Arizona Personal Injury Attorney: Essential for accidents involving passengers riding in the bed of a pickup truck.
Is the bed of a pickup truck safe to ride in?
The bed of a pickup truck is a very dangerous place to ride, especially in Arizona because of the high rate of accidents. The beds of pickup trucks are designed to carry cargo, not people. They are not designed to provide protection in the event of a crash. Children and adults can be easily ejected from pickup beds even at relatively low speeds as a result of a sharp turn or sudden acceleration or braking. In the event of an accident, individuals riding in the bed of a truck are afforded little to no safety protection and the chance and severity of injuries increase significantly. Far too often, pick-up trucks are involved in rollover accidents, and riding in the bed of a pickup can lead to serious injury or even death.
Is it against the law to ride in the back of a pickup truck in Arizona?
No. Arizona law does not currently address the issue of persons riding in the bed of a motor vehicle. 30 states and the District of Columbia address the issues by a variety of laws, but Arizona is not among these states. Generally, a pickup truck driver and the individuals riding in the bed of the truck are not in violation of any state law and cannot be cited. However, a police officer is allowed to stop and issue a verbal warning to a person driving a pickup truck on a highway that is transporting a person in the bed of a pickup truck. Also, if the police officer determines that an individual in the bed of the truck is under the age of 18, they are required to issue a written warning.
Why would you need a personal injury Arizona attorney in accidents involving passengers riding in the bed of a pickup truck?
A personal injury attorney in Arizona is imperative because these types of accidents are especially complex. If you are riding in the back of a pickup truck and the truck is involved in an accident, it is likely that the lawyer hired by the insurance company or defendant will argue that it is your fault that you were riding in the bed of the pickup truck. Compensation for personal injury claims is often greatly reduced in settlements and verdicts as a result of the fault placed upon these victims for failing to wear a seatbelt or for assuming the risk of riding in a pick-up bed. A personal injury Arizona attorney that is experienced will be able to ensure that your settlement or verdict is not reduced and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Accident cases involving passengers in the bed of a pickup truck can be especially complex, so it crucial that you consult with a knowledgeable personal injury Arizona attorney to discuss your options. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured as a result of an accident involving passengers in the bed of a pickup truck, contact an experienced personal injury Arizona attorney at Zachar Law Firm. (602) 494-4800 or www.zacharassociates.com
