Truck accidents are a common occurrence. With the amount of commercial trucks on the road, an accident is bound to happen. At Suzuki Law Group, we understand your unique challenges and an Oro Valley truck accident lawyer from our team can help you determine the next step you should take.
Our firm’s strength lies in our unique perspective as individuals with prior experience in law enforcement. An Oro Valley personal injury lawyer with experience as a former prosecutor holds the unique insight required to effectively defend individuals accused of crimes and to litigate vigorously for those injured.
With our understanding of the law from the other side of the courtroom, we have the ability to offer our clients nuanced and results-driven advocacy during their most critical moments.
FMCSA Regulation Violations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes and enforces safety regulations for commercial motor vehicles, specifically trucks. These regulations cover multiple areas, from driver qualifications and hours of service to vehicle maintenance and cargo securement. When trucking companies or drivers fail to comply with these regulations, they put everyone on the road at risk.
Some common violations include exceeding maximum driving hours, falsifying logbooks, and operating vehicles with known safety defects. These infractions can significantly increase the likelihood of accidents, as fatigued drivers or poorly maintained vehicles pose a serious danger. Identifying these violations is crucial in establishing negligence and liability in truck accident cases.
At Suzuki Law Group, we investigate potential FMCSA violations as part of our comprehensive approach to truck accident cases. Our team works with industry experts to analyze driver logs, maintenance records, and other relevant documentation to uncover regulatory breaches.
This thorough examination often reveals critical evidence that strengthens our clients’ claims and helps secure the compensation they deserve.
Injuries Suffered in Truck Accidents
The impact of these collisions can cause catastrophic damage to smaller passenger vehicles and their occupants. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and multiple fractures. Other serious injuries often seen in truck accidents and, as the other party, common injuries sustained in a car accident include:
- Severe burns
- Internal organ damage
- Limb amputations
- Neck and back injuries
- Paralysis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The road to recovery from these injuries can be long, arduous, and expensive. You may require extensive medical treatment, ongoing rehabilitation, and long-term care. At Suzuki Law Group, we recognize the full impact of these injuries on our client’s lives and fight to secure possible compensation that covers all current and future medical needs.
Information to Collect After a Truck Accident
If you can, try to collect as much data as possible from the scene. This information will be invaluable to your truck accident attorney in Oro Valley when building a strong claim on your behalf. Key information to gather includes:
- Names and contact details of all parties involved, including witnesses
- Insurance information for the truck driver and trucking company
- Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries
- The truck’s DOT number and license plate
- Weather and road conditions at the time of the accident
Remember, your safety and health should always be the top priority. If you cannot collect this information due to injuries, do not worry. Our experienced team at Suzuki Law Group can conduct a thorough investigation to obtain the necessary evidence.
Statistics for Arizona Truck Accidents
Arizona’s highways see a significant number of truck accidents each year, with devastating consequences for those involved. According to the Arizona 2022 Crash Facts, there were 2,760 crashes involving truck tractors (with or without semi-trailers) in the state. These accidents resulted in 111 fatal crashes, highlighting the deadly potential of collisions with large commercial vehicles.
The data further reveals that 662 truck-related crashes led to injuries, while 1,987 resulted in property damage only. These statistics underscore the serious nature of truck accidents and the high likelihood of severe outcomes when they occur. It is worth noting that these numbers only account for a specific type of commercial vehicle, suggesting that the total impact of all truck-related accidents in Arizona may be even more substantial.
When examining the causes of these accidents, the report indicates that truck drivers were found to have no improper action in 1,387 cases, 46.51% of the total.
However, this also means that in over half of the incidents, some form of driver error or violation contributed to the crash. Common issues included speeding, failure to yield right-of-way, and improper lane changes, highlighting the importance of strict adherence to traffic laws and safety regulations in preventing these dangerous accidents.
Wrongful Death in a Truck Accident
Tragically, truck accidents often result in fatalities, leaving families to struggle with the sudden and devastating loss of a loved one, let alone trying to figure out who can file a wrongful death lawsuit. In these heart-wrenching cases, surviving family members may have grounds for a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties.
These claims aim to secure financial recompense for the family’s losses, covering funeral costs, lost potential earnings, and the invaluable loss of companionship and support.
Pursuing a wrongful death claim in a truck accident case involves navigating legal and emotional terrain. Multiple parties may be held liable, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance.
At Suzuki Law Group, a truck accident lawyer in Oro Valley will approach these sensitive cases with a combination of compassion for our clients and aggressive advocacy against those responsible.
Our team understands that no amount of money can truly compensate for the passing of a family member. However, a successful wrongful death claim can provide crucial financial stability for loved ones and hold negligent parties accountable, potentially preventing similar tragedies in the future, which is why you should not accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer. We work diligently to honor the memory of the deceased by fighting for justice and potential fair compensation on behalf of grieving families.
Contact an Oro Valley Truck Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
A truck accident can turn your life upside down in countless ways. An Oro Valley truck accident lawyer can help you secure the compensation you need for medical treatment, lost wages, and other expenses while you focus on recovery.
Contact Suzuki Law Group to learn more about how our team of former prosecutors can put our unique insights to work for you.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form