Peoria Truck Accident Attorneys

Peoria Auto Accident Attorney

Arizona’s roadways are frequently traveled by large commercial trucks, which are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. Due to their size and weight, accidents involving these trucks often lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Peoria residents who have been affected by a truck accident should seek legal assistance to ensure fair compensation for their losses.

In this article, we will delve into the truck accident landscape in Peoria, Arizona, by exploring truck accident statistics, common causes of truck accidents, federal and state regulations governing truck drivers, and the potential liability in truck accident cases.

Truck Accident Statistics and Common Causes

In 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 146,900 people were injured in truck accidents across the U.S., with 4,965 fatalities. Arizona saw 10,713 truck accidents in the same year, resulting in 2,423 injuries and 105 fatalities.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted a study and found that 87% of truck accidents resulted from driver errors, such as:

• Distracted driving
• Fatigued driving
• Poor surveillance
• Speeding

Other factors contributing to truck accidents include medical issues, poor road conditions, defective parts, bad weather, and lack of maintenance.

Federal and State Regulations for Truck Drivers

To ensure safety on the road, truck drivers must adhere to federal regulations outlined in 49 CFR Part 383, which includes rules such as maximum daily driving hours, workweek limits, and commercial driver’s license (CDL) requirements.

Arizona also has state laws that affect truck accident cases, such as:

• Maximum speed limit of 65 mph, unless otherwise posted (ARS 28-709)
• Maximum truck length rules (ARS 28-1095(c))

Potential Liability in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are often more complex than other types of vehicle collisions due to the number of parties that might be potentially liable. These accidents also involve insurance policies with high liability limits and often result in extensive injuries.

Parties that might be liable in a truck accident case include the truck driver, other vehicle driver, trucking company, third-party leasing company, truck owner/operator, shipper, entity responsible for road maintenance, parties involved in the distribution of defective truck parts, and third-party repair garage.

It is essential for victims to work with an experienced Peoria truck accident attorney who can thoroughly investigate the case, identify all liable parties, and fight for fair compensation for their injuries and losses.

Vicarious Liability and the Role of Trucking Companies

Trucking companies play a significant role in truck accident cases. They are often held vicariously liable for the negligence of their employees while on the job. This means that the trucking company’s insurance policy will be the source of recovery when an accident occurs.

Insurance companies tend to fight truck accident claims aggressively due to the high policy limits and substantial amounts of money that may be involved. By retaining an experienced Peoria truck accident attorney, victims will have a better chance of winning their claims and recovering fair compensation.

Trucking companies may try to avoid liability by claiming that their drivers are independent contractors instead of employees. In such cases, an experienced Peoria truck accident attorney will carefully review the driver’s employment records to determine whether they have been misclassified and should be treated as an employee.

Even when a driver is classified as an independent contractor, there are situations where the trucking company might still be liable. For example, a trucking carrier can be held directly liable if it negligently contracts with an incompetent driver who is known or should be known as unfit to drive.

Navigating the Legal Process

Victims of truck accidents in Peoria should be aware of the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Arizona. Typically, they have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, certain exceptions and specific circumstances can affect this deadline, so it’s crucial to consult with a Peoria truck accident attorney as soon as possible.

Arizona follows a comparative negligence system, which means that even if a victim was partially at fault for the accident, they can still recover damages. Their compensation will be reduced by the percentage of their fault. For example, if a victim is found to be 30% at fault and their total damages amount to $100,000, they would be able to recover $70,000.

Hiring a Peoria Truck Accident Attorney

Working with a Peoria truck accident attorney can greatly improve your chances of winning your claim and recovering fair compensation. These legal professionals have years of experience handling complex truck collision claims and are well-versed in investigating accidents, identifying contributing factors, and securing full settlements for their clients.

When insurance companies or trucking carriers refuse to settle a claim, a skilled Peoria truck accident attorney will be willing to fight for justice on their client’s behalf in a trial before a judge or jury. This determination to secure rightful compensation for victims is what sets them apart from others.

In conclusion, truck accidents in Peoria, Arizona, are often severe and can result in life-altering injuries or fatalities. Victims of these accidents should seek the assistance of an experienced truck accident attorney who can navigate the complex legal landscape, identify liable parties, and fight for fair compensation for their losses. With the right legal support, victims can focus on their recovery while their attorney handles the complexities of their case.