Arizona Truck Accident Lawyer
Arizona’s highways are lifelines for commerce, with thousands of commercial trucks traveling through the state daily. Interstate 10 serves as a major transcontinental corridor, while other highways like I-17, I-40, and US-60 see heavy truck traffic connecting Phoenix to the rest of the state and nation. These massive vehicles—18-wheelers, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other commercial trucks—are essential to our economy, but they’re also incredibly dangerous when truckers or trucking companies cut corners on safety.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Arizona, you already know how devastating these crashes can be. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks means collisions often result in catastrophic injuries or death. You’re facing not just physical pain and mounting medical bills, but also powerful trucking companies with teams of lawyers and investigators working to minimize their liability from the moment the accident occurs.
You need an attorney who understands the complexities of truck accident cases, knows federal and state trucking regulations inside and out, and has the resources to take on well-funded corporate defendants. At Eddington Law, our Arizona truck accident attorneys have spent decades fighting for victims of commercial vehicle crashes. With our Phoenix office conveniently located and a proven track record of results, we’re ready to stand up for your rights and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
Why Truck Accidents Are Different—and More Dangerous
Truck accidents are fundamentally different from typical car accidents in several critical ways:
Massive Size and Weight Disparity
A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—40 times more than an average passenger vehicle. When these massive vehicles collide with cars, the laws of physics are brutally unforgiving. Passenger vehicles are often crushed, and occupants suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries even in “minor” truck crashes.
Severe and Catastrophic Injuries
Due to the size disparity, truck accidents typically result in much more serious injuries than car accidents:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple bone fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns
- Amputation
- Wrongful death
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long-term care, and result in permanent disability.
Complex Federal Regulations
The trucking industry is heavily regulated by federal law, including:
- Hours of service regulations limiting driving time
- Mandatory rest break requirements
- Drug and alcohol testing programs
- Vehicle maintenance standards
- Cargo securement rules
- Driver qualification requirements
- Electronic logging device (ELD) mandates
Violations of these regulations are often key factors in truck accidents and can establish liability. Understanding these complex rules requires specific expertise.
Multiple Potentially Liable Parties
Unlike typical car accidents with one at-fault driver, truck accidents often involve multiple responsible parties:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The company that loaded the cargo
- The truck manufacturer (for vehicle defects)
- Maintenance companies
- Third-party logistics companies
- Other drivers who contributed to the crash
Identifying all liable parties is crucial to ensuring you recover full compensation.
Well-Funded Corporate Defendants
Trucking companies carry substantial insurance policies—often $1 million or more. But they also have teams of lawyers, investigators, and accident reconstruction experts who respond immediately to protect the company’s interests. They’ll work to minimize lia
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Arizona
Understanding what caused your truck accident is essential to building a strong case and holding the right parties accountable.
Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents nationwide. Federal regulations limit how many hours truck drivers can work, but some drivers and trucking companies violate these rules to meet tight deadlines or maximize profits. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and may even fall asleep at the wheel. Electronic logging device (ELD) data can prove these violations.
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers face unique distractions during long hauls:
- Cell phone use (calls, texts, emails)
- GPS and dispatch systems
- Eating and drinking
- Reading or paperwork
- Adjusting controls
- CB radio use
Even a momentary distraction is devastating when driving an 80,000-pound vehicle at highway speeds.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Truck drivers under pressure to meet deadlines may speed, follow too closely, or drive aggressively. The increased speed makes crashes more severe and reduces the already-limited time needed to stop a heavy truck.
Improper Training
Some trucking companies provide inadequate training to save time and money. Poorly trained drivers may not know how to properly:
- Handle the vehicle in adverse conditions
- Navigate mountainous terrain
- Secure cargo
- Inspect vehicles before trips
- Respond to emergencies
Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance
Trucking companies are required to maintain their vehicles according to strict federal standards. When they cut corners on maintenance to save money, the results can be catastrophic:
- Brake failures
- Tire blowouts
- Steering system failures
- Lighting malfunctions
- Trailer coupling failures
Improper Cargo Loading
Improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transport, causing the driver to lose control. Overloaded trucks exceed weight limits and are more difficult to control and stop. Cargo loading companies may be liable when improper loading causes accidents.
Impaired Driving
Despite drug and alcohol testing requirements, some truck drivers operate while impaired by:
- Illegal drugs
- Alcohol
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications causing drowsiness
Blind Spots and Improper Lane Changes
Commercial trucks have massive blind spots—called “no-zones”—on all four sides where the driver cannot see other vehicles. Improper lane changes, merging, or turns can cause devastating sideswipe or underride accidents.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Arizona’s unique weather creates hazardous conditions for truckers:
- Monsoon storms with heavy rain and dust
- Dust storms (haboobs) causing zero visibility
- High winds affecting trailer stability
- Extreme heat causing tire blowouts
- Flash flooding on highways
Truckers must adjust their driving for conditions, and failure to do so can result in serious accidents.
Vehicle Defects
Sometimes truck accidents result from defective parts or design flaws:
- Defective brakes
- Tire defects
- Steering system failures
- Defective coupling systems
Manufacturers may be held liable for defective products that cause crashes.
Types of Truck Accidents We Handle in Arizona
At Eddington Law, we represent victims of all types of commercial truck accidents:
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often due to sudden braking, improper braking, or slippery conditions. Jackknifed trucks block multiple lanes and cause multi-vehicle pileups.
Rollover Accidents
Top-heavy trucks, especially those with improperly loaded cargo or traveling too fast around curves, can roll over, crushing nearby vehicles and causing catastrophic injuries.
Underride Accidents
When a passenger vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer—often due to the truck stopping suddenly or rear-end collisions. These accidents are frequently fatal because the truck’s trailer enters the passenger vehicle at head level.
Override Accidents
When a truck runs over a smaller vehicle in front of it, typically in rear-end collisions when the truck driver fails to stop in time.
Blind Spot Accidents
Crashes occurring when truck drivers change lanes or merge without seeing vehicles in their large blind spots.
Wide Turn Accidents
Trucks making wide right turns may swing left first, creating a gap that passenger vehicles try to fill—resulting in the car being crushed as the truck completes its turn.
Cargo Spill Accidents
When improperly secured cargo falls off the truck onto the roadway, causing multi-vehicle accidents as drivers swerve or strike debris.
Tire Blowout Accidents
When truck tires fail due to poor maintenance, overloading, or defects, the driver may lose control or tire debris may strike other vehicles.
Head-On Collisions
Often caused by fatigued or impaired truck drivers crossing the center line. These are among the most deadly types of truck accidents.
Rear-End Collisions
When trucks fail to stop in time due to brake failure, driver inattention, following too closely, or inadequate stopping distance at high speeds.
Catastrophic Injuries from Arizona Truck Accidents
Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, collisions often result in life-changing injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
From concussions to severe brain damage resulting in cognitive impairment, personality changes, memory loss, and permanent disability.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifetime medical care and dramatically altering every aspect of the victim’s life.
Severe Burn Injuries
When trucks carrying fuel or hazardous materials catch fire, victims may suffer devastating burn injuries requiring extensive treatment, multiple surgeries, and skin grafts.
Amputation and Loss of Limb
The crushing force of truck accidents may necessitate amputation or result in such severe damage that limbs cannot be saved.
Multiple Fractures and Broken Bones
The impact force often causes multiple broken bones requiring extensive surgery, hardware implantation, and long recovery periods.
Internal Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding, organ rupture, and other life-threatening internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
Severe Lacerations and Disfigurement
Broken glass, metal, and debris cause deep cuts and permanent scarring that may require reconstructive surgery.
Psychological Trauma
Many truck accident victims develop PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, and fear of driving that requires long-term psychological treatment.
Wrongful Death
Tragically, many truck accidents prove fatal. Surviving family members may be entitled to wrongful death compensation for their devastating loss.
These catastrophic injuries often require millions of dollars in medical treatment, long-term care, and result in permanent disability. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney who can accurately value your claim and pursue maximum compensation.
Federal Trucking Regulations: How They Impact Your Case
The trucking industry is heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Understanding these regulations is crucial to proving liability in truck accident cases.
Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
Federal law strictly limits how long truck drivers can drive:
- 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14-hour on-duty limit (including non-driving time)
- 30-minute break required after 8 hours of driving
- 60/70-hour on-duty limits per 7/8 consecutive days
Violations of HOS regulations are common and often contribute to accidents. Electronic logging device (ELD) data can prove these violations.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Most commercial trucks must use ELDs that automatically record driving time. This data is crucial evidence in truck accident cases and must be preserved immediately through legal action.
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Trucking companies must conduct pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. Test results and testing records can prove impairment.
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Requirements
Federal regulations require:
- Pre-trip vehicle inspections
- Regular maintenance schedules
- Documentation of all repairs and inspections
- Annual vehicle inspections
Maintenance records can prove negligent maintenance contributed to your accident.
Driver Qualification Standards
Trucking companies must ensure drivers:
- Hold proper commercial driver’s licenses (CDL)
- Meet medical fitness standards
- Complete required training
- Have acceptable driving records
- Pass required knowledge and skills tests
Hiring unqualified drivers can establish negligence against the trucking company.
Cargo Securement Rules
Federal regulations specify how cargo must be loaded and secured. Improper cargo loading can lead to load shifts, spills, or vehicle instability.
Weight Limitations
Federal and state laws limit truck weights. Overloaded trucks are more difficult to control and stop, and cause more severe crashes.
Violations of these federal regulations can establish negligence and significantly strengthen your case. Our attorneys know these regulations thoroughly and know how to use them to prove liability.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Arizona Truck Accidents?
Unlike typical car accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple potentially liable parties. Identifying all responsible parties is crucial to maximizing your recovery.
The Truck Driver
Individual truck drivers can be held liable for negligent actions like:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Hours of service violations
- Impaired driving
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies can be held liable for:
- Negligent hiring, training, or supervision of drivers
- Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service rules
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Negligent retention of dangerous drivers
- Violation of federal safety regulations
- Vicarious liability for drivers’ actions under respondeat superior
Cargo Loading Companies
Third-party companies that load cargo can be held liable when improper loading or cargo securement causes accidents.
Truck or Parts Manufacturers
Manufacturers can be strictly liable for defective trucks or parts that cause accidents, including:
- Defective brakes
- Tires
- Steering systems
- Coupling devices
Truck Maintenance Companies
Third-party maintenance providers can be held liable for negligent maintenance or repairs that cause vehicle failures.
Other Drivers
Sometimes other drivers’ actions contribute to truck accidents. All at-fault parties can be held liable under Arizona law.
Government Entities
In rare cases, government entities responsible for road design or maintenance may share liability for accidents caused by dangerous road conditions.
Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify all potentially liable parties, ensuring you receive maximum compensation from all available sources.
Compensation Available in Arizona Truck Accident Cases
Due to the severity of injuries in truck accidents, compensation can be substantial. You may be entitled to:
Economic Damages
Medical Expenses: All past and future costs, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medication, assistive devices, home modifications, and lifetime care needs for catastrophic injuries.
Lost Income: All wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, and benefits lost due to missing work.
Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation or reduce your earning ability, you can recover compensation for this diminished future earning potential.
Property Damage: Cost to repair or replace your vehicle and personal property.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: All accident-related costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and discomfort from your injuries.
Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and psychological trauma.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in activities you enjoyed before the accident.
Loss of Consortium: Compensation to spouses for loss of companionship.
Disfigurement: Permanent scarring and physical changes.
Arizona does not cap damages in truck accident cases, allowing full compensation for catastrophic injuries.
Punitive Damages
When trucking companies or drivers engage in particularly egregious conduct—such as knowingly violating safety regulations—Arizona courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
Truck accident cases often involve substantial insurance policies ($1 million+), making it possible to recover full compensation even for catastrophic injuries—but only if you have an experienced attorney who knows how to maximize your recovery.
Why You Need an Experienced Arizona Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident cases are far more complex than typical car accident claims. Here’s why specialized legal representation is crucial:
We Know Federal Trucking Regulations
We thoroughly understand FMCSA regulations and know how to use violations to prove liability and strengthen your case.
We Preserve Critical Evidence Immediately
We take immediate legal action to preserve electronic data from ELDs, GPS systems, engine control modules, and onboard cameras before it’s destroyed or “lost.”
We Investigate Thoroughly
We conduct comprehensive investigations:
- Examining the accident scene
- Obtaining and analyzing “black box” data
- Reviewing driver logs and company records
- Inspecting the truck and maintenance records
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts
- Interviewing witnesses
- Analyzing company safety records
We Identify All Liable Parties
We investigate to identify every potentially responsible party, ensuring you recover maximum compensation from all available sources.
We Handle Complex Litigation
Truck accident cases involve sophisticated legal issues, multiple defendants, and complex federal regulations. We have the expertise to handle these challenges.
We Take On Large Trucking Companies
We’re not intimidated by big trucking companies and their legal teams. We have the resources and experience to fight toe-to-toe with well-funded corporate defendants.
We Accurately Value Catastrophic Injuries
We work with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to accurately calculate the lifetime costs of catastrophic injuries.
We Negotiate Aggressively
Trucking companies and their insurers know we’re experienced trial lawyers. This reputation gives us leverage to negotiate favorable settlements.
We’re Prepared for Trial
If settlement negotiations fail, we’re ready to present your case to an Arizona jury and fight for full compensation.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Arizona
The steps you take immediately after a truck accident can significantly impact your case:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health comes first. Call 911 and get medical help even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. Some catastrophic injuries have delayed symptoms.
Call Law Enforcement
Ensure police respond to the scene and file an accident report. This creates official documentation of the crash.
Document Everything
If you’re physically able:
- Take photos of all vehicles, damage, the accident scene, cargo, road conditions, and your injuries
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Note the truck’s identification numbers, company name, and driver information
- Write down your recollection of how the accident happened
- Photograph any visible violations (unsecured cargo, vehicle defects, etc.)
Don’t Discuss Fault
Don’t apologize or admit any fault at the scene. Be careful what you say—truck company representatives may arrive quickly and record statements.
Preserve Evidence
Don’t repair or dispose of your vehicle. Keep all documentation, medical records, and bills.
Report to Your Insurance
Notify your insurance company of the accident, but provide only basic factual information. Don’t give detailed statements before consulting an attorney.
Contact an Arizona Truck Accident Lawyer Immediately
Time is critical in truck accident cases. Evidence can be destroyed, electronic data can be erased, and witnesses’ memories fade. The trucking company’s lawyers and investigators are already working to minimize liability—you need an attorney protecting your interests from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Truck Accidents
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Arizona?
Generally, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, don’t wait—critical evidence must be preserved immediately. Contact us now.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Arizona’s comparative negligence rule allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially responsible, though your recovery will be reduced by your fault percentage.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
Truck accident cases often involve substantial damages due to catastrophic injuries. Values depend on your specific injuries, medical costs, lost income, and other factors. We’ll provide an honest evaluation during your free consultation.
How long will my case take?
Truck accident cases are complex and may take longer than typical car accident claims. We work as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive full compensation.
Do I really need a lawyer for my truck accident?
Yes. Truck accident cases involve complex federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, well-funded corporate defendants, and catastrophic injuries. You need specialized expertise to maximize your recovery.
What if the trucking company says their driver wasn’t at fault?
Trucking companies almost always deny liability initially. We conduct our own investigation, gather evidence, and prove liability through facts and expert testimony.
Can I sue the trucking company even if they didn’t own the truck?
Possibly. Many trucking arrangements involve leasing, owner-operators, and complex corporate structures. We investigate these relationships to identify all liable parties.
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Trucking companies often claim drivers are independent contractors to avoid liability. We investigate to determine the true nature of the relationship and hold companies accountable.
How do you preserve evidence in truck accident cases?
We immediately send spoliation letters demanding preservation of all evidence, including electronic data, maintenance records, driver logs, and company safety records.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
You can afford us. We work on contingency—no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we win. Your consultation is free.
Contact an Arizona Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident anywhere in Arizona, you need an experienced attorney who understands the complexities of these cases and has the resources to take on large trucking companies.
At Eddington Law, we’ve spent decades fighting for truck accident victims and recovering substantial compensation for catastrophic injuries. We know federal trucking regulations, we understand how trucking companies operate, and we have the expertise to handle complex litigation against well-funded corporate defendants. With our Phoenix office conveniently located, we’re ready to fight for you.
Time is absolutely critical in truck accident cases. Electronic data can be erased, evidence can disappear, and the trucking company’s legal team is already working to minimize their liability. The sooner you contact us, the better we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Your consultation is completely free and confidential. We’ll listen to your story, evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and answer all your questions. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Don’t wait. Contact Eddington Law today:
- Call our Phoenix office for immediate assistance
- Visit eddington.law to learn more about our firm
- Stop by our Phoenix office for an in-person consultation
We serve truck accident victims throughout Arizona, including:
- Phoenix
- Scottsdale
- Tempe
- Mesa
- Chandler
- Glendale
- Peoria
- Gilbert
- Surprise
- Tucson
- Flagstaff
- All communities along I-10, I-17, I-40, and other major highways
No fees unless we win. Call today.
Let our experience, resources, and proven track record work for your family. We’re ready to take on the trucking companies and fight for the justice and maximum compensation you deserve.