Arizona Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

What is a Commercial Vehicle?

A commercial vehicle in Arizona refers to any motor vehicle primarily utilized for business activities. This category includes:

• Large trucks and 18-wheelers commonly found on Arizona highways
• Buses, such as Valley Metro buses and school buses
• Delivery vans and trucks that service local businesses
• Taxis and rideshare vehicles (like Uber and Lyft)
• Construction vehicles used at job sites
• Company cars employed by businesses
• Any vehicle used for transporting goods or passengers for profit

If you’ve been involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle in Arizona, it’s crucial to understand the unique legal and insurance aspects. It may be beneficial to consult with a commercial vehicle accident attorney based in Arizona for assistance in navigating these complex situations.

Steps to Take and What to Expect After a Commercial Vehicle Crash

If you find yourself in a commercial vehicle accident in Arizona, here’s a guide on what to do and what to expect:

1. Immediate Actions:

• Prioritize safety – if possible, move to a secure location
• Call 911 to inform police about the accident and request medical help
• Stay at the scene until authorities arrive

2. Document the Accident:

• Capture photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the accident scene
• Collect contact details from witnesses and others involved
• Record the commercial vehicle’s company name and any identifying numbers

3. Seek Medical Attention:

• Allow Arizona paramedics to assess your condition at the scene
• Visit a hospital or clinic for a comprehensive check-up, even if injuries appear minor
• Adhere to all treatment recommendations from healthcare professionals

4. Report the Accident:

• File a police report with the responding officers
• Inform your insurance company about the incident
• Be prepared for communication from the commercial vehicle’s insurance provider

5. Preserve Evidence:

• Keep all medical records and bills from healthcare facilities
• Retain any receipts for expenses related to the accident
• Avoid repairing your vehicle until it has been properly documented and inspected

6. Legal Considerations:

• Think about consulting an Arizona commercial vehicle accident attorney
• Be careful about making statements or signing documents without legal counsel
• Recognize that Arizona commercial vehicle cases often involve complicated liability issues

7. Ongoing Processes:

• Anticipate an investigation by both insurance companies and possibly law enforcement
• You may need to attend follow-up medical appointments
• Be ready for negotiations with insurance adjusters who are knowledgeable about Arizona regulations

8. Potential Outcomes:

• You might receive a settlement offer from the insurance company
• If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to court.
• Recovery time and financial implications can differ based on the severity of the accident

Keep in mind that every accident in Arizona is unique. For tailored guidance through this process, consider seeking professional advice.

Common Injuries in Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Accidents involving commercial vehicles often result in severe injuries due to their large size and weight. Victims may face overwhelming medical expenses, extended time off work, and a challenging recovery journey. Here are some of the most common injuries our Arizona commercial vehicle accident attorneys deal with:

• Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions
• Fractured bones, especially in the legs from the impact or arms, when bracing for impact
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis injuries
• Internal injuries, particularly organ damage
• Lacerations and abrasions
• Major scarring, often requiring surgical revision by plastic surgeons
• Joint injuries
• Amputation
• Wrongful death

If you or someone you love has been injured in a collision involving a commercial vehicle, contact our commercial vehicle accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION. We’re here to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Arizona

Accidents generally fall into three main categories: driver error, mechanical failure, or environmental factors. A key responsibility of an Arizona commercial vehicle accident lawyer is to establish liability.

Driver Causes for Collisions

Driver errors are the most frequent causes of accidents. While many factors overlap with personal vehicle incidents, commercial drivers encounter specific risks:

• Distracted driving: This includes using devices for navigation, deliveries, and payments. For instance, truckers might check their GPS, while rideshare drivers could be messaging customers.
• Fatigue: Despite state regulations, some drivers may work beyond safe hours. Truckers can legally drive for up to 15 hours before taking a break, and logbook falsification is a common issue.
• Speeding: Tight schedules and heavy traffic often push drivers to exceed speed limits.
• Lane Merge Errors: Large blind spots in specialized vehicles can result in hazardous merging situations.
• Cargo Load Issues: Improperly loaded cargo can block the driver’s view, cause items to shift, or negatively impact vehicle handling.

These factors can greatly affect road safety in Arizona. If you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, it’s advisable to consult an attorney to understand your rights and options.

Mechanical Causes of Collisions

In addition to driver errors, other parties may share liability for an accident. Vehicle manufacturers are responsible for producing and selling safe vehicles and equipment. Owners and others accountable for the vehicle’s commercial use must ensure it is well-maintained.

• Mechanical: Issues such as brake failure, tire blowouts, airbag malfunctions, or seat belt failures.
• Manufacturer: Neglecting to issue recalls or failing to perform adequate safety testing.
• Owner / Operator: Not conducting routine maintenance or failing to pass necessary inspections.

It’s crucial to share the details of your accident with your personal injury attorney so they can help identify whether any of these factors contributed to your incident.

Environmental Causes for Collisions

These factors can be either natural or man-made, but they all influence the environment where the accident took place.

• Construction: We anticipate that our tax dollars will be used for the upkeep of our infrastructure. If poor maintenance or faulty construction leads to hazardous road conditions that contribute to an accident, cities and states may be held liable.
• Weather: Although a thunderstorm itself cannot be held accountable for an accident, drivers can be deemed responsible for how they respond to hazardous conditions.

How Commercial Vehicle Accidents Differ from Typical Car Accidents

Commercial vehicle accidents are distinct from regular car accidents due to the higher standards applied to professional drivers and commercial businesses. These differences include stricter regulations, more extensive insurance requirements, and unique accident scenarios.

1. Stricter Regulations

Owners and operators of commercial vehicles must adhere to more stringent rules, and violations often result in harsher penalties:

• Licensing Requirements: In Arizona, professional drivers typically need a specialized Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to operate.
• Higher Standards: Professional drivers are held to stricter accountability, and penalties for traffic violations are more severe compared to regular drivers.

2. Higher Insurance Coverage

Companies operating commercial vehicles are required to carry significantly higher insurance policies:

• Minimum Coverage: At least $750,000 in liability insurance is mandated, with higher amounts for transporting hazardous or high-value cargo.
• Enhanced Protections: These policies aim to address the greater risks and potential damages associated with commercial vehicles.

3. Unique Collision Types

The size, weight, and design of commercial vehicles often lead to specific and severe types of accidents:

• Jackknife Incidents: Trailers forming sharp angles with towing vehicles are a common issue with large trucks.
• Rollovers: Tall, top-heavy vehicles are more prone to rolling over during sharp turns or sudden stops.
• Rideshare Risks: Passengers in taxis or rideshare vehicles often fail to wear seat belts, and loose items can become dangerous projectiles during a crash.

4. More Severe Injuries

Due to the nature of these collisions, injuries from commercial vehicle accidents can be particularly catastrophic, involving greater force and more complex recovery scenarios.

We Charge No Upfront Fees Until We Win

Call Our Arizona Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

You don’t have to navigate these challenges on your own. Commercial vehicle accidents present distinct difficulties and can lead to severe consequences. Survivors often face serious injuries and require substantial support. While some injuries may heal over time, others can have lasting effects. In addition to the physical harm caused by a commercial vehicle accident, there are also considerable financial, mental, and emotional repercussions.

Our Arizona commercial vehicle accident lawyers have a proven track record of successfully advocating for our clients against insurance companies. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service, ensuring that each client achieves the best possible recovery and receives the maximum compensation they deserve. If you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, reach out to Thompson Law’s accident lawyers today!

What Our Clients Say About Us

Top rated

4.9

Based on 2001 reviews

Richard Gonzalez

After further review, talked too Mr. Erin Cruz and explained everything I needed too know, he was very professional and of you need answers professionally and quick response, I highly recommend him...thanks Mr. Cruz....

Response from the owner:Richard, Thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak with you directly and address your questions and concerns. We truly appreciate your willingness to have that conversation and are glad we could provide the answers and clarity you needed. Your feedback and recommendation mean a great deal to us. Thank you again! Efren Cruz, Director Of Client Service

Tony Gonzalez

Celia was very respectful and provided one of the best customer services I've seen!

Response from the owner:Tony, Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s wonderful to hear that Celia provided you with such exceptional service. We’re incredibly proud to have her on our team, and your kind words are a testament to her dedication to our clients. Providing respectful and outstanding service is something we strive for every day, and it’s so rewarding to know we made a positive impression. I’ll be sure to pass along your feedback to Celia — it will mean the world to her! Please let us know if we can ever be of service to you or a loved one again in the future. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

alana gonzalez

Lion Law was extremely helpful and efficient! 100 % satisfied with how they handled my case.

Response from the owner:Alana, Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We are thrilled to know you were 100% satisfied and that we could help make the process smooth and efficient. If you ever need assistance again, please reach out anytime. We are always happy to help. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Sonia Gonzales

Muy buen servicio al 100 siempre están al pendiente de tu caso y en las oficinas también son muy atentos y serviciales 10 de 10 😊

Response from the owner:Sonia, Gracias por compartir tu experiencia! Nos alegra muchísimo saber que recibiste un servicio de calidad y atención constante durante tu caso. En Thompson Law nos esforzamos por estar siempre disponibles y brindar un trato atento y servicial. Nos llena de orgullo saber que lo logramos contigo. Gracias por tu calificación de 10/10! Atentamente, Zack Thompson, CEO

Luis Gonzalez

I got rear ended by a big water truck and didn’t know what to do so I did a google search on the best lawyers I could find and Thompson law was the one with the best reviews so I called and the handled everything from doctors to physical therapy it was a very good experience

Response from the owner:Luis, Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad you found us and that our team could guide you through the process from start to finish. It means a lot to know we were able to help with your care and recovery after such a difficult accident. We truly appreciate your trust in Thompson Law and are always here if you ever need us again. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Femi Omole

I had an excellent experience working with Kyle and his team on my case. They were professional, knowledgeable, and kept me updated every step of the way. Their communication was clear and timely, which made the process much less stressful. Kyle and his team worked hard to ensure I received the best possible outcome, and I truly appreciate their dedication. A special shout-out to the two Genesis—Avalos and Gonzalez— and Barbara for their support. This team went above and beyond, and I highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal assistance.

Response from the owner:Femi, Thank you so much for your kind words and review regarding how our team took care of you. We understand what a stressful situation it is when you’re in an accident and our goal is to take as much of that stress off you that we can. I’m happy to hear we accomplished that goal! If we can do anything else for you or a loved one in the future, we’ll be here for you. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Jesus Perez

Very happy with attorney Brittany Lightfoot and team. They helped me out so much through this process. Celia Gonzalez helped out me out until the end I’m happy for all the information and guidance I received from this team. I highly recommend them. They have a team that reaches out and keeps you updated. Thank you all again!!

Response from the owner:Jesus, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that Attorney Brittany Lightfoot, Celia Gonzalez, and the entire team were able to support you throughout your case. Keeping our clients informed and cared for is always a top priority, and we’re so glad you felt that every step of the way. We truly appreciate your recommendation—thank you again for trusting Thompson Law! Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Antonia Gonzalez

Estoy muy agradecida por la atención que tuve en las oficinas de Thompson law ,tomaron mi caso cuándo yo pensaba que todo estaba perdido fueron muy amables y me ayudaron exitosamente en mi caso ,muchas gracias a todo el equipo de Thompson law y muy en especial a la paralegal que trabajo en mi caso Génesis Ávalos , bendiciones para todos

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and positive review! We're thrilled to hear that our team at Thompson Law was able to assist you when you needed it most. It's wonderful to know that Genesis and the rest of our team made a positive impact on your case. We truly appreciate your trust in us ad if we can do anything you or a loved one in the future please let us know. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Antonio Gonzalez

Excelente servicio. Fueron muy atentos en todo momento y resolvieron todo como se esperaba. Génesis fue muy atenta y amable! Gracias

Response from the owner:Antonio, Gracias por tomarse el tiempo para dejarnos una reseña tan positiva y por sus comentarios. Me alegra saber que Genesis lo atendió bien y que quedó satisfecho con nuestro nivel de servicio. Si podemos hacer algo más por usted o un ser querido en el futuro, llámenos. Atentamente, Zack Thompson, CEO

Russell Gonzales

I was very impressed in the service that Becky Villarreal and Bryan Felix provided to me and the dedication to the case at hand thank you all !

Response from the owner:Russell, I appreciate you taking the time to rate your experience regarding our handling of your Farmers Branch car accident case and for your compliments to both Becky and Brian for their dedication to your case. Thank you for putting your trust in our team and allowing us to represent you. If we can ever help you or a loved one in the future, please give us a call. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Daniela Gonzalez

I was rear-ended while pregnant so the last thing I needed was to deal with insurance companies regarding my claims, Dina, Jeff and Genesis were great. They always returned my calls and answered all my questions. I really recommend Thompson Law if you find yourself in a car accident.

Response from the owner:Daniela, I’m sure you went through a very frightening experience and I am pleased to hear we made that situation for you a bit easier regarding your car accident case. Thank you for taking the time to rate your experience with our team and your comments about Dina, Jeff and Genesis. We appreciate the recommendation and if we can ever help you or a loved one in the future, we will be here for you. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

merlin gonzales hn (dj cheese)

Response from the owner:Merlin, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with our team; we are grateful. If we can ever help you or a loved one in the future, please give us a call. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Veronica Gonzalez

I want to thank Thompson Law but especially Erica Mendoza who has helped my father with his case. She provided him with updates and has always been very professional in her approach with him. I’ve heard some of their conversations & she’s such a pleasure for him to speak too. He has felt that she actually cares about him and his injuries. Although his case isn’t finalized yet he feels he is in good hands and will count on a successful result. We appreciate her service & all that Thompson Law has done. Thank you.

Response from the owner:Veronica, We appreciate you taking the time to leave us this review and for your kind words. I am happy to hear your father is having a positive experience with our team. If we can ever help you or a loved one in the future, please give us a call. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Emilio Gonzalez

Best personal injury attorneys!

Response from the owner:Emilio, Thank you for your review and kind words. We try everyday to be the best to all our clients and appreciate you putting your trust in us. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Gonzalo Romero

This firm has excellent customer service, highly professional and the people who work there genuinely want to help you. With this said, I totally recommend this firm!

Response from the owner:Gonzalo, We truly appreciate you taking the time to leave a review and for speaking so highly of our customer service. If we can ever help you, a friend or loved one out in the future, please give us a call. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Cynthia Gonzalez

Bethany was amazing she went up and beyond to assist me. Great costumer service. Keep up the good job!

Response from the owner:Cynthia, Thank you for taking time to rate your experience with Bethany's handling of your Dallas auto accident case. I am incredibly happy to hear you thought Bethany was amazing and went up and beyond to assist you. If we can ever be of help to you or a loved one in the future, please let us know and we would be honored to serve you again. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Meilough Gonzales

I just wanna leave a five star rating for Veronica. I’ve been working with her the last couple of months she’s been working on my case and I really appreciate her help It seems that she’s been going out of your way to make sure I get the most out of my settlement, and I really appreciate Ive gotten the best service from as well . she sounds like a great employee, and I want to give her some great kudos to her, y’all should give her a bonus, and give her a raise.

Response from the owner:Meilough, Thank you for taking time to rate your experience with Veronica and comment on the service you have received from her. She truly is a great employee and really tries to go above and beyond to help. We did just give her a year end bonus and a raise, so we definitely agree with your assessment. Please let us know if we can be of service to you or a loved one again in the future. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Franyelis Gonzalez

Muy feliz por el trabajo en equipo de tompson law, todos fueron amables y estuvieron muy atentos a mi caso. Recomendados

Response from the owner:Franyelis, Gracias por tomarse el tiempo para calificar su experiencia con el manejo de su caso de accidente de carro en Frisco, TX. Me alegra saber que sintió que todos fueron amables y atentos. Háganos saber si alguna vez podemos servirle a usted o a un amigo en el futuro. Atentamente, Zack Thompson, CEO

Jenny Gonzalez

Had a great experience, everyone was nice when I called and went in person. Very nice office

Response from the owner:Jenny, Thank you for taking time to rate your experience with Thompson Law’s handling of your accident injury case. If we can ever be of help to you or a loved one in the future, please let us know and we would be honored to serve. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Vin Kumar

Patricia Gonzales and Mimi are very help full through out the case got completed. Very dedicated and easy to follow their guidence in providing all the necessary information to move forward with the case. Once again very happy that I worked with Patricia and Mimi.

Response from the owner:Vin, thank you so much for your 5-star rating of Thompson Law! Our driving goals are delivering exceptional case results and providing the best client experience possible. We are so glad that you had an excellent experience with our firm. Please know we are here for you anytime 24/7 should you need our help in the future. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Zachary Roos

Very professional, Adam Lippman, Patricia Gonzalez, and Mimi were all very helpful through out the process.

Response from the owner:Zachary, Thank you so much for your kind words about our team! We were so pleased to have the opportunity to handle your rear end wreck in Arlington for you. We pride ourselves on delivering excellent service and outcomes for our clients and we are glad that Adam, Patricia and Mimi were able to provide both for you! Sincerely, Jenny Fogel, Attorney

W Perkins

Patrica Gonzales took on my case as if I were family. She really explained everything to me and took care of everything. She got me a settlement that was more than fair. God forbid that I get into another accident, but if I do, I know who to call!!!

Response from the owner:W, Thank you for your kind words! Family is very important to us here at Thomson Law. In fact, we have several sets of siblings that work here together. We strive to always treat our clients like family as well. We are so glad to hear that Patricia was able to deliver excellent service, communication, and an excellent outcome for you. While we hope that you never need our services again, Patricia and the rest of our team would be honored to serve you or your friends or family again in the future should they need arise. Sincerely, Jenny Fogel, Attorney

Albert Gonzales

Best injury firm in Dallas/Fort Worth area! Excellent service

Response from the owner:Albert, Thanks for the 5-star rating & your comments! We strive to answer any & all questions a potential client may have...even if we can't take their case, we'll do our best to get them help. We also work to be responsive to all clients via calls, texts & emails. We all thank you very much for your feedback, and are always here 24/7/365 to answer any questions you have should you ever need our help again. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Don Johnson

Patricia was my case manager. I had my car accident in Ponder Tx. I hurt my lower back and shoulder and they took care of me by providing me medical attention. I really am happy with the services i received. Hopefully i don't need them again but if i do i know who to call. Mrs. Gonzales is the best!!!

Response from the owner:Don Thanks for taking the time to rate & review Thompson Law, and for recommending Patricia. She has extensive experience handling personal injury cases, and I’m pleased to hear that was evident in her answers to your questions. I hope you never need us again, but should you ever, feel free to request Patricia for your case. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Icy_Perfection

By far the best experiences with Thompson law. The staff and especially Patricia Gonzales. was amazing she was always keeping in contact and letting me know exactly what was happening the entire time. She was simply amazing. I’m grateful for her help in everything and always keeping in contact with me. Even when I got a new phone number she still reached out to me. I got an amazing settlement check. Thank you Patricia Gonzales.

Response from the owner:John, Thanks for taking the time to rate & review Thompson Law, as well as recognizing Patricia's work on your case as a passenger involved in a car accident when exiting a parking lot in Dallas, TX. We work hard to keep our clients regularly updated on the status of their case, and I'm glad to hear you felt we achieved that goal. Hopefully you'll never need our services again, but if you or someone you know does, we'd be happy to do so. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

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FAQs About Arizona Commercial Vehicle Accidents

What should I do if the commercial driver’s insurance company contacts me?

If the insurance company representing the commercial driver or business reaches out, avoid providing detailed statements or signing any documents before consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often aim to limit their payouts, so seeking legal advice helps protect your rights.

Can I file a claim if the commercial vehicle was owned by a government agency?

Yes, you can file a claim against government-owned vehicles, such as city buses or state trucks. However, claims involving government entities in Arizona are subject to specific rules and shorter deadlines under the Arizona Tort Claims Act. Contact an attorney promptly to ensure compliance with these requirements.

What happens if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can help evaluate your case and clarify how this rule impacts your claim.

How is compensation calculated for injuries in commercial vehicle accidents?

Compensation is determined based on medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and any long-term impacts of the injuries. For severe or catastrophic injuries, payouts are generally higher. An attorney can assess your case to estimate the compensation you may be entitled to.

Can I pursue a claim if the commercial vehicle was transporting hazardous materials?

Yes, accidents involving vehicles carrying hazardous materials often result in severe injuries and damages. Liability may extend to the driver, the transport company, or even the manufacturer of the hazardous materials. These cases are complex, so working with an experienced attorney is essential to identify all responsible parties and seek full compensation.