Truck accidents are unfortunately common occurrences in Chandler, Arizona, often leaving victims with severe injuries and financial hardships. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll it can have on you and your family. However, you don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone. At Hutzler Law, our team is dedicated to helping truck accident victims like you recover and obtain the compensation they deserve. With our experience and commitment to client advocacy, we stand ready to fight for your rights. Call us now for a free consultation.

Causes of Truck Accidents in Chandler, Arizona

In order to establish liability, we need to determine the cause of the accident. Under Arizona’s fault-based insurance regulation, the person or party primarily responsible for accidents bears the responsibility for covering the resulting damages. The following are the most common causes of truck accidents in Chandler:

  • Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, impairing judgment and reaction times.
  • Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or even eating while driving can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road.
  • Poor Weather Conditions: Arizona’s unpredictable weather, including monsoons and dust storms, can decrease visibility and make roads slippery, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
  • Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes, speeding, and other reckless/careless behaviors increase the likelihood of accidents, especially on busy highways.
  • Improper Loading: Overloaded trucks or improperly distributed cargo can make trucks unstable and prone to tipping over or jackknifing.

An experienced Chandler truck accident lawyer can pinpoint the factors behind your truck collision through a thorough examination of the accident site and evidence scrutiny.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Due to the size and weight disparity between trucks and other vehicles, truck accidents can result in severe or even fatal injuries. Common truck accident injuries we have helped many clients get compensation for include:

  • Whiplash: Sudden impact can cause the head and neck to jerk forward and backward rapidly.
  • Broken bones
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs—leading to internal bleeding or organ failure.
  • Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can result in sprains, strains, or tears, causing pain and limited mobility.
  • Amputations
  • Psychological Trauma: emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in survivors.
  • Fatal Injuries

It is essential for those involved in truck accidents to seek medical attention promptly, even if injuries seem minor, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Additionally, consulting with legal professionals experienced in handling truck accident cases can help victims pursue compensation for their injuries. Contact us now to book a free consultation with our experienced Arizona truck accident attorneys.

Federal Trucking Laws in Chandler, AZ

Chandler, Arizona, like many other cities across the United States, adheres to a comprehensive set of federal trucking laws designed to ensure safety on its roads and highways. These regulations cover areas such as driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, hours of service, and more. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines, penalties, and even the suspension of operating licenses.

Driver Qualifications

Federal trucking laws outline specific requirements for commercial truck drivers, including age restrictions, licensing, and medical certifications. Drivers must undergo rigorous training and testing to ensure they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to operate large commercial vehicles safely.

Hours of Service (HOS)

To prevent driver fatigue and reduce the risk of accidents caused by drowsy driving, federal regulations mandate strict limits on the number of hours commercial truck drivers can operate their vehicles without rest. These HOS regulations specify maximum driving and on-duty hours, as well as mandatory rest periods between shifts.

Vehicle Maintenance

Commercial trucks must undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they are in safe operating condition. Federal trucking laws require carriers to implement comprehensive vehicle maintenance programs, conduct regular inspections, and promptly address any identified issues to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.

Cargo Securement

Properly securing cargo is essential to prevent shifting or falling loads, which can pose significant hazards to other motorists. Federal regulations establish standards for cargo securement, including requirements for load weight distribution, the use of appropriate restraints, and the inspection of securing devices before and during transport.

Violations of these regulations can strengthen a victim’s case by demonstrating negligence or recklessness on the part of the truck driver or company. Compliance with regulations is critical in determining liability and assessing damages. At Hutzler Law, we leave no stone unturned to determine whether there was an infringement of any of the above regulations in your case.

Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

Victims of truck accidents in Chandler may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

  • Past and future medical bills related to injuries sustained in the accident, including hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy
  • Income lost due to missed work during recovery from injuries sustained in the accident. This may also include compensation for diminished earning capacity if the injuries result in long-term disability or impairment.
  • Non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from the accident and associated injuries
  • Repair or replacement of damaged property, including vehicles and personal belongings

In cases where a truck accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional trauma of losing a loved one.

Get the compensation you deserve by hiring experienced truck accident lawyers at Hutzler Law.

Handling Insurance Claims After a Truck Accident

Following a truck accident in Chandler, Arizona, navigating the insurance claims process is a crucial step in seeking compensation for damages incurred. Dealing with insurance companies can be complex and challenging, especially given the high stakes involved in truck accident cases. Here’s what you need to know about filing insurance claims:

  • Notify your insurance company promptly after a truck accident. Most insurance policies require immediate notification of accidents, and delaying this notification could potentially jeopardize your claim.
  • Collecting (if possible) and preserving evidence is crucial for supporting your insurance claim. This may include photographs of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and injuries sustained, as well as obtaining contact information from witnesses.
  • Keep detailed records of all medical treatment received as a result of the truck accident. This includes hospital bills, doctor’s notes, prescription medications, and receipts for medical expenses.
  • Insurance adjusters may reach out to you for statements or information regarding the accident. It’s important to be cautious when communicating with them and avoid admitting fault or providing recorded statements without consulting with legal representation first.

Crucially, seeking guidance from an experienced truck accident attorney can be invaluable. An attorney can help you understand your rights, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.

Establishing Liability in Truck Accidents

In truck accident cases, multiple parties may be involved, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and potentially other third parties, such as manufacturers or maintenance providers. Determining liability and navigating insurance claims involving multiple parties can be particularly complex and may require legal expertise.

  • Truck Driver Liability: The truck driver is often the first party considered when determining liability. Common instances of truck driver negligence that can lead to accidents include speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, fatigue, and failure to obey traffic laws. Evidence such as witness statements, police reports, and electronic logging device (ELD) data can help establish driver negligence.
  • Trucking Company Liability: In many cases, the trucking company that employs the driver can also be liable for accidents. Trucking companies may be negligent in various ways, including hiring unqualified drivers, failing to properly maintain vehicles, encouraging drivers to exceed hours-of-service limits, or not adequately supervising and training drivers. Vicarious liability may apply, holding the employer responsible for the actions of its employees performed within the scope of their employment.
  • Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection: If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure or defect in the truck, liability may extend to the party responsible for maintaining or manufacturing the vehicle or its components. This could include the trucking company, the maintenance provider, or the manufacturer of the defective part.
  • Cargo Loading and Securement: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause accidents by shifting or falling off the truck. Liability for cargo-related accidents may fall on the party responsible for loading and securing the cargo, which could be the trucking company, cargo owner, or third-party loading company.
  • Third-Party Liability: In some cases, liability may extend to third parties not directly involved in the operation of the truck, such as government agencies responsible for road maintenance, construction companies, or other drivers whose actions contributed to the accident.

Arizona follows a comparative negligence system, which means that liability may be shared among multiple parties based on their degree of fault. Even if the injured party is partially responsible for the accident, they may still be entitled to recover damages, although the amount awarded may be reduced based on their percentage of fault.

Be aware of the statute of limitations for filing insurance claims and lawsuits related to truck accidents in Arizona. The statute of limitations for all personal injury claims, including those stemming from truck accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within the specified time frame could result in the forfeiture of your right to seek compensation.

Trust this whole process in the hands of our committed and award-winning Chandler personal injury lawyers by reaching out now for a free consultation.

Consult an Experienced Chandler Truck Accident Lawyer at Hutzler Law

Navigating the legal complexities of a truck accident claim in Chandler, AZ, claim can be challenging and intimidating, especially when dealing with powerful trucking companies and insurance providers. Therefore, seeking experienced legal representation to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation is crucial.

Our truck accident lawyers at Hutzler Law can help conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, litigate the case in court to secure the compensation victims deserve.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation. You can contact our firm online or at 602-730-4530 to discuss your case and explore your legal options.