Scottsdale Truck Accident Lawyers

While most commercial truck drivers operate their vehicles responsibly, a single act of recklessness or negligence may result in a devastating crash. Due to the sheer size and weight of tractor-trailers, these crashes may often cause extensive property damage, severe injuries, and even fatalities in some extreme cases. Holding the responsible parties accountable is important to securing compensation for medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Take the first step now by contacting an experienced Scottsdale truck accident lawyer for assistance so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

Common Types of Truck Accidents and Their Causes

The severity of a commercial truck accident may provide valuable insight into establishing liability and identifying the cause of the incident. For instance, if a big rig crash occurred due to a truck tire blowout, it may indicate liability on the part of the tire manufacturer for a defect or the trucking company for neglecting proper vehicle maintenance. Below are some of the most common types of big rig crashes in Scottsdale and their potential causes:

• Rear-End Collisions: When a big rig crashes into the rear of another vehicle due to insufficient braking or driver inattention.
• Jackknife Crashes: Occurs when the trailer swings out of control and forms a 90-degree angle with the truck, often causing a blockage on the roadway.
• Rollover Accidents: When a truck overturns due to improper cargo distribution, high speeds, or sharp turns.
• Underride Collisions: When a smaller vehicle slides under the tractor-trailer in the event of a crash, often resulting in severe or fatal injuries.
• Tire Blowouts: Caused by defective or poorly maintained tires, leading to loss of control over the 18-wheeler.
• Blind Spot Crashes: When a truck driver fails to see a smaller vehicle in their blind spot during turns or lane changes.
• Cargo Spills: When overloaded cargo or improperly secured cargo spills onto the road, causing motor vehicle accidents.
• Wide-Turn Collisions: Occur when big rigs make wide turns and strike passenger vehicles, motorcyclists, pedestrians, or cyclists.

Truck accidents involving motorcyclists, pedestrians, or bicyclists may result in severe or fatal injuries due to the vulnerability of these individuals. When a truck driver crashes into a pedestrian crossing the road, a motorcycle rider maneuvering through traffic, or a cyclist in a bike lane, the outcome is often devastating. Because these individuals lack the physical protection offered by vehicles, they are at a higher risk of serious harm.

Truck Driver Negligence in 18-Wheeler Collisions

Big rig crashes may occur for various reasons, but many tractor-trailer collisions stem from truck driver negligence. Whether a trucker is fatigued from excessive hours behind the wheel, distracted by a mobile device, or violating federal trucking regulations, these reckless behaviors may lead to devastating consequences for those involved. When negligence causes or contributes to a crash, an injured party or surviving family member may hold the other parties accountable for damages.

Understanding the role of driver error in 18-wheeler collisions is important for building a strong case. Critical evidence includes the truck’s black box data, which records engine activity, braking patterns, and speed in the moments leading to a crash. Telematics and GPS records can reveal if the trucker made sudden lane changes, was speeding, or violated federal regulations. Dashcam footage and witness statements may provide visual and firsthand accounts of the incident.

Driver logs and hours-of-service (HOS) records may uncover fatigue-related violations, while toxicology reports may indicate impairment. Maintenance records and inspection reports may help determine if insufficient maintenance or vehicle defects played a role in the 18-wheeler collision. An experienced Scottsdale truck accident lawyer can send spoliation letters to the appropriate defendants and analyze this evidence to build a strong case for liability and damages.

Trucking Company Negligence in Big Rig Crashes

Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their vehicles and drivers, but when they fail to uphold these duties, negligence may contribute to serious crashes. Common forms of trucking company negligence may include failure to maintain vehicles, negligent hiring practices, ignoring safety regulations, insufficient driver training, overloading trucks, lack of driver supervision, violating HOS regulations, and inadequate vehicle maintenance.

When a trucking company allows unsafe practices, such as overloading trucks, cutting corners on truck inspections, or hiring unqualified truckers, it may significantly increase the risk of devastating collisions. Given the complexity of these cases, it is important to consult with an experienced Scottsdale truck accident lawyer to navigate the legal process and ensure that all possible defendants are held accountable for damages incurred.

Dangers of Improperly Loaded Truck Cargo

Improperly loaded truck cargo may create serious hazards on the road, increasing the risk of 18-wheeler crashes. When a truck exceeds the federal weight limit of 80,000 pounds without the necessary permits, it may negatively impact handling and require a longer stopping distance, making sudden braking difficult. On the other hand, underloading may disrupt a truck’s stability, increasing the risk of rollover collisions.

Liquid cargo poses additional risks, especially when tanks are only partially filled. The movement of liquid inside the tank may shift the truck’s center of gravity–making it more challenging to control–this is particularly dangerous when transporting hazardous materials like gasoline, caustic chemicals, and other flammable substances. Proper loading and securement of truck cargo is key for roadway safety, reducing the risk of devastating crashes caused by unsecured loads.

Factors That Influence the Value of a Big Rig Crash Case

In bodily injury claims arising from commercial truck accidents, the case value is determined based on several factors, including the severity of crash-related injuries, the expected recovery time, and whether there are any long-term or permanent effects. Permanent injury or disability may also lead to higher damages due to future medical expenses, out-of-pocket costs for vehicle or home modifications, and quality of life changes.

Importance of Evidence and Spoliation Letters in Commercial Truck Accident Cases

In big rig crash cases, gathering and preserving evidence is key to establishing liability and recovering damages. Key evidence may include witness statements, vehicle maintenance records, dashcam footage, black box data, and driver logs. However, trucking companies may alter or destroy evidence in an attempt to diminish their liability. To prevent this, a spoliation letter notifies the defendants of their obligation to preserve evidence related to the 18-wheeler collision.

Federal regulations require trucking companies to retain certain evidence related to big rig crashes for a specified period. Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, trucking companies must preserve key documents such as maintenance records, driver logs, and electronic data from the truck’s black box for at least six months after a wreck. It is important to send a spoliation letter immediately to ensure that evidence is preserved.

Failure to comply with a spoliation letter may result in sanctions imposed by the court. An experienced Scottsdale truck accident lawyer send a spoliation letter and ensure that all relevant evidence is protected for use in the case. By acting quickly and preserving evidence, it can strengthen a claim and increase the chances of a favorable outcome. For more information, contact an experienced trucking accident attorney near you for assistance today.

Time Limits in 18-Wheeler Collision Cases

In Arizona, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of a crash. It is crucial to file a case in civil court within this time limit, as failure to do so may result in losing the right to seek compensation. To ensure that your case is filed within the appropriate deadline, it is essential to retain legal counsel. A skilled Scottsdale truck accident attorney can help you understand the statute of limitations in your case and take prompt action.

About Our Law Firm

At Southwest Injury Law, we are committed to providing compassionate representation for clients while standing up to difficult insurance companies that try to devalue or deny claims. Our legal team understands the challenges you face after a truck accident in Scottsdale and is here to support you every step of the way. You can count on us to protect your rights and seek the maximum compensation you deserve. Call or message us online to book a free case evaluation.

Contact an Experienced Scottsdale Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a big rig crash caused by truck driver negligence, it is important to retain legal counsel immediately. A skilled lawyer can gather and analyze crucial evidence, protect your rights, and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact a Scottsdale truck accident attorney today to get the support you need during this difficult time. Book a free consultation at (602) 777-3300.