Semi-trucks are the lifeblood of the transportation industry. Every year, these machines transport goods across the nation, ensuring that the things we need are where we need them. Unfortunately, these mammoth vehicles can cause catastrophic accidents when mishandled, and these accidents may impact victims for the rest of their lives.

At Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, we focus on helping people injured in Phoenix truck accidents get the compensation they deserve after collisions involving semi-truck drivers. The goal of any insurer or semi-truck company is to protect themselves, not you. That means offering as little compensation as possible, leaving you to pick up the pieces.

Has a semi-truck accident hurt your physical and financial health? Let our experienced semi-truck accident lawyers help you understand what to do after an accident with a semi-truck.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident

Commercial vehicle accidents can be traumatizing. You may be injured and in shock after a collision, making it challenging to get your thoughts together and act. At Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, we want to help you understand what to do immediately after an accident. 

  • Contact the authorities and emergency services
  • If possible, document the scene as thoroughly as possible
  • Exchange information with the semi-truck driver
  • Seek medical attention for your injuries immediately
  • Ask witnesses for their contact information

Your priority following a truck accident injury is to protect your well-being. Always seek medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible. In the days and weeks following the crash, stick to your doctor’s treatment plan, keep all bills and paperwork related to the crash, and contact a skilled semi-truck accident lawyer for help.

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

Driving a large commercial vehicle is a demanding job. Many drivers work on tight deadlines, driving hours at a time to meet their company’s goals. Pressure, stress, fatigue, and distractions are standard in the trucking industry. However, these factors can also be dangerous and lead to devastating accidents. Some of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents on Arizona roadways include:

  • Fatigued driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Driving while impaired or intoxicated
  • Speeding
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Failure to yield
  • Aggressive driving
  • Mechanical defects
  • Driver inexperience

Truck drivers unfamiliar with Arizona terrain may also be surprised by sudden monsoon storms in the South and snowstorms in the North. Inclement weather conditions may also contribute to some commercial vehicle collisions.

Navigating Legal Challenges in Phoenix 

Seeking financial recovery after a semi-truck accident can be challenging. Who is liable? How can you prove the truck driver or trucking company is to blame? Evidence is the key to establishing liability. However, obtaining the evidence you need to build a solid claim is much easier with the help of an experienced Phoenix semi truck accident attorney.

An attorney can help gather the vital information you need before it can be lost or destroyed. An attorney can also help you understand Arizona’s comparative fault system and how it may impact your claim. Arizona follows a pure comparative fault model, meaning that in civil lawsuits, your compensation diminishes by the same percentage of fault you bear for causing a crash. For example, if you are found to be 25 percent responsible for the collision, your compensation is reduced by 25 percent. 

Contact a Phoenix Truck Accident Lawyer Today 

A truck accident injury can change your life. Pursue the compensation you deserve and talk to the experienced legal team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer for help. Contact our Phoenix office for a free consultation. 

Author: Alex Silkman

Alex Silkman is the founder and managing member of Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer. He focuses exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death cases, with the goal of getting truly just results for accident victims and their families.