On average, semi trucks are involved in fewer accidents per mile driven than other types of vehicles, including passenger cars, vans, and SUVs. Operators of semi trucks need special licensing and additional training before they can legally operate a rig and they also have more experience behind the wheel, two factors often believed to be part of the reason that semi trucks are involved in relatively few accidents.
However, when a truck accident occurs, the results are often more severe and extreme than they would be if the accident involved smaller vehicles. The size, weight, and distribution of a truck means that it often has significant momentum and force when a collision does occur. Additionally, if a truck is involved with a vehicle or object smaller than the truck itself, the smaller object or vehicle usually absorbs the majority of the impact, leading to a potential for serious injuries stemming from any truck accident.
The victims involved in a truck accident in the Phoenix area or across the rest of Arizona may be entitled to relief for their damages. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand whether you are entitled to recover for your losses, including any medical expenses you have been forced to incur and time that you have been forced to miss from work. These claims are separate and distinct from any traffic or criminal charges that may be brought by the state; in fact, claims for personal injuries are often available even where an at-fault driver did not receive a ticket for his or her negligence.
Local police in Surprise responded to the scene of an accident on the Loop 303 this morning and found a gruesome sight. A truck traveling near Grand Avenue left the road’s surface and struck a guard rail on the right side, causing a piece of metal from the guard rail to impale the truck from the windshield area through the back of the truck which reportedly carried newspapers. The metal also impaired the driver’s leg, nearly severing it and leaving the man with critical injuries.
Though early in their investigation, police do not believe that alcohol or drugs played a factor in the crash. They are looking into the possibility that the driver may have been drowsy while behind the wheel but no conclusion on that matter has been made.
If you have been involved in an accident with a truck and you were injured, call the lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us provide you with answers you deserve. We are standing by 24 hours a day to take your call toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191 and we offer a free case consultation to all those who have been injured in an accident. There is no obligation on your part for taking advantage of the free consultation and everything discussed will be kept confidential. If an accident has left you with injuries, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you get the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Early Dust Storm Brings Potential for Car Accidents, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published March 26, 2014.
Resource:
Driver’s leg nearly severed in possible drowsy driving wreck on Loop 303, by Catherine Holland, AZfamily.com, published April 2, 2014.