ARIZONA TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

Some of the primary causes of semi-truck, 18-wheeler, and other large truck accidents include:

• Truck Driver Negligence:Many truck accidents are associated with negligent and wrongful conduct by the drivers of these vehicles. Common forms of truck driver negligence include distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, failure to yield the right of way, failure to obey traffic signals and stop signs, unsafe or illegal driving maneuvers, driving too fast for current conditions, and other traffic violations.
• Hours-of-Service Violations: Federal and state laws regulate the number of hours truck drivers may operate their vehicles, as well as the number and duration of breaks they must take. When truck drivers violate these laws, whether due to negligence or pressure from trucking companies to meet strict delivery schedules or quotas, they are at risk of driving while fatigued. Drowsy driving has been proven to be nearly as dangerous as drunk driving, and serious accidents are likely to result.
• Improperly Loaded and Overloaded Cargo/Freight: Cargo must be loaded properly to avoid shifting or falling during transit. Additionally, federal and state laws regulate the overall amount of weight large trucks can carry. When freight is improperly loaded, or when trucks carry excessive weight, it can lead to a variety of problems, such as drivers losing control of their vehicles, cargo falling from the truck into the roadway, and more.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Large trucks carry heavy loads for hundreds or even thousands of miles. As such, they must be regularly inspected for excess wear and tear, as well as issues that could potentially lead to accidents. Truck drivers are often responsible for routine truck inspections and maintenance, though this may also fall to trucking companies, companies that own or lease large trucks, and other entities. In any case, failure to conduct routine truck maintenance can lead to serious accidents—and the responsible party can be held liable.
• Trucking Company Negligence: Trucking company negligence is a common indirect cause of large truck accidents. Examples of trucking company negligence include failing to provide drivers with adequate training, failing to conduct background checks on new truck drivers, and failing to adequately supervise or discipline truck drivers that violate the law and/or company policy. Other forms of trucking company negligence include pressuring truck drivers to meet unrealistic quotas or deadlines, looking the other way on hours-of-service violations, allowing drivers to forge logs, and failing to conduct proper vehicle maintenance, inspections, or repairs.
• Defective Trucks: Sometimes, truck accidents result not from the negligence of the truck driver or the trucking company but due to the failure of a manufacturer to prevent defects. Such defects can be extremely dangerous and may lead to critical accidents. Common truck defects include defective truck or trailer design, defective tires that blow out while the truck is in motion, faulty steering or braking systems, missing reflective strips or warning signs for other motorists, and defective engine components.

At Miller Kory Rowe LLP, we utilize our extensive resources—including access to top trucking industry experts and renowned accident reconstructionists—to determine the true cause of an accident. From there, our attorneys can develop powerful, persuasive cases against liable parties based on the available evidence. Our thorough approach to case preparation and aggressive negotiation tactics have allowed us to recover many sizeable settlements and verdicts for our clients.