Top Causes of Truck Accidents in Arizona

Arizona roadways serve as critical corridors for domestic and international commerce, but the high volume of commercial traffic brings significant risks to the public. If you have been injured by a tractor-trailer, understanding the causes of Arizona truck accidents is the first step in seeking justice.

Phoenix truck accident lawyers perform in-depth investigations to identify what caused the wreck and who was at fault. This is essential for holding all negligent parties accountable and recovering the damages you are due.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle, contact the Arizona truck accident lawyers at Burg Simpson for a FREE case evaluation. Call 602-777-7000 today to get started. Our attorneys are proud to serve truck accident victims in Phoenix and throughout Arizona.

Truck Accidents Are Common in Arizona

According to the latest Crash Facts report by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), there were 3,245 commercial tractor-trailers involved in traffic collisions on Arizona’s roadways in 2024. The data reveals the severe nature of these incidents:

• 106 tractor-trailers were involved in fatal crashes
• 679 were involved in injury crashes

The total number of commercial vehicles on the road is smaller than that of passenger cars. However, the physical forces involved in a semi-truck crash mean that a significantly higher percentage of these accidents result in severe or fatal outcomes compared to standard passenger vehicle collisions.

Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Arizona

ADOT’s annual Crash Facts reports highlight the causes of motor vehicle accidents overall. While data for commercial trucks may be limited, we can extrapolate from the statistics to determine the common causes of Arizona truck accidents:

Speeding

Speeding was the most frequently cited violation that led to auto accidents in 2024, with 13.75% of all motorists cited for driving too fast. Driving at high speeds compromises the ability to safely steer around curves or objects. It also extends the distance required to come to a complete stop.

Commercial drivers are often under intense pressure to meet strict delivery deadlines. This can lead to a disregard of posted speed limits or driving too fast in dangerous weather and road conditions. High-speed crashes are particularly devastating when 18-wheelers are involved because they are so much larger than other vehicles.

Driver Fatigue

In 2024, 1,595 drivers were identified as being fatigued or falling asleep at the wheel before a collision. Fatigue impairs a driver’s judgment, slows reaction times, and can even lead to “micro-sleep” episodes behind the wheel. These are frequently fatal at highway speeds.

The federal hours of service regulations are intended to prevent fatigue for commercial drivers. Unfortunately, many truck drivers continue to operate vehicles while dangerously exhausted.

Distracted Driving

In Arizona in 2024, distracted driving was a factor in approximately 22% of all accidents. Known distraction was a factor in roughly 3% of fatal crashes and 4% of crashes involving injury.

The use of mobile devices and navigation systems, eating while driving, and other distractions divert a driver’s attention from the road during critical moments. For a vehicle that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, even a few seconds of inattention can result in a multi-vehicle accident before the driver has time to react.

Distracted truck drivers may be sued for the accidents they cause. Legal action may also be brought against trucking companies if they compel their drivers to ignore laws and regulations that prohibit distracted driving.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving includes aggressive behaviors such as unsafe lane changes or failing to properly check blind spots – often referred to as “No Zones” – before maneuvering. Unsafe lane changes accounted for 4.44% of driver violations in 2024.

Tailgating and failure to yield the right-of-way are also common reckless behaviors that put smaller passenger vehicles at extreme risk. Failure to yield was the second most common violation in 2024 at 9.77% of all violations.

Drug and Alcohol Intoxication

While commercial drivers are held to a stricter blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.04%, impairment remains a persistent issue on Arizona highways. The use of prescription stimulants to stay awake or illicit substances to cope with the rigors of the road can also severely compromise a driver’s motor skills and cognitive functions.

Victims of drunk driving accidents can bring claims for damages under Arizona law. These actions are separate from any criminal charges the truck driver may face.

Mechanical Failure

Catastrophic accidents are often caused by poorly maintained braking systems, tire blowouts, or defective lighting. Federal law requires motor carriers to perform systematic inspections and maintenance, yet these requirements are too often neglected to save on costs and keep trucks in service.

Mechanical failures may also occur due to defective parts or vehicle designs. Product liability claims may be brought against manufacturers if a defective component contributed to the crash.

Overloading and Improperly Loaded Cargo

Cargo that is not properly secured or exceeds weight limits can shift during transit. This can lead to a loss of vehicle control or dangerous rollovers.

Federal cargo securement rules require all cargo to be firmly secured, immobilized, or contained to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling from the vehicle. Unfortunately, these rules are not always followed if trucking companies and vendors prioritize speed over safety.

Poor Visibility

Arizona’s unique environment, including sudden dust storms and heavy monsoon rains, can reduce visibility to near zero in seconds. Truck drivers who fail to reduce speed or pull over during these events – or who operate with faulty wipers or headlights – create a high risk for rear-end collisions and underride accidents.

Ignorance of local conditions does not excuse negligence. Prompt investigation may reveal that errors on the part of the driver led to the wreck. A skilled truck accident attorney in Phoenix can help you make a successful claim.

Contact Burg Simpson for FREE today.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

There are several parties that can be held liable for semi-truck accidents in Arizona, including:

• The Truck Driver: Liability often rests with the truck driver if the accident was caused by personal negligence, such as speeding, distraction, or driving under the influence.
• The Trucking Company: In commercial accident cases, employers are often liable for the actions of their drivers — especially if the employer was negligent in their hiring, training, or retention practices. Some trucking companies also have a history of forcing drivers to work past the hours of service rules, which can lead to dangerous driver fatigue.
• Maintenance Providers: If a mechanical failure occurred due to faulty repairs or a failure to identify a known defect, a third-party entity responsible for the truck’s upkeep could be held liable for damages.
• Cargo Loaders: Entities responsible for loading and securing the trailer may be liable if the accident was the result of improper weight distribution or unsecured freight.

Multiple parties may share liability for a truck accident. Identifying these parties is critical for recovering additional compensation, which is why a thorough investigation is the cornerstone of a successful 18-wheeler accident claim.

Get Help with an Arizona Truck Accident Claim

Navigating the complexities of Arizona’s personal injury laws and federal trucking regulations requires a legal team with extensive resources and a proven track record. At Burg Simpson, we have the experience and capabilities to determine the causes of Arizona truck accidents and hold all defendants accountable.

Our knowledgeable lawyers investigate every detail of your case, from analyzing electronic logging device (ELD) data to examining maintenance records and black box information. We are committed to holding large trucking companies accountable and securing the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term recovery.

Contact Burg Simpson Today

Too many truck accident victims attempt to take on large trucking companies and their insurers on their own, failing to account for the true value of their claim and the complexity of truck accident cases. Burg Simpson has the local clout and national strength needed to fight for your rights and achieve a successful outcome.

Call 602-777-7000 today for a FREE evaluation of your case. Our truck accident lawyers serve clients across Arizona from our office in Phoenix.