Arizona Truck Accident Lawyers
Trucking Accidents in Arizona
Trucks, semi-trucks, and other large commercial vehicles represent a large portion of traffic throughout Arizona. Arizona serves as a major transportation center for different trucking companies due to its proximity to the border. Unfortunately, due to the size, weight, and potentially hazardous material on board during a trucking accident, the injuries may be severe. Receiving experienced and personalized representation directly from an experienced Arizona trucking law firm is important.
Speak to a Phoenix Truck Accident Attorney Now: (480) 637-5757.
If you’ve been involved in a commercial truck accident, you need the experienced Arizona truck accident attorneys at Rasmussen Injury Law. With more than 30 years of experience handling trucking cases in both state and federal courts, our legal team combines professionalism with compassion with every truck accident claim we handle.
At Rasmussen Injury Law, we understand that there is a story behind every trucking tragedy. We take pride in our client-focused approach to case management, combining the resources of a large firm with the personalized attention of a small practice.
Our goal: securing maximum compensation through competent, compassionate legal representation. Call today for your free, no-obligation consultation: (480) 637-5757.
Our Practice Areas
Rasmussen Law: Arizona’s Truck Accident Attorneys
From head-on collisions and rear-end crashes to sideswipes and rollovers, each truck accident case presents its own set of challenges. Many attorneys claim to handle truck accident lawsuits but may lack the specialized knowledge needed to navigate this complex area of law.
Truck crashes often involve multiple parties who may share liability, such as:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers
- Cargo loaders
This complexity requires a thorough investigation into factors like black box data, GPS records, and maintenance logs. Additionally, Arizona follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault if you are partially responsible for the accident.
If the trucking company fails to offer a fair settlement, our experienced attorneys are prepared to take your case to court. We see it as our duty and honor to fight for justice on behalf of Arizona truck accident victims.
Our team of Phoenix truck accident lawyers can help secure compensation after your truck accident, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. To speak to a truck accident lawyer in Tucson, Mesa, or Glendale, call (480) 637-5757.
Understanding Arizona Trucking Laws
Arizona’s trucking laws are designed to promote safety on the roadways. In addition to federal regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Arizona enforces specific rules regarding speed, age restrictions, weight limits, hazardous material transport, and route restrictions. These laws play a critical role in determining liability in truck accidents.
Here are just a few of the Arizona-specific trucking regulations that may affect your truck accident case:
Truck Speed Restrictions
ARS 28-709 requires truck drivers to travel no faster than 65 miles per hour. Any semi-truck driver exceeding this speed puts themselves and others at greater risk. In many cases, the trucking company may be found liable for failing to monitor their drivers’ hours of service (consecutive hours driven).
Weigh Station Requirements
All commercial vehicles over 2000 lbs must use all open Arizona weigh stations, and vehicles exceeding 10,000 lbs may have additional regulations. Larger vehicles necessarily pose a greater threat to noncommercial drivers, as the force impact after a collision can be catastrophic.
Arizona’s “Hands-Off Law”
Enacted in 2021, Arizona’s “Hands-Off Law” (A.R.S. § 28-914) prohibits all drivers from using phones, tablets, music players, or other standalone devices while driving unless they are set to hands-free mode. Activities like texting and watching videos are strictly prohibited.
Our attorneys are well-versed in these regulations and know how to use them to strengthen your case.
Frequently asked questions about truck accidents in Arizona
Who pays for medical costs after an accident?
After a trucking accident, the responsibility for medical costs typically depends on who is determined to be at fault. If the truck driver or trucking company is found liable, their insurance is generally responsible for covering medical expenses. Commercial insurance policies held by trucking companies often have higher coverage limits, which can help pay for significant medical bills.
In the interim, you may need to rely on your own resources to cover medical costs. This can include personal health insurance, auto insurance with Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay), or even out-of-pocket payments. In either case, consulting an experienced Phoenix truck accident lawyer can help ensure that all current and future medical expenses are covered in your compensation.
Call Rasmussen Injury Law for a free consultation on your truck accident claim: (480) 637-5757.
Should I accept an insurance settlement?
After any sort of motor vehicle accident—particularly those involving commercial vehicles—we recommend that you do not accept a settlement without consulting an attorney first.
While settlements provide faster resolution and guaranteed compensation, they also prevent you from recovering unexpected medical costs or long-term damages. Aggressive pre-trial negotiations and trials, while lengthier, often result in significantly higher outcomes. Consulting with a skilled truck accident lawyer can help evaluate whether the settlement adequately addresses your needs or if litigation is necessary.
Call Rasmussen Injury Law for a free consultation: (480) 637-5757.
What should I do after a truck accident?
After a truck accident, move to safety and try to stay calm. After calling 9-1-1 to dispatch emergency responders, try to document evidence at the scene (photos, witness information) and collect contact details from any eyewitnesses. Cooperate with police, tell the truth, and do not admit fault. (Determining liability often requires a forensic investigation.)
After you leave the crash site, seek medical attention immediately. Delaying medical care can compromise your ability to recover damages after a serious accident; insurance companies may try to claim that your injuries are not serious or worth compensating if you do not seek prompt medical care.
Finally, contact an experienced Arizona truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. Truck accidents often involve large damages and multiple responsible parties. An experienced Arizona truck accident attorney will be able to advise you of your legal options.
Call Rasmussen Injury Law to discuss your case: (480) 637-5757.
Can I still recover compensation if the police report puts me partly at fault?
The findings of a police report are not final. If the police officer puts some of the faults with you, it does not mean it is correct. If you are not at fault, a good lawyer will be able to help gather evidence to show the police report is incorrect.
If the report does put you partially at fault, you are still entitled to compensation. Your compensation will be reduced by the amount of fault you are assigned. If your case is worth $10,000.00 and you are assigned 50% of the fault, you will receive $5,000.00.
If I'm presented with a release, should I sign it?
Never sign a release without having a lawyer review it. If you are signing a release, it means you are dismissing your chance for any further compensation. It is a binding contract that will end or limit what you are owed. Insurance companies will try and get you to sign a release very early on to avoid paying anything in the future.
However, until you see a doctor or have your injuries fully treated, you will not know the extent of your damages. Additionally, if you signed a release, it may limit the amount of money to pay for your car damage. Always consult with a Phoenix truck accident lawyer before signing any kind of release.
Do any special laws apply in trucking accident cases in Arizona?
YES! Truck drivers are held to a higher standard than your average driver. Also, trucking companies are required to ensure their vehicles are safe for travel. If the truck driver or company violates any of these laws, it may dramatically change the prospects of your case.
For example, a truck driver is permitted to drive for 11 hours a day, working no more than 14 hours a day, including non-driving time. These hours are tracked on driver logs that are subject to inspection. The purpose of this law is to prevent tired/drowsy truck driving. A good lawyer will be able to track down the driver logs and show if the driver or company is in violation.
How can a lawyer help me with a truck accident?
Truckers and their companies have legal requirements to meet to drive on the road. A lawyer will help you know if the truck and/or the company violated any of these requirements. And, the lawyer will know how to gather the evidence to show the violations.
Sometimes, it is necessary to have a truck inspected for any deficiencies, unsafe conditions, and/or poor maintenance. A lawyer can hire an expert in the trucking industry to inspect and document the condition of the truck and any potential violations. And, the lawyer can make sure this inspection occurs before the truck is repaired or totaled. If not handled immediately, important evidence may be altered or lost. A good lawyer will make sure that doesn’t happen.
At Rasmussen Injury Law, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (480) 637-5757.