Vehicle accidents often result in severe injuries for every party involved, including drivers and passengers. Accidents involving large commercial trucks are much more likely to result in catastrophic injuries and property damage. Here, we want to examine why truck accidents are more dangerous than traditional car accidents. We will do this through the lenses of personal injuries that can occur as well as property damage for the vehicles involved.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, contact our Phoenix truck accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
The average passenger vehicle weighs approximately 4,000 pounds. Most traditional cars, even larger SUVs, pale in comparison to the size of commercial trucks.
When we look at information available from the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, we can see that commercial trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds when they are fully loaded with cargo. Overall, these vehicle can reach lengths of up to 75 feet, depending on the type of connection between the tractor and the trailer.
The size and weight discrepancy between most passenger vehicles on the roadway and commercial vehicles are the number one reason why accidents between the two often have such consequential results.
The most devastating part of a traditional vehicle versus commercial truck crash is the injuries that occur. Yes, any vehicle accident can result in severe injuries for those involved. However, accidents involving large commercial trucks are much more likely to result in catastrophic injuries for those inside traditional passenger vehicles.
It is not uncommon for those involved in commercial truck crashes in Arizona to sustain the following injuries:
Though certainly not as consequential as injuries sustained in these accidents, we would be remiss if we did not discuss property damage caused by large commercial truck accidents. Property damage expenses can be tremendous in these circumstances. Again, due to the size and weight discrepancy between traditional passenger cars and commercial vehicles, property damage is likely to be much worse in these situations. In fact, regular passenger vehicles struck by commercial vehicles are more likely to be totaled, which means that the cost to repair the vehicle will be more than the actual value of the vehicle.
Data provided by the Arizona Department of Transportation shows there were several thousand vehicle accidents during the latest reporting year involving larger trucks. These incidents led to more than 100 fatalities and thousands of injuries for residents and visitors.
If you or somebody you care about has been injured or sustained property damage in a collision with a commercial truck in Arizona, you need to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. These cases can become incredibly challenging, particularly when going up against aggressive insurance carriers or legal teams.
An attorney can get involved and handle every aspect of these claims, including conducting an investigation in order to determine liability. An attorney will also work with trusted medical and economic experts who can fully evaluate a client’s total expected losses. Using all of this information, an Arizona truck accident lawyer will engage in vigorous negotiations with insurance carriers and the trucking companies to secure total compensation for their client.
John Torgenson is a highly experienced personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of practice in Arizona. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame. John has a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, including an $8.25 million recovery for a gunshot injury victim. His expertise has earned him AVVO ratings and recognition as a Super Lawyer.
John is also a sought-after lecturer on personal injury law, sharing his extensive knowledge with peers and aspiring attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, John is an avid golfer and actively supports organizations like the Military Assistance Mission, Arizona School for the Arts, Page Balloon Regatta, University of Arizona Foundation, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and the Tim Huff Pro Bono Golf Classic.
Passionate about advocating for injury victims, John dedicates his career to battling insurance companies and corporate interests, ensuring that the rights of those who are hurt are vigorously defended.
