Is I-40 in Arizona the Worst Road for Truck Accidents?

Have you been injured in a truck accident on I-40? You are not alone. I-40 is consistently ranked among the most dangerous highways for commercial vehicle crashes, both in Arizona and nationwide. At Burg Simpson, we provide knowledgeable legal guidance to clients in I-40 truck accident claims.

Our Phoenix truck accident attorneys understand how dangerous this stretch of interstate highway is. We also have extensive experience pursuing maximum compensation for those who have been injured or lost loved ones in devastating collisions with commercial trucks.

Call Burg Simpson at 602-777-7777 today for a FREE case review. We handle I-40 truck accident claims for clients in Flagstaff, Kingman, Williams, Holbrook, and other Arizona communities.

I-40 Truck Accident Statistics

Portions of I-40 run through the counties of Mohave, Coconino, Navajo, and Apache. Statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for 2024 show that these four counties had a significant number of crashes involving large trucks:

• Mohave County: 227 truck accidents, 74 injuries, 4 fatalities
• Coconino County: 215 truck accidents, 87 injuries, 16 fatalities
• Apache County: 80 truck accidents, 44 injuries, 4 fatalities
• Navajo County: 69 truck accidents, 40 injuries, 6 fatalities

Together, these four counties accounted for nearly one-quarter of all large truck crashes in Arizona last year. In addition, Mohave County and Coconino County ranked in the FMCSA’s 76th–100th percentile for truck accidents. This means they had among the highest crash rates in the nation compared to other U.S. counties.

No single source tracks accident statistics for a specific highway in one particular state. However, it is safe to assume that the high number of truck accidents in these areas is likely connected to the high volume of commercial traffic on I-40 (among other trucking routes).

What Makes I-40 in Arizona So Dangerous?

Both the news media and people within the trucking industry have long considered I-40 one of the worst highways in Arizona, if not the country as a whole. There are numerous reasons why I-40 is so dangerous, including:

• High volume of commercial trucks: I-40 is a major trucking route that is heavily traveled by semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles. The mix of commercial and passenger vehicle traffic increases the risk of serious accidents.
• Dangerous roads: In the I-40 East Corridor Profile Study, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) rated 75% of the pavement “Poor/Below Average Performance.” ADOT’s I-40 West Corridor Profile Study found that half of the pavement was in poor or below average condition. Hazardous roads increase accident risk, as well as wear-and-tear on commercial trucks. This can lead to tire blowouts and brake failures.
• Harsh weather and icy conditions: Northern Arizona can get very cold in the winter, with snow, ice, and high winds common in areas like Flagstaff. Truck drivers who fail to adjust for snowy or icy roads may lose control and collide with multiple vehicles.
• Speeding: Drivers often exceed the speed limit on sections of I-70 consisting of wide open desert. High speeds can lead to serious accidents, especially between a tractor-trailer and a smaller vehicle.
• Driver distraction and fatigue: Portions of I-40 are flat and remote, with very little change in the scenery. Commercial drivers and other motorists traveling long distances may become distracted or tired and lose focus on the road, potentially crashing into other vehicles.
• Construction and work zones: Drivers on I-40 often encounter roadwork, with ADOT regularly performing repairs. Semi-trucks often have difficulty navigating construction and work zones, with narrowed lanes, uneven road surfaces, and start-stop traffic creating hazardous conditions.

If you have been injured or a member of your family was hurt or killed in a crash with a semi-truck on I-40, it is in your best interest to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Experienced lawyers can provide assistance with I-40 truck accident claims and seek the damages you and your family deserve.

What Causes Truck Accidents on I-40?

Truck accidents are uniquely complex, with multiple factors potentially contributing to a crash. Some of the most common causes of accidents involving 18-wheelers on I-40 and in other parts of Arizona include:

• Excess speed
• Distracted driving
• Improper lane changes and errors in merging
• Fatigue/overwork
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Mechanical failure
• Overloaded/improperly loaded/unsecured cargo
• Improper training for commercial drivers
• Hazardous roads
• Reckless or aggressive driving

Accidents on I-40 should be promptly investigated to determine the cause. The investigation may reveal that multiple parties are responsible for the injuries and losses you have sustained.

Liability in I-40 Truck Accident Claims

Strong evidence is essential for proving fault in a truck accident case. Multiple parties may be liable for damages. You may have claims against several different defendants, including:

• The truck driver: Commercial drivers may be held liable for accidents caused by speeding, inattention, and other negligent acts.
• The trucking company: Liability for an accident may also extend to the trucking company if issues such as negligent hiring, supervision, or maintenance were a factor.
• Cargo loaders: One or more companies may be liable if they failed to load and secure cargo properly and the truck crashed as a result.
• Truck and parts manufacturers: Product liability claims may be brought against manufacturers when defective vehicle design or faulty parts lead to accidents.
• Maintenance contractors: Inspection of the semi-truck may reveal negligent maintenance or improper repairs, potentially exposing third-party maintenance companies to liability.

Sometimes the negligence of another driver can cause a semi-truck to crash, in which case the careless motorist may face liability for the accident. It is also important to consider the responsibility of local and state authorities for hazardous road conditions, especially on a road like I-40 where potholes and deteriorating pavement are pervasive.

Making a Claim for a Truck Accident on I-40

Arizona is an at-fault state, so you will need to prove negligence against one or more parties to recover compensation for your injuries in a truck accident. Your attorney can collect evidence and prepare a strong claim against all defendants.

Truck accident claims are usually resolved through settlement negotiations with the defendants’ insurance companies. If settlement negotiations do not progress or the insurers refuse to compensate you fairly, your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Commercial trucking companies and insurance companies often dispute truck accident claims because of the financial consequences. Crashes on I-40 are frequently catastrophic, resulting in serious injuries and deaths. Having a proven trial lawyer on your side is a must for obtaining a favorable settlement or trial award.

Contact an Arizona Truck Accident Attorney Today

Burg Simpson has decades of experience representing the victims of truck accidents throughout Arizona. We understand the devastating toll of commercial vehicle crashes on major routes such as I-17, I-10, and I-40. Our combination of local clout and national strength enables us to take on powerful defendants and major insurance companies.

We fully explore your legal options in the wake of a semi-truck crash. Trucking companies, cargo loaders, component manufacturers, and other parties may all be held liable in I-40 truck accident claims. Our attorneys can also determine if a government entity’s failure to maintain or repair the highway contributed to the accident.

For a FREE case review, call Burg Simpson at 602-777-7777 today. Our truck accident lawyers serve clients throughout Arizona from our office in Phoenix.