Who is Responsible for a Phoenix Truck Accident?

Phoenix is highly prone to truck accidents because of its strategic location, where economic trucking activity is high. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), 2,187 truck casualties were recorded in 2018 and 2,365 in 2019, a 7.6% spike, and the numbers have been rising ever since.

Since Phoenix has become the fifth most deadly city for truck drivers, with 13.2 fatal occupational injuries for every 100,000 workers, ADOT has taken the matter into its own hands. It even published data on the number of vehicle mishaps in the city to encourage the citizens to learn about the motives for frequent collisions and reduce the associated risks.

If you or a loved one has been killed or disabled by the negligence of a motorist, talk to a truck accident lawyer who can help you receive appropriate remuneration for the injuries. But first, learn which side is liable for a truck accident in Phoenix, is it the driver or the trucking company?

How to Determine the Responsibility for Truck Casualties in Phoenix

To receive reimbursement for the damage or shocks from a truck accident, the sufferer must justify how the other side is at fault. Here are some points to help you find the faulty side:

Accountability of the Truck Driver

The truck driver is liable for the collapse if they were sloppy while traveling. But besides negligence, faulty vehicle structure, poor upkeep, and hazardous roads could also be the reasons leading to the mishap. In such a case, the investigators collect the following proof to settle the problem:

• How many hours did the driver spend riding prior to the collapse?
• Pace, GPS, engine function, and camera recording of the vehicle.
• Liquor and drug screening of the driver.
• Truck manifest, surveillance footage, and eyewitness statements.

If it is determined that the driver was at fault, the employer is liable so long as the accident occurred while the driver was performing job-related duties. But if they work independently, liability may fall squarely on their shoulders.

Responsibility of the Truck Firm

If multiple individuals are driving the truck, all of them are held liable for the collapse, especially if it is a semi-truck collision. But besides the driver, the truck firm and cargo loaders could be responsible for their negligent activities and inability to secure the cargo properly in the truck.

The trucking firm can be held liable if they didn’t conduct regular inspections and maintenance on trucks, didn’t follow hiring protocols, didn’t check the driver’s background, and pushed them to work beyond the optimal hours of employment.

Since Phoenix is a ‘fault-based’ city, the victim must convince the other side’s negligence to recover reimbursement for their losses. The driver is liable if they didn’t adhere to traffic laws, traveled too fast, drove under influence of alcohol, used a phone while riding, overloaded the vehicle, or didn’t follow the employment hours requirements.

Responsibility of the Sufferer

In a truck accident, generally, the driver is liable. But sometimes, the victim could be partially responsible for the crash. In such a case, the victim is answerable for the collapse to an extent. Also, their settlement decreases by the proportion of their negligence.

If the accident took place in Phoenix, the victim still claims compensation. But they must bear the responsibility for the crash.

Wrapping Up

Since economic truck drivers and trucking firms usually disregard federal and state regulations to engage in quicker deliveries, the passenger car sustains severe shocks. So, if a truck collision disabled you due to the driver’s oversight, consulting a trustworthy law association is the right thing to do. They will help you file a lawsuit against the driver, trucking business, or any other party involved in the collision to claim a quick settlement and justice.