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Truck Accidents Advocate for Victims of Commercial Vehicle Crashes

Truck Accidents

Phoenix Truck Accident Attorney

When an accident involves a commercial truck, the impact can be devastating. These cases aren’t just more serious; they’re more complex. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident in Phoenix, you need an attorney who understands how to navigate the legal terrain with confidence, compassion, and strategic expertise. At Rachel Frazier Johnson Law, we bring over two decades of litigation experience to help victims of truck accidents secure the compensation and justice they deserve.

Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different

Not all personal injury cases are created equal. Truck accidents involve unique legal challenges that make them far more intricate than standard car collisions. Multiple parties can be held responsible — including the driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts, and even the company that loaded the cargo. Each of these entities may have its own insurance providers and legal teams.

That’s why having an experienced Phoenix truck accident attorney on your side isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Phoenix

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, your first priority is your health and safety. After seeking medical attention, it’s important to take the following steps:

  1. Document Everything: Take photos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and any visible injuries.
  2. Get Witness Info: Names and contact info can be crucial in building a strong case.
  3. Don’t Speak to Insurance Companies Alone: Their goal is to minimize payouts. Let us handle communication on your behalf.
  4. Call a Truck Accident Lawyer Right Away: The sooner we get involved, the faster we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.

The Role of Government Agencies in Truck Accident Investigations

After a serious truck accident in Phoenix, multiple agencies may be involved in the investigation. Understanding how these agencies operate and how their reports may influence your case is critical to building a successful legal strategy.

  • Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS): AZDPS often leads crash scene management on state highways and interstates. Their crash reports offer important early documentation, but they don’t always paint the full picture. Our legal team reviews these reports closely and supplements them with independent investigations.
  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): Because commercial trucks cross state lines, the FMCSA may get involved when there’s evidence of regulatory violations. These might include hours-of-service infractions, improper licensing, or vehicle safety issues. FMCSA reports can be powerful tools in proving negligence. We know how to obtain and interpret these reports to strengthen your claim.

Types of Truck Accident Injuries

Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, the injuries sustained in these crashes are often severe or even catastrophic. Common injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
  • Broken bones and orthopedic damage
  • Internal bleeding or organ damage
  • Severe burns or lacerations
  • Amputations
  • PTSD and emotional trauma

Many of our clients face long-term rehabilitation, multiple surgeries, or permanent disabilities. That’s why it’s so important to pursue a claim that accounts for your future, not just your current medical bills.

Damages You May Be Entitled to After a Truck Accident

Truck accidents often lead to serious, life-altering injuries. With that comes a wide range of expenses, some immediate and others that may impact you for years to come. As your trusted Phoenix truck accident attorney, we help you pursue full and fair compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

  • Medical bills (current and future): Emergency care, surgeries, rehab, prescriptions, and more.
  • Lost wages: Compensation for missed work or reduced earning capacity.
  • Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle.
  • Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional trauma, and decreased quality of life.
  • Loss of consortium: Impact on relationships, especially in cases of long-term injury or death.
  • Wrongful death: Funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional losses for surviving family members.

We don’t settle for lowball offers. We build powerful cases backed by evidence, expert testimony, and a clear understanding of how your life has been affected.

Understanding Comparative Fault in Arizona

One of the most misunderstood legal concepts among accident victims is comparative fault. In Arizona, even if you were partially to blame for the accident, you can still pursue damages. Your final compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.

For example: If your total damages are $500,000 and you were found to be 20% at fault, you could still recover $400,000.

Insurance companies will often try to exaggerate your role in the crash to reduce their payout. Our legal team pushes back with facts, expert testimony, and clear documentation to make sure liability is assigned accurately and fairly.

How We Build Your Case

Every successful case starts with a deep, strategic investigation. Our firm doesn’t rely on surface-level facts; we dig deeper. Here’s how we approach truck accident claims:

Gathering the Evidence

We secure all available evidence, including:

  • Police reports
  • Black box data (electronic logging devices)
  • Driver qualification and hours-of-service logs
  • Maintenance and inspection records
  • Photos and video footage from the scene
  • Witness interviews and expert evaluations

The Importance of Expert Witnesses

In complex truck accident cases, expert witnesses can be the difference between a mediocre settlement and a successful outcome. At Rachel Frazier Johnson Law, we work with a network of specialists who help us build strong, persuasive claims. Types of witnesses we often retain include:

  • Accident reconstruction experts: They recreate the scene to show how the crash occurred and who was at fault.
  • Medical experts: These professionals explain the full impact of your injuries and how they’ll affect your future.
  • Vocational and economic experts: They assess your ability to work and project lost earnings over time.
  • Trucking industry specialists: They can testify about violations of industry standards and how they contributed to the crash.

These insights not only strengthen your case in negotiations, but they’re also invaluable in front of a jury, should your case go to trial.

What Is a Truck’s “Black Box” and Why It Matters

Commercial trucks are often equipped with Electronic Control Modules (ECMs), commonly referred to as “black boxes.” These devices capture crucial data such as:

  • Speed before the crash
  • Brake application timing
  • Hours of operation
  • Sudden changes in steering or direction
  • Maintenance alerts

This information can be essential for proving liability. But here’s the catch: black box data can be overwritten or erased quickly. That’s why it’s vital to involve a truck accident attorney immediately after your crash so we can send a preservation-of-evidence letter before key information is lost.

Identifying Liability

Unlike typical car accidents, truck accident cases often involve multiple defendants. We examine whether the truck driver, their employer, maintenance providers, or other third parties acted negligently. Our goal is to hold all responsible parties accountable, which increases the potential compensation available.

Negotiating and Litigating

We aggressively negotiate with insurers, but if they won’t offer what you deserve, we’re fully prepared to go to court. Attorney Rachel Frazier Johnson’s litigation experience and courtroom presence give our clients an edge where it matters most.

Wrongful Death Claims After Fatal Truck Accidents

If you’ve lost a loved one due to a truck crash in Phoenix, we are truly sorry. We know no amount of legal action can replace what you’ve lost, but we also believe families deserve justice and financial security.

In Arizona, surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of companionship
  • Emotional pain and suffering

Rachel Frazier Johnson Law approaches these cases with compassion and care, while still fighting relentlessly for justice. We handle the legal burden so you can focus on grieving and healing.

Truck Accidents in Phoenix — Local Insight Matters

Phoenix is a major transportation hub, with I-10, Loop 202, and I-17 carrying thousands of commercial vehicles every day. Unfortunately, that also means our city sees a disproportionate number of truck accidents, many of them severe or fatal.

According to recent Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) data, Maricopa County consistently ranks among the highest in the state for large truck crashes. The urban sprawl, construction zones, and heavy freight traffic increase the risk. That’s why working with a Phoenix truck accident attorney who understands the local roads, insurance policies, and court systems can make all the difference.

Whether your accident occurred on the interstate, a busy intersection, or a rural highway outside the city limits, we know how to approach your case with precision and insight.

FAQs About Truck Accident Claims

How long do I have to file a claim in Arizona?

In most cases, Arizona’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. However, exceptions may apply, especially when dealing with government entities or wrongful death claims. Don’t wait. The sooner you contact us, the better we can preserve critical evidence.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even independent contractors can be tied to a larger web of liability. We investigate who owns the truck, who hired the driver, and who maintained the vehicle to determine every party that may be held responsible.

How much is my case worth?

Every case is different. Factors like the severity of your injuries, available insurance coverage, and your long-term prognosis all play a role. During your consultation, we’ll walk you through what you may be entitled to and how we’ll work to pursue it.

How Long Do Truck Accident Cases Take?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The timeline for resolving a truck accident claim depends on several factors:

  • The complexity of the case
  • How many parties are involved
  • The severity of your injuries
  • Whether a fair settlement is possible or litigation is required

Some cases resolve in months. Others, especially those involving serious injuries or wrongful death, may take a year or more. What matters most is building a case that reflects the true value of your losses and not rushing into a low settlement just to “move on.”

Why Choose Rachel Frazier Johnson Law?

With so many attorneys in Phoenix, what makes our firm the right choice?

  • Over 25 years of litigation experience
  • Proven success in truck accident claims
  • Friendly, approachable guidance from day one
  • Direct access to your attorney, not just paralegals
  • Strong community ties and a passion for protecting the injured

At Rachel Frazier Johnson Law, we combine personal service with powerful results. You’ll never feel like just another file on the desk.

Bilingual Legal Services for Truck Accident Victims

At Rachel Frazier Johnson Law, we proudly serve Phoenix’s diverse communities. We offer bilingual services and culturally sensitive legal support so that nothing is lost in translation, especially not your voice.

If you or a loved one prefers to communicate in Spanish, our team can guide you through every step of your claim in your preferred language, ensuring clarity, comfort, and confidence.

Don’t Face This Alone. Let’s Talk.

A serious truck accident can change everything in an instant. You deserve support, answers, and a legal advocate who genuinely cares. At Rachel Frazier Johnson Law, we help clients throughout Phoenix move forward with clarity and confidence. You focus on healing, and we’ll handle the rest.

rachel-frazier-joahnson-img
Rachel Frazier Johnson, Esq.
Founder & Managing Attorney
About
Rachel Frazier Johnson Law

At Rachel Frazier Johnson Law, we do things differently. Led by attorney Rachel Frazier Johnson, our firm is built on the belief that great legal representation starts with truly understanding people, their challenges, their fears, and their goals for the future. For over 25 years, Rachel has been helping individuals and families in Phoenix navigate difficult moments with strength, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

Known for her sharp legal mind and fierce advocacy, Rachel balances professionalism with a personal touch that makes clients feel seen and supported. Whether guiding you through a divorce, fighting for fair compensation after an injury, or protecting what matters most, Rachel Frazier Johnson Law is committed to standing by your side.

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