizona statute of limitations for truck accidents extends 2 years from the time and date of the accident. Once your accident occurs, you have 2 years to file a lawsuit. What this means is that, the sooner you file your claim, the better. Even if you don’t need help paying your medical bills at first, your expenses resulting from the accident will likely build up over time.

We recommend filing your claim or lawsuit sooner rather than later to avoid any unnecessary financial burdens. If you wait until after the 2 year limit passes, you can no longer file your claim. This is true unless you meet certain exceptions.

• Rule of Discovery: For example, you might not know that you have any injuries after the accident. If you discover at a later date that you did, in fact, get injured during the accident, your 2-year “clock” begins anew.
• If the Victim Is a Minor: The statute of limitations is delayed, but resumes on the date that the victim turns 18.
• Wrongful Death: The “clock” starts at the time of the victim’s death, which could be much later than the accident itself.

Arizona Trucking Laws