Phoenix Truck Accident Frequently Asked Questions

Vehicle operators on the roadways today face many hazards, including aggressive, distracted, and DUI drivers. Among the most serious safety threats to passenger vehicle occupants is the potential for a collision with a large commercial truck.

At The Husband & Wife Law Team, our Phoenix truck accident lawyers have an extensive track record of successfully representing people who have been seriously injured in large truck crashes throughout the state of Arizona. We offer answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about truck accidents.

How do truck accident cases differ from car accident cases?

What should I do if the insurance company makes me an offer after a truck accident?

How many big rigs are involved in traffic accidents in the U.S.?

Need legal help after a truck accident in Phoenix?

How do truck accident cases differ from car accident cases?

There are important differences in how these cases are addressed legally. Commercial trucking is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Trucking companies and commercial drivers alike are required to comply with many federal regulations that do not apply to an average driver. In order to successfully handle truck accident cases, an attorney must be well-versed in this specific body of law.

Another difference is that truck accident cases are typically more complicated with regard to liability. Potentially liable parties in a truck accident case may include the driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, a parts manufacturer, or a company that repaired or performed maintenance on the truck or trailer.

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What should I do if the insurance company makes me an offer after a truck accident?

If the accident was the result of a truck driver or trucking company negligence, you may think you will certainly receive an offer from the insurance company, but many times the insurance adjuster will surprise you and will make no offer at all or a very minimal offer or will deny liability completely even though they know their driver was negligent. In all probability, they will make you a lowball offer, relying on your vulnerability and lack of legal knowledge. This is an effort to reduce the cost of the insurance settlement, and is definitely not in your best interests. You will be asked to sign a settlement release that falls far short of the compensation you are actually entitled to receive. They might even tell you that the offer is only open for a limited time, and you may feel pressured to accept – particularly if your injuries make it impossible to work and earn a living.

In this situation, it is imperative that you speak with our truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. If the insurance company asks you to make a statement, you are entitled to refuse, and to seek legal counsel in the matter.

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How many big rigs are involved in traffic accidents in the U.S.?

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), big rigs account for only 4% of all registered vehicles. However, according to recent accident data, large trucks accounted for 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal accidents (and 3% of all vehicles involved in injury and property damage accidents). To put those percentages in more tangible terms, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 4,067 people were killed in commercial truck accidents in the U.S. in 2015.

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Need legal help after a truck accident in Phoenix?

Never accept a settlement offer from an insurance company without first speaking with an attorney who has a long history of successfully resolving truck accident cases. The Husband & Wife Law Team can investigate your accident, collect and preserve the evidence to support your case, and skillfully negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. You can trust us to help you pursue the maximum possible in your case. Call us today at (602) 457-6222.

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