How Is Liability Determined In A Large Truck Accident?

Parties That May Be Liable For A Truck Accident In Arizona

Large truck accidents in Arizona are unfortunately common. Due to the large size and added force of these types of vehicles, large truck accidents frequently cause severe injuries and fatalities. If you’ve been injured in a large truck accident in Arizona, you are probably wondering what options you have for compensation as you recover. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses from the party or parties who are responsible. Discuss your situation with a trusted Gilbert accident lawyer who can help you understand your rights and options.

What Damages Can Be Pursued After A Large Truck Accident In Arizona?

Arizona law gives truck accident victims the right to pursue financial settlements from negligent parties who are responsible for the accident. Financial compensation can help cover the losses that are incurred from an accident and can include:

• Medical bills, including ambulance transportation, emergency room services, imaging, medications, hospitalizations, surgeries, physical therapy, specialized equipment, and ongoing medical needs related to your injuries
• Lost income or wages
• Lost earning capacity, if your injuries prevent you from returning to work, limit your ability to work, or prevent you from returning to the same career
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional stress and trauma
• Ongoing care needs if your injuries prevent you from being able to take care of yourself
• Changes to your quality of life

In some cases, victims may also be able to claim punitive damages, if the driver or another party exhibited callous disregard for the safety of others. This includes situations where a driver or trucking company knowingly operated a vehicle that had faulty equipment, the truck was intentionally overweight, or where driver logs had been altered in an attempt to meet regulations. Unlike other types of damages, punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant and discourage others from acting in the same way. Your Mesa car accident lawyer will provide guidance as you move forward to seek damages from your large truck accident.

Who Can Be Held Responsible For A Large Truck Accident?

Accidents involving large trucks are different from those involving passenger vehicles. Trucking companies carry much higher amounts of liability and there are multiple parties who can be potentially held liable for the accident, depending on the circumstances. Trucking companies typically work with high power and aggressive lawyers who work hard to reduce their liability, so don’t try to sue for damages by yourself! Work with an experienced Mesa personal injury attorney for guidance and representation for the best possible outcome of your case.

Some of the parties who may be liable for a truck accident include:

The Driver

If the driver behaved negligently and caused the accident, they may be liable for your damages. Some drivers are independent contractors while others are employed by a trucking company. In either situation, you and your attorney will primarily be working with the driver’s insurance company rather than the driver themselves.

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies are typically liable for drivers who are driving in the course of their job, which means that your damages may be covered by the trucking company’s insurance company. A trucking company may be liable if they intentionally disregarded FMCSA regulations, if trucker logs were altered, if employees were encouraged not to follow regulations, if the truck was intentionally undermaintained or unrepaired, and many other situations.

The Manufacturer

If the accident was the result of a manufacturing defect of a truck part, the manufacturer may be liable for your damages. This includes situations where the manufacturer knowingly produced a faulty product or when their quality assurance failed to uncover a defective product.

The Company Responsible For Truck Maintenance

If the accident was caused by a lack of maintenance or improper maintenance, the company who was responsible for the truck’s maintenance could be held liable.

The Company Responsible For Loading The Truck

Some truck accidents are the result of overloading, an imbalanced load, or other loading error. In these cases, the company who was responsible for loading the truck may be held liable.

How Is Liability Determined In A Large Truck Accident In Arizona?

Large truck accident claims are complex, and may take many months or even years to fully determine liability. It’s imperative to work with an experienced Mesa accident attorney who understands all the aspects of a large truck accident case and is ready to provide representation every step of the way.

Determining liability can be difficult and typically requires extensive investigation. Your attorney will conduct their own investigation into the circumstances of your large truck accident and leave no stone unturned as they seek to find the liable party and hold them responsible for your injuries. Remember that Arizona has a two year statute of limits on personal injury claims, so it’s important to contact a Queen Creek accident lawyer right away if you want to pursue compensation for your damages after a large truck accident.

Consult With An Experienced Mesa Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a large truck accident in Arizona, you need an experienced attorney with a track record of success. Give yourself the best possible outcome by consulting with Chris Jones Law, PLC. We have extensive experience in truck accidents and will use our knowledge and expertise to help you every step of the way in your personal injury case. Schedule your obligation-free consultation today to learn more about how we can help you.