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Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, leaving victims physically injured, emotionally scarred, and financially overwhelmed. These events truly are life-changing, and the victims demand the utmost care and respect.
At Torgenson Law, we are committed to helping truck accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. Our experienced Sierra Vista truck accident lawyers will handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery. From investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies, we will stand by your side every step of the way.
Before we discuss how we can help, let’s first understand the factors that frequently cause truck accidents and the unique challenges they present.
Truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Understanding the root causes of truck accidents can help identify the liable parties and ensure that justice is served.
One of the leading causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Truck drivers are often required to work long hours under demanding deadlines, which can result in exhaustion. Federal regulations, such as the Hours of Service rules, limit the number of consecutive hours a truck driver can operate a vehicle. However, some drivers or trucking companies may ignore these regulations in an effort to meet delivery schedules. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making them more likely to cause accidents.
Just like any other driver, truck operators can become distracted by phones, GPS systems, or in-cab communication devices. Even a brief moment of distraction can lead to a serious accident, especially when operating a vehicle as large as a commercial truck. Distracted driving remains one of the most preventable causes of truck accidents, yet it is a persistent problem.
Trucks are complex machines that require regular maintenance to operate safely. When a crucial part, such as brakes or tires, fails, the results can be catastrophic. Equipment failure can occur due to defective parts, improper maintenance, or wear and tear. In these cases, the trucking company, manufacturer, or maintenance provider may be held liable for failing to ensure the vehicle was in safe working condition.
The way cargo is loaded onto a truck plays a crucial role in the vehicle’s stability. Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, making the truck difficult to control and increasing the risk of rollovers. Trucking companies and loading teams must follow strict guidelines to ensure the cargo is properly distributed and secured. When they fail to do so, they can be held responsible for accidents caused by shifting loads.
Truck drivers often face tight deadlines, which can lead them to drive faster than is safe. Speeding is dangerous for any vehicle, but it’s especially hazardous for large trucks that require more time and distance to stop. A speeding truck can easily lose control or cause a multi-vehicle collision, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
Despite strict regulations, some truck drivers still operate their vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Impaired driving severely reduces a driver’s ability to make sound decisions, react quickly, and control their vehicle. Driving under the influence remains a leading cause of fatal truck accidents, and those responsible must be held accountable.
Trucks are particularly difficult to maneuver in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, ice, or fog. Reduced visibility and slick roads can lead to accidents if drivers fail to adjust their speed and following distance accordingly. While weather conditions may contribute to an accident, truck drivers are responsible for exercising caution and adapting their driving to the conditions at hand.
These causes are all too common in Sierra Vista and throughout Arizona. Regardless of what caused your truck accident, identifying the responsible parties is key to pursuing compensation.
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, making liability more complex than in standard car accidents. It’s essential to determine who is at fault for the accident, as this will directly impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
Here are some of the key parties that may be held liable in your truck accident case:
In many cases, the truck driver is the primary party held responsible for the accident. If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or otherwise negligent, they can be held liable for the crash. Establishing driver negligence often requires gathering evidence, such as the driver’s logbook, black box data, and witness statements.
Under the legal concept of vicarious liability, trucking companies can be held liable for the actions of their drivers. If the driver was acting within the scope of their employment when the accident occurred, the company may be responsible for any resulting damages. Additionally, trucking companies can be held directly liable if they failed to properly train their drivers, ignored safety regulations, or neglected vehicle maintenance.
Improper loading of cargo is a frequent contributor to truck accidents. If cargo is not properly secured or the truck is overloaded, it can affect the vehicle’s balance and handling, leading to accidents. In such cases, the individuals or companies responsible for loading the truck can be held liable for their negligence.
Sometimes, a mechanical failure due to a defective part is to blame for an accident. In these cases, the manufacturer of the truck or its components may be held liable for producing a faulty product. For example, defective brakes, tires, or steering mechanisms can cause accidents even when the driver and trucking company followed all safety protocols.
Commercial trucks require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they are safe to operate. If a maintenance provider failed to conduct necessary repairs or inspections, and equipment failure contributed to the accident, they may share liability. Maintenance records are a critical part of investigating truck accidents, as they can reveal whether proper procedures were followed.
If poor road conditions, such as potholes, lack of proper signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals, contributed to the accident, a government entity may be held liable. Suing a government agency can be complex and often involves strict filing deadlines and procedural requirements, so it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who understands how to pursue claims against government entities.
By identifying all liable parties, your truck accident lawyer can ensure that you pursue the maximum compensation available for your injuries and damages.
After a truck accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident. Damages typically fall into three categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic damages are intended to compensate you for the tangible financial losses that result from the accident. These may include:
Non-economic damages address the more subjective and intangible losses you may experience as a result of the accident. These damages can be more difficult to quantify, but they are just as important in helping you recover from the trauma of the accident. Non-economic damages may include:
Punitive damages are not awarded in every truck accident case, but they may apply in situations where the at-fault party’s behavior was especially reckless or egregious. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which are intended to compensate the victim, punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
For example, if the truck driver was operating the vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or if the trucking company knowingly violated safety regulations, a court may award punitive damages to hold them accountable for their reckless conduct.
Truck accidents are far more complex than standard car accidents, and having an experienced attorney on your side can significantly impact the outcome of your case. At Torgenson Law, we have a deep understanding of both state and federal trucking regulations, and we know how to navigate the unique challenges of truck accident cases.
Here are some of the key benefits of working with a truck accident lawyer from Torgenson Law:
In the aftermath of a truck accident, taking the right steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your legal case. Here’s what to do:
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Sierra Vista, you don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone. Torgenson Law is here to help you pursue justice and secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation or give us a call at 602-726-074. We know what you’re going through is difficult — let us fight for your rights while you focus on your recovery.
