Phoenix Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys
Experienced Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers
At Miller Kory Rowe LLP, we dig deeper. Our Phoenix truck accident attorneys understand the specific risks that come with commercial vehicles operating in and around Phoenix. We’re here to hold companies accountable, uncover the full picture, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Arizona-Wide Representation
Offices in Phoenix, Tucson & Globe
AZ Board Certified Specialist*
in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death
No Cost or Fees
Unless We Win
What Is Considered a Commercial Vehicle in Phoenix?
Accidents involving commercial vehicles and trucks can be catastrophic for bicyclists, pedestrians, and occupants of smaller personal vehicles because of the immense kinetic energy at impact.
When a commercial vehicle crashes, the damage often extends far beyond the scene. These aren’t simple fender-benders.
Whether it’s a delivery van, shuttle bus, or service truck, commercial vehicle accidents involve heavier machines, tighter deadlines, and layers of corporate responsibility including multiple parties that may share legal or financial liability.
In Phoenix, a commercial vehicle isn’t just a big rig or cross-country freight hauler. It refers to any vehicle operated for business purposes, whether it’s delivering packages, transporting passengers, or hauling equipment across town.
Under Arizona law, the term “commercial motor vehicle” includes a wide range of vehicles used in commerce, not just those requiring a CDL (commercial driver’s license).
You might encounter commercial vehicles such as:
- Delivery vans (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)
- Landscaping trucks or utility vans
- Buses or airport shuttles
- Cement mixers and dump trucks
- Food service vehicles or catering trucks
- Rideshare service vans used for corporate transport
- Large pickups pulling trailers for construction or equipment
What sets these vehicles apart is not just their size. It’s the legal responsibilities that come with operating them. In Phoenix, commercial drivers and their employers must follow both Arizona state traffic laws and, in many cases, federal safety regulations from the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
When these vehicles are involved in a crash, the consequences are often more severe. The legal responsibilities are too.
What Compensation Covers in a Commercial Vehicle Accident Case
Commercial vehicle accidents often leave victims facing more than just physical injuries. The financial, emotional, and long-term impact can be life-changing. Arizona law gives injured people, and in fatal cases their families, the right to pursue compensation that reflects the full scope of their losses, not just what insurers offer.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation in a commercial vehicle accident case may include:
Medical Expenses
Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any future medical treatment related to the crash
Lost Income and Earning Capacity
Wages lost during recovery and any ongoing reduction in your ability to work or earn a living
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma
Loss of Quality of Life
For long-term limitations on daily activities, independence, or enjoyment of life
Wrongful Death Damages
If a loved one was killed, compensation may include funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Reimbursement for medical equipment, home care, transportation, or home modifications
No two commercial vehicle cases are alike. At Miller Kory Rowe, we tailor each claim to reflect the full impact the crash has had on your life. Our team works with medical experts, financial analysts, and life-care planners to calculate your total damages and fight for nothing less than full and fair compensation.
Common Causes Of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
The following are the primary reasons for the cause of commercial vehicle accidents to which you may unfortunately fall prey. Should this happen and any of the following factors are involved, you have a strong case for claiming compensation.
A trained and experienced commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help you identify the cause of your accident and build a case for compensation.
Driver Error
Human error is largely responsible for a majority of commercial vehicle collisions with cars, bicycles, or people. Oftentimes, negligence or carelessness on the driver’s part is responsible due to a common error, being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol or simple exhaustion, for example.
Federal law clearly stipulates that commercial vehicle drivers can operate their vehicles for a certain number of hours on a daily basis. This isn’t strictly complied with, and duty logs are often falsified. This generally leads to overwork and hence, fatigue which leads to faulty driving and increases the chances of an accident occurring.
Inadequately Trained Or Inexperienced Driver
Commercial vehicles are often oversized, and their drivers need special driving permits to operate them. This makes them more challenging vehicles to handle as they need more space to park or make a turn. Many collisions happen when the driver isn’t qualified or skilled enough to handle a vehicle of this magnitude.
Cargo Overload
Every commercial vehicle has a fixed maximum load bearing capacity. The vehicle operator is required by law to maintain detailed records of the cargo being carried and its weight. The rule of thumb is that the vehicle may carry the maximum load that its tires permit.
Overloading, therefore, adversely affects the vehicle’s performance, speed, and steering. Often it is seen that the tires of an overloaded vehicle have blown out when driven at high speed and caused it to roll or jack knife -resulting in a fatal crash.
Equipment Failure
When commercial vehicles fall into disrepair, accidents happen. Equipment malfunction is often the cause of collisions or accidents when the vehicle’s safety equipment is improperly maintained.
All commercial vehicle operators are directed by law to maintain up to date records of their maintenance schedules, which may be tampered with or not maintained at all. Should equipment failure be the cause of the accident, then the question of compensation is in play, provided the accident victim’s lawyer is able to prove it.
Helpful Resources for Arizona Residents
Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) – Crash Reports
Request official accident reports and review traffic safety information.
Arizona Corporation Commission – Motor Carrier Safety
Check registration and compliance records for trucking companies operating in Arizona.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – Company Snapshot Tool
Look up safety records, inspections, and violations for commercial trucking carriers.
Arizona Judicial Branch – Civil Court Information
Find case information, court locations, and self-help resources for civil litigation.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Commercial vehicle accident claims require serious legal strategy and detailed investigation. You need a legal team with the experience, resources, and commitment to take on large companies, insurers, and multiple responsible parties.
Let Miller Kory Rowe help you understand your rights, build a strong case, and pursue the full compensation Arizona law allows.
Contact our Phoenix truck accident attorneys for a free consultation today.
What to Expect When Working With Us
We understand that pursuing a claim can feel daunting. Our team will guide you through each step of the process.
1. Initial Consultation
We listen closely to your concerns, explain your rights, and make sure the resident’s immediate safety is addressed from the start. This consultation is free, and there’s no obligation to proceed.
2. Investigation Phase
If we take your case, we’ll gather all necessary medical records and consult with expert witnesses to build a strong foundation for your claim.
3. Claim Development
We’ll calculate the full extent of your damages and prepare comprehensive settlement demands or legal filings.
4. Negotiation or Litigation
We’ll pursue fair compensation through negotiation when possible, but we’re always prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
Real Client Testimonials
Our dedication to achieving successful outcomes for our clients is reflected in the authentic stories they share in our testimonials.
Many of these families came to us after discovering neglect in a nursing home or care facility.
“Teri Rowe and the team at MKR are highly recommended. My family and I went to Teri under the worst of circumstances and she was always kind, comforting, and helpful. Our case was complicated, sad, confusing and frustrating. She managed everything wonderfully. Our family lawyer referred us to Teri because Teri has a reputation for being the best. She definitely lives up to her reputation.”
— Michael Stenoien
“My sisters and I couldn’t have made a better choice by choosing Miller Kory Rowe to represent us. From day one to the end, their empathy, their professionalism and their confidence in our case never wavered. We were given the faith and they kept it. Their approach was completely professional but their concern for our case was equally personal. They took into account every little detail. They valued for us, our family values and ensured justice was done. We now have complete closure that this lawsuit is behind us, we can move forward knowing that we got some measure of justice for the harm done to our mother. Thank you so much Liz, Gabe and Stephanie.”
— Sherrie Dudek
“From our initial consultation to our final settlement. Miller, Kory and Rowe was with us every step of the way. Gabe and team kept us abreast of any updates on the case in a timely fashion and were always, often within minutes of an email, to walk us through what was happening in our case or clarify any questions we may have.
MKR’s compassion and thoughtfulness was genuine and was able to ease our minds in what was a difficult time with the passing of our mom. Gabe’s experience with these cases was very evident in our interactions and we had the utmost confidence in his representation. I would highly recommend MKR if you are ever in need of an attorney.”
— Joseph Shown
At Miller Kory Rowe, we are not afraid to take cases to trial. We are Arizona litigators with deep experience handling serious injury and wrongful death claims for families across the state.
Every case is prepared with the courtroom in mind. That level of preparation strengthens our strategy, builds trust with our clients, and puts pressure on the defense. We work with respected experts, craft compelling exhibits, and uncover the details that help juries understand the truth.
Whether your case involves medical negligence, elder abuse, or another form of life-changing harm, our focus stays the same: clear answers and meaningful results.
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