Trucking Accidents

A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds — roughly 20 times more than a passenger car. When these massive vehicles collide with everyday traffic, catastrophic injuries and fatalities are far more likely. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Phoenix or anywhere in Arizona, Leon Law, PLLC is here to help you pursue full compensation.

Attorney Jose Leon has spent more than 14 years representing injured people across the Valley, including victims of devastating commercial vehicle crashes on Arizona highways. We are ready to investigate your case, identify every liable party, and hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Call (480) 269-1083 today for a free case review. No fee unless we win.

Why Trucking Accidents Are Different from Other Crashes

Truck accident claims are among the most complex cases in personal injury law. Several factors set them apart:

• Federal Regulations (FMCSA) — Commercial carriers must comply with strict rules enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These regulations cover driver hours, cargo securement, vehicle maintenance, and more. Violations serve as powerful evidence of negligence.
• Multiple Liable Parties — Unlike a typical car accident involving two drivers, trucking crashes may involve the driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, parts manufacturers, and government entities. Identifying all responsible parties requires thorough investigation.
• Larger Insurance Policies — Federal law requires commercial trucks to carry insurance minimums of $750,000 to $5 million or more. That means more potential compensation — but also more aggressive defense teams working against you.
• More Severe Injuries — Truck collisions produce catastrophic injuries: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and internal organ damage. In Arizona, the FMCSA reported 118 fatal large-truck crashes and 144 deaths in 2024.
• Electronic Evidence — Modern trucks carry electronic logging devices (ELDs), “black box” data recorders, GPS, and dash cameras. This data can prove speeding, hours-of-service violations, or late braking — but it must be preserved quickly before it is overwritten.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Arizona

Arizona’s major freight corridors — Interstate 10, Interstate 17, and Interstate 40 — see heavy commercial truck traffic year-round. Common causes of crashes on these highways and throughout the Phoenix metro area include:

• Driver Fatigue / Hours-of-Service Violations — FMCSA rules limit drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, with a mandatory 30-minute break after 8 hours. Drivers who exceed these limits put everyone at risk.
• Distracted Driving — Texting, adjusting GPS, or eating while operating an 80,000-pound vehicle at highway speeds.
• Improper Cargo Loading — Overloaded or unsecured cargo can shift, causing rollovers, jackknifes, or hazardous material spills.
• Brake and Mechanical Failures — Worn brakes, tire blowouts, and faulty coupling devices. Carriers must follow strict FMCSA maintenance schedules.
• Blind Spot Collisions — Large trucks have significant blind spots on all four sides, leading to sideswipe and merge accidents.
• Pressure from Trucking Companies — Unrealistic delivery schedules that encourage drivers to violate safety rules.
• Driving Under the Influence — Alcohol or drug impairment, including prescription medications.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance — Cutting corners on inspections and repairs makes mechanical failures inevitable.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?

One of the most important aspects of a trucking accident claim is identifying every party that contributed to the crash. Potential defendants include:

1. The Truck Driver — For speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or DUI.
2. The Trucking Company (Carrier) — For negligent hiring, inadequate training, pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service rules, or failing to maintain vehicles. Under respondeat superior, employers can be liable for employee actions.
3. Cargo Loading Companies — Liable if shifting or falling cargo contributed to the crash.
4. Vehicle and Parts Manufacturers — A defective brake system, tire, or coupling device may give rise to strict product liability.
5. Government Entities — Poor road design or maintenance can create liability. Note: claims against government entities require a notice of claim within 180 days under A.R.S. § 12-821.01.

Types of Trucks Involved in Accidents

Commercial vehicle accidents involve many different types of trucks, each presenting unique dangers:

• 18-Wheelers and Semi-Trucks — The most common large commercial vehicles on Arizona interstates.
• Delivery Trucks — Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and other carriers operating in residential and commercial zones.
• Tanker Trucks — Carrying fuel or chemicals that can spill or ignite on impact.
• Flatbed Trucks — Loads secured by straps or chains that can break free at highway speed.
• Garbage and Waste Trucks — Common in urban areas with frequent stops and wide turns.
• Dump Trucks and Construction Vehicles — Common on Arizona construction sites and highway work zones.
• Box Trucks and Moving Vans — Often driven by individuals without commercial driving training.

Catastrophic Injuries in Truck Crashes

Due to the extreme forces involved, truck accident injuries tend to be far more severe than those in other motor vehicle collisions. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) — Concussions to permanent cognitive impairment. Learn more about brain injuries in accidents.
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis — Fractured vertebrae and complete or incomplete paralysis. See our spinal cord injury page.
• Amputations and Crush Injuries — Limbs severed or damaged beyond surgical repair.
• Internal Organ Damage — Ruptured spleen, liver, kidneys, or lungs requiring emergency surgery.
• Severe Burns — Especially in tanker truck accidents involving flammable liquids.
• Wrongful Death — Surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim under A.R.S. § 12-612.

FMCSA Regulations That Strengthen Your Claim

Federal regulations set strict standards for the trucking industry. Violations of these rules can be compelling evidence of negligence in your case:

• Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395) — 11-hour driving limit, 14-hour on-duty window, mandatory 30-minute breaks, and 60/70-hour weekly caps.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382) — Pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable-suspicion testing requirements.
• Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection (49 CFR Parts 393, 396) — Equipment standards, regular inspections, and mandatory pre-/post-trip reports.
• Driver Qualification (49 CFR Part 391) — Valid CDL, clean driving record, and medical fitness requirements.
• Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393) — Specific rules for loading, bracing, and securing cargo by type.

When a trucking company or driver violates any of these regulations, it strengthens your personal injury or wrongful death claim significantly.

Preserving Critical Evidence After a Truck Accident

Evidence in truck accident cases can be lost, overwritten, or destroyed quickly. Leon Law acts immediately to secure:

• ELD data — hours-of-service compliance records
• “Black box” (EDR) data — speed, braking, and engine data before the crash
• Driver logbooks and trip records
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Driver qualification files — employment history, CDL status, drug/alcohol test results
• GPS, route data, and dash camera footage
• Dispatch communications and load documentation

We send spoliation letters to the trucking company and all parties to demand evidence preservation. Call (480) 269-1083 immediately after a truck accident so we can protect your rights.

Compensation Available in Truck Accident Cases

Because of the severity of injuries involved, truck accident claims often result in substantial damages. You may be entitled to recover:

• Medical expenses — Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical needs
• Lost wages and earning capacity — Current lost income and diminished future earning ability
• Pain and suffering — Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Disability and disfigurement — Permanent impairments affecting daily life
• Loss of consortium — Impact on spousal and family relationships
• Wrongful death damages — Funeral costs, loss of support, and loss of companionship
• Punitive damages — In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct

Arizona Statute of Limitations and Comparative Negligence

Under A.R.S. § 12-542, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the two-year clock starts on the date of death. Claims against government entities require notice within just 180 days (A.R.S. § 12-821.01).

Arizona follows pure comparative negligence (A.R.S. § 12-2505), meaning you can recover compensation even if partially at fault — your award is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Trucking companies frequently try to shift blame, making experienced legal representation essential.

Do not wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner Leon Law begins investigating, the stronger your case will be.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in Arizona

What should I do immediately after a truck accident?

Call 911 and seek medical attention, even if you feel fine — many serious injuries are not immediately apparent. If you are physically able, photograph the scene, the truck (including its USDOT number and company name), and your injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Then call Leon Law at (480) 269-1083 for a free case review.

How is a truck accident case different from a car accident case?

Truck accident cases involve federal FMCSA regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, larger insurance policies, more catastrophic injuries, and critical electronic evidence from ELDs and black boxes. The trucking company will deploy experienced defense lawyers and accident reconstruction teams almost immediately, which is why you need an attorney who understands these complex claims.

Can I sue the trucking company, not just the driver?

Yes. In most cases, the trucking company can be held liable through the legal doctrine of respondeat superior (employer liability) or through its own negligence in hiring, training, supervising, or pressuring drivers. Companies that failed to maintain their vehicles or violated FMCSA regulations may also face direct liability.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Arizona?

Under A.R.S. § 12-542, the general statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. However, if a government entity is involved, you must file a notice of claim within 180 days (A.R.S. § 12-821.01). Contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

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

Arizona’s pure comparative negligence law (A.R.S. § 12-2505) allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your damages are simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Trucking companies will aggressively try to shift blame — a skilled attorney can counter these tactics.

How much is my truck accident case worth?

Every case is different. The value depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, your lost income, the degree of the defendant’s negligence, and many other factors. Because truck accidents typically involve catastrophic injuries and large insurance policies, settlements and verdicts tend to be significantly higher than in standard car accident cases. Call (480) 269-1083 for a free evaluation of your claim.