What You Should Know About Big Rig Accidents In Scottsdale
What You Should Know About Big Rig Accidents In Scottsdale
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 4,237 accidents involving trucks happened in 2017 and caused 4,761 fatalities. While several accidents happen every day, those involving semi-trucks are some of the most severe. The size difference between cars and trucks results in serious injuries and deaths. As difficult as it may be to seek legal action after you or your loved one is involved in a car accident, it is critical that you do so. Truck companies will have their lawyers in place, and you should have an attorney from Scottsdale Injury Lawyers to protect your rights.
Which Vehicles Qualify as Big Rigs?
A big rig is a large semi-truck that hauls freight. Usually, the front tractor where the driver sits is attached to a semi-trailer. Most of these trucks are gigantic 18-wheelers that travel on the roads, often transporting goods for months. Big rigs can vary in size. The size depends on the tractor and the attached semi-trailer. These trucks can measure anywhere between 40 to 70 feet. Compared to the average 15-foot SUV, these vehicles are giants. Their giant size and weight make them extremely dangerous to other motorists on the road. This is especially true at higher speeds.
What to Do After Big Rig Accidents in Scottsdale?
If you or your loved one are involved in a big rig accident in Scottsdale, here are the most crucial steps to take.
Seek medical treatment: If you are involved in the accident, remember to seek immediate medical assistance, even if you have no visible injuries. Call an ambulance or visit the emergency room for scans in case you sustain internal injuries.
Contact an injury attorney: When it comes to vehicle crashes, the sooner you contact your attorney, the sooner you can save critical evidence to help your case. Remember that the truck company will have representatives on-site as soon as possible working to help them. Contact an attorney for advice on your legal rights and for information on how best to preserve evidence for your case.
Find a copy of the police or crash report: Usually, law enforcement officers will appear at the scene soon after the accident. They will collect evidence and statements from all victims and witnesses whenever possible. After a few days, the crash report should be available at the station. You can contact the applicable law enforcement agency for the report.
Store your evidence: Keep all the documents and photos about the crash in a safe place. These documents will help you prove your case later. Also, track your medical bills and extra expenses incurred as a result of the accident. You will be able to claims these as damages in your case.
Be cautious: When an insurance company contacts you, direct the call to your attorney at Scottsdale Injury Lawyers. Also, avoid settling without a lawyer and sharing accident details on social media as it may affect the ability to resolve your case.
How Can a Scottsdale Injury Lawyer Help?
After big rig accidents in Scottsdale, our lawyers immediately swing into action to help you and your loved one. You can count on us for the following:
Preserving evidence: After a crash, it is critical to keep track of photos, videos, truck details, driver names, logbooks, phone records, and other forms of evidence. We also monitor the relevant authorities investigating your accident.
Investigate your accident: Our team at Scottsdale Injury Lawyers will analyze the evidence to understand how the accident happened and who should be liable. We also consult with accident reconstruction specialists and investigators to further analyze the accident.
Litigation: We will file the necessary paperwork to prepare your case and meet with your insurance company as needed. We will also discuss your case with the truck company and its attorneys. We will fight your case in court as needed to get you the best result.
File for damages: Did you know that you can file for damages after a truck accident in Scottsdale? Depending on the accident, you can sue the truck driver, the truck company, the cargo shipper, vendors or manufacturers. With Scottsdale Injury Lawyers, you can file for damages for:
- Emotional distress
- Loss of a loved one
- Lost wages and earnings
- Medical bills-past and future
- Pain and suffering
- Physical injuries
What Causes Big Rig Accidents in Scottsdale?
There are several reasons why big rig accidents in Scottsdale happen.
Speeding: Speeding is the leading cause of truck-related accidents in Scottsdale and Arizona. These accidents are dangerous for all motorists due to the size of big rigs.
Driver fatigue: Truck drivers move for long distances without stopping. Unfortunately, drivers can barely make it through 10 hours without proper rest. Many drivers often break the rules as an attempt to extend their hours-of-service which causes drowsiness when driving.
Distractions: A distracted driver may fail to see oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, road signs, and turns on time. The failure to do so then causes accidents. Some drivers, text, talk, watch videos, eat, drink and smoke when driving. This prevents them from paying full attention to the road and potential hazards.
Driving under the influence: Any motorist operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other drugs not only breaks laws but also endangers the lives of others on the road. The same rule also applies to prescription drugs that cause drowsiness. In short, both illicit and legally prescribed drugs can lead to impaired driving and a fatal truck accident.
Errors: Sometimes, accidents occur due to faulty equipment, loose parts, poor loading of cargo and faulty manufacturing.
Finding a Lawyer after Big Rig Accidents in Scottsdale
When a crash between your car and a big rig happens, finding the right representation will give you the best chance to recover for your injuries. Contact Scottsdale Injury Lawyers today to hire a skilled personal injury attorney. A consultation is free and we have someone available to answer your call 24 hours a day. Do not hesitate to contact us by phone.
About the author: The content on this page was provided by Scottsdale personal injury attorney and civil rights lawyer Tony Piccuta. Piccuta graduated with honors from Indiana University-Maurer School of Law in Bloomington, Indiana (Ranked Top 35 US News & World Report 2018). Piccuta took and passed the State bars of Arizona, California, Illinois and Nevada (all on the first try). He actively practices throughout Arizona and California. He is a trial attorney that regularly handles serious personal injury cases and civil rights lawsuits. He has obtained six and seven figure verdicts in both state and federal court. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers for six years straight. He is a member of the Arizona Association of Justice, Maricopa County Bar Association, Scottsdale Bar Association, American Association for Justice, National Police Accountability Project and Consumer Attorneys of California, among other organizations.
Disclaimer: The information on this web site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information on this page is attorney advertising. Reading and relying upon the content on this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, you should contact our law firm for a free consultation and to discuss your specific case and issues.
[1] https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2017
