Semi-truck accidents occur in every state in the nation, and Arizona is no exception. With numerous big rigs, tractor trailers, and other large trucks, residents may be used to the constant sight of large vehicles on local and state roads and interstates but they may think little of them. Trucks tend to travel slower than other forms of vehicles on a roadway, tend to slow before other traffic, and tend to take longer to get up to speed, leading many drivers to try to pass trucks and move on when they are seen.
While most drivers safely operate near trucks or while passing them, occasionally collisions occur in the Phoenix area. Unlike some other forms of car accidents, truck accidents tend to be severe and are likely to cause serious injuries or even death due to the large and heavy nature of the truck involved. While these accidents may be serious, the victims who are injured are not without help. The laws in Arizona provide these accident victims with the right to seek relief for any and all damages that occur, including medical expenses and lost wages, through the use of a civil claim. These claims are the right of the victim to bring and are available often even if an at-fault driver does not receive a traffic ticket or a criminal charge in response to an accident. A personal injury lawyer with experience representing truck accident victims may be able to explain your legal rights and options if you have been involved in a collision or if your loved one was injured.
Police responded to an accident west of Casa Grande Thursday morning that involved a tractor trailer and four other vehicles. Officials believe that the driver of the semi was traveling westbound on I-10 near Route 387 shortly after 5:00 a.m. when the truck driver lost control of the vehicle, left the westbound lanes and crossed the median into the eastbound lanes of traffic. The truck then caused a head-on collisions with an eastbound vehicle. The impact sent both vehicles out of control and eventually caused three other cars to be involved. Additionally, the truck reportedly turned over and came to rest on its side, blocking some of the lanes of eastbound traffic.
Police and emergency officials responded to the scene and evaluated all victims who were injured in the accident. At least one person was killed and it is unclear what other injuries were sustained at this time though officials have reported that the collisions caused substantial damage to several vehicles involved. It is not yet known what caused the truck driver to lose control or whether any citations will be issued in this instance though police have confirmed that they are still reviewing all relevant information.
When a truck accident occurs in Phoenix, an insurance company, an at-fault driver, or an owner are likely to look out for their own interests, even if it is to the detriment of an innocent victim who is injured or killed. The personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. want you to know that a responsible individual cannot negate the rights of a victim which are prescribed by law, and we want to help you fight for the best possible outcome in your case if you have been an accident victim.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we understand that accidents occur at all times of the day and night so we offer a free case consultation to those who call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We can be reached toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191 and there is no obligation on your part for speaking with us.
If a truck accident has left you injured, you may be entitled to financial compensation but you must pursue your rights within a time period specified law, so do not wait. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Halloween May Pose a Safety Threat to Children and Pedestrians, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published October 22, 2014.
Resource:
Head-on fatal crash closes I-10 west of Casa Grande, by Steve Stout, CBS5AZ.com, published October 23, 2014.