Large commercial trucks are a constant presence on Arizona highways. They are essential to the state’s economy, transporting goods from ports, manufacturing centers, and agricultural regions to destinations across the country. However, when an 18-wheeler, semi-truck, or other commercial vehicle collides with a passenger car, the results can be devastating. Victims often face severe injuries, mounting medical costs, and significant disruption to their lives.
An Arizona truck accident lawyer can help you hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and other responsible parties accountable. At Munley Law, our nation’s top rated truck accident lawyers represent clients throughout the state impacted by truck collisions.
Why Choose Munley Law’s Arizona Truck Accident Lawyers
For more than 65 years, Munley Law’s core mission has been to give injury victims equal access to justice, even against the most powerful corporations and insurance companies. We are the voice for the injured and forgotten, utilizing our resources, skills, and experience on behalf of clients in some of the country’s most complex truck accident cases. Here is why so many choose us after a truck collision:
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Nationally recognized leaders: Several of our attorneys are board-certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and certified by the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, demonstrating an advanced level of knowledge and trial experience in commercial trucking cases.
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Record-setting results: Our verdicts and settlements include some of the largest truck accident recoveries in Pennsylvania history, such as a $26 million settlement for a truck crash victim with a traumatic brain injury and multiple multi-million-dollar outcomes in commercial vehicle cases.
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Award-winning trial attorneys: Our lawyers are consistently named among the Best Lawyers in America and have earned the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell for the highest levels of legal ability and ethical standards.
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A legacy of advocacy: Munley Law is a family-founded firm with three generations of attorneys dedicated to protecting the rights of injury victims, shaping how we approach every case with the work ethic, personal commitment, and client-focused service that have been our hallmark since 1959.
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The resources to battle the trucking industry: We work with top accident reconstruction specialists, engineers, medical experts, and economists to build the strongest possible case, which often results in stronger settlement offers.
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Commitment to clients and community: We treat every client like a member of our family, providing direct access to your attorney and clear communication throughout your case. Our dedication extends beyond the courtroom, as we actively support charitable causes and community initiatives.
When you choose Munley Law, you choose one of the nation’s top-rated truck accident lawyers. Our team combines decades of proven results, rare trucking law credentials, and a relentless commitment to justice for injury victims.
There is no fee unless we win your case.
The Scope of Truck Accidents in Arizona
Arizona’s role as a transportation hub makes it a hotspot for heavy truck traffic. The state’s extensive highway network connects to major freight routes such as:
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Interstate 10: Running from California through Phoenix and Tucson into New Mexico, I-10 is one of the busiest freight routes in the country.
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Interstate 40: Cutting across northern Arizona through Flagstaff, I-40 is a primary east–west shipping corridor.
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Interstate 17: Linking Phoenix and Flagstaff, I-17 is heavily traveled by commercial and tourist traffic.
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Interstate 19: Connecting Tucson to the U.S.–Mexico border, this route is critical for international shipping. Border-crossing truck accidents can involve unique legal questions regarding the jurisdiction of drivers and vehicles.
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U.S. Route 93: This route is a heavily used truck corridor between Phoenix and Las Vegas.
These routes have significant hazards, including fatigued drivers pushing delivery schedules, improperly loaded cargo, and aggressive driving in congested areas. Arizona’s open desert stretches can also present dangers when high winds or dust storms reduce visibility.
Truck Accidents in Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff
The high volume of truck traffic in Arizona creates a higher risk of Interstate 10, I-17, and I-40 accidents. We often see collisions in specific Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff venues that are particularly dangerous for commercial vehicles:
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Phoenix: The most congested sections of I-10 and I-17 within the city are common sites for truck accidents. The Stack interchange, where these two interstates meet, is a frequent hotspot, as are other major interchanges and on/off-ramps where trucks merge and change lanes in heavy traffic.
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Tucson: The mix of local commuter traffic and long-haul freight along the I-10 corridor as it passes through Tucson can lead to accidents in sections with sudden slowing traffic, especially near busy intersections or construction zones.
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Flagstaff: The mountainous terrain and high elevation around Flagstaff present unique dangers on I-40 and I-17. Steep grades, sharp curves, and sudden, severe weather changes increase the risk of jackknife and rollover accidents for large trucks.
Common Causes of Arizona Truck Accidents
While every collision has its own set of circumstances, certain patterns appear frequently in Arizona truck accident cases. These causes often involve preventable errors or risky behavior that compromise safety on the road.
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Driver fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel, tight delivery schedules, and insufficient rest can lead to slowed reaction times, poor decision-making, and falling asleep at the wheel.
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Speeding and unsafe driving practices: Large trucks require much more distance to stop than passenger vehicles. Excessive speed or tailgating greatly increases the risk of a severe crash.
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Distracted driving: Using a phone, adjusting in-cab technology, or focusing on paperwork while driving can take a driver’s eyes and mind off the road.
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Driving under the influence: Alcohol, illegal substances, and certain prescription drugs can impair coordination, slow reflexes, and cloud judgment.
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Aggressive driving in heavy traffic: Sudden lane changes, cutting off other vehicles, or ignoring traffic signals can be hazardous when operating a vehicle that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.
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Maintenance failures: Skipped or inadequate inspections, such as failing to replace worn brakes or damaged tires, can lead to mechanical breakdowns at highway speeds.
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Improper cargo loading: An unbalanced or unsecured load can shift during transit, making the truck harder to control and increasing rollover risk.
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Hazardous weather and road conditions: Arizona’s high winds, dust storms, and sudden rain can reduce visibility and traction, requiring drivers to adjust their speed and driving style.
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Poor driver training: Inexperienced or inadequately trained drivers may not have the skills to safely handle steep grades, sharp turns, or emergency maneuvers.
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Neglect of local traffic risks: Certain Arizona routes, such as I-10 through Phoenix and Tucson or I-40 through Flagstaff, have high truck traffic and unique hazards, from congested metro stretches to rural areas with limited passing zones.
Identifying the cause of a truck accident is an essential step in determining liability. By examining how and why the collision occurred, it becomes possible to hold the right parties accountable and seek fair compensation.
The Unique Aspects of Trucking Accidents
Collisions involving commercial trucks differ significantly from standard car accidents in their complexity and the scope of potential liability. The size and weight of an 18-wheeler can cause more severe damage than a passenger vehicle, but the differences go beyond physical impact. These cases involve complex state and federal regulations, industry-specific practices, and multiple possible parties who may share responsibility. Several factors make trucking accidents unique:
Extensive Regulations
Detailed federal and state rules govern the trucking industry. A thorough knowledge of these regulations is key to uncovering violations that may have contributed to the crash.
Multiple Potentially Liable Parties
Responsibility may extend beyond the driver to other parties who could play a role in causing or contributing to the collision.
Specialized Evidence
Building a trucking accident case requires collecting evidence not typically present in passenger vehicle collisions. This may include:
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Black box data showing speed, braking, and other performance details
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Driver logbooks verifying compliance with hours-of-service rules
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Maintenance and inspection records
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Employment and training files for the driver
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Cargo manifests and loading documentation
Time-Sensitive Records
Federal rules dictate how long trucking companies must keep certain records. Critical evidence can be destroyed if you do not request and preserve it promptly.
Investigating a trucking accident demands skill, resources, and thorough knowledge of industry rules. A strong case depends on identifying every contributing factor and preserving evidence before it is lost or altered.
Our Arizona Truck Accident Attorneys Handle Many Types of Truck Crashes
Truck accidents can occur in many ways, and each presents its own set of risks, causes, and investigative challenges. Identifying exactly how a crash happened is critical to determining liability and building a strong case. The most common types of truck accidents we handle include:
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Jackknife accidents: These occur when a truck’s cab and trailer fold toward each other at a sharp angle, resembling a pocketknife. Jackknifes can block multiple lanes of traffic and trigger multi-vehicle pileups. They are often caused by sudden braking, excessive speed, or slippery road conditions.
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Rollover accidents: Because of their high center of gravity, large trucks are susceptible to tipping over during sharp turns, sudden swerves, or when traveling with unbalanced or shifting cargo. Tire blowouts can also contribute to rollovers, which can cause widespread destruction and hazards for nearby drivers.
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Underride collisions: An underride collision happens when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer. These crashes often result in severe injuries or fatalities and can occur if a truck stops abruptly or is parked without adequate lighting or warning devices.
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Rear-end Collisions: While rear-end crashes can happen in any traffic setting, they are especially dangerous when they involve commercial trucks. The weight and stopping distance of these vehicles mean that fatigue, distraction, or following too closely can lead to catastrophic impacts.
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Tire blowouts: A sudden tire failure can cause a driver to lose control, drift into another lane, or scatter debris into traffic. Blowouts often stem from poor maintenance or failure to replace worn tires, both of which are preventable with proper inspections.
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Blind-spot accidents: Commercial trucks have large blind spots, known as no zones, on all sides. Collisions can occur when a truck driver changes lanes or turns without checking these areas for nearby vehicles.
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Lost load accidents: If cargo is improperly secured, it can fall from the truck onto the roadway. This can cause a chain reaction as other drivers swerve to avoid the debris, or it can directly impact a vehicle, leading to a serious accident.
Each of these scenarios requires a detailed examination of the circumstances, involved parties, and applicable regulations to determine responsibility and pursue an appropriate resolution.
Determining Responsibility for Truck Accidents
In any truck accident, identifying who is legally responsible is integral to pursuing compensation. Determining fault requires a thorough investigation of the crash scene, vehicles involved, and events leading up to the collision. Evidence may include police reports, witness statements, and physical materials from the roadway. In many cases, we bring in accident reconstruction experts to examine speed, braking patterns, and vehicle movements. The goal is to show that another party’s negligent actions or failures directly caused the collision and resulting injuries.
Potentially Liable Parties
Parties who may be held responsible include:
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The truck driver: The driver’s negligence can include speeding, distracted driving, operating under the influence, or lacking the training and qualifications to drive a commercial vehicle.
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The trucking company: A trucking company may bear liability if it pressured drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, failed to conduct proper hiring and background checks, provided inadequate safety training, or neglected regular vehicle maintenance.
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The cargo loader or shipper: A third-party company responsible for loading the truck can be held liable if unsecured or unbalanced cargo caused the vehicle to become unstable or spill onto the roadway.
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The manufacturer or parts supplier: A manufacturer or parts supplier may be responsible if a defective component, such as faulty brakes, tires, or steering systems, led to the crash.
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Maintenance or repair contractors: A maintenance provider or mechanic can be at fault if improper repairs, skipped inspections, or failure to replace worn parts contributed to the accident.
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Brokers or logistics companies: A freight broker or logistics firm may share responsibility if it hired an unsafe trucking company without properly reviewing its safety record or compliance history.
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Government entities: In rare cases, a state, county, or city agency may share responsibility if poor road design, missing signage, or lack of maintenance contributed to the crash.
Often, more than one party is responsible for a truck accident. A methodical, evidence-based approach is necessary to identify every liable entity and hold each accountable for their role in causing the crash.
What If You Were Partly to Blame for the Truck Accident?
Arizona comparative negligence law means you may still be eligible to recover damages, even if you share some of the fault for the crash. The court will reduce your compensation in proportion to your percentage of responsibility. This matters because the defense will almost always try to shift some blame to you to reduce their liability and payout.
We Can Help You Recover Damages After Your Arizona Truck Accident
The injuries from a truck accident are often severe, leading to significant financial burdens. Medical expenses, including emergency room visits, surgeries, hospitalization, and physical therapy, can accumulate quickly. You may also face a period of lost income if you cannot work. In cases of permanent disability, the financial losses can extend for a lifetime. Compensation in an Arizona truck accident claim covers these various losses. It may include:
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Medical costs: This can cover everything from ambulance rides and emergency care to long-term rehabilitation and future medical needs.
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Lost earnings: This accounts for the income lost due to time missed from work, as well as any diminished earning potential if you can no longer perform your previous job.
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Property damage: This is the cost to repair or replace your damaged vehicle or other property.
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Non-economic damages: This category accounts for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and its consequences. It is intended to recognize the impact on your quality of life.
Various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the long-term impact on your life, and the clarity of the evidence against the at-fault parties determine your claim’s final value.
Damage Caps
Arizona’s constitution prohibits statutory damage caps for personal injury and wrongful death cases. Unlike many other state-specific damage caps, no law in Arizona limits the amount of compensation a jury can award for your damages.
Arizona Trucking Regulations and Commercial Vehicle Inspections
State law and federal regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) govern commercial truck operations in Arizona. These rules cover:
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Hours of service
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Weight and size limits
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Cargo securement
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Vehicle inspection and maintenance requirements
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Drug and alcohol testing
Violations of these regulations can play a critical role in proving negligence. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) work to enforce these rules, conducting inspections and monitoring commercial traffic.
The Role of Commercial Vehicle Inspections
Commercial vehicle inspections are a regular part of enforcing trucking safety. For example, the DPS conducts inspections at ports of entry, mobile inspection sites, and during routine traffic stops. These inspections can be a simple review of a driver’s license and logbook, or a more comprehensive look at the vehicle’s mechanics, including brakes, tires, and lights. Evidence from a failed inspection can be powerful in demonstrating that a trucking company was not meeting its safety obligations.
FAQs About Arizona Truck Accidents
Truck accident claims often raise complex questions about the legal process, timelines, and potential outcomes. To provide clarity on what to expect, we have answered some of the most common questions our clients ask after a severe collision.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Arizona?
Generally, the statute of limitations in Arizona gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If a government vehicle or agency is involved, you must file a notice of claim within 180 days.
There can be exceptions to this rule, so it is best to contact an Arizona truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed in accordance with state-defined time limits.
How Much Does an Arizona Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
The Arizona truck accident attorneys at Munley Law work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees, and we are only paid if we recover compensation for you. The fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict, and we will explain the details before representation begins.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Many truck accident cases settle out of court, but if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to present your case before a jury.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident?
Call 911 to report the crash and get medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. If possible, take photos, gather witness contact information, and avoid discussing fault. Contact our truck accident lawyers promptly so we can preserve critical evidence.
What Kind of Evidence is Essential in a Truck Accident Case?
Key evidence can include the truck’s black box data, driver logbooks, maintenance and inspection records, cargo loading documents, police reports, and witness statements. Preserving this evidence quickly is key to building a strong case.
Every truck accident case is unique, and the answers to these questions may vary depending on your specific circumstances. Speaking directly with our attorneys can provide the clarity and guidance needed to make informed decisions about your claim.
Contact Munley Law’s Arizona Truck Accident Attorneys Today
A truck accident can leave you facing injuries, financial strain, and uncertainty about the future. With decades of experience and a proven record in complex commercial vehicle cases, our team has the knowledge, resources, and determination to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you are injured in a truck accident in Arizona, contact us today for a free consultation. An Arizona truck accident lawyer will review your case, explain your legal options, and begin building a strategy tailored to your situation. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can get to work on your behalf.
