Although all auto accidents can be disastrous for victims, those between passenger cars and commercial trucks are often more catastrophic than others. A big rig can weigh several times more than the average vehicle. This weight disparity puts the occupants of the passenger car at a drastic disadvantage in auto accidents. The larger truck can cause catastrophic damage to the smaller vehicle, often resulting in debilitating or fatal personal injuries for occupants.
After a serious truck accident in Phoenix, Arizona, protect your rights during insurance negotiations by hiring an attorney. The lawyers at Gerber Injury Law have decades of practice representing claimants during commercial truck accident claims. We have five offices located throughout Arizona for your convenience. Schedule a free consultation at our nearest location to you to discuss your 18-wheeler accident today.
It can be difficult to secure fair and full compensation for the injuries you suffer in a truck accident in Phoenix. An insurance company may dispute liability or try to downplay the severity of your injuries. Furthermore, soft-tissue injuries such as whiplash or pulled muscles can be hard to prove. You may need an attorney’s assistance during a truck accident claim. An accident lawyer in Phoenix could help you build a case against a trucking company and prove your damages. A lawyer can also negotiate with insurance companies for you to make sure you do not settle for less than you require.
In our years of experience helping injured clients with truck accident claims throughout Arizona, we have come to recognize some of the most common causes of these collisions. The main threat to driver safety is negligence. Negligence by other drivers, such as driving distracted or under the influence, can lead to preventable vehicle collisions. Commercial truck accidents are no different. Despite having special training, commercial driver’s licenses and control over highly dangerous vehicles, truck drivers can make the same mistakes as other drivers on the road.
At Gerber Injury Law, we can investigate your truck accident for signs of fault. If we believe truck driver negligence caused your accident, we can help you file a claim against the correct party in pursuit of damages. We may also identify the negligence of other parties. Our attorneys will do everything they can to obtain maximum compensation from all liable parties.
An important law that may play a role in your commercial truck accident case is vicarious liability. Vicarious liability uses the doctrine of respondeat superior, a Latin term meaning “let the master answer.” In simple terms, vicarious liability means a person responsible for another person will also be liable for that person’s mistakes or negligence. It typically applies to cases involving employers and their employees or parents and their children.
Although most truck drivers are independent contractors and not employees, the rules of vicarious liability still apply. Federal law holds truck companies liable for accidents involving their drivers and trucks. Your claim may be against a trucking company in Arizona, therefore, even if a negligent truck driver caused your accident.
A trucking company could also owe you compensation for your damages if it or one of its employees was negligent. If the truck’s tire blew out due to poor fleet maintenance, for example, the company could be directly responsible for your accident. A truck accident suit could also name other parties as defendants. Depending on the situation, a cargo company, maintenance crew, part manufacturer or other parties could bear fault for your collision. Gerber Injury Law can investigate your truck accident to determine fault.
Do not assume the insurance claims adjuster who contacts you from the trucking company’s insurance provider is looking out for your best interests. In general, this is not the case. Insurance claims adjusters have one main goal: to get you to settle for as little as possible so the company’s investors can turn a profit. Use a few tips to protect your rights when speaking to claims adjusters.
Navigating an 18-wheeler accident claim can prove difficult without assistance from an attorney. Many major trucking companies have limitless resources to spend on disputing liability. The lawyers at Gerber Injury Law can help you even the playing field. Your lawyer will fight for fair compensation from an insurance company on your behalf while you relax and rest.
A successful truck accident claim in Arizona could lead to compensation for your past and future physical pain, emotional distress, medical bills, property repairs, legal fees and more. Many truck accident claims result in high payouts due to the catastrophic nature of injuries and damages. How much your case could be worth will depend on its unique factors. Discuss the value of your case, as well as we can help you achieve top results, during a free consultation. Contact us online and we will get back to you right away. You can also call (623) 486-8300 24/7.