Failure To Maintain Control Of Vehicle In Dangerous Arizona Traffic Accidents

Compared to many metropolitan areas, Phoenix has wide open roads with plenty of lanes available, whether you’re a slow driver or only going a few exits, or a fast driver with several miles on the road ahead. But unlike many states, Arizona does not have laws regarding large trucks driving in the left lane(s) of a highway. Why should multi-billion dollar corporations get to clog up our traffic by using the fast lanes when their trucks are too large to safely operate at those speeds? It also reduces visibility and makes the roads generally more dangerous for those of us just trying to go about our daily lives. One Arizona woman narrowly escaped a fiery crash with her life in Mesa in February 2025. Footage shows a large cement truck driving in the leftmost lane (besides the carpool lane) on the U.S. 60 near Val Vista Boulevard. The truck driver failed to stop for traffic buildup and caused a seven-car pileup, which in turn caused one truck in the crash to ignite. Thankfully, a police officer was right behind the truck, capturing the entire scene on camera and saving the woman from the burning truck. Four people in total were injured in this massive accident. 

Cement trucks carry several tons of material and need far more time to brake than a standard passenger vehicle, and there is sometimes congestion on freeways in Arizona just like anywhere else. Because of their heavy loads, accidents with these kinds of vehicles can result in more serious injuries, or even death. Here, the cement truck driver was cited for failure to maintain control of his vehicle, which could be used as evidence if any of the four people confirmed to be injured in the crash bring personal injury claims. Cement trucks drive for companies with higher insurance policies and deeper pockets than the standard driver. If you are unfortunate enough to be injured by a large truck driver’s careless behavior, you deserve compensation for your damages. Looking for more information about bringing a personal injury claim after a traffic accident in Arizona? Schedule your free consultation today by calling 480-833-8000. 

Arizona Revised Statutes Section 28-701

A.R.S. § 28-701 is Arizona’s statute mandating that drivers maintain a reasonable and prudent speed while behind the wheel. This doesn’t just mean staying within the posted speed limit- the driver must take into account the circumstances, conditions, and actual and potential hazards on the road. For example, 65 mph might be a perfectly reasonable speed on the highway on a sunny day, but during monsoon season, you may want to reduce your speed by at least 5-10 mph to increase your safety. A driver should not exceed 15 mph in a school crossing, 25 mph in a business or residential district, or 65 mph in other locations. Traffic congestion is another example of when a driver should reduce their speed to align with the flow of traffic. 

This statute also lays out hazard conditions that require a slower speed, which are:

1. Approaching and crossing an intersection or railroad crossing
2. Approaching and going around a curve 
3. Approaching a hillcrest
4. Traveling on a narrow or winding roadway
5. A special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians injury or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions. 

This creates several scenarios in which a driver should slow down, like:

• Driving down the Old Town corridor of Scottsdale Road during brunch time on a weekend
• Driving near Saguaro Lake and the Salt River when the wild horses are running nearby
• The rare occasion that Sky Harbor has bad traffic 
• Despite how much Arizona drivers will rag on other drivers for doing it, while it’s raining 
• Any hillcrest, so basically the entirety of Fountain Hills
• When there is an accident on the road or another driver is pulled over by a police officer 
• Any time there is traffic on the 101, 202, or any other freeway in Arizona
• Towing horses, ATVs, a boat, or any other heavy load that can increase brake time
• Any of the streets downtown where the lanes change direction based on the time of day 

Can A Citation Help My Injury Claim?

You can always expect insurance companies to withhold fair settlement offers and make your claim an uphill battle. Assembling as much evidence to support your claim as possible can increase how much the other side is willing to pay out rather than bring the matter to trial. While the police aren’t able to make it to the scene of every single traffic collision, it is almost guaranteed that police and other emergency responders will be involved in a collision involving a cement truck or other similarly-sized vehicle. When the police come to the scene, they can render aid along with other first responders are assess the scene of the accident. The police can issue an accident report, which may or may not include a determination of fault. A judge or jury is not required to issue a ruling that complies with this police report, but it can be a useful piece of evidence when building your case against the other party. 

One step further from a police report with a fault determination is one or more citations against the other driver. If a driver is cited with speeding, failing to comply with traffic signals, cell phone use or distracted driving, driving under the influence, reckless driving, failure to maintain control of a vehicle, failure to maintain a reasonable or prudent speed, or any other driving-related offense, this can make the plaintiff’s path to success in an injury claim clearer. While a citation is a strong piece of evidence, the truck driver’s insurance company will likely attack its validity and its relevance to your injuries. A skilled Arizona personal injury attorney can defend your position to maximize your payout, whether that is by settlement agreement or trial verdict. Our team is passionate about seeking fair reparations for our clients and holding insurance companies responsible for their customers’ conduct. Discuss your potential type of claim with a knowledgeable Arizona injury attorney with no risk or obligation today by calling 480-833-8000. 

Discuss Your Arizona Accident Claim With One Of Our Experienced Injury Lawyers

There are many moving parts in an accident claim, and the court won’t give you a break for missing a deadline or forgetting an important piece of information due to a lack of knowledge or experience. Insurance companies view self-represented plaintiffs as an opportunity to pay out less and protect their bottom line. But you have the right to retain the accident attorney of your choosing to fight for your rights and a fair award for your injuries. Our team offers unparalleled legal services and competitive contingency rates, meaning we don’t get paid until you do. We will fight for every last cent of your injury award that you deserve. Focus on your recovery and let us handle the most difficult parts of the injury claim process. Schedule your free consultation with one of our dedicated personal injury attorneys in Arizona today by calling 480-833-8000.