Tucson Truck Accident Attorney

Suzuki Law Offices, L.L.C. Can Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve

Truck accidents can be devastating. Large vehicles have immense amounts of power and momentum, and when they collide with smaller vehicles, the results can be catastrophic. When this happens, it is important to have an experienced Tucson truck accident attorney on your side.

At Suzuki Law Offices, L.L.C., we know how to handle these cases. Our team has years of experience in personal injury law, and we know how to work with insurance companies to get our clients the compensation they deserve.

Call (602) 842-6762 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

What is a Truck Accident?

A truck accident refers to a collision or incident involving a commercial truck, such as a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or big rig, with another vehicle, pedestrian, or stationary object. These accidents can result in severe damage, injuries, and even fatalities due to the size, weight, and momentum of the trucks involved.

Common types of truck accidents include:

• Rear-End Collisions: A truck may fail to stop in time and collide with the vehicle in front, leading to severe damage and possible injuries.
• Jackknife Accidents: This occurs when a truck's trailer swings out to the side, forming an acute angle with the truck's cab, often causing multiple collisions on the road.
• Rollover Accidents: Trucks have a higher center of gravity, making them prone to tipping over in certain situations, especially while taking sharp turns at high speeds.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots around their sides and rear, making it difficult for truck drivers to see nearby vehicles, leading to accidents during lane changes or merging.
• Underride Accidents: These occur when smaller vehicles slide under the rear or side of a truck, causing significant damage and risking fatalities to car occupants.
• Tired Driving Accidents: Fatigue is a common issue among truck drivers, and drowsy driving can result in accidents due to slower reaction times and impaired judgment.
• Overloaded Truck Accidents: When trucks are loaded beyond their legal weight limits, it can lead to difficulties in handling, braking, and overall stability, increasing the risk of accidents.

Why are Truck Accidents More Devastating Than Car Accidents?

Commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than typical passenger cars. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds (around 36,000 kilograms) or more, while an average car may weigh about 4,000 pounds (approximately 1,800 kilograms). In a collision, the sheer mass of the truck can cause extensive damage to other vehicles and infrastructure.

Due to their weight, trucks require much longer distances to come to a complete stop compared to cars. If a truck driver needs to stop suddenly, the outcome can be catastrophic, especially in congested traffic or adverse weather conditions.

Trucks also have limited maneuverability, especially when it comes to sudden lane changes or evasive actions. Their large size and slower response times make it challenging for truck drivers to avoid accidents in certain situations.

Lastly, because of their height and ground clearance, trucks can collide with the passenger compartments of smaller vehicles, leading to more severe injuries to car occupants.

Determining Liability in a Truck Accident

Liability in a truck accident can be attributed to various parties involved in the operation, maintenance, and ownership of the truck.

The following parties may be held liable in a truck accident, depending on the circumstances:

• Truck Driver: The driver of the truck may be held liable if their negligent or reckless actions, such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating traffic rules, contributed to the accident.
• Trucking Company: The trucking company that employs the driver can also be held liable in certain situations. If the company failed to properly train the driver, enforced unrealistic schedules that encouraged speeding or fatigued driving, or did not adequately maintain the truck, they may share responsibility for the accident.
• Truck Owner: If the truck involved in the accident is owned by a separate entity from the trucking company, such as a leasing company, the owner might be held liable if the accident resulted from a mechanical failure or lack of maintenance.
• Maintenance Provider: If the truck accident was caused by faulty maintenance or repairs, the company or individual responsible for maintaining the truck may be held liable.
• Manufacturer: In cases where the truck accident was caused by a defective part or component, the manufacturer of that part could be held liable for producing a faulty product.
• Cargo Loading Company: If the accident was a result of improper loading or securing of cargo, the company responsible for loading the cargo onto the truck could be held liable.

Determining liability in a truck accident can be complex, involving investigations, expert analysis, and consideration of relevant laws and regulations. It is often advisable for victims of a truck accident to seek the assistance of an experienced attorney who can help navigate the legal process and protect their rights.

Contact Suzuki Law Offices, L.L.C. Today

Truck accidents can be extremely serious. If you or a loved one has been injured, you need an experienced Phoenix truck accident attorney on your side. At Suzuki Law Offices, L.L.C., we understand how to handle these complex cases, and can help you navigate the truck accident claim process.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, we encourage you to contact us today. We are available to answer your questions and help you move forward with your claim.