Somerton Truck Accident Lawyer
We Represent Injured Victims Yuma, Somerton, And All Surrounding Areas!
If you were injured in a truck accident, please call Karnas Law Firm, PLLC, today. Our team of dedicated, experienced truck accident lawyers can begin to answer any questions you have and review the possibility of bringing a claim for compensation. These wrecks cause painful injuries—and devastate many people’s finances when they can no longer work. To speak with one of our Somerton truck accident lawyers, reach out to our law firm today.
The Full Cost of Truck Accident Injuries
Motorists usually suffer much more pain and disability following a truck accident collision than they do a car accident. We have met with clients suffering from:
- Multiple fractures
- Head trauma
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Back strains and herniated discs
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Crush injuries
- Spinal column injuries
Many victims are immediately raced to the hospital for life-saving treatment. They might need surgery, nights in the ICU, and weeks for recovery. These injuries are so serious that many accident victims struggle with disabilities that require intense physical therapy.
The medical expense is considerable. It is not unusual for truck accidents to cause five-figure damage to your vehicle, which is difficult to pay for when you can’t work.
Your Right to Compensation
Our Somerton truck accident lawyer can seek compensation to cover many economic and non-economic losses. If you contact us, we will review whether you can seek compensation for any of the following:
Medical Bills
Medical care typically includes:
- Ambulance transportation
- Doctor’s appointments
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation
- Diagnostic tests
- Pain killers and other prescription medication
- Wheelchairs and crutches
- Follow-up visits with your doctor
Lost Income or Wages
Are your injuries keeping you out of work? The good news is we can seek compensation for:
- Lost wages or salary
- Reduced self-employment income
- Lost gig income
- Lost benefits
Car and Other Property Damage
A large truck can wreck a smaller vehicle. You’ll probably need to cover major repairs or possibly need to purchase another car. You should seek compensation for this damage.
Pain and Suffering
Not all compensation goes to economic losses. Arizona law allows you to seek compensation for:
- Bodily pain
- Mental anguish
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Bodily disfigurement and scarring
Who We Hold Accountable
Karnas Law Firm has success holding many defendants responsible for these accidents. We most often sue:
- Truck drivers. A trucker could fail to drive the rig safely. Speeding, tailgating, illegal turns and passing are all examples of negligence. So is driving while distracted or fatigued, as well as drunk driving. If the trucker caused a crash, we can sue them.
- Trucking companies. Companies could have liability for many reasons. They might have negligently hired or supervised their trucker, or else they put a dangerous truck on the road. In Arizona, an employer is also automatically on the hook when an employee hurts someone on the job.
- Freight companies. The owner of the freight could be responsible for the accident. Typically, they load the trailer and are responsible for securing it properly. An overloaded or unbalanced trailer could lead to an accident.
- Truck manufacturers. Many accidents stem from defective parts on a truck. Imagine an axle breaking or a tire blowing for no reason. Trucks become unmanageable when this happens.
- Mechanics and body shops. Manufacturers are not the only ones responsible for truck defects. A mechanic could have failed to make necessary or proper repairs, which would make them liable.
Evidence We Use in Truck Accident Cases
To obtain a settlement, we need evidence of how the accident happened. If you were 100% to blame, you can’t receive anything, so we need to prove the defendant’s actions or inactions hurt you.
Some major pieces of evidence for a Somerton truck accident includes:
- Photographs of the accident scene. How did these vehicles collide? Where did they collide? These are important questions, and pictures can help us recreate the accident.
- Witness testimony. Eyewitnesses help us fill in the gaps about what happened. A witness might testify that you were passing when the truck made an illegal lane change, crashing into you. We recommend trying to speak with witnesses following a crash, if you can exit your vehicle safely.
- Employment records. A trucker’s employment file contains helpful information, such as whether the trucking company checked references and any disciplinary action taken.
- Result of drug or alcohol tests. Trucking companies must test their drivers after many accidents, and we’ll seek the results to use in your case.
- Trucker log book. Federal laws require that truckers record their hours working. We can request this information to see if they drove over the federal hours of service regulations.
- Electronic data recorder. Trucks are outfitted with electronic recorders. These devices contain a wealth of data, like the “black box” on an airplane. We can use this data when building your case.
- Truck maintenance records. These records might show that the trucking company knew a defect existed on the truck but didn’t fix it.
5 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid after a Truck Accident
Your ability to receive compensation depends on putting together the strongest case possible. Sadly, some people trip up and make simple mistakes. We recommend avoiding the following errors, which could cost you:
- Avoid admitting fault at the accident scene. Even if you cut off the truck or were tailgating, you should never admit to this fact. Arizona has a comparative negligence law (A.R.S. § 12-2505) which will result in losing compensation if you share fault for the accident. If you are 50% to blame, you’ll only get half of your damages. That’s a high price to pay. You should remain silent at the accident scene as you wait for the police to arrive.
- Do not try to self-diagnose your injuries. You might be tempted to visit a website like Healthline or the Mayo Clinic to diagnose yourself if you feel pain. Unfortunately, you have no idea the severity or extent of your injuries. Some injuries start off small only to worsen rapidly. Go to the hospital to receive proper treatment.
- Never give a recorded statement without a lawyer’s help. The trucking company might reach out to you to ask what happened (or their insurer will call). You should refrain from talking with them. Chances are, they are digging for information to use to your detriment. For example, they might try to get you to minimize the pain you feel or admit to speeding in the lead up to the accident. These facts would reduce the value of your claim.
- Do not accept a settlement offer without showing it to an attorney. Insurance companies are never eager to make a fair offer. Instead, they try to get victims to agree to very small settlements. Once you accept a settlement, you’re giving up the ability to seek more in the future, so call our law firm to review the offer and reject it if necessary.
- Never assume you don’t have a case. Unbelievably, some people assume their injuries are too small to worry about meeting with a lawyer. But we have obtained many favorable settlements for people who believed they suffered only “minor” injuries.
The best course of action following an accident is to receive prompt medical attention and to reach out to an experienced lawyer.
Why Us?
Karnas Law Firm was founded in 1983, and for 40 years we have made personal injury law the center of our practice. Our experience allows us to efficiently help injured victims seek justice and compensation with a minimum amount of hassle. Other firms tackle only one or two personal injury cases on the side, and they have never sat in a conference room with representatives from a giant trucking company seated across from them. We have done this work for so long that no case scares us.
And our experience has paid off for our clients. Our talented legal team has obtained more than $50 million for injured victims like you. Whether you are paralyzed from a truck accident or just curious about your options, we want to hear from you.
Avoid Delay
You are only given two years from the day of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injuries. That isn’t a lot of time. Factor in rehabilitation and rest, and two years will pass quickly.
What happens if you miss the deadline and file later? In that unfortunate instance, the defendant can request dismissal of your case. You’ll forfeit any compensation you otherwise deserve. Make sure to contact Karnas Law Firm as soon as possible so we can head to the courthouse to protect your rights.
Call a Somerton Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident claims are complex, and accident victims and their families should focus on recovery. Now is the time to contact an experienced law firm to handle all aspects of your case. At Karnas Law Firm, we pride ourselves on stepping up to protect our clients when they are injured by negligent trucking companies and drivers. There is no legal work more important than helping ordinary citizens hold big corporations accountable for their injuries. Give us a call to schedule an appointment.