Arizona Truck Accident Attorney: Large Truck Accidents
Arizona Truck Accident Attorney, is it really necessary for me to hire a truck accident lawyer after a large truck accident? Some of the most severe and fatal accidents in the United States involve large trucks (commercial trucks, semi trucks, and tractor trailers, etc.). Due to the sheer size and weight of these large trucks, accident victims often suffer serious and permanent injuries, significant property damage, and even death.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a large truck accident, contacting an experienced Arizona truck accident attorney is imperative. Large truck accidents are significantly different than passenger car accidents in respect to the amount of damage, cause and the increased complexity of filing a claim. An experienced phoenix truck accident lawyer that is knowledgeable and specializes in large truck accidents will be in the best position to handle your case and obtain for you the compensation you deserve.
A vehicle is considered a large truck if the gross vehicle weight rating is greater than 10,000 pounds. In 2008, 380,000 large trucks were involved in traffic accidents in the U.S. One out of every nine resulted in a traffic fatality (death).
However, the driver of a large truck is far less likely to be injured or die from a large truck accident as compared to the driver or occupants of other vehicles involved. Of the accident injuries and fatalities recorded in 2008, over 75 percent were occupants of another vehicle. Also, large trucks were much more likely to be involved in a fatal multiple-vehicle crash than were passenger vehicles.
Large truck accidents frequently involve some type of negligence on the part of the truck driver or trucking company. The most common causes of large truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Inattention by the truck driver
- Negligent driving in bad weather conditions
- Negligent passing
- Driving with an unsecured load
- Aggressive driving by the truck driver, such as tailgating
- Speeding
- Lack of proper maintenance of the truck or trailer
- Improper loading
- Tire blowouts
Large truck accidents in Arizona are more complex than regular passenger car accidents and as a result, hiring a knowledgeable Arizona car accident attorney is essential. A thorough understanding of the federal and state commercial vehicle regulations is necessary for large truck accidents.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations set forth guidelines that must be followed by truck drivers and trucking companies. For example, these regulations deal with such areas as required equipment and the amount of time a driver can spend behind the wheel.
If you are injured in an accident involving a large truck, it may be possible to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim against the negligent truck driver, the trucking company, or even the insurer. You may be entitled to compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life damages.
For a free, no obligation consultation with an experience Arizona car accident attorney, please call Zachar Law Firm at (602) 494-4800 or visit www.zacharassociates.com.