Find The Best Truck Accident Lawyer In Phoenix (2025)

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Sarah Edwards

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Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.

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Summary

  • Arizona has high trucking volume due to its size and location on the border
  • The state had over 12,000 crashes involving large trucks in 2023
  • A truck accident lawyer in Phoenix helps injured truck crash victims

Arizona is heavily reliant on trucking. Because of its location on the Mexico border, imported and exported goods often pass through the state. Moreover, over $332 billion in goods are shipped to and from sites in Arizona. Trucks carry nearly 70% of these goods.

According to the state’s Crash Facts report, over 12,000 crashes in 2023 involved heavy trucks, including semitrucks, garbage trucks and construction vehicles. While it is unclear how many semitruck accidents per year occur in the Phoenix metro area, the Crash Facts report notes that over 70% of all Arizona crashes occur in Maricopa County.

When road users get injured in these collisions, a truck accident lawyer in Phoenix can help them pursue a claim against the driver’s employer. If the claim is successful, the victim will recover compensation for their injuries and financial losses. ConsumerShield connects people with legal advocates. Contact us for a free case evaluation and attorney referral.

Read on to learn what truck accident lawyers do and how to pick the best truck accident lawyer for your case.

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How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost in Phoenix, AZ?

Truck accident lawyers in Arizona typically charge contingency fees. This fee is not paid before the lawyer starts work or while the case is ongoing. Instead, it is calculated at the end of the case based on the compensation recovered for the client.

The State Bar of Arizona requires lawyer fees to be reasonable. However, it has not given specific guidance on what may be reasonable in a truck accident claim. Thus, you could see contingency fees ranging from 25% to 40%, depending on the difficulty of the case and the lawyer’s experience.

How to Hire a Phoenix, AZ, Truck Accident Attorney

To find the right truck accident lawyer for your case, start by asking acquaintances about the personal injury attorneys they have worked with.

Research these lawyers and other well-regarded law firms to determine that they handle truck crash cases. Truck accident attorneys are typically personal injury attorneys who have specific experience dealing with trucking companies and the insurers and sureties that work with them.

Schedule free consultations with several of the truck accident attorneys you find, and hire the lawyer with whom you are most comfortable. Your case might take several months, so you need a good working relationship with your attorney.

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Average Truck Accident Settlement in Phoenix, AZ

The average truck accident settlement depends on the claimant’s injuries. More severe injuries will incur greater losses and, thus, result in higher settlements.

Moreover, the U.S. government requires trucking companies to carry a minimum amount of insurance coverage and surety bonds to cover any property damage or injuries they cause.

These minimums are significant. Companies that carry nonhazardous cargo must have at least $750,000 in coverage, while companies that transport hazardous materials must have $1 million to $5 million, depending on the material.

This means that the trucking company has several hundred thousand dollars in resources to pay for losses. As a result, many truck crash victims receive full and just compensation for the severe injuries they suffered.

Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Arizona

Before you file a truck accident lawsuit, you must know whom to sue and why you are suing them.

When you get hit by a commercial motor vehicle, the company operating the truck will likely be responsible.

Thus, independent drivers and owner-operators are usually responsible for their crashes rather than the company whose goods they are transporting. Conversely, trucking companies that hire employees instead of using independent contractors are responsible for any crashes caused by those employees.

This liability for truck crashes falls under two legal theories. First, a trucking company is liable for the negligent actions of its employees under a doctrine called “respondeat superior.” Second, the company is liable for its own negligent actions, including the following:

  • Failing to conduct background checks on drivers
  • Omitting to perform drug and alcohol tests
  • Neglecting to repair or maintain its equipment
  • Improperly loading or securing cargo

To prove negligence and win your case, your truck accident attorney must show that the other party failed to exercise reasonable care. This means that it failed to meet the industry standards, regulations or practices expected from a reasonably cautious company in the same situation.

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How Does a Truck Accident Lawsuit Work in Phoenix?

Your truck accident lawyer will likely file one or more insurance claims, starting with the trucking company’s insurers and sureties. With the claim, they may submit documents and evidence to prove the trucking company’s liability for your crash and the losses you suffered.

If the insurers and sureties deny your claim, your lawyer can file a lawsuit. Under Arizona law, you must file a lawsuit within two years of your truck crash.

You have the burden of proof at trial. This means you must persuade the jury of the trucking company’s negligence by a preponderance of the evidence. If you fail to do this, the trucking company will win, and it will not pay for your losses.

Types of Truck Accident Cases in Phoenix, AZ

You can categorize truck accident cases in many ways, including their causes. Some common causes of truck accidents, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, include the following:

  • Brake failure
  • Speeding
  • Inattention and fatigue
  • Over-the-counter medication use
  • Load shifting

The elements of proving liability are similar, regardless of the reason. Specifically, your attorney must show the other party was negligent in operating, maintaining or loading the truck.

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Contact ConsumerShield After a Truck Accident

When truck accidents cause catastrophic injuries, the stakes are high. ConsumerShield educates people about the law and refers them to lawyers who can help. Contact us for a free case review and an attorney referral.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • You can represent yourself in your truck accident claim. However, auto accidents involving semitrucks often cause severe injuries. As a result, you may have tens of thousands of dollars in losses. Consider hiring a lawyer when you have a high-stakes claim. An experienced attorney can strengthen your chance of winning.

  • Typically, the business operating the truck is responsible for any legal claims arising from negligence. Trucking companies that hire drivers as employees are liable for these employees’ negligence under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior.

    Independent drivers and owner-operators are the owners of small businesses, and they should also have significant insurance coverage. Just as you would for a large company, you can file a claim for compensation with the driver’s insurer.

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