Trucking accidents are a serious concern, particularly in the realm of interstate transportation. Many industries rely on commercial motor carriers to efficiently transport and deliver their products, spanning from manufacturing and retail to agriculture. However, the pursuit of profit sometimes leads these companies to prioritize speed and cost-cutting measures over safety, putting innocent lives at risk.

In Arizona, specifically, there is a significant volume of trucking accidents due to its role as a pass-through state for goods traveling from the West Coast to the central part of the country. Interstate 10, the southernmost cross-country interstate highway in the United States, runs through Arizona and Maricopa County, making it a hazardous stretch of roadway prone to trucking accidents.

If you find yourself involved in a trucking accident, it is crucial to seek the assistance of an experienced attorney promptly. Trucking accident cases differ from regular car accident cases in several key aspects, and having legal representation well-versed in handling such cases can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Firstly, trucking accidents typically involve corporate defendants. The at-fault party is often a corporation or business entity that employs truck drivers. These large corporations have dedicated teams focused on minimizing payouts resulting from collisions caused by their drivers. They employ risk-loss employees and in-house attorneys who are skilled at obtaining evidence favorable to their defense and concealing any unfavorable evidence.

In major collisions resulting in severe injuries, it is not uncommon for these corporations to dispatch agents to the accident site immediately. These agents document the scene, gather witness statements, and conduct their own investigations, all with the intent of protecting the truck driver, the trucking company, and the company they were working for.

If you or your loved one has suffered serious injuries in a collision with a commercial truck, it is crucial to contact Alcantara & Associates without delay. Our firm has established relationships with trusted private investigators who can swiftly gather evidence after an accident occurs. Obtaining this evidence early on can be instrumental in building a strong case and increasing your chances of success.

Secondly, trucking accidents differ from regular car accidents because they fall under federal trucking regulations established by the Department of Transportation. These regulations govern trucking companies and their drivers and cover various aspects such as driver hiring, drug and alcohol testing, mandatory rest periods, driving hour limits, logbook requirements, cargo limitations, medical certifications, and vehicle inspection and maintenance.

Thirdly, trucking accidents may involve multiple potentially responsible parties and insurance coverage. For instance, a company may employ a commercial trucking company to transport its products. The commercial trucking company may hire independent contractor drivers or have its own employee drivers. Additionally, the trucking company may enlist other companies for inspections, maintenance, or repairs. This complexity means there can be numerous parties involved or responsible for a collision and the resulting injuries.

Common causes of truck accidents in Arizona include dangerous driving practices, drowsy driving, unqualified drivers, drug and alcohol use, inadequate vehicle maintenance, distracted driving, and cargo-related issues such as improper loading or securing. These accidents are subject to specific laws and regulations governing commercial trucking, as well as databases and systems designed to enhance trucking safety. These databases track and document the safety histories of trucking companies, helping to identify patterns of non-compliance and improve safety measures.

Commercial motor vehicles encompass more than just semi-trucks or “big-rigs.” Any motor vehicle weighing over 10,000 pounds involved in interstate product transportation falls under the category of commercial motor vehicle. This includes box trucks, buses, and heavy-duty trucks with trailers. Professional drivers operating these vehicles should be held to the highest safety standards, given the significant weight disparity between commercial vehicles and passenger cars.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial trucking collision, it is imperative to hire an attorney with expertise in handling trucking cases. The attorneys at Alcantara & Associates possess the knowledge and experience necessary to navigate these complex cases successfully. Contact our office today for a free consultation with a skilled attorney.