Phoenix Truck Accident Lawyers

Being involved in a truck accident in Phoenix can be devastating. At Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, our attorneys understand the severe consequences that truck accidents can have on victims and their families. We provide compassionate support and legal advocacy to help truck accident victims pursue the financial compensation they need to move forward. Contact us today for a free case review.

Meet Brian Panish, Adam K. Shea & Rahul Ravipudi – Your Phoenix Truck Accident Lawyers

At Panish | Shea| Ravipudi LLP, our partners Brian Panish, Adam K. Shea & Rahul Ravipudi have consistently earned recognition for excellence from fellow trial lawyers, legal organizations, and national publications. The firm has been honored with a “Tier 1” ranking in Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®, the highest level awarded. Additionally, the National Law Journal ranks us among the nation’s top 12 Plaintiff’s law firms.

• We have collected millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for past clients.
• Our trial lawyers focus exclusively on personal injury law in Arizona and throughout the U.S.
• We regularly take on trucking companies and large corporations to hold them accountable.
• Your Phoenix personal injury lawyer will be by your side and put your needs first throughout your truck accident case.
• We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay $0 unless we win your case.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer in Phoenix Can Help

Obtaining full and fair compensation for your losses in a truck accident case can be difficult without legal representation. Trucking companies and their aggressive legal teams and insurance providers do not easily pay full and just compensation to injured victims. On the contrary, they want to resolve claims for as little as possible to protect their own profits.

An accident attorney in Phoenix will protect your rights and pursue your best interests during the financial recovery process. Your lawyer will fight to obtain the full and just compensation you deserve for what may be life-changing injuries.  Your lawyer will help you navigate all stages of this often complicated process including insurance claim negotiations, the filing and handling of a personal injury lawsuit and even taking your case to trial to fight for what you deserve.

An attorney can thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your truck accident to gather evidence, determine fault, and hold the liable parties responsible. A law firm can hire experts to support your case, if necessary, and deal with insurance companies to fight for just compensation for your losses.

How Much Does a Truck Accident Attorney in Phoenix Cost?

At Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, we understand the financial stress you’re dealing with as a victim of a truck accident in Phoenix. We wish to relieve this stress, not add to it. For this reason, we operate on a contingency fee basis for all personal injury cases we handle. This means you will never be required to pay out of pocket for our high-quality legal representation. 

We don’t charge any attorney’s fees on truck accident cases unless we secure the client financial compensation for losses. There are no upfront fees and we accept the full financial risk involved in pursuing each claim. If we do not secure financial compensation for your truck accident case, you will not pay us a cent for the services already rendered.

If we do win your case, we will deduct our fee directly from the verdict or settlement won using a percentage system. We will keep a predetermined percentage of the final amount won. That way, we are highly motivated to get maximum financial compensation for your case. We also offer entirely free initial case consultations.

Truck Accident Facts and Statistics

Large truck accidents are a common cause of serious injuries and deaths in the United States. According to the most recent statistics available, 117,000 large trucks were involved in injury crashes and 5,700 were involved in fatal crashes in 2021 (source: the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).  

In Arizona, 2,485 accidents in 2023 involved commercial big rigs. Sadly, 107 of these accidents were fatal (source: the Arizona Department of Transportation). When combined with other types of trucks – including garbage, tanker and tow trucks – there were 12,367 truck accidents (145 fatal) recorded in 2023. 

Common Causes Of Truck Accidents in Phoenix?

Catastrophic commercial truck accidents are often caused by driver negligence, or the failure to act with a reasonable level of care. Trucking companies and truck drivers have a legal responsibility to obey all applicable state and federal safety laws and conduct business in a manner that does not breach the duty of ordinary care owed to the motoring public in operation of their commercial tractor-trailers.. Unfortunately, this is not always the reality.

Tractor-trailer Big-rig accidents in Phoenix can be caused by any of the following examples of negligence:

• Truck driver error
• Failure to obey traffic laws
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Driver fatigue
• Impaired driving
• Inadequate driver training
• Overloaded or improperly loaded truck
• Poor fleet vehicle maintenance
• Dangerous roadway defects

Truck drivers often operate under tight deadlines and are given financial incentives to make deliveries despite unsafe conditions such as bad weather, a truck that is in need of repair or driver fatigue. Pressure from trucking companies can result in serious and fatal truck accidents in Phoenix.

Common Truck Accident Injuries In Phoenix 

The size and weight disparity between a big rig and a passenger car means that the latter vehicle almost always sustains the worst of the damage. Our Phoenix car accident lawyers have seen all types of accidents and can help you recover the maximum compensation for your injuries.

Commercial truck accidents can cause a wide range of serious injuries to the passengers in the smaller car, including, but not limited to:

• Bone fractures;
• Burn injuries;
• Traumatic brain injury and concussion;
• Internal injuries;
• Lacerations, scarring and disfigurement;
• Losses of limb;
• Neck and back injuries;
• Other orthopedic injuries;
• Spinal cord injuries;
• Paralysis;
• Severe emotional distress and
• Death.

If you suffered any type of injury or a loved one lost his or her life in a fatal truck accident, our Phoenix wrongful death lawyers can help you pursue fair compensation in Phoenix.

What Makes Phoenix Truck Accident Cases Unique?

Hiring an experienced attorney to represent you can be beneficial after any type of harmful accident. However, several elements that are unique to truck accident cases make it even more important to hire an attorney for advocacy and assistance for this type of claim.

Powerful Adversaries

Trucking companies make challenging adversaries during insurance claims and personal injury suits. For example, a trucking company will most likely have a rapid response team to the scene of the accident immediately – often, even before police arrive.

A rapid response team is a group of carefully selected professionals led by defense attorneys who will work closely with an insurance company to protect the trucking company from liability, or legal and financial responsibility, for your accident.

Liability Disputes

Your truck accident claim will most likely be against a trucking company or corporation rather than an individual driver. Your case may also involve other liable parties, such as a cargo company, a truck manufacturer, another driver or the government.

Trucking companies are often held liable for accidents involving their trucks and drivers, even if a driver is classified as an independent contractor. The legal doctrine of vicarious responsibility applies to trucking companies under federal law.

Complex State and Federal Laws and Regulations

Commercial trucking companies are required to abide by applicable state and federal laws that can be complex and difficult to navigate.  An attorney who understands the applicability of these regulations is vital in a trucking accident case.

These laws cover many areas including:

• Hours-of-service restrictions for drivers;
• Drug and alcohol testing requirements;
• Cargo loading and securement rules;
• Fleet maintenance regulations;
• Driver training minimums;
• Vehicle inspection requirements;
• Electronic vehicle data requirements; and
• More.

If there is proof that one or more federal laws were broken in relation to your truck accident, this could serve as evidence against the defendant.

Unique Types of Evidence

Truck accident cases in Arizona often involve unique types of evidence, such as the truck’s electronic data recorders commonly referred to as the “black box,” GPS positioning data, on board video recording, trucking company compliance records, truck driver medical and driving histories, hours of service logs, vehicle inspection reports, training records and videos and truck maintenance records. An attorney can help you access, preserve, collect and present the evidence available in a compelling way to support your case.

How to Prove Fault in a Trucking Accident Case 

When you pursue financial compensation for a trucking accident in Phoenix, you bear the burden of proof as the plaintiff or filing party. This means you must prove fault to receive financial compensation from another party’s insurance provider. This is how Arizona’s fault-based insurance system operates.  

Proving fault requires evidence that another party caused or significantly contributed to your accident, typically through an act of negligence. You or your truck accident attorney must show that the defendant(s) named is more likely than not to be responsible for your trucking accident. This requires clear and compelling evidence.

Evidence of liability to support a truck accident case can take the form of documentation, photographs and physical evidence. Common examples include crash scene photos, trucking company and truck driver records, federal compliance history, truck inspection reports, driver hour logs, police reports, and medical records. An attorney can help you preserve and collect key evidence to support your truck accident case.

Types of Financial Compensation Available for a Phoenix Truck Accident Case

The value of every truck accident case is unique. At Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, we will aggressively negotiate on your behalf for the best possible results for your specific case.

A settlement or judgment award may include compensation for your:

• Past and future medical expenses;
• Past and future lost income and future earnings;
• Long-term or permanent disability or disfigurement;
• Motor vehicle repairs or replacement;
• Rental car and transportation costs;
• Pain, suffering and emotional distress;
• Wrongful death damages, if applicable; and
• Punitive damages.

Our attorneys have successfully resolved many commercial truck accident cases, with case results that include a $39.5 million settlement and a $35 million settlement for two separate wrongful death truck accident cases.

How Much Is the Average Truck Accident Settlement in Phoenix? 

There is no accurate average settlement for a truck accident case, as values can vary widely depending on the individual circumstances. The extent of the victim’s injuries, the severity of the wreck, whether there were fatalities and the insurance coverage available are just some examples of factors that can affect the outcome of a truck accident claim. 

In general, however, truck accident settlements are typically higher than regular car accident settlements due to the significant damages involved. Catastrophic injuries, for example, can be awarded with higher settlements due to future necessary medical care, lost earnings, disability expenses, and greater pain and suffering. 

In addition, truck accident defendants often have more insurance coverage than standard motor vehicle drivers. Under federal law, trucking companies are required to carry extended coverage on all commercial motor vehicles. Trucking policies must have a minimum of $750,000 to $5,000,000 in coverage, depending on the type of goods transported.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Phoenix 

It is important to know what to do if you get involved in a trucking accident in Phoenix, as the steps you take will be examined by insurance companies when determining your eligibility for coverage.  

The best way to protect your safety and your legal rights is by taking the following actions: 

1. Ensure your safety first. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Only exit your vehicle when it is safe to do so. If possible, move your disabled car to the side of the road and put your emergency lights on to prevent additional collisions.
2. Get medical care immediately. Call 911 to report the truck accident. Request paramedics in an emergency. Go to the nearest hospital for a physical evaluation. Even if you feel fine, your adrenaline could be masking pain and other symptoms.
3. Exchange information. Get the name of the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck number, license plate numbers and insurance information from the other party. If you are too severely injured to gather this information yourself, it should be on the police report.
4. Gather evidence. If possible, collect evidence while you are still at the scene of the truck accident. Take photographs of the scene, the damage to both vehicles and any road markings. Write down eyewitness information for statements before you leave.
5. Consult with an attorney. Before undergoing the insurance claims process, contact a lawyer at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP for a free consultation. We can ensure your rights are protected as you go up against powerful insurance corporations and trucking companies.

It is important to act quickly to protect your rights after a truck accident. Trucking companies often send rapid response teams to the scene right away to start gathering evidence. You can take care of your physical, emotional and financial recoveries by hiring a lawyer as soon as possible.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Phoenix? 

In Arizona, all motor vehicle accident claims must be filed within a certain amount of time under the state’s personal injury statute of limitations. Arizona Revised Statute § 12-542 states that all legal actions for “injuries done to the person of another including causes of action for medical malpractice” must be commenced within two years after the cause of action accrues.

If you do not file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the date of your trucking accident, you will most likely lose the right to file. If you did not discover your crash-related injuries until later, however, the time limit will be tolled (paused) until two years from the date of reasonable injury discovery. A wrongful death claim must be brought within two years of the date of the decedent’s death.

Note that the two-year time limit will only apply to a truck accident lawsuit, not an automobile insurance claim. An insurance claim should be filed much sooner – ideally, within a day or two of the crash. There are also exceptions that could shorten or extend the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. Speak to an attorney right away to avoid missing your deadline.

Truck Accident FAQs 

Getting injured in a truck accident can lead to many questions and concerns about your case and future. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive.

What should I do immediately after a truck accident?

Get medical care right away. Do not admit fault for the crash. If you are contacted by an insurance company, don’t give them a recorded statement or accept a fast settlement. Contact our attorneys to discuss your case and rights at no charge or obligation to hire us.

Who can I hold responsible for a trucking accident in Phoenix?

The answer to this question will depend on the cause of your crash. Possibilities include the truck company, an independent owner/operator, a maintenance crew, a cargo company or cargo loaders, truck part manufacturers, other drivers, and the government.

How much is my case worth?

This is a question that can only be answered after an evaluation of your case. Our law firm has acquired life-changing case results for clients, including settlements and verdicts in the millions of dollars. We will do whatever is necessary to achieve the best outcome for your case based on the circumstances. 

How do I choose which attorney to hire? 

Find a lawyer with experience handling trucking accident cases, along with positive testimonials and client reviews. A history of success in your practice area can demonstrate the lawyer’s ability to handle your case and achieve a positive result. 

Should I accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company? 

No; in general, you should not say yes to the first settlement an insurance company offers you. The initial offer is often low in an attempt to save the insurer money. Bring your case to an attorney for assistance countering a settlement offer until the value reflects the extent of your injuries. 

If you have further questions or wish to receive personalized legal counsel for your specific case, don’t hesitate to schedule a free case review with our law firm in Phoenix.

Request a Free Truck Accident Case Consultation in Phoenix

You have already gone through enough as the victim of a truck accident in Phoenix. You do not have to go through the legal process alone, as well. The attorneys at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP are prepared to help you pursue justice, accountability, and maximum compensation for your truck accident.

We are committed to preserving the rights of truck accident victims in Phoenix and throughout the state of Arizona. Contact us today for a free case consultation. Call (877) 800-1700 or send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.