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Rear-End Truck Accident Lawyers

Heavy trucks are a common sight on highways across the state of Arizona. While they perform a necessary service, they can also cause catastrophic accidents when drivers fail to adhere to traffic laws or are distracted. Rear-end truck accidents can be of specific concern, causing extensive property damage and life-altering injuries.

Any rear-end accident involving a truck can be devastating. Still, truck rear-end collisions also have the potential to escalate into multi-car pile ups due to a combination of factors. When a truck collides with the rear of a smaller vehicle, it can result in an intense force that sends the vehicle forward with significant impact. As a result, multiple vehicles may become involved in the subsequent chain reaction.

What Is a Rear-End Truck Accident?

A rear-end truck accident refers to a type of collision where a truck, typically larger in size and weight, collides with the back of another vehicle. In this scenario, the truck strikes the vehicle in front of it from behind. The severity and impact of these accidents can vary depending on several factors, including the speed at the time of the collision, the size and weight of the vehicles involved, and the condition of the roads.

Rear-end truck accidents often occur due to a variety of reasons. One common cause is when the truck driver fails to maintain a safe braking distance, either due to speeding or following too closely to the vehicle in front. This can lead to a lack of sufficient stopping distance, making it difficult for the truck driver to avoid rear-ending the vehicle in front, especially in unexpected situations like sudden braking.

Rear-Ended by a Truck vs Rear-End Truck Accidents

Being rear-ended by a truck and rear-end truck collisions are two different scenarios that involve a truck and a passenger vehicle. The difference lies in the perspective of who is at fault and the severity of the impact.

When someone is rear-ended by a truck, it typically means that a passenger vehicle has been hit from behind by a truck. In this case, the responsibility for the accident generally lies with the truck driver, as they have failed to maintain a safe distance or exercise caution.

On the other hand, a rear-end truck collision can refer to a situation where a passenger vehicle collides with the rear of a heavy truck. Here, the fault can lie with either of the drivers involved, depending on the circumstances. If the driver of the passenger vehicle was tailgating or wasn’t paying attention, the truck driver may not even see how a car hit the rear of the vehicle.

Similarly, they may be at fault if the truck driver makes a sudden stop or unusual maneuver. The impact of a rear-end truck collision can be more severe compared to rear-ending a truck due to the difference in size and weight between the two vehicles. These types of accidents can result in considerable damage to the smaller vehicle and potentially catastrophic injuries to its occupants.

What Causes Most Rear-End Truck Collisions?

  • Distracted driving. Most truck rear-end accidents are caused by a combination of factors related to the behavior and actions of both truck drivers and other motorists on the road. Both truck drivers and passenger vehicle drivers can easily be distracted by several factors, such as using mobile devices, eating or drinking, adjusting radio or GPS, or simply being lost in thought.
  • Following too closely. When truck drivers follow too closely, they reduce their ability to stop in time if the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes or stops. This behavior can occur because of aggressive driving, impatience, or when trying to maintain a tight schedule. Similarly, other motorists who tailgate trucks or cut in front of them without leaving sufficient space can also contribute to a rear-end collision if the truck driver cannot stop in time.
  • Excessive speed. Both truck drivers and other drivers who exceed the speed limit have reduced reaction time and need longer distances to stop. If a truck is traveling at high speed and encounters a sudden slowdown, the driver may not be able to slow down in time, leading to a rear-end collision.
  • Weather conditions. Adverse weather conditions significantly increase the risk of rear-end truck collisions. Poor visibility due to heavy rain, fog, or snow limits a driver’s ability to see the road ahead and react promptly to changes in traffic. Reduced traction on wet or icy surfaces increases braking distance, potentially causing a truck driver to slide into the vehicle in front.

What Kinds of Injuries Are Commonly Sustained in Rear-End Collisions?

Truck rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of collisions involving big rigs, and they can result in a wide range of injuries. The severity of the injuries sustained in a rear-end collision can vary depending on factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the size of the vehicles, and the use of safety equipment like seat belts.

Some common injuries include:

  • Whiplash
  • Back injuries
  • Head trauma
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Broken bones
  • Bruising and lacerations
  • Spinal damage
  • Internal bleeding
  • Psychological trauma

It is important to seek immediate medical attention after a rear-end collision, even if you do not feel pain or discomfort. Some injuries may not present symptoms until days or even weeks after the accident, and prompt medical evaluation can help identify and treat any injuries before they worsen.

Documenting any injuries and seeking legal advice from the rear-end truck accident lawyers at Torgenson Law is also crucial. If you believe another party’s negligence caused the accident, it is essential that you begin documenting the incident while it is still fresh in your mind.

Liability in Rear-End Truck Accidents

In an Arizona truck rear-end accident, identifying liability can be complex because multiple parties may be involved. Typically, the driver who causes the accident by rear-ending another vehicle is presumed to be at fault. However, in the case of truck accidents, determining liability can extend beyond just the driver.

Several parties may share liability for the accident, including:

  • The truck driver. The driver of the truck is usually the initial point of liability in a rear-end truck accident. If they fail to maintain a safe following distance, do not brake in time, or are driving recklessly or distracted, they can be held accountable for the accident.
  • The trucking company. The trucking company that employs the driver can also bear liability. They may be held liable for the accident if they have failed to properly train their drivers, enforce safety protocols, or maintain their fleet. Negligence on the part of the trucking company can indicate liability in the event of a rear-end collision.
  • The vehicle manufacturer or maintenance provider. If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure, such as faulty brakes or steering, the manufacturer or the party responsible for maintaining the truck’s functionality may be held responsible for the accident. This is especially applicable if it can be proven that the faulty part or inadequate maintenance directly led to the collision.
  • A third-party. In certain cases, liability for a rear-end truck accident can rest partially or entirely on another party. For example, if a third vehicle suddenly cuts in front of a truck, causing the truck driver to rear-end another vehicle, the third vehicle’s driver may share some liability for the accident.

Call Torgenson Law for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rear-end collision, call the rear-end truck accident lawyers that Arizona residents count on to get results. Torgenson Law has empowered Arizona drivers seeking justice for over two decades.

Our team of experienced litigators will evaluate every detail of your incident and lay out a path forward to get the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, reach out to us online or call us at 602-726-0747 and let us help you get justice for your pain and damages.

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