How Do Truck Accidents Occur in Arizona?
From highways to residential streets, truck drivers and operators of other large vehicles must drive alongside those in passenger vehicles. Unfortunately, collisions involving these oversized trucks and smaller passenger vehicles can have tragic consequences.
For this reason, it’s important to be prepared as both a truck driver or an employee at a truck company. Oftentimes, trucking accidents cause catastrophic damage, so truckers have a responsibility to avoid these incidents where possible. Furthermore, truck drivers can be injured in these accidents, occasionally losing their jobs in the aftermath and suffering other traumatic issues.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Arizona, contact the Phoenix accident attorneys at ELG. Our team of truck accident lawyers is here to help. While not all accidents with trucks can be avoided, there are a few ways you can stay safe as both a trucker or passenger vehicle driver.
How Do Truck Accidents Occur in Arizona?
First, one of the most common and dangerous types of truck accidents is a jackknife crash. Jackknifing occurs when a truck’s trailer comes unattached from the cab. Usually, this type of accident causes the cab to turn on its side. Jackknifing can happen for several different reasons, but it most often occurs as a result of inclement weather like rainfall or ice.
Trucks can also cause a jackknife incident if they have to break abruptly, causing the weight of their cargo to shift off course. Whether another individual is responsible or the driver is responsible would depend on the circumstances of the situation,
Truck accidents are also caused by improperly loaded cargo in the trailer, when all of the weight is on one side. This could be a company issue and an issue that an injured driver can explore as a possible claim. Finally, studies have shown that the likelihood of jackknifing is much greater when a truck encounters curves or travels downhill at excessive speeds.
How to Avoid Truck Accidents in Arizona
It’s hard to avoid truck accidents as another traveler on the road. But keeping enough space around your vehicle is essential when you’re traveling next to large trucks. If you’re a trucker, it’s essential to keep your distance from smaller cars.
When driving near trucks in Arizona, give them more space. Plus, you should always avoid other drivers’ blind spots on the road. When it comes to large trucks, this rule is especially important. Large trucks have more blind spots and larger blind spots, blocking out a huge amount of space. Avoid the spaces 20 feet ahead of the truck and 30 feet behind the truck to avoid a driver’s blind spots, and avoid the area adjacent to the driver’s side.
If you do sustain injuries in a truck accident, confirm the safety of all involved and call medical assistance if needed. Don’t leave the scene of the accident and contact the police immediately. Leaving the scene of an 18-wheeler accident in Arizona is against the law in most parts of the country, including Arizona. That’s why it’s vital to get a police report to settle your case.
When the police do arrive at the scene, avoid admitting fault or dismissing anybody else’s roles in the accident. Stick to the facts of the crash, and refrain from providing more detail than necessary.
Truck Accident Attorney in Arizona
When you keep these tips for driving safely near trucks in mind, you’ll be well-prepared on the road. But even the best drivers can’t always avoid truck accidents. If you’re injured or your vehicle is damaged in a truck accident, contact our Phoenix accident attorneys at ELG. Contact our truck accident attorneys at (623) 877-3600 for a free consultation and legal representation today.
