When an accident happens between a large truck and a passenger vehicle, the smaller vehicle’s occupants often bear the brunt of the crash. Unfortunately, severe injuries and fatalities are common in these collision types. A Las Vegas truck accident lawyer could review your case and advise you on your next steps.
If someone else caused the crash, you might be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and intangible losses like pain and suffering. When we accept your case, an experienced attorney from our firm will work to ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the best possible outcome in your case.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys in Las Vegas
When seeking legal representation after a commercial truck accident, finding the right lawyer for the job is vital. Truck collisions can be complex and should be handled by someone with specialized knowledge and experience.
A qualified Las Vegas truck accident attorney will understand the intricacies of your commercial vehicle collision. Our law firm specializes in personal injury law and regularly handles these cases. Our lawyers have a wealth of experience pursuing settlements and court awards for clients injured in car and truck collisions.
Our local attorneys can help you get the maximum compensation for your Las Vegas truck accident. With our team’s extensive knowledge and experience in these cases, you can rest assured that you will receive the best legal services available.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Las Vegas, call (702) 857-6000
The Role of Trucking Companies in Promoting Road Safety
Trucking companies play a critical role in promoting road safety. They are legally obligated to maintain and operate their vehicles properly, per all applicable laws and regulations. This responsibility includes hiring trained, licensed, and qualified drivers to operate the vehicles safely.
Trucking companies must also ensure that their vehicles are regularly inspected and serviced to maintain safe operating conditions. They must also ensure that their drivers are not overworked and take the necessary breaks to remain alert and focused.
The stringent standards imposed on the trucking industry are intended to prevent serious accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Unfortunately, catastrophic truck wrecks are common in Nevada despite these preventative measures.
Las Vegas Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (702) 857-6000
Different Kinds of Truck Accidents
The size and weight of big rigs make them particularly dangerous when involved in any crash. However, certain types of collisions occur more often than others, and understanding them can help drivers take steps to prevent them from happening.
One of the most common truck accident types is the “jackknife” collision. This occurs when the trailer swings out, forming a jackknife-like angle with the truck’s cab. In this situation, the driver cannot stop, steer or otherwise control the truck, endangering other drivers on the road.
Other common trucking accidents include:
- Rollovers
- Rear-end collisions
- Underride crashes (when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a larger one)
- Head-on collisions
- Lane change collisions
Most of these crashes could be avoided by following safe driving practices, such as maintaining a safe speed and distance between vehicles.
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Factors that Contribute to Truck Collisions
Truck accidents can be devastating, and the consequences are even more upsetting when negligence is involved. Still, negligence is a major factor in many of these crashes, and it’s important to understand what caused the collision so that victims can go after the liable party.
Truck accident causes may include the following:
- Speeding
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Improper maintenance
- Failure to properly load or secure cargo
If you’ve been injured in a truck wreck someone else caused, it’s important to contact an experienced Las Vegas truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. A qualified attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
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Common Truck Accident Injuries
Commercial truck accidents tend to cause more serious injuries than other collisions due to the large size of the truck. Commercial trucks weigh thousands of pounds and often carry dangerous cargo. Large trucks also have larger gas tanks that are more likely to cause an explosion after an impact.
Some of the most common serious injuries that can result from truck collisions include:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Lacerations
- Internal injuries
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Amputation injuries
- Other catastrophic injuries
- Fatal injuries
If you or a family member was injured in a semi-truck accident and required medical care, it is important to seek counsel from an experienced personal injury law firm.
Available Forms of Compensation After a Truck Collision
Truck accident victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation for their injuries and losses. However, every case is different, and compensation depends on factors like the severity of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Economic Losses
Economic damages are intended to cover the direct financial costs associated with the crash, such as medical bills, lost wages, and reduced earning potential.
- Medical expenses: These costs include hospital stays, doctor visits, medications, physical therapy, and any other treatments necessary for recovery.
- Lost income: Lost wages are calculated based on the amount of time missed from work due to the accident.
- Loss of future earnings: If your injuries are severe and permanent, you may also be eligible for loss of future income. The amount of this damage might need to be determined by an expert who can assess how much money you would have made had you not been injured.
- Property damage: This can include the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal items damaged in the crash.
These are just a few of the economic damages that may be available in your case. A Las Vegas truck accident attorney from our firm could help you calculate the full extent of your monetary losses.
Non-Economic Losses
In addition to economic damages, truck accident victims may also be eligible to recover non-economic losses. These damages are intended to compensate victims for the pain and suffering caused by the crash. Non-economic damages may include compensation for:
- Physical pain.
- Emotional distress.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Decreased quality of life.
- Loss of companionship.
- Disfigurement or disability resulting from the collision.
- Wrongful death (if a loved one passes away due to their injuries).
In some cases, a judge may also award punitive damages if it is determined that the driver acted recklessly or with gross negligence.
Liability in a Truck Accident Case
When a truck collision occurs, the driver can be held liable for any damages caused. Truck drivers are responsible for being careful when behind the wheel and adjusting to inclement weather conditions.
Commercial vehicle accidents can involve many responsible parties, which can benefit plaintiffs since trucking companies tend to have more resources than individual drivers.
Examples of individuals who may bear responsibility for a truck accident include:
- The truck driver.
- The trucking company.
- The owner of the truck.
- A company that leased or rented the vehicle.
- Any manufacturer of parts used on the truck.
- Other drivers who were on the road at the time of the crash.
Elements of Negligence in a Truck Accident
Uncovering negligence is the key to determining who is liable for the damages. Negligence occurs when someone fails to act reasonably and causes injury or damage. To prove negligence in a truck accident case, you or your attorney must establish four elements:
- Duty of care: The first element of negligence is a duty of care. For example, the driver must act reasonably and cautiously when operating a vehicle.
- Breach of duty: The second element is a breach of duty, which occurs when the defendant fails to meet their legal obligation to act reasonably and responsibly.
- Causation: The third element is causation, which means that the defendant’s action or inaction was the direct cause of the accident.
- Damages: The fourth element is damage, which refers to the plaintiff suffering losses from the collision.
It is important to note that liability in these cases can be complex, so it is best to consult an experienced attorney.
Shared Fault in a Nevada Collision
In Nevada, if you are involved in an accident and found partially responsible for it, you may still be able to recover damages. This is because the state follows a modified comparative negligence law with a 51% bar to recovery.
You can still sue for economic damages if you are assigned less than 51% of the blame for the collision. However, if your responsibility is determined to be at least 51%, then you will lose your right to pursue damages from the liable parties.
It is important to note that this only applies to economic damages such as medical expenses, lost income, and vehicle damage. Even if you are found more than 50% responsible for the collision, you could still pursue non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment.
A Lawyer Could Help Ensure that Fault Is Assigned Correctly
To determine how much blame should be assigned to each involved party, an experienced personal injury attorney must review the evidence. They can gather and evaluate key information, such as:
- Truck black box data
- Driver logs
- Maintenance records
- Police reports
- Evidence from the accident scene
This step could be vital to winning your case.
Experience Matters in a Truck Accident Case
As previously mentioned, trucking cases can be complex. Therefore, your personal injury attorney must be well-versed in federal and state trucking laws, company policies, and commercial insurance coverage rules. In addition, multiple liable parties can further complicate and delay the insurance claim process.
The effects of a trucking accident can be long-lasting and may include a lengthy rehabilitation process, permanent disability, or even the wrongful death of a loved one.
Some injured victims mistakenly assume that any lawyer can handle any case. However, it is important to work with attorneys specializing in personal injury law, who can properly manage all the issues involved in a complex truck accident case.
What an Experienced Attorney Can Do for Your Truck Accident Case
After being involved in a life-altering truck accident, you may wonder what to do next. You are likely dealing with serious injuries, property damage, and the stress of seeking compensation for your losses.
This is why it’s important to hire an experienced truck accident lawyer to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the recovery you are owed.
An experienced attorney can help you:
- Understand your legal rights and options.
- Investigate the accident to determine who is at fault.
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Obtain a favorable settlement that represents the full value of your case.
- Fight for you in court if necessary.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’ve been injured in a truck wreck. Our experienced truck accident attorneys are dedicated to helping injured victims get the compensation they deserve.
How Much do Las Vegas Truck Accident Lawyers Charge?
The consequences of a semi-crash can be costly for all involved. Most trucking accidents cost thousands or more in medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other costs. Add to that lost wages from missing work.
You may be worried about the cost of being represented by a lawyer. Fortunately, our personal injury lawyers accept cases on a contingency basis.
This system means you do not have to pay upfront for our services. Instead, we start working on your case with no money upfront, and you never pay us anything out of pocket.
We Only Collect Fees When We Win Your Case
Our attorneys will only collect their fees if they successfully recover a settlement or court award. You and your lawyer will agree on the percentage during your initial consultation. If we don’t prevail in your case, you owe us nothing. Also, getting a free consultation does not obligate you to hire us.
This convenient, risk-free arrangement allows you to focus on achieving the best possible outcome in your case without adding to your financial worries.
Nevada Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims
If you plan to take legal action after a truck accident, it is important to be aware of the statute of limitations in Nevada. This law specifies the time you have to file your truck accident claim. NRS 11.190 sets the statute of limitations for personal injury claims at just two years from the injury date.
Anyone injured in a trucking crash must file a lawsuit within two years of the collision or risk being barred from filing.
Two years might seem like plenty of time immediately after the crash, but it can go by quickly when you are dealing with physical and psychological trauma. There is so much to be done in these cases, and seeking legal advice as soon as possible will help you keep your options open.
Contacting a Lawyer Soon After the Accident
An experienced attorney can guide you through the process and help you file on time so you don’t miss any deadlines. That said, time is of the essence for other reasons, so it’s best to contact a lawyer early in the claims process.
Remember, we handle cases on a contingency-fee basis, so feel free to contact us regardless of your financial situation.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer Before the Insurance Companies
Ideally, it would be best if you spoke with us before talking to the insurance companies. A truck accident attorney from Anthem Injury Lawyers could evaluate your case for free and explain your legal rights. When we accept your case, we handle all communications with the other side.
The other party’s insurance company could pressure you to settle your case for a lowball amount. Remember, never sign, accept, or deposit anything from the other party or insurance company without consulting a personal injury lawyer first.
Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
Call or text (702) 857-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
