Flagstaff Truck Accident Lawyer Recovers Payment for Victims

Arizona attorney seeks compensation for people hurt in commercial vehicle crashes

Getting injured in an accident caused by a large commercial vehicle could change your life forever. As you attempt to recover from your physical injuries, you might also be facing serious financial challenges caused by high hospital bills, time out of work and, possibly, changes that you need to make to your daily life as a result of the crash. The Law Office of Matthew J. Poirier PLLC in Flagstaff provides exceptional advocacy for clients who have been hurt in truck accidents in Northern Arizona and other parts of the state. You can count on my firm to fight for the payment you deserve in a personal injury or wrongful death claim against the negligent parties.

Truck accidents in Arizona  

In 2022, there were approximately 15,000 accidents in Arizona involving a tractor-trailer or some other type of commercial vehicle. When a semi-truck or another big rig hits a passenger car, the individuals in the smaller vehicle are in danger of suffering catastrophic harm. Whether you’re on a heavily traveled interstate such as I-40 or I-17, Route 89 or another highway with substantial business traffic, or even a local road, I have the legal experience and local knowledge to present the strongest possible case so that you can recover appropriate compensation for your medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering and other damages.

Frequent causes of collisions involving large trucks        

The factors that commonly trigger accidents involving personal vehicles also apply to trucks. However, there are some specific accident causes that are unique to commercial vehicles or made more dangerous because of the challenges associated with operating a big rig, including:

  • Driver fatigue — Strict rules exist governing driver rest, but even someone who is on the road legally could cause a collision if they are drowsy.
  • Overloaded or improperly loaded vehicles — If a contractor or trucking company attempts to overload a truck, pack it carelessly or have it carry hazardous cargo without proper authorization, a catastrophic accident might result.
  • Speeding — Getting a delivery completed on time is very important for truck drivers, but excessive speed in pursuit of staying on schedule could lead to disaster.
  • Drug and alcohol impairment — Whether a trucker drinks too much at a stop or uses stimulants in an attempt to stay focused behind the wheel, any type of drug or alcohol use poses a serious risk to others on the road.
  • Distractions — Cell phones and other distractions can be very tempting for truck drivers who typically spend long hours on the road.
  • Weather conditions — The larger a vehicle is, the more difficult it is to maneuver, which means that a commercial vehicle operator must adjust immediately when snow, ice or other weather conditions affect their ability to drive safely.
  • Equipment failures — Broken hitches, faulty brakes and other equipment failures are capable of causing serious truck crashes.

Due to their size and weight, commercial vehicles are more likely to cause severe and fatal injuries when a collision occurs. We handle all types of truck accident claims, including matters where victims have suffered traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, broken bones and permanent loss of function. Our firm also represents plaintiffs in wrongful death litigation arising from truck crashes. 

Determining liability in a truck collision case

Unlike most cases arising from car accidents, truck collision claims often involve multiple defendants. Along with the vehicle operator, the truck owner or the company that contracted the vehicle for a job could be liable for the crash. There are also situations where a crash is unavoidable despite the driver’s best efforts due to a tire blowout or some form of mechanical failure. In these cases, the manufacturer of the faulty part could be legally responsible for the accident. My firm conducts a thorough investigation that could include a review of the truck’s Event Data Recorder, witness interviews, findings from an accident reconstruction specialist and physical evidence such as brake marks and broken parts. From there, I take aggressive action against every party that contributed to your injury.

Federal and state regulations applying to commercial vehicle operation

One element of a truck accident claim is determining if any violations of state or federal regulations played a role in the crash. Specific areas where rules exist to make commercial vehicle operation safer include the following:

  • Weight limits — A single-axle truck in Arizona can carry up to 20,000 pounds and the top gross weight for a vehicle with five or more axles is 80,000 pounds.
  • Maintenance standards — The Arizona Department of Transportation has detailed regulations concerning the maintenance of big rigs and the recordkeeping that must be completed to pass inspections.  
  • Electronic logging devices — Most commercial vehicles must have an electronic logging device (ELD) that complies with standards set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. An ELD records the truck’s activity, including engine hours and miles driven.    
  • Hours of service — A truck driver must comply with rules about how many hours they can drive in a day or week, as well as the 34 hours off duty required to restart the clock on their time in service.

I will also review whether the vehicle operator in your case had a valid Commercial Driver’s License and the truck had the proper permits for its use at the time of the accident.

Contact an accomplished Arizona truck accident attorney for a free consultation

The Law Office of Matthew J. Poirier PLLC in Flagstaff represents victims of truck accidents so they can receive the compensation they are entitled to under Arizona law. To schedule a free consultation regarding your case, please call 928-222-2803 or contact me online.