Commercial vehicles play a huge role in Arizona’s economy, but when accidents happen, the damage can be life-changing. These crashes usually involve serious injuries, high medical costs, and complicated legal questions. Victims and families are left with stress and uncertainty about their next steps.
Working with a commercial vehicle accident attorney in Arizona can make the process less overwhelming. Attorneys know how to uncover the cause of the crash, hold the responsible parties accountable, and guide victims through the claims process. Below are the top five causes of commercial vehicle accidents in Arizona, along with the legal help victims can seek after each.
1. Driver Fatigue Behind the Wheel
Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of crashes. Federal laws limit the amount of time drivers can be on the road, but strict schedules often push them to the limit. Tired drivers have slower reflexes, poor judgment, and a higher chance of falling asleep.
Legal Help for Victims
An attorney can review driver logs, GPS data, and company schedules to see if hours-of-service rules were broken. If fatigue played a role, this evidence strengthens the victim’s case. A skilled lawyer ensures trucking companies are held responsible for unsafe practices that put others at risk.
2. Distracted Driving on Highways
Distractions are dangerous for any driver, but for commercial vehicles, the risks multiply. Looking at a phone, adjusting a GPS, or even eating can pull attention from the road. In busy areas of Arizona, a split-second mistake can cause multi-vehicle collisions.
Common Sources of Distraction
- Cell phone use
- GPS adjustments
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Reaching for objects in the cab
Legal Help for Victims
Attorneys usually obtain phone records, dashcam footage, or witness statements to prove distraction. By connecting the distraction to the crash, a commercial vehicle accident attorney in Arizona builds a case for fair compensation covering medical bills, lost wages, and recovery costs.
3. Speeding and Reckless Driving
Excessive speed and reckless maneuvers are frequent causes of commercial vehicle accidents. Trucks require more time and distance to stop, and speeding increases the likelihood of rollover or jackknife crashes. Reckless behaviors, such as tailgating or unsafe lane changes, put drivers at even greater risk.
Legal Help for Victims
A lawyer can use accident reconstruction reports, traffic camera footage, or black-box data to show that speed or reckless actions caused the crash. With this evidence, victims can pursue claims that address long-term medical care and financial losses.
4. Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance
Many crashes occur because companies fail to maintain their vehicles. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering problems can turn a routine trip into a disaster. Arizona law requires commercial fleets to follow strict safety inspections, yet some companies cut corners to save money.
Key Issues That Cause Crashes
- Brake system failure
- Worn or defective tires
- Faulty lights or turn signals
- Steering or engine problems
Legal Help for Victims
Attorneys investigate maintenance logs, service records, and inspection reports to uncover negligence. If a company ignores safety requirements, a lawyer ensures they are held financially accountable for the damage caused.
5. Hazardous Weather and Road Conditions
Drivers face unique challenges like dust storms, monsoon rains, and slick roads. Large vehicles are especially difficult to control in these conditions. While the weather cannot be controlled, drivers are still expected to adjust their speed and behavior for safety.
Legal Help for Victims
Even in poor weather, drivers and companies may share responsibility if they failed to act safely. Attorneys review crash reports and weather data to prove negligence. This helps victims recover damages even when the weather contributed to the accident.
Commercial vehicle crashes in Arizona usually result from factors such as fatigue, distraction, speeding, poor maintenance, or adverse weather conditions. Each cause leaves victims facing medical expenses, lost income, and emotional stress. Legal guidance provides a clear path forward. By working with an experienced attorney, victims gain the support needed to hold negligent parties accountable and rebuild their lives with greater confidence.