If a truck driver crashes their vehicle into yours, you may suffer an injury. At this point, you may want to consult with a Safford truck accident lawyer. With help from a Safford personal injury lawyer, you may request damages from an at-fault party.
Committed to providing exceptional legal service, the team at Suzuki Law Offices is here to serve you. We apply our decades of legal experience to your case, helping you achieve your desired results. To learn more, reach out to us.
Truck Laws
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has hours of service (HOS) requirements. With these, a trucker must take regular breaks. Otherwise, the driver may be prone to exhaustion and fatigue, which may lead to an accident.
In addition, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has general requirements for truckers. For example, a truck driver and their employer must ensure a vehicle is not overloaded. If it is, the vehicle may tip or roll over as a driver moves cargo from point A to point B.
If a truck driver or their employer breaks the law and causes your accident, you may hold the liable party accountable for their actions. At Suzuki Law Offices, we offer legal services and support to truck accident victims. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our Safford truck accident attorney.
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Get StartedWho Is Responsible for a Truck Accident
In many instances, a truck driver or their employer is liable for an accident. For instance, a trucker may take their eyes off the road and slam their vehicle into yours. If this happens, you may pursue damages from the truck operator or their employer.
There are times when a cargo loader, truck parts manufacturer, or another party is responsible for an accident. A truck accident lawyer in Safford can help you figure out who is at fault. Once they do, they can help you determine if now is the right time to file a claim.
In terms of insurance, there is minimum coverage for Arizona drivers. Truck drivers and their employers must also have insurance policies in place. You may request damages through an insurance claim, but you may have to take additional steps to get the compensation you want.
Lawyer Near Me 602-682-5270What to Expect if You File a Truck Accident Claim
Per Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) §12-542, you may have two years to submit an injury claim. Following your accident, there is a two-year window for requesting damages. If you choose not to file a claim within this window, you may be responsible for your accident-related losses.
A truck accident attorney in Safford will help you submit your claim promptly. Initially, you may notify your auto insurance company about your accident. Your insurer may connect with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier to investigate the incident.
Just because you file a claim does not guarantee that you will get damages. A liable party’s insurance company may do everything within its power to contest your claim. With help from our lawyer, you may show that this party was negligent, which may help you get damages.
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Proving Negligence
You are responsible for showing that a liable party was negligent. This may seem difficult, but your lawyer can help you prove negligence. To do so, you and your attorney must make it clear to a judge or jury that the following elements of negligence were present at the time of your accident:
- Duty of Care: An at-fault party was legally required to avoid careless and reckless acts.
- Breach of Duty of Care: The party ignored their legal obligation by committing a careless and reckless act.
- Causation: The party’s actions resulted in your accident.
- Damages: You are dealing with quantifiable and subjective losses because of the party’s actions.
Your Safford truck accident lawyer can explain what is Arizona’s law of pure comparative negligence and how it applies to your case. Based on this law, you may recover damages in an accident case as long as the defendant is partly at fault. You may even get compensation if this individual is found to be just 1% liable.
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Truck Accident Damages
You may collect economic and non-economic damages after your accident. A judge or jury may award you economic damages for losses that you can quantify and non-economic compensation for subjective harm. Reasons why a judge or jury may provide damages include:
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
You may request damages if you are hurt in a truck accident. There are instances where you may file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a family member who was killed in this type of accident. A truck accident attorney in Safford can explain who can file a wrongful death lawsuit and if you are eligible to do so.
Truck Accident Case Evidence
Along with discussing the difference between personal injury and wrongful death cases, your lawyer can work with you to gather evidence to support your argument. Proof is vital since it may help you show a judge or jury that you are in no way responsible for your accident. Evidence you may use in your case includes:
- Accident scene photos and videos
- Black box data
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Police report
- Truck driver records
- Truck repair or maintenance records
- Witness statements
You may need a wealth of evidence to prove your case. If you have a strong body of evidence, the defendant in your case may have concerns. This may lead the defendant to offer a fair settlement.
Truck Accident Case Settlement
It may be helpful to choose a lawyer who has received many positive client reviews and testimonies. This attorney may advocate for you and protect your legal rights. They may also negotiate a settlement that meets your expectations.
You may get a settlement offer prior to your trial. There is no requirement to accept a settlement. However, you may want to review it with your Safford truck accident attorney so you can weigh the proposal’s pros and cons.
If you are not fully satisfied with a settlement, there is no need to worry. Your lawyer can tell the defendant that you are declining their offer. Next, you and your attorney can continue to search for ways to bolster your case.
Hire a Safford Truck Accident Lawyer Today
You do not have to deal with the ramifications of your truck accident by yourself. At Suzuki Law Offices, we can assist you with your claim. To schedule a free case consultation, contact us today.
Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form