Car accidents involving commercial trucks differ significantly from typical passenger vehicle collisions. The size and weight of a large truck, such as a semi, create unique challenges for those involved.
Drivers in Arizona facing a truck accident often deal with serious injuries, property damage, and complex legal processes. The Sorenson Law Firm understands the difficulties accident victims face and aims to guide you through the steps to protect your rights.
This guide explains what to do if you’re involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle to ensure you take the right actions to support a potential personal injury claim.
Immediate Steps To Take After a Commercial Truck Accident
A collision with a commercial truck requires quick thinking to protect your health and legal interests. The moments following a crash are critical for gathering evidence and ensuring safety. Here are key steps to take at the accident scene:
- Ensure Safety: Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers. Check if anyone is injured, and call 911 immediately if medical attention is needed.
- Call the Police: Report the accident to law enforcement. A police report provides an official record of the crash, which insurance companies and attorneys use to assess fault.
- Seek Medical Attention: Visit a doctor even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not show symptoms right away. Medical records link your injuries to the accident, supporting your claim.
- Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Capture the truck’s license plate, company logo, and any damage to your passenger car.
- Exchange Information: Collect the truck driver’s name, contact details, and insurance information. Note the trucking company’s name and contact details, as they may share responsibility.
- Gather Witness Statements: Speak to bystanders who saw the accident. Their contact information and statements can strengthen your case.
These actions help build a solid foundation for your accident claim. Quick documentation preserves evidence that might otherwise be lost.
Why Truck Accidents Differ From Car Crashes
Commercial vehicle accidents involve unique factors not typically seen in standard car accidents. The size and weight of a large commercial truck, such as a semi or delivery van, increase the risk of serious injuries.
Common causes of truck accidents include driver fatigue, improper loading, or mechanical failures. Trucking companies often face strict regulations, and violations can contribute to crashes.
Unlike a typical motor vehicle accident, determining fault in a commercial truck accident may involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, or even the vehicle manufacturer.
Insurance companies handling commercial vehicle accident claims often employ aggressive tactics to minimize payouts. The complexity of these cases requires an experienced accident attorney familiar with federal and Arizona state laws governing commercial drivers.
An injury lawyer at The Sorenson Law Firm can investigate the accident, identify all responsible parties, and pursue fair compensation for your losses.
Understanding Your Legal Rights in Arizona
Arizona law allows accident victims to seek compensation for injuries caused by another party’s negligence.
The statute of limitations in Arizona gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, or property damage.
Commercial vehicle accident cases often involve higher stakes due to the potential for severe injuries and complex liability issues.
Fault in Arizona follows a comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident, but your compensation reduces by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were 20% at fault, your compensation decreases by 20%. An experienced truck accident lawyer can argue to minimize your fault and maximize your recovery.
Common Challenges in Commercial Truck Accident Claims
Pursuing a vehicle accident claim involving a commercial truck presents unique obstacles. Trucking companies and their insurers often have legal teams ready to dispute claims.
They may argue the truck driver followed all regulations or claim you caused the accident. Evidence like driver logs, maintenance records, or black box data from the truck can prove critical but may be difficult to obtain without legal help.
Another challenge involves the scope of damages. Injuries from a commercial truck accident can lead to significant medical expenses and long-term care needs. Insurance companies may offer quick settlements that fail to cover future costs.
A personal injury attorney evaluates the full extent of your damages, including lost wages and emotional distress, to ensure you receive fair compensation.
How The Sorenson Law Firm Can Help
The Sorenson Law Firm specializes in helping Arizona residents injured in accidents involving commercial vehicles. Our team understands the tactics used by insurance companies and trucking companies to avoid liability.
We work to uncover evidence, such as driver logs or maintenance records, to prove who caused the accident. Our accident attorneys guide you through each step, from filing a claim to negotiating a potential settlement.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your accident case. This meeting allows us to review the details of your crash and explain your legal options. Our goal is to secure compensation that covers your medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Contact The Sorenson Law Firm at 480-839-9500 to schedule your consultation today.
Steps To Strengthen Your Commercial Vehicle Accident Claim
Building a strong commercial vehicle accident claim requires careful preparation. Beyond the immediate steps at the accident scene, additional actions can protect your case:
- Preserve Evidence: Keep all documents related to the accident, including medical records, repair bills, and correspondence with insurance companies. These records support your claim’s validity.
- Avoid Social Media: Refrain from posting about the accident or your injuries online. Insurance companies may use your posts to argue your injuries are less severe than claimed.
- Follow Medical Advice: Attend all doctor appointments and follow treatment plans. Gaps in treatment can weaken your claim by suggesting your injuries are not serious.
- Consult an Attorney Early: An injury lawyer can handle communications with insurers and gather evidence before it disappears. Early legal involvement often leads to better outcomes.
These steps help ensure your claim reflects the full impact of the accident on your life. An experienced truck accident attorney can guide you through this process, advocating for your rights.
Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents in Arizona
Accidents involving commercial vehicles often stem from specific issues related to the trucking industry. Driver fatigue remains one of the most common causes, as commercial drivers face pressure to meet tight delivery schedules.
Other factors include distracted driving, improper vehicle maintenance, or overloading the truck. Arizona’s highways, like I-10 and I-40, see heavy truck traffic, increasing the risk of a collision with a commercial vehicle.
Understanding these causes helps your accident lawyer build a case. For example, if a truck driver’s logs show they exceeded legal driving hours, this evidence can prove negligence. The Sorenson Law Firm investigates these details to hold the responsible parties accountable.
What To Expect in the Legal Process
Filing a commercial vehicle accident claim involves several stages. First, your attorney investigates the crash, gathering evidence like police reports and witness statements.
Next, they file a claim with the trucking company’s insurer, detailing your injuries and losses. Negotiations follow, where your attorney pushes for a fair settlement. If the insurer refuses a reasonable offer, your case may proceed to court.
Throughout this process, The Sorenson Law Firm keeps you informed and handles the legal complexities. Our team works to resolve your case efficiently while pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose The Sorenson Law Firm
Choosing the right law firm greatly impacts the outcome of your accident claim. The Sorenson Law Firm brings experience in handling commercial truck accident cases in Arizona.
We understand the challenges of proving liability and securing compensation for serious injuries. Our attorneys fight for accident victims, ensuring their voices are heard against large trucking companies and their insurers.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident with a commercial truck, contact us today. Call 480-839-9500 for a free consultation. We stand ready to help you navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve.
