Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Truck Accident Attorneys

Representing Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale and Arizona

An accident involving an 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, or semi-truck is usually life-altering, and sometimes fatal, for occupants of a passenger vehicle involved in the collision. These cases are often more complex than car accident cases, involving multiple insurance companies, regulatory agencies, and law enforcement agencies. In Arizona, trucking industry regulations often allow those injured in truck accidents to bring claims against both the truck driver and the trucking company.

A semi-truck can weigh more than 80,000 pounds and be up to 75 feet in length. According to the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), out of 500,000 truck accidents each year, about 5,000 are fatal.
Our lawyers handle 18-wheeler and semi-truck accident claims for clients throughout Arizona, California, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, and Texas from our offices in the Phoenix area, and are happy to assist out-of-state firms in claims handled in Arizona courts. If you would like to arrange a free consultation with one of our attorneys please contact our firm.

We have successfully recovered impressive settlements and verdicts on behalf of clients in car-truck crashes. Preserving evidence is the key. When handling an injury or death claim from a truck accident, an attorney from Alex & Gaxiola will travel to the scene of the accident, often on the day we take your case, to see that evidence is preserved and witness statements are recorded while memories are fresh.

We cannot emphasize strongly enough how important it is to retain the right lawyer—one with experience in these complex cases—as soon as possible.

A trucking accident is never routine and almost always requires a team of leading experts in the trucking field— including accident reconstructionists, engineers, log book examiners, doctors, vocational rehabilitation specialists, forensic accountants, and economists—to demonstrate the true value of our client's claim to a jury. Our firm has the resources and the commitment to assemble that team and take the case to trial or appeal if necessary to recover maximum compensation for our client.

In addition to commercial semi-truck accidents, our lawyers are prepared to handle auto accidents involving rock haulers, log trucks, box trucks, dump trucks, cement trucks, and construction vehicles.

Victims of truck accidents are entitled to compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering (past and future), and permanent injury or disfigurement. If the accident was fatal, surviving family members are entitled to compensation for the loss of emotional and financial support.

Throughout Arizona, our attorneys represent clients in mediation, arbitration, trials, and appeals. For select cases, our attorneys will travel throughout Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and California to represent truck accident victims and their families.

Truck Accidents Information Center

Due to size disparities and the basic laws of physics, any collision between a commercial truck and a passenger car is likely to result in serious injuries and significant property damage.

Phoenix Trucking Accident Lawyer

If you or a member of your family was injured in a trucking accident, attorneys and staff at our Phoenix, Arizona law firm understand how difficult it is to make decisions regarding claims for compensation while dealing with medical and employment issues. We hope the general information below is helpful. However, every situation is unique. If you may have a claim for serious injury or wrongful death resulting from a trucking accident, it is important that you consult with a well-qualified attorney before making any decision.

Truck Accidents - An Overview

A traffic accident involving a large commercial truck, such as an 18-wheeler or semi-truck, can have disastrous consequences. A typical fully loaded large commercial truck can weigh over 80,000 pounds, while an average passenger automobile weighs approximately 3,000 pounds. Because of the sheer size of trucks, any collision between a commercial truck and another vehicle is likely to result in serious, even fatal, injuries.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries by bringing a legal claim against the responsible parties. An experienced attorney can help determine whether you have a claim.

What to Do if You Are Injured in a Truck Accident

A motor vehicle accident is a serious matter, particularly when it involves a commercial truck. If you or a family member was involved in a truck accident, regardless of whether or not you were injured, you may be wondering what you should do next. An experienced truck accident attorney can advise you about what to do and the steps you need to take in order to preserve evidence and bring a claim.

Overview of Federal Trucking Regulations

Those involved in the trucking industry must abide by numerous federal and state regulations. The federal regulations can be found in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 C.F.R. §§ 350-399). These regulations govern all vehicles engaged in interstate traffic. These regulations are extensive and can be confusing. An experienced lawyer can explain these regulations and how they may apply to your truck accident case.

Lawsuit Chronology

If you or a member of your family has been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, you may be unsure of what your legal options are. You may never have been involved in a lawsuit before, and you may not know what to expect. The following information provides an overview as to how a civil suit normally proceeds. An experienced lawyer will be able to answer any specific questions you might have about your truck accident case.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks such as 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers and other large freight carriers tower over the small passenger vehicles they must share the road with. Especially on major highways and at higher speeds, seemingly insignificant driving errors that may occur without consequence where small vehicles are concerned can result in catastrophe when a large truck is involved. If you have been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, determining the cause of the accident may be difficult. An experienced lawyer can gather evidence and work with experts to understand the cause of your accident and file claims against the responsible parties.

Truck Accident Resource Links

Share the Road Safely From the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the US Department of Transportation (DOT), dedicated to reducing motor vehicle accidents involving large trucks.
Insurance Information Institute Includes information on vehicle safety, insurance and more.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Division of the US Department of Transportation (DOT). Contains information about safety programs, regulations and facts related to the prevention of commercial truck and bus accidents, injuries and fatalities.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety / Highway Loss Data Institute Features vehicle ratings, safety facts and publications.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Division of the US Department of Transportation. Provides crash statistics and articles about traffic accidents and vehicle safety.