Category: Trucking Accidents

When it comes to understanding traffic accidents in the Phoenix area, the role played by commercial trucks can be deceiving. While these vehicles are less likely to be involved in an accident per mile traveled than are typical passenger cars, the collisions that do occur are much more likely to result in injuries or even death to those involved. This can spell disaster for those innocent victims of truck accidents who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and who are forced to endure suffering as the result of a crash.

Truck drivers are required to undergo specific training and receive tailored licensing so that they can operate their rigs in a safe, reasonable manner. Most drivers receive the education they need and therefore, lack of training is not a common reason that truck accidents take place but one of the most frequently cited actions among truckers that lead to and resulted in collisions continues to be truck driver fatigue, a factor that crops up each and every day in the United States.
Continue reading “Phoenix Accidents Caused by Truck Driver Fatigue”

Large vehicles, including trucks, semis, and 18-wheelers, are a necessary part of life in the Phoenix area. They provide not only jobs to countless residents but also the means necessary to keep things going in the area. From bringing in food and products to shipping across the nation, trucks play a vital role in the local economy.

While much about the trucking industry is positive, there are negatives that affect those who reside in or work in Phoenix as well. One of the more dangerous negatives is the risk for truck accidents and for the harm that might result if a truck accident occurs. While collisions with trucks are not as common as collisions involving only cars, the resulting damage tends to be much more severe and is more likely to cause injuries to the drivers and passengers involved.
Continue reading “Semi-Truck Involved in Multi Car Crash on I-10”

Any type of traffic accident poses many risks to those who are involved, but when it comes to the damages that result, some crashes are more likely to cause devastation than others. Among the most serious collisions are truck accidents and semi-truck crashes regardless of whether they occur in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, or elsewhere in the Valley.

A typical passenger car is not designed or built to withstand the forces that are involved in a truck accident and any attempt to do so likely will result in substantial damage to the vehicle. When a vehicle is damaged and especially when portions of it crumple on impact, those inside the vehicle are likely to sustain injuries. Though common injuries include whiplash, fractured bones, herniated and damaged spinal discs, and head injuries, nearly any type of trauma-related harm can befall those unlucky enough to be involved in a collision with a truck.
Continue reading “Cement Truck Crashes Through Median, Catches Fire on Loop 101”

On June 7, 2014, comedian Tracy Morgan rode in a vehicle with several other friends and comedians as it traveled on the New Jersey Turnpike. Morgan was in a bus when the bus was involved in a six-vehicle collision that was allegedly started by a semi-truck which was owned and operated by Wal-Mart. As a result of the truck accident, several people were seriously injured and one man lost his life.

Now, according to court documents, Wal-Mart has settled a portion of the claim brought by the family of the man who lost his life to the tune of $10 million.

The victims involved who were with Morgan in the bus brought claims for their injuries and alleged that the driver of the Wal-Mart semi-truck had not slept in more than 24 hours and that he fell asleep while behind the wheel, causing the collision that left them damaged. The victims further claimed that Wal-Mart, as the driver’s employer and the owner of the truck at issue, knew or should have known of the driver’s condition and that their failure to take action was negligent.

The crash left Morgan, best known for his acting on the TV shows “30 Rock” and “Saturday Night Live,” with a broken leg, broken nose, and several broken ribs as well as a traumatic brain injury. Morgan’s leg was particularly damaged and required surgical repair as well as rehabilitative treatment that the comedian is still undergoing at this time. In addition to Morgan, two other comedians and two bus employees were injured. A third comedian, James McNair, was killed in the crash.

The surviving family members of James McNair brought suit alleging wrongful death and made a claim against the semi driver and Wal-Mart. In January of 2015, the family’s attorney announced that a settlement had been reached with Wal-Mart but that the amount was confidential. Recent court documents disclosed the amount as $10 million, a settlement that will go to McNair’s family members to compensate them for their losses, though no amount of money can ever be considered adequate when a person is killed.

The recently disclosed settlement reflects an agreement to end the claim by the family of James McNair only and does not terminate the claims made by Morgan or the other individuals harmed in the accident.
Continue reading “Wal-Mart Settles Portion of Lawsuit involving Crash with Tracy Morgan for $10 Million”

Any type of traffic accident can turn deadly in Phoenix when the wrong combination of factors mix. Even collisions that seem minor may lead to death or serious injury and may cause suffering that lasts a lifetime. Semi-trucks and other large vehicles tend to be involved in a disproportionately large number of fatal crashes because their large size and weight means that a typical car or passenger vehicle is no match when going head-to-head. This is one of the reasons that trucking companies tend to have expansive insurance policies to protect their interests in the event of an accident.

Victims of Phoenix truck accidents can obtain the relief they deserve if they are willing to pursue a civil claim. Unlike charges brought by local police or state officials, a civil claim is the right of the victim to bring and cannot be barred by a negligent or at-fault driver. Additionally, any relief obtained in a civil claim will benefit the victim directly and can provide compensation for all financial losses from medical expenses to pain and suffering and even lost wages. These collisions and claims are complex and victims rarely are able to negotiate the terrain that comes with them without the help of a skilled lawyer. Speaking with a personal injury attorney in Phoenix or elsewhere in the Valley may help you understand your options and what relief may be available to you if a crash has left you injured.

An incident near 43rd Avenue and Roosevelt Street in Phoenix this morning left one man dead and a woman in critical condition. Police responded to the scene and determined that a car in the area collided with the rear of a semi-truck, leading to a serious accident that left the car heavily damaged. Neither the man nor the woman in the car were able to exit on their own and both had to be removed by firefighters who responded to the crash. The car was partially wedged under the rear of the trailer.

The male victim was pronounced dead at the scene and the female victim’s current condition remains unknown at this time. She was taken to an area hospital for treatment of her crash-related injuries but the nature and extent of those injuries has not been revealed.
Continue reading “Man Killed in Phoenix Crash with Semi Truck”

Recent decades have seen an increased focus on the effects of fatigue and tiredness among drivers on American roads and the dangers they pose. While it may surprise many, studies have revealed fatigue to be a danger along the levels of texting while driving. Tired drivers behind the wheel are a danger to themselves and to others on the roads of Phoenix and the rest of the Valley of the Sun, but despite the risks, many drivers admit to operating when they are tired. Some even admit to falling asleep behind the wheel.

These dangerous drivers are even more deadly when they operate a truck because of the large and heavy nature of a truck’s typical load. Often, truck accidents occur in Phoenix and cause disproportionately large injuries to the victims in other vehicles. Accident victims and their family members who are directly affected may be entitled to legal relief through the use of a civil claim for damages due to several Arizona laws that protect victims’ rights, but these cases can be complex, so speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand your options if you have been hurt.

A Wednesday collision involving four vehicles on I-17 in Phoenix is now being blamed on the driver of a semi-truck who allegedly admitted to authorities that he took a muscle relaxant and fell asleep before the impact happened. The truck driver, a 54-year-old male, was arrested and charged with suspicion of second degree murder.

The incident took place on I-17 near Bell Road in the morning hours. Traffic was congested and officials have stated that the truck driver, hauling concrete pavers, rear-ended four vehicles that were stopped in traffic. The semi-truck continued and struck a concrete barrier which caused it to spill much of its load onto the road’s surface. At least one of the vehicles involved in the crash burst into flames, leaving a 22-year-old man dead and another person in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. Three other victims were taken to area hospitals for undisclosed injuries and several other people sustained minor injuries but did not need immediate medical assistance.

Following the impact, officials spoke with the driver of the truck who allegedly admitted that he often became tired while driving in the dark and that he fell asleep behind the wheel before the collision occurred. Further, the driver reportedly stated that he took a muscle relaxant the night before, a fact some officers on the scene said was supported by the fact that the driver had glassy, bloodshot eyes and was slurring his speech. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor at this time.
Continue reading “Truck Driver Impaired, Asleep when Fatal Phoenix Crash Occurred”

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.
Continue reading “At Least 1 Dead in Arizona Semi-Truck Accident”

Truck accidents result from a number of different factors in Phoenix and across the rest of the Valley. Some collisions are caused by errors on the part of other drivers. Other crashes occur because of truck driver fatigue. And still in other instances, speeding or driving too fast for conditions may lead to a crash. Regardless of the specific factors that contributed to a collision, those involved in truck accidents are likely to sustain injuries, and in the worst cases, be killed due to the extreme forces associated with an impact.

The victims of truck accidents in Phoenix have certain protections and certain rights under the laws of Arizona which may include the right to seek a financial recovery for the losses experienced, including medical expenses incurred, lost wages missed from work, and even pain and suffering. These claims are separate and distinct from any traffic-related tickets or charges brought by local authorities and often are available even if a responsible driver does not get a ticket in the crash. These cases can be complicated so it may be a good idea to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to learn about the effects of your accident if your have been hurt in a collision.

Police in Phoenix were called to the scene of a collision between a semi-truck and a pedestrian late this morning and resulted in the death of the pedestrian. The incident occurred on Buckeye and forced lane closures between 7th and 16th Streets shortly before noon. It is unclear whether the truck driver was injured in the accident or whether any other parties were involved.

Police are still investigating the collision and trying to determine why the crash occurred and whether anyone erred before the impact. It could take some time before officials are able to make their final determinations or before it is announced whether any charges will be issued.
Continue reading “Semi Truck Kills Pedestrian in Phoenix”

In 2013, there were 10,741 trucking accidents in Arizona, including semi-truck collisions, garbage and concrete truck accidents, tractor trailer collisions, and tow truck accidents. These collisions accounted for just over five percent of all traffic-related accidents in the state, meaning that though truck accidents are very visible, they make up only a small portion of all collisions. Yet despite the fact that truck accidents may be less common than some may have believed, they are responsible for a large number of injuries and deaths every year because when a truck crash occurs, it tends to be very serious. Among those collisions that involved trucks, 94 accidents turned fatal and another 3,181 crashes caused injuries.

The victims of truck crashes may be forced to suffer from injuries, often including broken or fractured bones, cuts and lacerations, back and neck injuries, or even death. State officials may conduct an investigation into a crash and issue traffic tickets or criminal charges as a result but any penalties associated with those charges will not go towards the benefit of those who are hurt. Instead, injury victims may be entitled to seek financial relief through the use of a civil claim for damages, a claim possessed by the victims of car accidents to enable them to recover for the wrongs done to them. These claims can provide compensation for medical expenses, surgical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages, depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding a crash. Speaking with a lawyer who handles personal injury claims, including truck accidents, may help you understand your legal options following a crash.

An early morning crash today turned deadly on I-10 in Tucson, prompting an investigation by local authorities. Police believe that a tractor trailer was traveling westbound when the driver lost control of the vehicle for reasons that are not yet clear. The truck began to roll and reportedly crossed the center median, entering westbound lanes of traffic and allegedly colliding with a westbound vehicle. The crash caused both vehicles to catch fire and resulted in the deaths of the truck driver and the driver of the westbound vehicle.
Continue reading “Semi-Truck Accident Kills 2”

Many different types of trucks drive on Arizona’s freeways, expressways, and local roads every day, serving vital functions and enabling society to function as normal. Most of these trucks make it through a daily route without incident and without an accident; unfortunately, though, that is not always the case as Arizona experiences thousands of truck accidents every year.

Some of these accidents involve only one or more trucks. Many involve a truck and another type of vehicle, whether it is a car, van, or even a bus. Regardless of the vehicles involved, truck accidents are likely to result in injuries or even death to those either inside the truck or in another vehicle involved in a collision. The victims of these accidents may be forced to endure a long road toward recovery but they are not without legal options to seek relief for their damages. In fact, in Phoenix and the surrounding towns of the Valley, truck accident victims are often entitled to bring a civil claim for damages to recover financial compensation against those who caused a collision. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Phoenix may help you understand your legal options if you have been involved in a crash, including whether you are entitled to relief.

A crash on I-17 around 5:00 this morning proved fatal and led to massive closures along I-17 for morning rush hour. Police arrived at the scene and determined that a tanker truck collided with a center concrete median for reasons that are not yet clear. The incident occurred near the Loop 303 and resulted in the closure of northbound traffic at Jomax Road and southbound traffic at the Loop 303.

Debris from the collision was obstructing traffic in both northbound and southbound lanes but the biggest threat to other motorists appeared to be spillage from the tanker truck. The contents of the truck have not yet been confirmed but authorities believe it may have been fuel, and that the collision caused a spill and led to the fuel or other substance covering portions of I-17. Emergency crews were called to investigate the fluid and to clean it up before the highway would be reopened.

Police have confirmed that the tanker accident was fatal and that one person lost his or her life. At this time, though, it is not clear whether it was the driver of the tanker or another individual in the area.
Continue reading “I-17 Temporarily Closed after Fatal Tanker Truck Accident”