Common Causes of Arizona Truck Accidents
Every year, hundreds of truck accidents in Arizona lead to devastating injuries, property damage, and lasting financial hardship. Knowing what causes these collisions can help you stay safer and understand your rights if you are ever involved in one.
At Perez Law Group, PLLC, our experienced Arizona truck accident lawyers represent victims and families across Maricopa County and throughout the state. Below, we break down the most common causes of truck accidents and what you can do to protect yourself after a crash.
Driver Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations
Driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of large truck crashes. Many truck drivers are under intense pressure to meet delivery deadlines and spend long hours on the road without adequate rest. When fatigue sets in, reaction times slow, coordination declines, and decision-making becomes impaired.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict Hours-of-Service rules to prevent drowsy driving, but these regulations are not always followed. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, driver behavior—including fatigue, speeding, and distraction—contributes to more than 90 percent of all traffic collisions statewide.
When a trucking company pressures drivers to meet unrealistic schedules or fails to monitor rest logs, it may share liability for resulting injuries.
Distracted and Reckless Driving
Distracted driving has become a serious issue for both commercial and passenger drivers. For truck operators, distractions such as cell phones, GPS systems, eating, or even paperwork can have deadly consequences. Because a fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, even a few seconds of inattention can cause catastrophic harm.
Reckless driving behaviors, like speeding, tailgating, or unsafe lane changes, are also leading contributors to Arizona truck accidents. High-traffic corridors such as Interstate 10, I-17, and I-40 see frequent collisions involving large trucks that fail to account for their longer stopping distances.
If you’ve been injured by a negligent truck driver, an Arizona truck accident attorney can help investigate driver logs, black box data, and company policies to determine fault.
Improper Loading and Overweight Cargo
Improperly loaded or overweight cargo is another major cause of truck accidents. When cargo is unbalanced, unsecured, or exceeds weight limits, it can cause the vehicle to sway, jackknife, or roll over. Cargo that shifts during transport can also fall into the roadway, putting other motorists at risk.
The FMCSA sets specific cargo securement standards, but violations are common. In these cases, both the trucking company and the cargo loaders may be liable. Arizona’s mountainous highways and high-speed desert roads make load stability especially critical to prevent rollovers and multi-vehicle collisions.
Poor Maintenance and Mechanical Failures
Every commercial truck must be properly inspected and maintained to ensure it operates safely. Brake failure, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, and lighting issues are frequent causes of truck crashes in Arizona. Extreme heat in the summer months can also accelerate wear on key components like tires and braking systems.
When trucking companies skip maintenance checks or repair shops ignore known defects, they endanger everyone on the road. Victims of these crashes may be entitled to compensation for injuries caused by negligent maintenance or defective truck parts. Reviewing service records and inspection logs can be crucial evidence in these cases.
Weather and Road Conditions
While Arizona enjoys mostly sunny weather, sudden dust storms, monsoon rains, and slick roadways can still create dangerous conditions. Poor visibility and high winds make controlling a large truck even more difficult. In addition, construction zones and rough pavement along interstates can increase crash risks if drivers don’t adjust their speed accordingly.
Truck drivers have a legal duty to adapt to weather and road conditions. Failing to slow down or maintain control under hazardous circumstances can lead to serious liability under Arizona negligence law.
Multiple Liable Parties in Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident cases are often complex because more than one party may be responsible. The driver, the trucking company, a maintenance contractor, a parts manufacturer, or even the company that loaded the cargo could share fault. Determining liability requires a thorough investigation and expert analysis of the evidence.
An experienced truck accident lawyer in Arizona can identify all negligent parties and help ensure that victims pursue the full compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care needs.
How Perez Law Group Helps Truck Accident Victims
If you or someone you love has been injured in a trucking accident, you need a law firm that understands both Arizona and federal trucking laws. At Perez Law Group, PLLC, our team has extensive experience investigating commercial vehicle collisions and negotiating with insurance carriers to hold negligent companies accountable.
We represent clients in Phoenix, Peoria, Glendale, and throughout Arizona. Our attorneys fight to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage.
