According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, there are close to 400,000 registered commercial vehicles in the state. While there are numerous measures in place to protect the public, accidents involving commercial trucks are common in Maryvale. 

When such incidents occur, they can have devastating effects, leaving you with lifelong injuries and disabilities. Beyond the pain and cost of medical care, such accidents can also leave you with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety and render you unable to work. 

Considering the impact on your quality of life and your loved ones, you need to take immediate action. With experienced Maryvale truck accident attorneys, Hutzler Law can help you with this. Beyond our legal expertise, we understand the pains and burdens that follow a truck accident. This is why, with us, you won’t just have a Maryvale truck accident lawyer but a partner who cares.

Therefore, we won’t just nudge you towards settling if the compensation is not suitable. We’re willing to go to trial to get you the justice that you deserve, and with our track record in court, including multiple six-figure settlements, you have nothing to worry about.

So, contact us today for a free consultation to find out how you can pursue legal recourse.  

What are the Causes of Truck Accidents?

Due to the large size and weight of the load, truck accidents are more impactful than those of other vehicles. Therefore, to help reduce their occurrence, it’s essential to understand the common causes of truck accidents, which include:

  • Truck driver negligence, including driving aggressively, distracted driving, and driving while tired
  • Ignoring road signs and traffic lights
  • Reckless speeding
  • Failure to pay attention to road conditions, like how roads become slippery when it rains
  • Operating trucks while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, prescription drugs, or other substances
  • Failure to properly signal intentions to other road users
  • Loads that are not adequately secured
  • Faulty or broken truck parts

Who Is Liable After a Truck Accident in Maryvale?

While it’s easy to point the finger at the truck driver after an accident, in some cases, they are also victims. This is because there are various parties responsible for ensuring that trucks can operate safely on the roads. 

Therefore, when it comes to commercial truck accidents, one of the most important and equally challenging things is determining who is responsible. Here are some of the parties who may be liable depending on the specifics of the case:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company
  • The truck owner, if it’s not the trucking company or the driver
  • The manufacturer or designer
  • Mechanics that have previously serviced the truck
  • Truck parts manufacturer
  • The shipment company
  • The part requesting the shipment
  • The truck leasing company

As you prepare to sue for compensation, it’s important to have a clear picture of the responsible parties. Understandably, you may not know how to go about it. This is why having a reliable truck accident lawyer is essential.

Vicarious Liability in Truck Accidents

Even if a truck driver is clearly responsible for an accident, it does not mean that they’re the only party liable. This is where vicarious liability comes into play. Vicarious liability holds other parties accountable for the actions of the driver, such as the trucking company or the owner of the truck. 

This legal principle recognizes that these entities have a responsibility to ensure that their vehicles are operated safely. Therefore, even if the driver directly caused the accident, the company or owner may also be held responsible for any damages or injuries resulting from the incident.

Understanding Your Rights: Recoverable Damages After a Truck Accident in Arizona

In the aftermath of a truck accident, the damages you can pursue are crucial for rebuilding your life. At Hutzler Law, our Maryvale truck accident attorneys are dedicated to ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve. Here’s what you can claim:

  1. Medical Expenses: Covering everything from hospital stays to necessary surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation treatments essential for your recovery.
  2. Lost Wages: Compensation for the time missed from work due to your injuries, including both past and future earnings.
  3. Loss of Future Earnings: Calculated based on your ability to return to your previous occupation or secure similar employment in the future.
  4. Continuing Care Costs: If your injuries require ongoing assistance with daily activities, such as personal care or household chores, the expenses for such support are recoverable.
  5. Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for the physical discomfort, emotional distress, and mental anguish endured as a result of the accident.

These damages fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic. While economic damages reimburse you for tangible financial losses, non-economic damages address intangible harms, such as pain and suffering, that significantly impact your quality of life. 

Together, these elements form the basis for your compensation package, ensuring you’re fairly compensated for the full extent of your losses.

How Much Can I Receive as Compensation After a Truck Accident?

The amount of compensation you can expect from your truck accident claim hinges on various critical factors, including:

  1. Severity of Injuries: The extent of your injuries plays a significant role in determining the compensation you may receive. More catastrophic injuries typically result in higher compensation.
  2. Recovery Duration: The length of time required for your injuries to heal directly impacts the compensation amount. Prolonged recovery periods often lead to increased compensation.
  3. Lost Wages: Compensation for time off work due to injuries, including both current and future lost earnings, is a crucial consideration.
  4. Future Earning Capacity: If your ability to work is permanently diminished or compromised, compensation for future earning potential may be included in your claim.
  5. Percentage of Fault: If you share responsibility for the accident, the percentage of fault attributed to you can affect the final compensation amount.
  6. Property Damage: The extent of damage to your vehicle or other property involved in the accident is also factored into the compensation calculation.

It’s crucial to refrain from discussing settlement figures with insurance adjusters until consulting with your Maryvale truck accident lawyer. At Hutzler Law, we meticulously assess not only your current damages but also anticipate future needs, including:

  • Loss of income during recovery
  • Possible medical expenses for ongoing treatment or rehabilitation
  • Potential need for long-term personal assistance

With our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys, we’re prepared to advocate for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. 

Types of Injuries Resulting from Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are notorious for causing severe injuries, impacting not only occupants of smaller vehicles but also truck drivers themselves. These injuries can have long-lasting consequences, significantly altering the course of victims’ lives. 

Here are some common types of injuries victims may suffer:

  • Bone Breaks and Fractures: Fractured limbs, such as arms and legs, can lead to prolonged healing times and potential complications, affecting mobility and quality of life. Fractures may also damage surrounding soft tissue, exacerbating the recovery process.
  • Compound Fractures: More severe than typical fractures, compound fractures involve bones breaking through the skin, posing a higher risk of infection and requiring extensive surgical intervention to repair.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These injuries range from concussions to severe brain trauma, often resulting from the impact of the accident. TBIs can lead to cognitive impairment, physical disabilities, and long-term changes in mood and behavior, drastically altering the victim’s life.
  • Spinal Cord and Neck Injuries: Injuries to the spine or neck can cause paralysis, limited mobility, and chronic pain. Herniated discs, whiplash, and nerve damage are common consequences, affecting daily activities and overall well-being.
  • Burns: Burns may result from the accident itself or exposure to hazardous materials. Ranging from superficial to severe, burns require extensive treatment and may result in permanent scarring and disfigurement.
  • Loss of Limbs: In catastrophic accidents, traumatic amputations may occur, profoundly impacting the victim’s independence and ability to perform daily tasks.
  • Nerve Damage: Nerve injuries can lead to numbness, pain, and loss of function in affected areas, presenting significant challenges for rehabilitation and recovery.
  • Loss of Life: Tragically, some truck accidents result in fatalities, especially for occupants of smaller vehicles involved in the collision.

Navigating Insurance After a Truck Accident

Once your suit for compensation is successful, it’s the insurance company that will have to pay you. While insurance adjusters may seem friendly at first, their only interest is to minimize or eliminate the need for their company to make a payout.

Therefore, regardless of fault, avoid discussing opinions and refrain from admitting responsibility. Instead, stick to stating the facts and inform them of your legal representation. Better yet, let your truck accident attorney deal with them on your behalf.

How to Choose the Best Maryvale Truck Accident Lawyer for Your Claim?

To select the best truck accident lawyer in Maryvale, consider these streamlined steps:

  1. Focus on Specialization: Choose a lawyer who specializes in truck accident cases, as they’ll have the necessary expertise.
  2. Check Experience: Review the lawyer’s experience and success in similar truck accident cases, ensuring they have a solid track record.
  3. Assess Reputation: Look into their professional reputation through client reviews and peer ratings.
  4. Communication: Ensure the lawyer communicates clearly and respond timely; this is crucial for a smooth legal process.
  5. Resource Availability: Confirm the lawyer has access to necessary resources, like expert witnesses, to strengthen your case.
  6. Understand Fees: Understand all potential costs upfront.
  7. Initial Consultation: Book a consultation to determine their suitability for your truck accident claim and how comfortable you feel working with the lawyer.

Your Pursuit of Justice Starts with the Right Legal Team

While you may be lucky to walk away from a truck accident with your life, its effects may stay with you long after. From injuries, loss of income, and medical expenses to mental and emotional anguish, it can significantly impact your life.

Instead of carrying the burden alone, you should seek compensation to lighten the load. However, with responsible parties keen to deny fault and insurance adjusters committed to limiting payouts, you’ll need the support of the right legal team. 

With Hutzler Law, that’s exactly what you get. We have seasoned Maryvale truck accident attorneys ready to help you get the justice you deserve. 

So, get in touch with us today to speak with a truck accident lawyer.