Truck accident victims can experience life-changing injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and challenging recovery periods. If you were involved in a truck accident because of the negligence of a truck driver, a skilled Arizona personal injury lawyer can help you take legal action.
According to Arizona personal injury laws, you have the right to seek legal ramifications after a truck accident. However, you have to prove that the other party had a duty of care to you and that they breached that duty. That’s why attorneys investigate the events leading up to, during, and after the collision.
Our truck accident legal specialists will analyze all the contributing factors and help you determine who’s liable for your accident and which benefits you are entitled to. Contact Wattel & York today for qualified legal assistance for Arizona truck accidents. Read on for more info on Arizona truck accident investigations.
Arizona Truck Accident Investigations
Truck accident plaintiffs have to prove the defendant was negligent and that their injuries directly resulted from that negligence if they want to secure compensation in their accident claim. Since multiple parties may be at fault, truck accident claims can be complicated.
That’s why most claims begin with accident attorneys investigating the circumstances contributing to your injuries. Truck accident investigators will get to work immediately after the crash to preserve crucial evidence necessary to support their claims. Our accident investigators can help you find the accident’s cause, liable parties, and if drugs or alcohol were involved.
Arizona Trucking Accident Investigations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) statute 49 §390.15 stipulates that trucking companies must cooperate with accident investigations. Usually, the investigation process involves:
- Collecting evidence
- Consulting with experts to help strengthen claims
- Examining the truck driver and the trucking company’s records
- Identifying and interviewing witnesses
- Locating and analyzing the truck’s data recorder
- Truck inspections to determine if there is an equipment defect or failure
Commercial truck accident investigations can help determine who’s liable in a truck accident.
Truck Accident Causes
Immediately following a trucking accident, law enforcement officials will take statements from witnesses and investigate the truck at the scene. These law enforcement officials will also check the driver. These investigations can produce evidence that determines who’s responsible for the accident.
Investigating the trucking accident could uncover the following causes of accidents:
- Design defects
- Failed truck parts
- Inadequate driver training
- Negligent hiring processes
- Negligent oversights
- Negligent truck drivers
- Overlooking safety regulations
- Poor truck maintenance
- Unrealistic deadlines
- Unsafe delivery requirements
The following are some of the key factors involved in an accident investigation:
- Accident scene investigations
- Examining the Event Data Recorder (EDR), also known as “the black box”
- Reviewing trucking company logs and records
- Truck inspections
- Witness interviews and depositions
Common Causes of Truck Driver Negligence
When a truck driver behaves negligently, the consequences can be dire. Conducting an 80,000-pound vehicle requires the highest amount of safety and caution. That’s why driving one of these vehicles impaired or irresponsibly is deemed negligent by law.
Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Arizona:
Fatigue
The NHTSA reported that truck driver fatigue causes up to 40% of all heavy truck crashes. That’s why big rig drivers have strict guidelines regulating hours of service and the amount of rest necessary when driving. However, the company’s pressure to meet deadlines can cause drivers to drive longer than what may be considered safe.
Drugs and Alcohol
Operating a truck under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to ruinous results. One study evaluated trucking fatalities from eight states over one year and found that 67% of fatally injured truckers had one or more drugs in their system. Also, 33% had detectable concentrations of drugs or alcohol in their blood.
Speeding
In 2019, nearly one-fifth of large truck drivers involved in fatal accidents had at least one speeding conviction. Trucks can be hard to maneuver and control, especially at high speeds. That’s why many states consider speeding in a tractor-trailer a negligent act.
Changing Lanes
A truck’s sheer size can make changing lanes difficult. Trucks require a much longer stopping distance than cars, and this can lead to collisions when not managed effectively. Trucks also have larger blind spots that can make changing lanes in traffic more dangerous.
An Arizona truck accident investigation specialist can help you determine whether the driver or the truck company acted negligently in your accident. Drivers found guilty of negligence can be held liable for the resulting damages. Speak with Wattel & York about your truck accident investigation. We’re here to answer your questions and help you find relief after your tractor-trailer accident.
