Flagstaff Truck Accident Lawyers

Motor vehicle collisions involving large trucks, such as 18-wheelers, big rigs, and semi-trucks, frequently lead to devastating injuries. These accidents are often much more complex than passenger vehicle crashes due to the involvement of multiple defendants, including truck drivers, trucking companies, and more. In addition, large insurance companies with significant resources may attempt to devalue or deny claims to protect profit margins.

With the assistance of a Flagstaff trucking accident attorney, you can seek maximum compensation for your medical bills, wage loss, and other damages.

What Federal Agency Regulates the Trucking Industry?

Large commercial trucks, such as big rigs, tractor-trailers, and 18-wheelers may weigh up to 20 times more than a passenger vehicle. This significant weight difference may place an added level of accountability and responsibility on truck drivers. To address this, all truck drivers must comply with regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Federal trucking regulations that commercial truck drivers must follow include but are not limited to:

• Exercising caution or stopping operations during inclement weather conditions
• Avoiding alcohol consumption at least four hours before operating a vehicle
• Ensuring trucking companies provide reasonable unloading schedules
• Adhering to limits on the number of hours they can drive
• Being at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Regularly inspecting the loads that they transport
• Taking rest breaks at scheduled intervals

The unfortunate reality is that many trucking companies pressure their drivers to disregard these rules to maximize their profit margins. When these violations lead to severe trucking collisions, injured parties and surviving family members may have the right to take legal action. At Southwest Injury Law, we are committed to helping our clients obtain the full compensation they deserve. Let our Flagstaff truck accident lawyers guide you through the legal process with confidence.

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Collisions

After a big rig crash, it is important to work with an attorney that has experience handling complex cases involving serious injuries. The right attorney will focus on establishing driver negligence and explore all potential factors that may have contributed to an 18-wheeler collision. When searching for a lawyer to handle your case, be sure to work with one that works closely with experts in the industry, such as crash reconstruction specialists, to investigate and uncover evidence, including:

• Unsafe driving on steep grades, during inclement weather conditions, or poor visibility
• Traffic violations such as improper lane changes or following too closely
• Falsification of inspection reports, maintenance records, or driver logs
• Distractions, including using mobile devices or texting while driving
• Violations of Hours-of-Service regulations and driver fatigue
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Reckless driving behavior or speeding

In commercial truck accident cases, multiple parties are often involved, each attempting to shift liability onto others while denying their own responsibility for the incident. By conducting a thorough investigation into contributing factors, an attorney can hold negligent parties accountable and ensure their clients receive the maximum compensation they deserve. For more details, contact an experienced Flagstaff truck accident lawyer today.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Damages from an 18-Wheeler Collision?

Determining liability in a semi-truck crash is a detailed process that requires extensive investigation, evidence collection, and often the involvement of industry experts. Even if liability is clear and appears straightforward, multiple factors may influence who may be held accountable for resulting injuries and losses. Liability in commercial truck accidents varies with each case, but common parties that may be held accountable for damages incurred may include:

• Negligent Trucking Companies: Companies that fail to enforce safety standards, negligently hire unqualified drivers, or pressure employees into meeting unrealistic delivery deadlines.
• Truck Driver Negligence: Drivers who fail to follow traffic laws, drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, engage in distracted driving, or do not abide by Hours of Service (HOS) rules.
• Cargo Loaders and Distributors: Third parties responsible for securing cargo who contribute to crashes by overloading or improperly loading trucks.
• Truck Manufacturers: Companies that produce defective truck components or parts that fail due to marketing, design, or manufacturing flaws.

Identifying all defendants is key to a successful result in a bodily injury or wrongful death claim for a big rig crash. This ensures that every party responsible for the incident is held accountable, maximizing the chances of obtaining full compensation for the plaintiff’s damages. By working with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Flagstaff, you can ensure your case is thoroughly investigated, holding all at-fault parties accountable for their negligence.

What is the Value of a Big Rig Crash Case?

The value of a truck accident case varies greatly, as each claim is unique and influenced by the specific circumstances surrounding the incident, injuries, and long-term effects. An experienced trucking accident attorney can help clients evaluate the factors that contribute to the value of their case by examining the available evidence, conducting in-depth investigations, and calculating the fair and reasonable value of damages they may be entitled to recover. This may include:

• Past and future medical expenses include all the current and ongoing treatments, medications, rehabilitation, and surgeries required for an injured party’s recovery, both now and in the future.
• Lost wages for the income an injured party is unable to earn while recovering from the big rig crash and attending medical appointments that are reasonable and necessary.
• Diminished earning potential for any long-term impact that accident-related injuries have on the ability to work or career advancements.
• Pain and suffering for the emotional distress and physical pain that an injured party endures due to crash-related injuries.

Trucking companies are required to carry substantial commercial insurance policies due to the serious and often life-changing injuries caused by 18-wheeler collisions. As a result, these cases may involve high-value claims, making it important to work with an experienced truck accident lawyer serving Flagstaff, Arizona, to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. To learn more, set up a free consultation by calling our law firm or filling out an online contact form.

What is the Time Limit for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Arizona?

Personal injury and wrongful death claims are governed by a statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit against the opposing party and seeking compensation for damages incurred. Under A.R.S. 12-542, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is generally two years from the date of loss. Cases involving government agencies are subject to a different statute of limitations as they require a notice of claim within 180 days or six months.

If the case is not filed in civil court and the statute of limitations expires, the plaintiff may lose the legal right to file a lawsuit and recover compensation for their damages. It is important to contact an experienced trucking accident attorney immediately as they can evaluate your case, determine the applicable statute of limitations, and allocate the necessary time to build a strong case for maximum compensation.

Contact a Flagstaff Truck Accident Lawyer for Assistance

Partnering with a skilled attorney can be the key to successfully navigating the complexities of a commercial truck accident case. From investigating the details of the case to negotiating with insurance companies and representing your best interests in court, the right lawyer provides the guidance and support you need every step of the way. Contact a Flagstaff truck accident attorney to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Book a free consultation at (602) 777-3300. We are proud to assist clients in Coconino County and throughout the state of Arizona.