Mesa Truck Accident Attorneys

Representing Truck Accident Victims in Mesa

Truck accidents involving 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles can result in devastating injuries and significant property damage. At Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, LLC, we bring over 60 years of experience advocating for victims of serious truck accidents in Arizona. Our team understands the complexities of these cases, from navigating federal trucking regulations to holding negligent drivers or companies accountable. If you’ve been injured in an accident with a semi-truck, our Mesa truck accident lawyer is here to fight for the compensation you deserve. We’ve successfully recovered millions of dollars for clients to cover medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more.
Protect your rights—contact us online or call (480) 833-8800 to schedule a free consultation today.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Take a moment to consider the size of a semi-truck when compared to the average automobile. It's not hard to see that the semi is much larger than the car and can easily crush the car at speed. Even low-speed collisions can result in serious injuries due to the physics behind the operation of the semi.  When the truck, also known as a tractor, gets moving forward, it's drawing a lot of weight behind it in the trailer. That weight can push the tractor forward even if the load is balanced and the truck is moving at a slow rate of speed. Take into consideration the mass of the semi-truck and the momentum behind it when it's in motion and you can get an idea of just how catastrophic the damage to a car can be along with the injuries sustained by the occupants inside the car. Some of the more common truck accident injuries include:
  • Soft tissue injuries caused by whiplash, seat belt, or airbag
  • Spine and neck injuries from the impact throwing the body back and forth into the seat and seat belt
  • Broken bones
  • Head and brain injuries
  • Fatality
As previously mentioned, physics is not in your favor when you are in an accident involving a truck. Your body is going to get thrown around even if it's restrained by a seat belt. The forces generated by the truck are much greater than you might think, and those forces are transmitted through your body upon impact. Truck drivers and their companies are aware of the damage their vehicles inflict on smaller cars and their occupants, but they still flaunt safety rules, putting others on the road at risk. As a result, these injuries can be more serious and are known as catastrophic injuries, or injuries that can be long-term or permanent. While recovering from a more minor injury like whiplash or a sprain can take just days, catastrophic injuries can take months and years and require extensive medical treatment. Truck accidents often cause injuries that require victims to alter their way of life, like paralysis or traumatic brain injuries.

Top Causes of Truck Accidents 

If you are injured in a trucking accident, determining who is responsible and what caused the accident can become a complicated affair. While you probably were not the one at fault, getting any kind of compensation from the trucker’s insurance companies tends to be a long, painful process. There are many factors that go into determining liability, including the owner of the vehicle, the driver, trucking laws, the maintenance of the truck, road conditions, and more. You need a Mesa truck accident attorney you can trust to navigate the federal and Arizona state laws associated with commercial trucks and investigate the accident to discern the cause to get you the compensation you deserve for injuries, lost wages, and property damage. Here are the most common causes of truck accidents.

Truck Driver Negligence

Many truck accidents are caused by the negligent actions of truckers. Some accidents are caused by improperly secured cargo, overloaded trucks, equipment failure, over-sized vehicles, or fatigue. However, the most common forms of truck driver negligence are:
  • Drug use, including prescription, illicit and over-the-counter medications
  • Failure to check blind spots
  • Failure to signal or other illegal moving actions
  • Distractions
  • Underestimating the level of evasive action necessary to avoid a collision
  • Aggressive or reckless driving
  • Speeding

Weather and Road Conditions

While Phoenix residents may never have to experience icy roads and wintery conditions in the heart of the valley, there are still many other weather and road hazards that can make the road dangerous for truck drivers and the motorists around them.
  • Rain, dust storms, wind, fog, and glare limit roadway visibility and may cause heavy trucks to slide
  • Uneven, bumpy or otherwise damaged roads can cause vehicles to shift into the wrong lane or cause tire failure
  • Debris on the road can destroy passenger vehicle tires, causing the vehicle to slow or slide out of control, leaving inadequate time and distance for the truck to stop
  • Rubbernecking and other unsafe driving practices around other car accidents make it difficult for drivers of large trucks to predict the actions of other drivers and respond in time

Disregarding Trucking Regulations

Most commercial truck drivers are paid by the mile, incentivizing drivers to go as far as they possibly can each day. However, some drivers stay behind the wheel for longer than is safe. Combine driver fatigue with employer-mandated quotas and you can see how an accident can occur. Drivers must follow the hours of service rules set by the federal government that limit them to a maximum of eleven consecutive hours driving with a mandatory period for rest. However, there are always bound to be drivers who break these rules. A truck accident lawyer will investigate whether the driver was compliant with all federal and state trucking laws concerning commercial vehicles at the time of the accident.

Product Defects

Whether the commercial freight company is at fault for failing to provide regular preventative maintenance or the manufacturer is liable for producing a defective vehicle part, product defects are a leading cause in truck accidents. Brake failure, tire failure, and signal light malfunction are the most common defects reported in accidents involving semi-trucks.

Passenger-Vehicle Driver Negligence

Not all commercial truck accidents are the fault of the truck driver. Many motorists are unaware of the limited visibility of large trucks, and can cause accidents by:
  • Passing on the right when a truck is attempting to make a right turn
  • Making a left turn too slowly in front of an approaching oncoming truck
  • Driving in a truck’s blind spots
  • Pulling in front of a truck without accelerating sufficiently
  • Changing lanes with inadequate space
  • Failing to move a disabled vehicle onto the highway’s shoulder
  • Driving between two commercial trucks
  • Inadequate following distance
Not only do these actions endanger the driver at fault, but they also put everyone around them at risk. Many semi accidents involve multiple vehicles, and when one driver is reckless around large trucks, no driver nearby is truly safe.

Truck Accident Statistics in Arizona

Truck accidents are a serious concern on Arizona’s roads, often leading to devastating consequences for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Due to the sheer size and weight of trucks, collisions involving these vehicles frequently result in severe injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage.  In 2023, Arizona saw a significant number of truck-related accidents, highlighting the importance of understanding the risks associated with these incidents. In 2023 alone:
  • Total Crashes: 122,247
  • Total Vehicles Involved: 237,942
  • Trucks & Buses: 12,974 vehicles (5.45% of all vehicles involved)
    • Fatal Crashes: 152
    • Fatalities: 24
    • Injury Crashes: 3,071
    • Injuries: 1,428

Breakdown by Truck Type:

  • Pickup Trucks:
    • Total: 31,612 (13.29% of total vehicles)
    • In Fatal Crashes: 308
    • In Injury Crashes: 9,424
  • Truck Tractors (with or without Semi-Trailers):
    • Total: 2,485 (1.04% of total vehicles)
    • In Fatal Crashes: 107
    • In Injury Crashes: 573
  • Concrete Mixer Trucks:
    • Total: 30 (0.01% of total vehicles)
    • In Fatal Crashes: 2
    • In Injury Crashes: 5
  • Other Truck Types (e.g., Dump Trucks, Garbage Trucks, Tanker Trucks):
    • Combined Total: 9,543
    • In Fatal Crashes: 26
    • In Injury Crashes: 2,317

What Can be Recovered After a Truck Accident in Mesa?

An accident with a semi can be devastating, even if you only suffered minor injuries. Your car may not be drivable because of the damage or you may have lost time at work because you were unable to get there due to injuries and/or a lack of vehicle. You can be made whole again in the form of compensation for the violation of your rights, especially the one where you have an implied right to always be free from harm. To that end, you can make a demand of the offenders to compensate you for things that include:
  • Repair or replacement of your vehicle
  • Pain and suffering
  • Compensation for lost wages
  • Medical bills that aren't covered by insurance
  • Punitive damages in the event the truck operator or company violated state and/or federal laws that caused the accident
  • Emotional distress you suffered from the trauma of the accident
Your Mesa truck accident lawyer will work hard on your behalf to do what they can to help you recover damages from those who are at fault. We know trucking law in Arizona well. Our team of highly trained attorneys and investigators will get to the truth of the matter so you can get on with your life without worrying about how you're going to get back to normal.

Why Hire an Attorney for a Truck Accident?

Truck accident cases can be complex, often involving multiple parties and extensive legal considerations. Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney can provide numerous advantages, including:
  • Legal Knowledge: Attorneys are well-versed in trucking regulations, such as those set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), ensuring your case adheres to all legal standards.
  • Thorough Investigation: Attorneys can conduct detailed investigations into the accident, gathering evidence like driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, and witness statements to build a strong case.
  • Determining Liability: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, such as the driver, trucking company, or maintenance provider. An attorney can identify and hold the responsible parties accountable.
  • Maximizing Compensation: An attorney can calculate the full scope of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and future costs, to seek the highest possible compensation.
  • Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. A skilled attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure a fair settlement.
  • Trial Representation: If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can represent you in court, presenting a compelling case to a judge or jury.
  • Handling Paperwork and Deadlines: Attorneys manage all the necessary documentation and ensure your case meets critical filing deadlines, avoiding costly delays or errors.


Statute of Limitations for Arizona Truck Accident Claims

In Arizona, there is a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing truck accident claims. This law determines how long you have to pursue a lawsuit for your injuries. Under Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 12-542, victims of truck accidents have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you fail to file within this period, you may lose the right to seek compensation through legal action. Additionally, if the truck accident results in a fatality, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is also two years. However, for wrongful death cases, the clock begins running from the date of the victim’s passing, not from the date of the accident. It is important to act quickly after a truck accident to ensure that your rights are protected and to give your attorney ample time to gather evidence, investigate the case, and prepare your claim.

Contact Our Top Rated Mesa Truck Accident Lawyers 

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Mesa, it's crucial to seek legal help as soon as possible to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. At Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, LLC, our team of dedicated attorneys is committed to helping truck accident victims recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We understand the complexities involved in truck accident cases and will work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf. With over 60 years of experience serving the Mesa community, we are ready to stand by your side every step of the way. Don't wait—contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Mesa truck accident attorney. 
Call us at (480) 833-8800 or reach out online to get the legal support you need during this challenging time. Let us help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
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