Semi-Truck Accident Laws Arizona

The semi-truck accident laws in Arizona are very strict and often include complex rules that can only be interpreted by a qualified and experienced Arizona car and truck accident lawyer.

Therefore, if you’re involved in a truck accident in Arizona and you want to file a claim, your first task should be to find the right attorney to help you understand your legal options. Your lawyer will review the accident and advise you on the best semi-truck accident compensation approach to use.

Key Semi-Truck Accident Laws & Regulations in Arizona

Laws That May Affect Your Semi-Truck Accident Claims in Arizona

Federal Laws

The most applicable federal regulation in this case is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which offers several rules that govern different aspects of the trucking business, including drivers, trucks, weight loads, and the trucking system.

Here are the key standards set by the FMCSA:

• Commercial drivers in Arizona should maintain a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of not more than 0.04%.
• Truck drivers in Arizona must comply with the set Hours of Service (HOS). For instance, every commercial driver must take a thirty-minute rest after driving for eight hours.
• All semi-trucks in Arizona must undergo annual federal inspection to determine their safety.

State Regulations

Apart from the federal law, there are several state regulations that semi-truck drivers in Phoenix must follow.

Comparative Fault Law

This law helps assign fault to the parties involved in the semi-truck accident. Therefore, you can still be awarded proportionate compensation even when you’re partially responsible for the accident.

However, the percentage of your fault will be calculated and deducted from your award.

“If the jury applies either defense, the claimant’s action is not barred, but the full damages shall be reduced in proportion to the relative degree of the claimant’s fault, which is a proximate cause of the injury or death, if any,” according to Article 12-2505 of Arizona State Law.

At-Fault State Traffic Law

Because Arizona is an ‘at-fault’ state, you’re required to prove that the other party is responsible for the collision. So, in case of a collision with a semi-truck in Phoenix, you must provide proof of negligence by the truck driver.

For instance, you can show that the truck driver was overspeeding, distracted, under the influence of alcohol or other substances, unwilling to yield, or ran a red light. An experienced truck accident lawyer should help you pursue turn lane crash compensation, especially if the truck driver refused to yield to you at a left turn.

You can even blame other parties, like loaders and the truck maintenance company, for negligence.  

Wrapping Up

Filing a semi-truck accident claim in Arizona requires you to be aware of the applicable laws and how they affect your case. Luckily, at Gage Mathers, we have a large team of experienced truck accident attorneys to interpret the law for you and help you get full compensation!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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