If You’re Within the Two-Year Limit

In Arizona, most accident cases must be pursued within two years of the accident. This may seem like plenty of time to you now, but remember that everything takes more time than you think. If you have injuries and are still going to medical appointments, you may need to wait to assess the extent of your injuries before accepting any settlement. But also, it takes time to gather evidence, build a case, and go to court, so you will need to leave yourself plenty of time before your two years run out. The best approach is to find an experienced trucking accident attorney and get the ball rolling now, even if you still need to assess the total extent of your injuries.

If the Accident Was Found To Be Due To Driver Negligence

If your accident was found to be due to driver negligence on the part of the truck driver, you may have a case. Trucking laws have numerous restrictions on truck drivers to reduce the likelihood of accidents. For instance, truck drivers are prohibited from going over 65 miles per hour on the highway, and must cap their driving time to prevent fatigue and inattention. Of course many drivers don’t follow these rules, whether to maximize their income or in response to pressure from their employer or clients. If they were found to be in violation of trucking safety restrictions, you may have a strong case against either the driver or the company.

If the Driver Was Unqualified

If the police officer who wrote up the accident found the truck driver to be unqualified, you may also have grounds for a case. Oftentimes, trucking companies hire unqualified drivers due to a lack of qualified drivers, the expense of getting new drivers qualified, and the lure of saving money on an unqualified driver’s lower wages. In this situation, you’d have a strong case against the trucking company for putting someone on the road they knew shouldn’t be behind the wheel of a semi.

If the Cause of the Accident Was Equipment Failure

Another strong case would be if the accident was found to be the result of equipment failure. Depending on the failure, the responsibility could fall to the driver for improper operation, the owner of the truck for missed maintenance, or even the manufacturer if the equipment was found to be faulty altogether. Often truck owners skimp on maintenance in order to save money, despite regulations that require regular inspections and maintenance. If something like this caused the trucking accident that injured you, you may have a strong case for compensation.

The Importance of an Experienced Trucking Accident Attorney

There are many factors that go into a trucking accident claim, and it can be overwhelming to try to figure everything out on your own. To ensure you’re making good decisions that will provide you with much-needed compensation for your injuries and property loss, it’s best to talk to an experienced attorney. Contact Simon Law Group, PLLC, today to schedule a consultation of your case.

If you’ve been in a car accident with injuries, it is always best to seek medical treatment even if you experience only slight discomfort, as it may be an early indication of injury. Keep a record of your injuries and contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Read more to learn about the potential injuries you may have; these are the most common ones reported injuries after a traffic accident.

Head Injuries

Head injuries occur when the sudden jarring movement of a vehicle causes the occupants heads to move in an unnatural way, or when the head of someone involved in the crash hits another object such as the steering wheel or the window. These types of injuries can include simple cuts and bruising, or, in more severe cases, there can be a closed head injury.

Closed head injuries are when fluid builds up and puts pressure on the brain. This can cause, at minimum a concussion, and, at worst, a coma or a brain trauma with lasting cognitive issues.

Chest Injuries

Chest injuries most often happen to the driver of the vehicle, as they are in a confined space that does not allow for much movement. In an accident, it is highly likely for the driver’s chest to come in contact with the steering wheel, especially when they are not wearing a seat belt.

If the passenger(s) in the vehicle aren’t wearing their restraints, they may come in contact with the dashboard, leading to chest injury. And, even if all occupants are restrained, the seat belts themselves can cause bruising to the chest and injuries can be caused by projectiles in, or that enter, the vehicle.

Cuts and Scrapes

Cuts and scrapes often occur when the normally non-threatening items in your car, such as a coffee mug or cell phone, turn into projectiles during a car crash. These flying objects can come in contact with the occupants of the car causing injury. This type of injury can also occur when a window breaks or a part of the body comes in contact with a window causing it to break. Cuts and scrapes can be minor, or more severe leading to loss of blood and/or the need for stitches.

Arm and Leg Injury

Often times, the passengers of vehicles experience injury to their extremities when they get slammed into the side of the vehicle or when knees are jammed against the dash or seat in front of them. The severity of these types of injuries can be minor bruising to broken bones and whether the accident is head on or a t-bone.

Soft Tissue Injury

This type of injury is when damage is done to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments of the body. These injuries include overextension of a joint, bruising, or a “whiplash” type injury.

Whiplash is one of the MOST common complaints following an accident. This type of injury occurs not only in the neck, but also in the mid or lower regions of the spine. Unexpected impact can cause injury to the ligaments and vertebrae, even when hit at a low speed.

Injuries to the back and neck can cause long term nerve damage and reduced control and/or sensation in the extremities, as well as cognitive issues.

With over 20 years in personal injury law in Phoenix, Arizona, Simon Law Group has the experience that matters. When the insurance company won’t offer you what you need to pay your medical bills for the care you need, give us a call. Start with a free consultation today at 480-745-2450.