Commercial vehicles crisscross the roads of Arizona and every major city in this state on a daily basis. These vehicles can range in size from relatively small, like a typical passenger vehicle, to incredibly large, like the semi-trucks you see on a regular basis. Unfortunately, incidents involving commercial vehicles can complicate the process of recovering compensation for injury and property damage victims.
As we discuss commercial vehicle accidents, we encourage you to reach out to a Phoenix car crash attorney if you or a loved one have been harmed in an incident like this. Recovering compensation is challenging but certainly not impossible with the right legal team by your side.
What Counts as a Commercial Vehicle in Arizona?
In Arizona, a commercial vehicle is defined as any vehicle used for business purposes, transporting goods or passengers. This includes a wide range of vehicles, such as:
- Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers. These large vehicles are often involved in transporting goods across long distances.
- Delivery vans. Smaller commercial vehicles used by companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS to deliver packages locally.
- Buses. Both school buses and public transportation buses fall into this category, carrying passengers to their destinations.
- Construction vehicles. Vehicles like cement mixers, dump trucks, and other machinery used on construction sites.
- Company cars. Any vehicle owned by a business and used for work-related tasks.
Understanding what counts as a commercial vehicle is crucial, as the regulations and insurance requirements for these vehicles differ significantly from those for private vehicles.
Commercial Vehicle Accident Data
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Crash Facts, there were thousands of accidents involving commercial vehicles in the state. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and major property damage due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Some key statistics include:
- Number of accidents. In 2022, there were 1,450 crashes involving large trucks and buses.
- Injuries and fatalities. These crashes resulted in 750 injuries and 120 fatalities, underscoring the severe impact of commercial vehicle accidents.
- Common causes. The primary causes of these accidents included driver fatigue, mechanical failures, and improper loading of cargo.
This data highlights the importance of taking commercial vehicle accidents seriously and ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Why Are These Claims More Challenging?
Claims involving commercial vehicle accidents are more challenging for several reasons:
- Multiple parties involved. Unlike typical car accidents, commercial vehicle accidents often involve multiple parties, including the driver, the trucking company, and possibly third-party maintenance providers.
- Complex regulations. Commercial vehicles are subject to federal and state regulations, including those set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Understanding these regulations is essential for building a strong case.
- High stakes. Given the potential for severe injuries and significant property damage, the stakes are higher in commercial vehicle accidents. Insurance companies and legal teams will aggressively defend their clients to minimize payouts.
- Extensive evidence required. Proving fault in a commercial vehicle accident often requires extensive evidence, including driver logs, maintenance records, and data from the vehicle’s electronic logging device (ELD).
Navigating these complexities requires the expertise of an experienced Phoenix injury attorney who understands the intricacies of commercial vehicle accident claims.
Compensation for a Commercial Vehicle Crash
Victims of commercial vehicle accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses. This covers all medical costs related to the commercial truck collision.
- Lost wages. If the injury prevents the a crash victim from carrying out job-related duties, lost wages should be recoverable.
- Pain and suffering. This accounts for the physical pain as well as emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage. Compensation for damage to the victim’s vehicle and other personal property.
- Rehabilitation costs. Coverage for physical therapy and other rehabilitation services needed for recovery.
Securing fair compensation in a commercial vehicle accident case requires thorough documentation and a strong legal strategy.
Call a Phoenix Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been harmed in a commercial vehicle accident in Phoenix, the team at Sargon Law Group is ready to help. We understand the complexities of these cases. Do not let aggressive insurance companies take advantage of you. Contact us today to start your claim and increase your chances of a successful outcome. Reach out to our truck accident attorney in Phoenix by filling out our contact form or calling (623) 552-2571 for a free consultation.