Arizona Truck Accident Lawyer

Which Arizona freight routes carry the most heavy trucks?

Interstates 10 and 40 move national freight across the state, and I-19 carries produce and goods from the Mexican border. Long-haul drivers, regional carriers and local construction trucks all share these roads.

• I-10 links Southern California ports with Phoenix, Tucson and Texas, and the stretch between Phoenix and Tucson is among the busiest truck corridors in the Southwest.
• I-40 crosses northern Arizona through Kingman and Flagstaff, with high elevation, winter snow and long grades.
• I-19 connects Nogales with Tucson, carrying seasonal produce traffic and cross-border carriers.
• I-17 climbs from Phoenix to Flagstaff with steep grades that test truck brakes.
• Distribution centers in the West Valley and around Phoenix generate heavy local truck traffic on Loop 303, Loop 101 and surrounding roads.

Why does Arizona's several-only liability rule matter so much in truck cases?

Because each defendant generally pays only its own share. If one responsible company is left out, its share of the fault may never be paid.

Consider a crash on I-10 near Casa Grande where a tractor-trailer's tire tread separates and the truck swerves into a family's SUV. Damages total $1,000,000. The jury finds the motor carrier 50% at fault for running a driver past safe limits, a maintenance shop 30% at fault for missing worn tires, and the SUV driver 0%. If the family sued only the carrier, it might collect $500,000, with the remaining fault assigned to a non-party left unpaid. By including the maintenance shop, the family can pursue $800,000. If the jury also put 20% on a broker that hired an unsafe carrier, naming the broker would matter just as much.

What federal rules apply to trucks on Arizona highways?

Federal motor carrier safety rules govern most commercial trucks in Arizona. Violations of those rules are strong evidence that a driver or company acted carelessly.

Hours-of-service rules limit driving time and require breaks, and most drivers must log their time on an electronic logging device. Engine control modules record speed, braking and throttle use. Carriers must keep driver qualification files, drug and alcohol testing results and inspection and maintenance records. Cross-border carriers operating in the United States must also meet federal safety requirements. Arizona applies similar standards to many carriers that operate only within the state, though some details differ.

Who may share responsibility for an Arizona truck crash?

Several companies may share fault, and each one has its own insurance.

• The motor carrier and the driver.
• The freight broker, if it chose a carrier with a poor safety record.
• The shipper or loader, for overweight or poorly secured cargo.
• A maintenance or tire service company.
• A parts maker, which can lead to a product liability claim.
• A public agency or contractor responsible for a work zone, which requires a notice of claim within 180 days.

How does heat affect truck crash evidence in Arizona?

Extreme summer heat stresses tires, brakes and cooling systems. A tire blowout or brake failure in July may point to inspection and maintenance failures rather than bad luck.

Tire fragments, brake components and maintenance records should be preserved and examined. Downhill grades on I-17 and I-40 add brake stress, and runaway truck ramps exist for a reason. When a driver did not use a lower gear or skipped a required brake check, the logs and engine data often show it.

What steps protect an Arizona truck crash claim?

Act quickly, because trucking companies begin their own investigations right away.

1. Get medical care and keep records of every visit.
2. Photograph the truck, trailer, cargo, tire debris and the road.
3. Write down the carrier name and USDOT number.
4. Keep your vehicle for inspection.
5. Do not give a recorded statement to the carrier's insurer.
6. Contact a lawyer to send preservation letters for electronic logs, engine data, dash camera footage and maintenance files.

Most Arizona truck injury claims must be filed within 2 years, and claims against public entities require the 180-day notice. Arizona's constitution bars caps on damages for injury or death, so the full extent of harm can be presented to a jury. For lifelong injuries, see our catastrophic injury page. To compare other Arizona crash claims, visit our Arizona car accident page or the Arizona injury guide. We offer a free case review, and you pay no fee unless we win.