Accident lawyers in Arizona come across collisions between all types of vehicles. However, truck accidents are among the most concerning. Delivery trucks and big rigs can be especially dangerous for smaller vehicles and pedestrians. Injuries to drivers, passengers, and other road users can be severe. Then there is the issue of liability. Is the driver responsible or it is his employer? The situation can get complicated quickly. As always, prevention is best. Truck drivers need to display extreme caution on the road and other motorists need to pay attention when trucks are nearby. When an unfortunate accident occurs, truck accident lawyers are always willing to assist victims.

A tractor-trailer when fully loaded usually weighs 20 to 30 times the weight of a passenger vehicle. They are also taller with more ground clearance so smaller vehicles can underride them during a crash. A single mistake can lead to a serious and even fatal crash. All road users can benefit from knowledge about the most causes of truck accidents. When a truck crash occurs, it could be due to the truck driver or the company they work for. It could also be because of a problem with the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. In the case of poorly constructed or maintained roads, a government entity could be responsible. Let’s look at some of the common causes of truck accidents.

How Driver Error Causes Truck Accidents

Many truck crashes result from an error on the part of the truck driver. This may be due to driver fatigue. Truck drivers are supposed to adhere to state and federal regulations about how long they can spend behind the wheel. Unfortunately, many drivers flout the law and the sleep deprivation affects their driving ability.

Substance abuse can also lead to driver error. Given the long, demanding hours they work, many drivers use alcohol or drugs to help them cope. The combination of exhaustion and drug use can lead to deadly crashes.

Like other drivers, truck drivers can also speed or engage in otherwise reckless behaviours. When they fail to follow the rules of the road, they put themselves and other road users in danger. Speed, sudden lane changes and tailgating all lead to accidents.

Many drivers try to get around the rules governing the trucking industry. They enter false information into their log books to make it seem like they took precautions they didn’t. Sometimes, this goes unnoticed. Other times, drivers cause an accident and their records are placed under great scrutiny. Both the driver and their employer can be held liable in cases like these.

Of course, sometimes the driver of a smaller vehicle can cause an accident with a truck. They may drive in an area where a truck driver has no visibility or misjudge a truck’s speed. They may also switch lanes abruptly in front a truck or pass one improperly.

Ways Vehicle Error May Cause Truck Accidents

Truck drivers who follow all the rules can still get involved in serious accidents. This is because there can be problems with the vehicle. One possibility is that the truck was improperly designed or substandard parts like tires or brakes were installed. The product designers or manufacturers can be held liable for the resulting property damage or personal injuries.

Furthermore, trucks which are constantly traveling on the highway carrying heavy loads need regular maintenance. If these routines aren’t kept up, the vehicle may malfunction and cause an accident.

Improperly loaded cargo or overloaded trucks can rollover when they are going at high speeds or turning corners. Also, mislabeled or improperly packaged cargo can also lead to spills or explosions.

How Road Conditions Can Contribute to Truck Crashes

Regardless of whether or not a truck driver is reckless, obstacles or potholes in the road can lead to accidents. Of course, driving at high speeds or not paying attention to the road can make things worse. Flaws in road design or a lack of maintenance can also lead to serious accidents. In these cases, the entity responsible for maintenance may be liable.

How a Scottsdale Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help if Involved in a Truck Accident

Truck accidents have many possible causes. Determining liability can be complex. Sometimes drivers, their employers, and their insurance company deny responsibility. Bringing a case against a vehicle manufacturer or a government department can also be difficult. That’s why you need a truck accident attorney in Scottsdale, AC. They know the law and they can negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and other attorneys. If you need to file a lawsuit to get compensation, they know exactly what to do. You shouldn’t have to settle for less compensation than your case is worth.

Contact an Accident Attorney in Scottsdale, AZ today!

If you want your rights protected following a truck accident, contact a Scottsdale truck accident lawyer. The attorneys at Warnock MacKinlay Law are ready to work for you. Call today for a free consultation and let us handle all the negotiating.  We will fight to ensure you get the results you deserve.