The statistics on commercial truck accidents in Arizona are sobering. Each year, thousands of these collisions occur on our highways, and the results are often catastrophic. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, creating an impact force that passenger vehicles simply cannot withstand. The aftermath is a chaotic scene of severe injuries, emotional trauma, and a complicated legal puzzle. Fault isn’t always straightforward; it can lie with the driver, the trucking company, the maintenance crew, or even the cargo loader. Untangling this liability requires specific expertise. This is why securing a dedicated Arizona 18 wheeler accident lawyer is not just a good idea—it’s essential for anyone seeking justice and fair compensation for their suffering.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the complexity of your case: A truck accident isn’t just a bigger car crash. Liability often extends beyond the driver to the trucking company, maintenance crews, and cargo loaders, making it crucial to identify every party at fault.
- Protect your health and your claim from the start: After an accident, seek immediate medical attention, even for minor pain. Gather evidence like photos and witness information at the scene, but politely decline to give a recorded statement to the insurance company to protect your rights.
- Partner with a specialized attorney to level the playing field: Trucking and insurance companies have powerful legal teams. A lawyer who specializes in truck accidents knows how to counter their tactics, preserve critical evidence like black box data, and accurately calculate your long-term needs to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
The Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Arizona
When you’re sharing the road with a massive 18-wheeler, it’s easy to feel uneasy. Their sheer size and weight command attention, and for good reason. An accident involving a commercial truck is rarely minor. The consequences can be life-altering, not just for the people directly involved, but for their families and communities. Understanding the realities of these incidents is the first step toward protecting your rights if you ever find yourself in this difficult situation. From the alarming frequency of these crashes on Arizona roads to the complex web of causes and the devastating injuries that follow, the picture is a serious one.
What the Statistics Show
The numbers paint a stark picture of the danger on our roads. In just one recent year in Arizona, there were 2,485 accidents involving large commercial trucks, and 107 of those crashes were fatal. These aren’t just statistics; they represent thousands of lives suddenly turned upside down. Because a fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, the force of impact in a collision with a standard passenger car is catastrophic. The resulting injuries are often severe, and the path to recovery can be incredibly challenging. When you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, you’re not just another number. You’re a person who deserves justice and support.
What Causes These Devastating Accidents?
A truck accident is rarely a simple event. The cause often stems from a combination of factors, which can make determining fault a complicated process. Driver mistakes are a frequent cause, including speeding to meet tight deadlines, distracted driving, or driving while fatigued. However, the responsibility doesn’t always stop with the driver. Trucking companies can contribute by overloading trucks, failing to perform proper maintenance, or pressuring drivers to ignore safety regulations. Even issues with the road itself, like poor design or hazardous conditions, can play a role. Untangling these factors is key to holding the right parties accountable for the personal injury you’ve suffered.
High-Risk Roads and Routes in Arizona
While a truck accident can happen anywhere, some Arizona roads see more than their fair share of these incidents. Major arteries like the I-10, I-17, and I-40 are corridors for commerce, meaning they are constantly filled with heavy truck traffic moving goods across the state and country. This high volume increases the risk for everyone. These cases are far more complex than a typical car accident because multiple parties could be liable—from the driver and their employer to the truck manufacturer or the company that loaded the cargo. The complexity of these claims is why having an experienced legal team is so important, especially when a crash results in a tragic wrongful death.
Understanding the Long-Term Impact of Injuries
The physical recovery from a truck accident is often just the beginning of a long journey. These collisions frequently cause catastrophic harm, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and severe internal injuries that require extensive and ongoing medical care. The impact extends far beyond the initial hospital stay, often leading to a future of physical therapy, multiple surgeries, and chronic pain. This can prevent you from returning to work, creating immense financial strain. The emotional and psychological toll is just as significant, affecting not only you but your entire family. Securing compensation that accounts for all of these long-term needs is essential for rebuilding your life.
Your First Steps After a Truck Accident
The moments after a collision with an 18-wheeler are chaotic and frightening. It’s hard to think clearly, but the actions you take right away can protect your health and your ability to seek fair compensation later. If you find yourself in this situation, focus on these essential steps.
Prioritize Safety at the Scene
Your first priority is always safety. Before you do anything else, check on yourself and your passengers for injuries. If your vehicle is drivable and it’s safe to do so, move it to the shoulder or off the main road to prevent another collision. Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers. The shock and adrenaline can make it difficult to assess the situation, so take a deep breath and focus on getting yourself and others out of harm’s way. Don’t attempt to confront the truck driver; just focus on creating a safe space while you wait for help to arrive. Your well-being is the most important thing after a truck accident.
Get Medical Care and Document Your Injuries
Call 911 immediately, even if you think the accident was minor. First responders can secure the scene and provide medical assistance. It’s critical to get a medical evaluation, even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, don’t have immediate symptoms, and adrenaline can mask pain. Going to the emergency room or seeing your doctor creates an official medical record that connects your injuries to the accident. This documentation is essential for your personal injury claim and ensures you get the care you need to recover properly. Don’t wait—your health and your case depend on it.
Preserve Critical Evidence
If you are physically able and the scene is secure, start gathering evidence. Use your phone to take pictures and videos of everything. Capture the damage to all vehicles involved, their positions on the road, the truck’s license plate and any company logos, skid marks, and the surrounding area, including traffic signs and weather conditions. If there are any witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers. Their accounts can be incredibly valuable. Avoid discussing fault or details of the accident with anyone other than the police. Simply collect information. This evidence provides a snapshot of the scene that can be crucial for proving what happened.
How to File a Police Report
You should always report the accident to the police. When officers arrive, they will create an official accident report, which is a vital piece of evidence. Give the officer a clear, factual account of what happened, but stick to the facts and avoid speculating or admitting any fault. For example, say “The other vehicle crossed into my lane” instead of “I think he might have been distracted.” Be sure to get the responding officer’s name, badge number, and the police report number before you leave the scene. This report provides an authoritative, third-party record of the incident that will be referenced by insurance companies and your legal team. You can find answers to other common questions on our FAQ page.
What to Say to the Insurance Company
Soon after the accident, you will likely get a call from the trucking company’s insurance adjuster. Be very careful. Their job is to protect their company’s interests, which means paying you as little as possible. You are not required to give them a recorded statement, and you shouldn’t. They can use your words, even innocent comments, against you to devalue or deny your claim. Politely decline to give a statement and do not sign any documents they send you. Simply tell them you will be speaking with an attorney and will have your representative contact them. This protects your rights and prevents you from unintentionally harming your case before you’ve had a chance to get legal advice.
Why a Specialized Truck Accident Lawyer is Crucial
After a collision with an 18-wheeler, you might feel like you’re up against a giant. In many ways, you are. Trucking companies and their insurers have powerful legal teams ready to protect their interests, not yours. This isn’t a battle you should fight alone. While any personal injury lawyer can take your case, one who specializes in truck accidents brings a distinct advantage. They understand the specific complexities of the trucking industry, from federal regulations to the multiple parties who could be at fault. Having an expert in your corner is the single most important step you can take to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Navigating Complex Trucking Regulations
A crash involving a commercial truck is fundamentally different from a typical car accident. The trucking industry is governed by a dense web of federal and state regulations that don’t apply to regular drivers. These rules cover everything from how many hours a driver can be on the road to specific maintenance schedules and cargo loading procedures. A specialized truck accident lawyer knows these regulations—like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines—inside and out. They can quickly identify when a trucking company or driver has cut corners, providing a clear path to proving negligence and holding them accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Identifying All Liable Parties
In a car crash, liability often falls on one other driver. In a truck accident, the fault can be spread across several people and companies. It’s rarely just the driver’s fault. The trucking company could be liable for negligent hiring or poor maintenance. The cargo company could be responsible for improperly loading the trailer. The truck’s manufacturer could be at fault for a defective part. Even a government entity could be partially responsible for unsafe road conditions. An experienced attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to identify every party that shares responsibility, which is essential for ensuring you can recover the full amount of compensation you need for your recovery.
Countering Insurance Company Tactics
Trucking companies are backed by large insurance corporations with one primary goal: paying out as little as possible. Their adjusters and lawyers are trained to minimize your claim. They might pressure you into giving a recorded statement, offer a quick but unfairly low settlement, or intentionally drag out the process, hoping you’ll give up. When you hire a lawyer, you get a professional advocate who understands these tactics and knows how to counter them. We handle all communications with the insurance company, protecting you from their strategies and fighting to ensure their settlement offer reflects what your personal injury claim is truly worth.
Gathering the Necessary Evidence
The key to a successful truck accident claim is strong evidence, and much of it is in the trucking company’s possession. This includes the truck’s “black box” or Electronic Logging Device (ELD), which records speed and braking data; the driver’s logs and qualification file; and the vehicle’s inspection and maintenance records. This evidence can be “lost” or destroyed if you don’t act quickly. A specialized lawyer knows exactly what to ask for and will immediately send a spoliation letter to legally demand the preservation of all critical evidence. We work to gather this information and build a powerful, evidence-based case on your behalf.
Meeting Strict Legal Deadlines
In Arizona, you have a limited time to take legal action after an accident. This is known as the statute of limitations, and for most personal injury cases, it’s two years from the date of the incident. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to file a lawsuit and recover any compensation, no matter how strong your case is. In some situations, such as when a government entity is involved, the deadline can be even shorter—sometimes just a matter of months. An attorney will manage all these critical deadlines, ensuring your case is filed correctly and on time so you can focus on your health and recovery. Don’t wait to get the help you need.
How to Choose the Right Truck Accident Attorney
Finding the right legal partner after a traumatic event can feel like another mountain to climb, but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The right attorney doesn’t just file paperwork; they become your advocate, your guide, and your strongest line of defense against powerful trucking and insurance companies. When you’re looking for representation, you’re searching for a firm with a deep understanding of the specific laws governing commercial vehicles. A general practice lawyer simply won’t have the niche experience required for these complex cases.
Your attorney should be prepared to investigate every angle, from the driver’s logbooks to the trucking company’s maintenance records. They need the resources to hire accident reconstruction experts and the tenacity to stand up for your rights. Think of this process as hiring a specialist for a critical job. You wouldn’t see a general doctor for heart surgery, and you shouldn’t hire a general attorney for a truck accident claim. Taking the time to vet your options ensures you have a true expert in your corner, someone who can handle the legal fight while you focus on healing.
Key Qualifications to Look For
When you start your search, look for credentials that prove an attorney’s focus. While any lawyer can take on a truck accident case, you want someone who lives and breathes this area of law. Some attorneys pursue board certification in Truck Accident Law, which is a significant indicator of their dedication. To earn this, a lawyer must show that a substantial part of their practice is dedicated to trucking litigation and pass a difficult exam. This isn’t just a fancy title; it’s proof that they have a high level of knowledge and hands-on experience in this specific field, setting them apart from general personal injury lawyers.
Verify Their Experience with Trucking Cases
Beyond certifications, ask directly about their experience. How many truck accident cases have they handled? What were the outcomes? An experienced attorney will be familiar with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) and know how to use violations of these rules to build your case. They understand the common tactics trucking companies use to avoid liability and are prepared to counter them. When you speak with a potential lawyer, you should feel confident that they have seen cases like yours before. The legal team you choose should be able to point to a history of working specifically on complex trucking claims.
Review Their Track Record and Resources
A law firm’s history can tell you a lot about its ability to handle your case. Look for a proven track record of success in truck accident litigation. While past results don’t guarantee a future outcome, a history of securing significant settlements and verdicts shows two things: the firm knows how to win, and it has the financial resources to go toe-to-toe with large corporations. These cases can be expensive to litigate, often requiring expert witnesses and extensive investigation. A firm with a strong track record has demonstrated it can fund a case properly to get the best possible result for its clients.
Understand Their Fee Structure
The cost of hiring a lawyer is a valid concern, especially when you’re already facing medical bills and lost income. Most reputable personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any attorney’s fees unless and until they win your case through a settlement or a trial verdict. The fee is then taken as a percentage of the total recovery. This arrangement allows you to get expert legal help without any upfront financial risk. Always ask for a clear explanation of the fee structure and any other potential costs during your initial consultation. You can find answers to common questions on our FAQ page.
Find a Communication Style That Fits You
Finally, trust your gut. You will be working closely with your attorney for months, or even years, so it’s important to find someone you feel comfortable with. Do they listen to your story with empathy? Do they explain complex legal concepts in a way you can understand? A good lawyer will treat you with respect and keep you informed throughout the process. You should feel like a valued client, not just another case number. The best way to gauge this is to schedule a free consultation and see how the team communicates with you from the very first interaction.
Know Your Rights: What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you’re likely facing a mountain of expenses and an uncertain future. Understanding what you’re entitled to is the first step toward getting your life back on track. Arizona law allows you to seek compensation for the harm you’ve suffered, but the process involves navigating specific legal rules and deadlines. It’s not just about covering your immediate bills; it’s about securing your financial stability for the long term. An experienced attorney can help you identify every category of loss to ensure you demand the full and fair compensation you deserve.
How Arizona’s “Comparative Negligence” Law Works
It’s common to worry that you won’t be able to file a claim if you were even slightly at fault for the accident. However, Arizona follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you share some of the blame. Here’s how it works: the court will determine the percentage of fault for each party involved. Your total compensation award is then reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 10% at fault for the crash, your final settlement would be reduced by 10%. This rule ensures that you aren’t unfairly barred from receiving help for a personal injury caused primarily by someone else’s actions.
The Clock is Ticking: Arizona’s Statute of Limitations
In Arizona, you have a limited window of time to file a lawsuit for a truck accident. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations, and for most personal injury cases, it is two years from the date of the accident. While that might sound like a lot of time, building a strong case requires thorough investigation, evidence gathering, and negotiation. If you fail to file your claim within this two-year period, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation forever. It’s one of the most critical deadlines in the legal process, which is why it’s so important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Types of Compensation You Can Claim
After a serious truck accident, your losses go far beyond the initial hospital visit. The goal of a personal injury claim is to make you “whole” again by providing financial compensation for every loss you’ve endured. This compensation, also called “damages,” is typically broken down into a few key categories. You can seek recovery for all of your medical bills, both past and future. You can also claim the income you lost while out of work and any impact the injury has on your future earning ability. Finally, you are entitled to compensation for your physical pain and emotional suffering. A thorough truck accident claim accounts for all of these damages.
Covering Your Medical Expenses
Medical debt is one of the biggest sources of stress for accident victims. A successful claim can provide compensation for all medical care related to your injuries. This includes everything from the initial ambulance ride and emergency room visit to surgeries, hospital stays, and prescription medications. It also covers future medical needs, such as ongoing physical therapy, rehabilitation, necessary medical equipment like wheelchairs, and any long-term nursing care you might require. Your attorney will work with medical experts to accurately calculate these future costs to ensure you aren’t left paying out-of-pocket years down the road for care you need because of the accident.
Recovering Lost Wages and Future Income
An injury doesn’t just take a physical toll; it can sideline your career and destabilize your finances. You have the right to recover wages you lost because you were unable to work during your recovery. But what if your injuries are permanent and prevent you from returning to your old job or working at the same capacity? In that case, you can also seek compensation for “loss of earning capacity.” This covers the difference between what you would have earned and what you can now earn. Proving these losses requires careful documentation and often the help of financial experts, which is a key part of building a strong personal injury case.
Seeking Damages for Pain and Suffering
Some of the most significant impacts of a truck accident aren’t visible on a medical bill. “Pain and suffering” is a legal term for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced due to your injuries. This includes compensation for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the loss of enjoyment of life. While no amount of money can erase this trauma, this compensation acknowledges the profound human cost of the accident. Our team at AZ Law Now understands the immense personal toll these accidents take and fights to ensure your suffering is recognized.
Planning for Long-Term Care Costs
Severe injuries from a truck accident can require a lifetime of care. This might involve in-home health aides, specialized therapies, or modifications to your home and vehicle to accommodate a disability. These costs can be astronomical over a lifetime. Trucking companies and their insurers are known for trying to minimize these future expenses in a settlement offer, which can leave you and your family in a difficult position later on. An experienced attorney will consult with medical and life-care planning experts to create a detailed projection of your future needs. This ensures your settlement or verdict is sufficient to provide for your health and well-being for the rest of your life.
How to Build a Strong Truck Accident Case
After a collision with an 18-wheeler, you might feel overwhelmed by the path ahead. Building a strong case is your best tool for securing the compensation you deserve, and it starts with a few focused steps. While your attorney will handle the legal heavy lifting, your actions in the days and weeks after the crash can significantly influence the outcome. It’s about methodically gathering the right information and working with a team that understands the unique complexities of these specific claims. A truck accident case isn’t just a bigger car accident case; it involves different federal and state regulations, more potential at-fault parties—from the driver to the trucking company to the maintenance crew—and powerful corporate opponents with deep pockets. By understanding the key components of a solid claim, you can feel more in control during a challenging time. Taking these steps helps ensure that your story is told accurately and that you are positioned to receive a result that truly reflects what you have lost. It’s your opportunity to level the playing field and fight for the resources you need to heal and move forward.
Collect the Most Critical Evidence
One of the first and most important steps is to gather all possible evidence to prove what happened and who is at fault. If you are able, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get the contact information of any witnesses, as their accounts can be invaluable. Beyond the basics, truck accident cases involve unique evidence like the driver’s logs, maintenance records, and data from the truck’s “black box” recorder. An experienced attorney knows how to issue a spoliation letter to the trucking company, legally requiring them to preserve this crucial information before it can be altered or destroyed.
The Role of Expert Testimony
Truck accident claims are often too complex to be explained by photos and police reports alone. This is where expert witnesses come in. These cases frequently rely on testimony from specialists who can interpret the evidence for a judge or jury. An accident reconstructionist can analyze data from the truck’s black box and the crash scene to create a scientific model of how the collision occurred. Medical experts can explain the full extent of your injuries and your needs for future care. We also work with economic experts who can calculate your total lost income and future earning potential, ensuring every financial loss is accounted for.
Keep Your Documentation Organized
From the moment the accident happens, you will start to accumulate a mountain of paperwork. Keeping it all organized is essential. Create a dedicated folder for everything related to your case. This includes all medical records, bills from doctors and hospitals, receipts for prescriptions, and any other out-of-pocket expenses. You should also track your missed time from work and keep copies of your pay stubs to document lost wages. Staying organized not only helps your attorney build a stronger case but also ensures you don’t miss critical deadlines, like Arizona’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim.
Anticipate Common Defense Strategies
It’s a common misconception that a truck accident lawsuit follows the same script as a standard car accident claim. Trucking companies and their insurance carriers have aggressive legal teams whose job is to minimize payouts. They often use specific tactics, such as trying to shift blame to you, arguing your injuries were from a pre-existing condition, or claiming the driver was an independent contractor to shield the company from liability. An attorney who specializes in truck accidents has seen these strategies before and knows how to build a case that effectively counters them with clear, compelling evidence.
Decide Between a Settlement and a Trial
Most personal injury cases, including those involving commercial trucks, are resolved through a settlement rather than a full trial. A settlement is a negotiated agreement where the at-fault party’s insurer agrees to pay a specific amount to close the case. This route is often faster and less stressful than going to court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount that covers your damages, going to trial may be the only way to get the justice you deserve. Your lawyer will advise you on the strength of any settlement offer and prepare your case for trial, ensuring you are ready for whichever path you choose.
Common Myths and Challenges in Truck Accident Claims
After a collision with an 18-wheeler, you’ll face a process that is far more complicated than a typical car accident claim. Misinformation can put your recovery at risk, so it’s important to understand the reality of what lies ahead. Let’s clear up some common myths and prepare you for the challenges you might encounter.
Myth: The Insurance Company Is on Your Side
It’s easy to assume an insurance adjuster is there to help, but their primary goal is to protect their company’s profits by minimizing payouts. They are highly trained negotiators who may use your words against you or pressure you into accepting a quick, low settlement. Anything you say in a recorded statement can be used to question your injuries or assign you partial fault. Before you speak with an adjuster, it’s wise to get guidance from an experienced attorney who can handle these communications for you. This ensures your rights are protected from the very beginning and you don’t accidentally weaken your own personal injury claim.
Challenge: Proving Exactly Who Is at Fault
One of the biggest hurdles in a truck accident case is identifying all the responsible parties. It’s rarely just the driver. Was the trucking company negligent in its hiring or training? Did they fail to properly maintain the vehicle? Was the cargo loaded improperly by a third-party company? Did a critical part like the brakes or tires fail due to a manufacturing defect? A successful claim requires a deep investigation into all these possibilities. A specialized truck accident lawyer knows exactly what evidence to look for, from driver logs and maintenance records to black box data, to build a case against every party at fault.
Myth: Your Case Will Settle Quickly
While everyone wants a fast resolution, the complexity of truck accident claims often means they take time to resolve fairly. Rushing the process usually means accepting less than you deserve. A thorough investigation, identifying multiple liable parties, and calculating the full extent of your long-term damages can’t be done overnight. A quick offer from an insurer is often a sign that they know your claim is worth much more. Patience is key. Working with a firm that is prepared to see your case through ensures you are fighting for the full compensation you need to recover, not just a fast check.
Challenge: Avoiding a Lowball Settlement Offer
Insurers often make an initial settlement offer that seems substantial but doesn’t come close to covering the true cost of your injuries. This is a common tactic used to close a case before you realize the full extent of your future medical bills, lost income, and long-term care needs. Accepting a lowball offer is final—you can’t ask for more money later if your condition worsens. An attorney can help you understand the true value of your claim by consulting with medical and financial experts. This gives you the leverage to reject an unfair offer and negotiate for the compensation you are rightfully owed.
Myth: The Driver Is the Only One Liable
A common misconception is that the truck driver is the only person who can be held responsible. In reality, liability often extends far beyond the individual behind the wheel. The legal doctrine of “respondeat superior” can hold an employer responsible for the actions of their employee. This means the trucking company can be liable for its driver’s negligence. Furthermore, if poor maintenance or a defective part caused the crash, the maintenance provider or manufacturer could also be at fault. Identifying every liable party is crucial because it provides more avenues for securing the compensation needed for your recovery, especially in tragic cases of wrongful death.
Find Your Advocate for Justice in Arizona
After a serious accident, choosing a law firm can feel like another overwhelming task. But finding the right legal partner is one of the most important steps you can take. You need a team that not only understands the law but also understands what you’re going through. It’s about finding an advocate who will stand by you, fight for you, and help you put the pieces of your life back together.
What Sets a Great Law Firm Apart?
A great law firm has a proven track record of handling complex cases, especially when it comes to commercial vehicle collisions. Truck accidents, for example, are often far more complicated than typical car accidents. Liability can extend beyond the driver to the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, or even the cargo loaders. An experienced firm knows how to investigate these layers of responsibility. They also have a deep understanding of the federal regulations that govern the trucking industry, which are often central to proving negligence and winning a case. This specialized expertise is what can make the difference between a small settlement and the full compensation you deserve.
Our Commitment to You at AZ Law Now
Our commitment at AZ Law Now is simple: we put you first. We know you’re dealing with physical pain, emotional stress, and financial worries. Our job is to take on the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery. We guide you through every step of the process, making sure you feel informed and supported along the way. We see ourselves as more than just your attorneys; we are your dedicated advocates. We will stand up to the insurance companies and fight tirelessly to secure fair compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and the personal impact this accident has had on your life.
How to Get Started with a Free Consultation
Taking the first step is easier than you might think, and it won’t cost you anything. You can talk to our team about your case for free to understand your legal options without any financial pressure or obligation. This initial conversation is a chance for us to hear your story and for you to ask any questions you have about the process. If you or a loved one has been injured, you don’t have to face this alone. We invite you to get started with a free consultation today. We’re here to listen and ready to help you seek the justice you deserve.
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Frequently Asked Questions
I’m already facing so many bills. How can I afford to hire a lawyer? This is a completely valid concern, and it’s one you don’t have to worry about. Our firm, like most personal injury law firms, works on a contingency fee basis. This simply means we only get paid if we win your case, either through a settlement or a court verdict. Our fee is a percentage of the final amount we recover for you. There are no upfront costs or hourly bills, which allows you to get expert legal help right away without any financial risk.
The trucking company’s insurance adjuster wants me to give a statement. Should I do it? It’s best that you don’t. While the adjuster might seem friendly, their job is to protect their company’s bottom line, not to help you. They are trained to ask questions that could lead you to say something that hurts your claim later on. You can politely decline to give a recorded statement and tell them that your attorney will be in touch. This simple step protects your rights and prevents you from unintentionally damaging your case.
Why is a truck accident case so much more complicated than a regular car accident? The complexity comes down to two main things: regulations and responsibility. The trucking industry is governed by a thick book of federal safety rules that don’t apply to regular drivers. Proving that the driver or their company violated one of these rules is often key to a case. Also, the fault isn’t always just with the driver. The trucking company, the cargo loader, or even the manufacturer of a faulty part could all share the blame. A thorough investigation is needed to identify every responsible party.
How long does a truck accident case usually take to resolve? There isn’t a single answer for this, as every case is unique. A straightforward claim might settle in a matter of months, while a more complex case that goes to trial could take a year or more. The timeline depends on factors like the severity of your injuries and how long it takes to determine your long-term medical needs. While a quick settlement might sound appealing, our focus is on securing a fair result that truly covers all your losses, and that process takes time to do right.
What if the accident was partially my fault? Can I still get compensation? Yes, you can. Arizona law recognizes that accidents are not always black and white. Under the state’s “pure comparative negligence” rule, you can still recover damages even if you were partly to blame. The amount you receive will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. So, don’t assume you don’t have a case just because you think you might have made a mistake. It’s always worth discussing the details with an attorney.