Mesa Truck Accident Lawyer

Accidents caused by large trucks can be some of the most devastating collisions that happen on the road. They often lead to severe injuries, property damage, and even loss of life in the most extreme cases. Because these trucks are massive in size and weight, they can cause catastrophic harm to others out on the road. If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a collision like this, hiring a Mesa truck accident lawyer can help you recover and move forward.

At Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C., we understand the intense challenges you might be facing as a truck accident victim. When our clients feel lost, we help to restore their confidence by investigating the circumstances of the accident, gathering critical evidence, and identifying all possible liable parties involved. At the end of the day, we aspire to leave our clients feeling confident that their case is in good hands and that they did all they could to maximize their compensation award.

By taking the time to understand the common causes of truck accidents, you will be better positioned to determine liability and build a strong legal case with your personal injury attorney. Some of the more frequent causes of truck accidents in Arizona include:

Driver Fatigue

Whenever a truck driver pushes themselves beyond safe limits to meet a tight deadline, they risk falling victim to fatigue. Federal laws exist to limit truck drivers on how long they are able to drive for a single period of time. However, a driver might feel pressured to skip a required rest break to make up for time that may have been lost from bad traffic or weather conditions. If they choose to do this and cause an accident by falling asleep at the wheel, they could be found liable.

Distracted Driving

Another widespread problem that has been picking up steam in the trucking industry is distracted driving. This is because more truck drivers, just like traditional drivers on the road, face the temptation of sending a text message, using a GPS, or even eating while they are also operating a vehicle. Because the size and weight of commercial trucks are more significant than traditional vehicles, the impact of causing an accident by distracted driving can be much more catastrophic.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Ignoring the posted speed limits and driving recklessly are especially dangerous behaviors for truck drivers. This is because it’s more difficult for them to stop fast or maneuver such large vehicles when compared to more traditional vehicles on the road. For example, a speeding truck will need a much longer distance to come to a full stop. This increases the likelihood of causing a rear-end collision or rollover that could have fatal consequences.

Improperly Loaded or Overloaded Cargo

Anytime cargo on a truck becomes unevenly distributed or not properly secured; it can shift during transit. In some unfortunate scenarios, this can cause the truck to become unbalanced and roll over. The more a truck is overloaded, the more strain it places on the vehicle’s brake system and tires. This makes it harder to control the truck, which, in turn, increases the likelihood of it crashing on the road.

Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance

All commercial trucks need regular maintenance to ensure they are safe to operate. However, not all trucking companies prioritize staying updated on these maintenance requirements and not all drivers comply with these mandates from their employer. If a mechanical failure like a brake malfunction or tire blowout causes an accident to happen, an attorney can look into whether the driver, employer, or manufacturer could share some of the fault.

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

A: The value of a truck accident settlement varies widely based on the severity of the injuries. The more expenses you can link to the accident, like your medical bills and auto shop repairs, the more room you have to request a higher settlement. On average, settlements for truck accidents are higher than traditional car accidents due to the more catastrophic impact these specific accidents cause. An attorney can help ensure you secure as much in your settlement as possible.

Q: What Do I Do After a Truck Accident That Is Not My Fault in Arizona?

A: If you were recently involved in a truck accident in Mesa, AZ that you do not believe was your fault, you will need to prove this to all of the other stakeholders involved. After receiving medical care and reporting the incident, you need to work with your attorney to collect evidence that suggests you were the victim of another individual or entity’s poor decision-making. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and deal with insurance companies.

Q: Can a Trucking Company Be Responsible for Damages?

A: Yes, trucking companies can be held responsible for damages in some accidents. This is because employers are often liable for the actions of their drivers under the legal principle of “vicarious liability.” This means that the company may be responsible if there is evidence to suggest that the driver was operating within the scope of their employment. A company could also be held responsible if they hired unqualified drivers or did not properly train them.

Q: What Evidence Is Important in a Truck Accident Case?

A: Strong evidence will always be the cornerstone of any truck accident case. Some key pieces of evidence include police reports and medical records. Both of these will give stronger insight into what happened at the accident scene and what impact the injuries had on your health and well-being. Other evidence, like black box data from the truck, driver logs, and GPS records, can also give more insight into the truck driver’s behavior and compliance with safety regulations.

If you have recently been involved in a truck accident and are in need of financial and legal support, contact our lawyers today. We have already helped countless individuals who were in similar predicaments in the past and would be honored to extend our lessons learned from those cases and apply them to your own.