The moment a commercial truck collides with your vehicle, everything changes—your health, your finances, and your sense of stability.
Maybe you’re dealing with hospital visits, painful injuries, and days of missed work. Or maybe you’re trying to hold it together for a loved one who was hurt.
Either way, it’s not just the crash that turns life on its side. Recovery can be an uphill battle that affects every part of your life, especially if you try to handle it all alone.
A Phoenix truck accident lawyer at Gallagher & Kennedy can investigate what went wrong, take on the legal burden, and help you pursue compensation for the harm you've suffered so you can start rebuilding with confidence. Now isn’t the time to fight insurance companies. We’ll do that while you focus on your recovery.
Gallagher & Kennedy Phoenix truck accident attorneys will stand up for you when others want to stand in your way.
Key Takeaways
- Truck accident victims may be eligible to pursue compensation for both financial and non-financial losses.
- Commercial truck crashes often involve multiple potentially liable parties, federal and state safety regulations, and complex insurance issues.
- A knowledgeable truck accident attorney can gather critical evidence before it's lost or destroyed.
- Quick settlements from insurance companies rarely reflect the true long-term cost of recovery
- Gallagher & Kennedy has the resources and experience to litigate major trucking injury cases nationwide
Why Choose Gallagher & Kennedy for Your Phoenix Truck Accident Case?
Gallagher & Kennedy has earned a statewide reputation for handling high-stakes personal injury cases that many other firms shy away from. With more than 275 years of combined legal experience and a legacy of securing multimillion-dollar results, our team is equipped to handle even the most complex truck accident claims. We've stood up to major trucking companies and their insurers to level the playing field for our clients, positioning them for the best possible outcome.
Clients work with us because:
- We are a Phoenix-based personal injury law firm with deep roots in the community..
- We focus our practice on catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases.
- We have the experience and the resources to go toe-to-toe with national trucking companies.
- We keep our clients informed and involved from start to finish.
- We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
Why Commercial Motor Vehicle Accidents Are So Dangerous
Commercial trucks, especially fully loaded tractor-trailers, typically weigh more than 20 times more than a standard passenger car. That kind of weight and size difference puts everyday drivers at a severe disadvantage in any collision. These accidents are not only violent, but they’re often deadly.
Common types of truck accidents include:
- Jackknife accidents, where the trailer swings out at an angle
- Underride crashes, where a car slides under the trailer
- Override collisions, when a truck rides over a smaller vehicle
- Rollover accidents caused by speed or improper loading
- Wide-turn crashes, especially in urban intersections
- Rear-end collisions due to long stopping distances
In Phoenix, truck crashes happen frequently along risky major arteries like Interstate 10 near the airport, the stack interchange at I-17 and I-10, and heavy industrial areas near Grand Avenue. These are places where trucks change lanes, merge, or enter congested roads, putting others at risk.
Truck Accidents in Phoenix
Arizona saw 2,632 truck accidents in the most recent reporting year, with 135 fatalities and 385 serious injuries, according to state records. That’s nearly one injury per day and one death every other day from a commercial truck crash.
Most of these accidents occurred in Maricopa County, where Phoenix serves as a key distribution hub. High-speed travel combined with long-haul routes makes Phoenix one of the most active trucking corridors in the region.
Truck accidents happen almost every day on Phoenix roads like I-10, Loop 202, and Grand Avenue, where high-speed freight traffic shares traffic lanes with ordinary drivers. And when negligence by a truck driver or trucking company causes a crash, the people in smaller vehicles are almost always the ones who pay the price.
What Causes Commercial Truck Accidents in Phoenix?
Several factors can lead to devastating truck crashes in Phoenix. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Driver fatigue from long hours behind the wheel
- Inadequate driver training or failure to meet qualifications
- Speeding or reckless driving, especially in poor weather
- Improperly loaded cargo that shifts or spills
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using GPS
- Brake or equipment failure due to skipped maintenance
- Pressure from trucking companies to meet unrealistic deadlines
- Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or stimulants
Many of these accidents are preventable. That’s why holding the right parties accountable is so important, not just for your recovery, but to help keep our highways and streets safer and prevent future harm.
Do I Have a Truck Accident Claim?
If someone else caused your injuries because they failed to act responsibly, you may have a valid claim. Most truck accident cases are based on negligence, which means proving four basic things:
- The other party had a legal duty to drive safely or maintain their truck properly
- They breached that duty by speeding, skipping inspections, or otherwise operating unsafely.
- That breach caused the crash and your injuries.
- You suffered actual losses, such as medical bills and missed work
You don’t need to figure this out on your own. An experienced truck accident lawyer with Gallagher & Kennedy can evaluate the facts, determine whether negligence occurred, and build a strong case on your behalf.
We Handle the Insurance Companies
Several parties can be held liable in a complex truck accident After a truck accident, you may hear from the trucking company’s insurance provider. They might offer you a quick settlement or ask for a recorded statement. It might seem like they’re trying to help, but these offers rarely reflect the full cost of your injuries.
Insurance companies are businesses. Their priority is to limit payouts, not support your recovery.
Here’s why it’s critical to let a lawyer handle these conversations:
- They can protect your rights from the very beginning
- They’ll assess the true value of your current and future losses
- They’ll push back against lowball offers
- They’ll preserve key evidence before it disappears
Don’t say yes to a settlement before speaking with an attorney. Once you accept an offer, you may lose the chance to recover the full amount you’re entitled to under the law.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Case?
Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties, and figuring out who is legally responsible can take a thorough investigation.
Depending on the situation, one or more of the following may be liable:
- The truck driver, especially if they were fatigued, distracted, or negligent
- The trucking company, for failing to train or supervise the driver
- A third-party maintenance provider, if faulty repairs led to the crash
- The cargo loader, if improperly secured freight caused the accident
- The truck manufacturer, if a defective part contributed to the collision
Sometimes, liability is shared across several companies, especially in cases involving leased vehicles or contract drivers. A skilled lawyer will identify all potentially responsible parties to strengthen your case.
Types of Truck Accidents
When a passenger vehicle collides with a commercial truck, it can result in significant damages and injuries. A commercial trucking operation often involves several parties, so victims and their loved ones may have several options for pursuing compensation.
Negligence Claims
In a truck accident, one of the parties involved is often negligent, leading to a lawsuit.
Negligence can include:
- The truck's driver lacked the qualifications and experience necessary to operate a commercial vehicle.
- The heavy cargo was loaded improperly on the truck.
- The truck traveled on a dangerous or prohibited road.
- The truck driver didn't clear their blind spot or see the other car.
- The truck driver was drowsy, drugged, or drunk.
- The truck or tractor-trailer owner failed to maintain the vehicle properly.
- The driver of the truck committed a traffic violation.
To successfully pursue a negligence claim, our Phoenix truck accident attorneys must prove four elements:
- To ensure your safety, the other party had a duty of care to act rationally.
- The other party breached its duty of care.
- The other party's breach of duty caused your injuries.
- Due to the other party's breach of duty, you suffered monetary damages.
Using evidence gathered by our Phoenix truck accident attorneys, we will establish that the other party's negligence caused the truck accident and your injuries.
Truck Accident Lawsuits Involving Product Liability
You might have a product liability case against a manufacturer if a defective part caused your collision.
To establish product liability based on manufacturer negligence, you must prove:
- The part had a defect, making it unreasonably dangerous.
- The victim used the part following its manufacturer's instructions.
- There has been no change in the condition of the part since the consumer originally purchased it.
It is common for a lawyer to file an Arizona product liability claim under strict liability, which doesn't require evidence that the manufacturer or seller was negligent. Simply proving the product is defective is all that they must do.
Suing for Wrongful Death
Many people lose their lives in truck accidents because of severe injuries. You must prove that your loved one would still be alive if the at-fault party acted reasonably, safely, and cautiously. Our Phoenix truck accident attorneys will investigate the possibility of filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the party at fault if you lost a loved one in a truck accident.
Truck Accidents in Phoenix: Causes and Consequences
Due to their weight, commercial trucks involved in an accident can cause serious and life-threatening injuries. These vehicles' large shape and difficulty maneuvering in traffic make them a significant safety risk.
Some of the most common causes of trucking accidents in Phoenix include:
- Blind spots
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Signal and traffic sign disobedience
- Driving while fatigued
- Maintaining a vehicle improperly
- Drivers with little experience
- Drivers who have poor training
- Driving recklessly
- Blown tires
- Load with too much width
- Loads that are not secure
Due to the tight deadlines for deliveries, many truck drivers travel hundreds of miles without sufficient rest or breaks, negatively impacting their ability to stay focused on the road. The effects of tired driving are similar to those of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Thus, A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rule limits the number of hours commercial drivers may drive in a 24-hour period. These are known as the Hours of Service regulations.
Keeping a truck in good working order is also an important part of keeping it safe on the road.
Owners and drivers of commercial trucks are required to follow FMCSA maintenance schedules. Driving on Phoenix roads can be dangerous if drivers skip routine inspections or ignore preventative safety measures.
Common Injuries from Truck Accidents
Passenger vehicles are no match for semi trucks and other fully loaded tractor-trailers. When smaller vehicles collide with heavy commercial trucks, they often leave survivors with serious, long-term injuries that change their lives in an instant. These injuries may require multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, or lifelong care.
Here are some of the most common truck accident injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These can result from the violent force of a truck crash. TBIs may affect memory, behavior, mood, and physical coordination.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can lead to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require extensive treatment and adaptive equipment.
- Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs, sometimes without immediate symptoms.
- Bone fractures: Arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis are often broken in crashes with commercial trucks due to high impact forces.
- Burn injuries: Fires or explosions can with tanker trucks hauling fuel or explosive chemicals can cause thermal burns, while chemical spills may lead to corrosive burns and long-term skin damage.
- Disfigurement and scarring: Severe lacerations and crush injuries can leave lasting scars, which may require reconstructive surgery.
Because of the violence and weight involved in commercial truck collisions, even “minor” injuries can lead to complex and expensive medical challenges. Our experienced Phoenix truck accident lawyers can document the full scope of your injuries so you’re never left to pay for someone else’s mistake.
Steps to Take After a Phoenix Truck Accident
If you’ve already received emergency medical care after your crash, that’s an important first step. But there are additional things you should do to protect your legal rights and strengthen your case.
Here’s what you can do next:
- Hire a lawyer as soon as possible so they can begin preserving evidence and dealing with the insurance companies on your behalf
- Attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s treatment plan to show that you’re committed to recovery
- Keep a daily journal documenting your symptoms, emotional health, pain levels, and how the injuries are affecting your life
- Gather all accident-related documents, such as bills, pay stubs, prescriptions, and letters from insurance companies
- Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media, as it may be used against you later
Taking legal action as quickly as possible can make all the difference in your case. Trucking companies often begin building their defense the moment a crash is reported. You should have someone working just as hard on your side.
What Compensation Is Available to Truck Accident Victims?
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, Arizona law allows you to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. This can help cover both financial and personal losses caused by the crash.
Economic damages
These damages are the direct, out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries. They may include:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages from missed work
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-economic damages
address the ways the accident has affected your quality of life. These are harder to quantify but equally important. They may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or consortium
Wrongful death
If you lost a loved one in a truck accident, no legal outcome can make that loss whole. Grief is deeply personal, and the pain is immeasurable. But families in this position may have the right to file a wrongful death claim to seek justice and find some measure of accountability.
A successful claim can provide financial support during an incredibly difficult time. This includes help with funeral costs, the loss of your loved one’s income or contributions to the household, and recognition of the profound emotional loss their absence has left behind.
Punitive damages
In cases where a defendant acted with malice or willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others, a court may award punitive damages. Arizona law requires showing the wrongdoer acted with an "evil hand and an evil mind." These damages do not compensate for a specific loss but instead punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future.
FAQs About Phoenix Truck Accident Claims
How long do you have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Arizona?
Arizona sets a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits, including those involving truck accidents. You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a claim in court. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation.
Some exceptions exist, such as when the injured person is a minor or a government entity is involved. An attorney can determine the specific deadline that applies to your case.
What if I am partly to blame for the truck accident?
It’s common for multiple drivers to share responsibility in a crash. For example, if a truck swerved into your lane but you were speeding, both parties may have contributed to the collision.
Arizona follows a pure comparative fault system. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault—as long as you weren’t 100% responsible. Your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Do you have to go to court after a truck accident in Phoenix?
Most truck accident claims settle before trial. However, if the trucking company or insurer refuses to offer a fair amount, your lawyer may recommend taking the case to court. Gallagher & Kennedy has a deep bench of seasoned trial attorneys who are ready to litigate if needed.
How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?
Our Phoenix truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing up front. We only get paid if we win or settle your case. You’ll never pay out of pocket for legal fees.
Can I still file a claim if I didn’t go to the hospital right after the crash?
Yes, but see a doctor as soon as possible if you haven’t already. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident if there’s a delay in treatment. Prompt medical evaluation strengthens your claim and protects your health.
What is black box data and why does it matter in a truck accident case?
Most commercial trucks have an event data recorder (EDR), or "black box," that records critical information about the truck's operation immediately before and during a crash. This data may include the truck's speed, brake application, steering inputs, and hours of service.
Electronic evidence often establishes fault, but trucking companies may destroy it quickly after a crash. Your attorney can send a spoliation letter to legally demand the preservation of this and other important evidence.
What federal rules apply to truck drivers and trucking companies?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets nationwide rules for the trucking industry to ensure public safety. These regulations govern nearly every aspect of trucking, including:
- Hours of service limits to prevent driver fatigue.
- Drug and alcohol testing protocols.
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance requirements.
- Driver qualifications and training standards.
- Cargo securement rules. A violation of these federal regulations often serves as strong evidence of negligence in a truck accident claim.
How long will my truck accident case take to resolve?
Every case follows a unique timeline depending on the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the evidence, and the willingness of the defendants to negotiate a fair settlement.
While the legal process requires patience, our lawyers will work to reward that patience by keeping you informed every step of the way.
How Can a Lawyer Help With My Phoenix Truck Accident Case?
You’re already dealing with medical appointments, financial stress, and physical pain. The last thing you need is to manage legal deadlines, gather evidence, or argue with insurers. That’s where a lawyer makes a difference.
At Gallagher & Kennedy, we handle every aspect of your truck accident case:
- Investigate the crash and determine all responsible parties
- Collect black box data, logbooks, witness statements, and other evidence
- Consult medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered
You don’t have to become proficient in personal injury law to protect your future. That’s our job. We are here to help you understand the process, answer your questions with complete transparency, and guide you to an outcome that reflects the full impact the accident has had on your life.
Take Control of Your Phoenix Truck Accident Case
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Phoenix, your recovery depends on what you do next. The earlier you get legal help, the more options you may have to secure compensation and protect your family’s future.
Gallagher & Kennedy has decades of experience handling serious injury claims involving commercial trucks, semi-trailers, and other large vehicles. Our Phoenix truck accident attorneys know what it takes to build strong cases against powerful defendants, and we have the experience and resources to do it.Call (602) 530-8400 or reach out online for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Phoenix truck accident lawyer today. We’re ready to listen, advise, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
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