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SEMI TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY IN TUCSON

Accidents involving semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, or a tractor-trailer are especially dangerous because of the size and weight difference between these and other vehicles on the road. Victims of a semi-truck accident often experience serious injury or death. 

If you have been injured in an accident with a large truck, you may be eligible to file a claim against the negligent party to recover significant damages. Consult with an experienced semi-truck accident attorney at Injury Lawyers Tucson to discuss your potential case and get answers to any questions you may have about your specific situation. Our personal injury legal team will help you to understand your rights and the legal process to recover financial compensation.

Traveling without encountering semi-trucks is unavoidable. Trucking is essential in our country’s modern economy. Semis ship products across the country and many drivers make trucking their livelihood.

According to the latest Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report, there were 2,525 truck tractor (with or without semi-trailer) crashes in 2017. Of this total number, 66 truck accidents were involved in fatal crashes, 567 in injury crashes, and 1,892 in (only) property damage crashes.

TRUCK – AUTO ACCIDENT CAUSES

Truck accident victims suffer physical, emotional, and financial losses. Drivers who share the road with semis must be aware of the risks and unique safety concerns different than that of a car. The following are some safety concerns:

Blind Spots

Semi-trucks have a wider blind spot that an ordinary vehicle. These blind spots around the side and rear of the truck make a substantial view of the road and other drivers completely invisible. If you cannot see the side mirrors of a semi, the driver likely cannot see you.

Longer braking and acceleration distances

Many trucks can weigh up to 30 times as much as other vehicles on the roadway. Potential crashes arise when a semi-truck merge with traffic, or need to brake suddenly. It takes longer for them to speed up or slow down in traffic.

Hazardous Loads

Trucks carry hazardous loads including gas, corrosive or explosive materials, and a collision could result in not only serious injury, but also environmental harm.

Driver Fatigue

Truckers drive long hours, which increases the risk to other motorists on the road. It is impossible to tell if a driver is fresh, or is fatigued from working all day.

Other causes of Semi-truck or 18-wheeler accidents include:

• Driver traveling too fast for the road conditions
• Driver is following another vehicle too closely
• Truck has not been properly maintained (brakes, tires…)
• Driver is tired and fatigued at the wheel
• Distracted driving
• Driver is inattentive
• Driver is intoxicated with alcohol or drugs
• Driver makes illegal maneuvers
• Driver fails to yield for other traffic
• Driver does not obey traffic laws
• Driver loses control of the truck due to shifting load or weather or road conditions

SEMI-TRUCK REGULATIONS

An agency called the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under the United States Department of Transportation regulates the trucking industry in the U.S. Federal regulations issued by the FMCSA includes quality control, mandated rest time, and weight limitations. The FMCSA enforces regulations in order to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks.

Semi-truck and large truck drivers must obtain a commercial driver’s license. Also, there are state regulations in place. Both state and federal laws are considered when determining fault, or negligence for a truck accident.

TRUCK ACCIDENT NEGLIGENCE IN TUCSON

Victims involved in a semi-truck crash need to know who may be held responsible for damages and losses due to injury from the accident. One or more parties may be at fault. Injury Lawyers Tucson will assist victims in filing a lawsuit against any negligent party. A party liable for compensation may include:

• The truck driver
• The truck owner
• The team responsible for maintaining the truck
• The team responsible for loading the cargo
• The entity responsible for road maintenance
• The manufacturer of the truck or its faulty parts

The legal representation needed to recover all compensation for the amount of your damages should be left to a semi-truck accident attorney expert at Injury Lawyers Tucson. Our personal injury law firm has a reputation for recovering maximum compensation for injury victims because we have experience with personal injury cases in Arizona, and we have extensive knowledge of the law and the legal process.

RECOVERING COMPENSATION IN A TRUCK ACCIDENT

Semi-truck accident cases are complicated and involved.  Injury Lawyers Tucson handles the complexity of the claim, and goes to work for the victim. Different issues arise that must be dealt with by an experienced attorney.

In general, a lawyer will investigate and examine the case to determine negligence. A driver who breaches a duty of driving with care and caused harm to another may be liable for damages after a collision. The plaintiff of a lawsuit must prove negligence.

In legal speak, a party is liable if they had a duty (in this case, a duty to drive safely and maintain a properly working vehicle), that they failed to uphold this duty (driving recklessly), and that harm was suffered per breach of duty (injury or property damage).

Injury Lawyer Tucson personal injury legal team will explore and examine every aspect of your case in order to discover evidence, negligence, and the impact of your injury.

TYPES DAMAGES RECOVERED BY VICTIMS OF SEMI-TRUCK ACCIDENTS

Economic Damages

Any financial losses as a result of the accident may be recovered including medical expenses (current and future), property damage, lost wages, loss of earning capacity

Non-economic Damages

These losses do not have a direct monetary value like economic damages. Examples include pain and suffering, emotional distress or trauma, disfigurement, or wrongful death.

Punitive Damages

These damages are awarded by a jury, and often to punish an offender.

TRUCK ACCIDENT VICTIMS – WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU ARE IN A TRUCK ACCIDENT

As with any motor vehicle accident, make sure all parties involved are safe. Seek medical attention for any injured persons. Exchange information with the truck driver: contact information, insurance information, and information about the trucking company. Take these necessary steps, but you don’t have to divulge any further information. Contact the police after the accident. The officer will write n accident report, and determine fault.

Next, contact Injury Lawyers Tucson law firm immediately for legal assistance and to protect your rights.

If possible, you should take pictures and collect evidence at the scene. Photos of the surroundings, both vehicles, and record of names and contact information of witnesses are helpful to your case.

Also, keep accurate records of all medical expenses of your injuries. Even logging a daily journal of your injury and how they impact your life daily could be important to your ability to recover maximum compensation for damages.

Injury Lawyers Tucson advises that you allow us to talk to the insurance companies. We can communicate and provide statements on your behalf. Dealing with insurance companies is best left to an attorney.

The process by which Injury Lawyers Tucson provides successful, effective, and professional legal representation for a personal injury claim allows accident victims to recover maximum compensation.

As part of our expert legal services, Injury Lawyers Tucson personal injury attorney will assist you in every step of the legal process to recover a settlement for an injury due to an accident. All negligent parties are expected to compensate a victim for all economic and non-economic damages. These damages include monetary losses and other losses that may not appear to have a dollar value (pain and suffering).