Truck Accidents
Were you injured in a truck accident in the Phoenix area? Do you believe that someone else was to blame for your Phoenix truck accident? If so, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, lost income, damaged vehicle, pain and suffering, and other losses. You shouldn’t have to pay the price for someone else’s negligent behavior. At Silkman Law Firm, our Phoenix truck accident lawyer can help you fight for the full payment you need to recover from your personal injuries.
At Silkman Law Firm, the focus is exclusively on helping people who have been injured in Phoenix. This provides particular insight and experience in dealing with aggressive local insurance companies, trucking companies, and defense attorneys. Alex fights fiercely for personal injury clients because they are seen as real people with real concerns, not just claim numbers. The goal is to make things right for clients.
Silkman Law Firm provides legal counsel to truck accident victims in Phoenix and surrounding areas. With a deep understanding of complex truck accident cases, Alex fights aggressively for the rights of truck accident victims. His knowledge extends to insurance claims, accident reconstruction, and federal motor carrier safety administration regulations, making him a trusted advocate in these challenging cases.
Contact Silkman Law Firm today for a free consultation with our Phoenix truck accident lawyer. He will answer all your questions and help you understand your options for pursuing the payment you need to move forward with your life.
Legally Reviewed By:
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...
Why Tractor-Trailer Truck Accidents Are More Complicated
Tractor-trailer truck accidents are often more complex than typical vehicle accidents due to the multiple factors involved in these collisions. Unlike accidents between passenger vehicles, commercial truck accidents can involve multiple liable parties, intricate insurance structures, and a wide range of evidence that must be reviewed carefully. These factors, combined with the severe injuries that result from accidents with large trucks, make it essential to have experienced legal representation to ensure that all aspects of your case are properly addressed. Understanding the intricacies of these cases can be overwhelming, but with the help of an experienced Phoenix truck accident lawyer, you can navigate the legal complexities and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our Phoenix truck accident attorney, Alex Silkman, understands that trucking accident claims are often more complex than those involving other motor vehicle collisions. These cases frequently involve multiple parties, including trucking companies, drivers, and their attorneys, which can complicate the process. They also involve:
- More serious injuries – The size of commercial trucks means that they impart much greater forces in the event of a collision. This increases the likelihood that someone is going to be seriously injured as a result. In addition to the initial pain and trauma, serious injuries typically require more intensive medical treatment, including surgery or rehabilitative therapy. Furthermore, serious injuries are more likely to result in chronic or long-term conditions that have debilitating effects of their own.
- More liable parties – In most passenger vehicle collisions, legal liability is assigned to one or more of the truck drivers involved. In truck accidents, however, truck drivers are just one of the parties who could be held liable for causing the collision. The trucking industry involves many interrelated companies, each of which might share responsibility for a given truck accident claim as a result of their own negligence or recklessness. These may include whoever owns the truck, whoever operates the truck, whoever manufactures the truck, whoever maintains the truck, and whoever loads the truck. If multiple parties bear responsibility for a truck crash, a resulting injury claim must assign shares of fault to each liable party.
- More evidence – A truck accident may be the result of a number of different causes. State and federal regulations require trucking companies to produce extensive documentation, including maintenance logs, driver logs, and onboard computer logs. These documents can provide evidence of the true cause of a truck crash. As a result, any thorough investigation of a truck accident claim will require collecting and reviewing this evidence.
- Complex corporate/insurance structures – Many trucking companies have complicated corporate structures or layered insurance policies that can make it difficult to determine which company can be held liable for an accident, or how much insurance coverage may be available to compensate the injured truck accident victims.
Never try to manage a truck accident injury claim on your own. You better believe that the trucking companies will have experienced attorneys on their side fighting for their best interests. You should, too. Remember, our Phoenix truck accident attorney, Alex Silkman, is available for a free consultation anytime and can inform you of your legal options.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Phoenix Truck Crash?
While fault for most traffic accidents usually falls on one of the motorists involved, the complex nature of the trucking industry means that other parties may share responsibility for an 18-wheeler accident. In addition to the truck driver, who is often considered the primary responsible party, there are several other entities that may be liable depending on the circumstances of the crash. Trucking companies may be held accountable if their drivers were operating the truck unsafely or in violation of industry regulations.
Additionally, the owner of the truck—if different from the driver or the trucking company—could also be liable for the accident, especially if the vehicle was improperly maintained or inadequately insured.
The freight company or cargo loaders could also bear responsibility if improper loading or securing of the cargo contributed to the accident. Furthermore, the truck's manufacturer or parts suppliers may be held accountable if a defect or mechanical failure caused or contributed to the crash. Given the many parties involved, identifying the responsible parties in a truck accident claim requires thorough investigation and legal expertise. A skilled Phoenix truck accident lawyer can work to ensure that all potential liable parties are identified and appropriate claims are made, securing the compensation you deserve.
Examples of parties that may be held liable for a truck accident include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck’s owner (if not the truck driver or trucking company)
- The freight company or broker responsible for the cargo
- The truck’s manufacturer, or manufacturers of truck parts
- The truck’s mechanics
An in-depth investigation is needed to identify every potentially liable party after a crash. The best Phoenix truck accident lawyer can also sort through the layers of insurance coverage to determine all possible sources of compensation for you and your family.
Evidence Our Phoenix Truck Accident Attorney May Use in Truck Accident Claims
Truck accident cases often require the investigation and review of many kinds of evidence to determine the true cause of the wreck and the party or parties that may be legally liable. This evidence can include hours of service logs, which track how long the driver was on the road and whether they violated regulations regarding rest and driving hours. Additionally, black box data from the truck’s electronic data recorder can provide critical information about the truck’s speed, braking patterns, and whether the driver made any unsafe maneuvers. These documents and records are vital in building a strong truck accident claim, and our team works diligently to gather and preserve them before they can be altered or destroyed.
Other crucial forms of evidence include post-accident truck inspection reports, which can reveal whether mechanical failure or poor maintenance contributed to the crash.
Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby traffic cameras or witnesses can help establish the exact circumstances leading up to the accident. By reviewing these various sources of evidence, our experienced Alex can reconstruct the accident scene and determine the exact cause of the crash, identifying the responsible parties and ensuring a persuasive truck accident claim. This comprehensive approach is essential in pursuing fair compensation for victims.
Some types of evidence that the personal injury lawyer at Silkman Law may employ in truck accident cases include:
- The truck driver’s logs, which show how long the driver had been on duty and driving
- Logs from the truck’s electronic data recorder, or “black box,” which typically records information about the truck’s performance, the driver’s actions, and in-cab camera or dashcam footage
- The truck driver’s employment and driving records
- Results from the truck driver’s alcohol/drug screen, if one is performed after the accident
- The load manifest, which shows what cargo was loaded onto the truck
- Inspection and maintenance records for the truck
- Post-accident vehicle inspection/repair reports, which may reveal defective parts
- Accident scene photos
- Police accident reports
- Internal investigation reports conducted by the trucking company
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Eyewitness testimony
The dedicated Phoenix truck accident attorney at Silkman Law Firm will work quickly to preserve evidence before it is lost or destroyed. This evidence, along with expert analysis, will be used to paint a clear picture of what happened in the crash.
Arizona Truck Accident Claims Statute of Limitations
In Arizona, the statute of limitations places a cap on how much time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation after a truck accident. Typically, you only have two years from the date of the accident in which to file suit against the responsible parties. If you wait too long to begin work on your case, you may find yourself pressed against this deadline. The sooner you begin working with an experienced personal injury lawyer, the better off you’ll be.
Alex believes that you deserve full compensation for all the losses and personal injuries that you have suffered because of your Phoenix truck accident.
Compensation for your Phoenix truck accident injury claim may include:
- Costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation of injuries, including surgery, physical/occupational therapy, or prescription medications
- Costs of long-term care for permanent disabilities caused by injuries
- Loss of wages or income from work missed while recovering from a truck accident
- Loss of earning capacity when permanent disabilities affect your ability to work
- Repair bills for vehicle damage, or the pre-accident value of a totaled vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life from visible scarring/disfigurement or permanent disabilities interfering with daily activities or enjoyment of life
Never accept a quick settlement offer from a trucking company or insurer. It is impossible to know the full value of your claim right at the outset. A skilled truck accident attorney can help you evaluate the true extent of your injuries and what fair compensation should be.
Some of the most common causes of truck crashes include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Tailgating
- Unsafe turns or lane changes, including failing to signal or check mirrors
- Taking wide turns on narrow streets
- Improper braking
- Running red lights or stop signs, or disregarding other traffic controls
- Drowsy driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving
- Inexperienced drivers
- Unfamiliarity with route/getting lost
- Inadequate truck maintenance
- Vehicle defects
- Unsafe cargo loads, including unbalanced loading or failing to secure cargo for transit
- Poor road conditions, including potholes/broken pavement and debris in the road
- Adverse weather
- Night driving
Commercial truck accidents often stem from others' negligence. Common causes of 18-wheeler accidents include distracted driving, speeding, blind spots, improper maintenance, and overloaded vehicles. Arizona roadways can be particularly hazardous due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, leading to some of the most serious injuries.
When investigating a commercial vehicle accident, identifying the at-fault party is crucial. Liability could fall on the truck driver, trucking company, or even the truck's manufacturer. Proper investigation ensures a successful truck accident case and helps personal injury victims recover from the consequences of such an injury.
The forces involved in a truck accident can easily cause catastrophic injuries. Some examples of the serious personal injuries that can result from truck accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments, tendons, or muscles
- Nerve damage
- Whiplash
- Neck and back injuries, including herniated discs
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal organ injuries and internal bleeding
- Head and facial injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Traumatic amputation
- Burns
The charts represent the number of fatal large truck crashes by the number of fatalities for 2018, 2019, and 2020. Here is the story that the data tells:
Over the years from 2018 to 2020, the vast majority of fatal large truck crashes resulted in a single fatality. Each year, as the number of fatalities per crash increases, the number of such crashes decreases dramatically. This suggests that while fatal crashes involving large trucks are unfortunately common, crashes resulting in multiple fatalities are much rarer.
In 2018, there were over 4000 crashes that resulted in a single fatality. The number of crashes dropped significantly to below 400 for those resulting in two fatalities and continued to decline for crashes with more fatalities. The trend is similar for 2019 and 2020, indicating a consistent pattern over these years.
This data highlights the importance of safety measures and regulations in the trucking industry. While any fatal crash is a tragedy, it is somewhat relieving to see that crashes resulting in multiple fatalities are comparatively rare. This could be due to safety regulations, the design of large trucks, or other factors not included in this data.
These charts serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly in relation to large trucks, which can cause significant damage and loss of life in the event of a crash. Continued efforts are needed to decrease the overall number of fatal crashes and to prevent those that do occur from resulting in multiple fatalities.
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident requires legal expertise. A knowledgeable Phoenix truck accident lawyer understands the nuances of Arizona’s statute of limitations, insurance company tactics, and the rights of truck accident victims. Alex Silkman’s personalized approach ensures that clients receive direct attention without the layers of bureaucracy found at larger firms.
Clients often express frustration when their cases are handled by paralegals instead of personal injury attorneys. At Silkman Law Firm, Alex provides dedicated legal counsel to injured truck accident victims, ensuring every case is treated with care and professionalism. This hands-on approach strengthens your strong compensation claim and provides peace of mind during a challenging time.
The aftermath of a truck accident can leave victims overwhelmed by mounting medical expenses and complex insurance claims. Alex Silkman’s experience in handling the most serious injuries and various kinds of motor vehicle accident cases makes him a trusted choice for legal representation. He builds the strongest possible defense against aggressive insurance companies while fighting for the rights of injured truck accident victims.
Whether your case involves a commercial vehicle or other types of vehicles, Alex focuses on accident reconstruction, identifying probable causes, and ensuring you receive proper compensation. His dedication to delivering results extends to all facets of your claim, from negotiating with insurance companies to pursuing a truck accident lawsuit when necessary.
Get the Justice You Deserve – Contact Silkman Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don't navigate the complexities of the legal system alone. At Silkman Law Firm, our experienced Phoenix truck accident lawyer is here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. From medical bills to lost wages and pain and suffering, we are committed to securing the best outcome for your case.
Contact us now for a free phone review. Our dedicated legal team will listen to your story, evaluate your case, and explain your options moving forward. Let us handle the complexities while you focus on your recovery. Call today at 602-517-0242 or fill out our online form for a free consultation and to get started on your claim.
