Las Vegas Truck Accident Lawyer

Who Can Be Held Liable For a Truck Accident?

Determining liability is different in truck accident cases compared to other car accident lawsuits. Truck accident claims involve the liability of companies, often prominent trucking companies in the Clark County community or from around the country. On-duty truckers who get into accidents may vicariously place blame on the companies in charge of the run. Victims often need help from car accident attorneys in Las Vegas to shed light on the question of liability after trucking accidents. The following parties (or a combination of parties) could be accountable for your crash:

• Trucking company: Thanks to a change in federal trucking laws, companies can no longer evade liability by hiring independent contractors instead of employees. The company will still be vicariously liable for the actions and negligence of its drivers. They could also be liable if they caused the crash through carelessness, such as failure to maintain fleet vehicles, properly train truck drivers, or by pressuring drivers to meet their deadlines.
• Cargo-loading company: If the company in charge of loading cargo differs from the trucking company, it could take the blame for a lost load or truck overload accident. Lost loads can occur if companies break the securement rules and regulations. Truck overloads, or trucks that are too heavy, cannot operate as the manufacturer intended. It can be difficult or impossible for drivers to control too-heavy trucks.
• The city of Las Vegas: It’s possible that the city is liable for your truck accident if a dangerous or defective roadway was the cause. It is the city’s duty to keep the roads reasonably safe for drivers. Failure to notice and repair defects such as potholes, broken traffic lights, and obscured signs could be negligence if the city reasonably should have done so. You have the right to file a claim against the government in these situations.

Assigning liability for your trucking accident often requires an in-depth investigation of the facts. Investigators may need to revisit the scene of the accident, check the carrier’s crash history, talk to eyewitnesses, and hire experts to help understand who or what caused your wreck. There could be more than one party sharing fault, such as the truck company and a parts manufacturer. Retain our personal injury law firm for a group of investigators you can trust.

What Are The Most Common Types of Truck Crashes in Las Vegas, NV?

The attorneys at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP have decades of combined experience handling large truck accident claims throughout the country. Our experienced Las Vegas truck accident attorneys are uniquely suited to help clients involved in these accidents. We understand the most common types of trucking accidents and how this information can point to the likely cause of the crash.

We will take the time to investigate your particular crash when you contact our firm, but in the meantime, here are a few of the most common types we encounter:

• Jackknife: Jackknife accidents refer to those in which the trailer of the 18-wheeler swings out and away from the cab at an angle, similar to that of a jackknife. In this position, the truck driver has no control over the vehicle. The trucker cannot stop, turn, or maneuver a jackknifed truck to avoid colliding with other vehicles. One reason these accidents happen is lack of proper braking techniques from the driver.
• Rollovers: Large trucks may roll onto their sides or all the way over if a truck driver loses control (often going downhill or on a curve) of the vehicle. Truck rollovers can crush surrounding vehicles, pinning occupants in their vehicles or killing them upon impact. Rollovers are often preventable with appropriate downhill speeds and braking techniques from the driver.
• Tire blowout: Poor truck maintenance, bad driving habits, and defective tires can all cause dangerous blowouts during transit. An 18-wheeler tire blowout can make the truck lose control and crash into others, as well as send pieces of rubber and debris into the roadway. The truck company, driver, or tire manufacturer may be liable for these accidents.
• Blind spot accidents: You’ve likely seen the stickers on the backs of large trucks that say, “If you can’t see the driver, the driver can’t see you.” Semi trucks have serious blind spots due to the length of their trailers. A truck driver must compensate for this fact by being extra careful when merging or switching lanes. Failure to do so could cause merge or side-swipe accidents in the highway.
• Rear-end collisions: Heavy 18-wheelers do not possess the same stopping power as smaller passenger vehicles. Truckers must brake with care, well before the stopped vehicles in front of them. Distracted driving or drowsiness can also cause deadly rear-end collisions. A large truck colliding with the rear of a smaller vehicle can crush the latter and cause a fatal multi-car collision.

Suppose one of these accidents sounds like your recent collision. In that case, the odds are high that the truck driver, company, or another party is legally responsible for causing your crash, injuries, or wrongful death. If this is the case, you could be eligible for significant financial compensation. Let us review your crash for free to learn more about your crash type and possible causes.

What Are Some Las Vegas and Nevada Commercial Truck Accident Statistics?

Truckers are the third-largest motorist group, behind commuters and tourists, on Nevada’s roadways. Trucking is a major industry in Nevada, running in, out, and through the state, lugging millions of tons of goods each year. It is almost impossible to drive on major highways in the state without encountering at least one big rig. Unfortunately, close proximity to 18-wheelers sometimes ends in tragedy.

In 2019, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, 36 large trucks were involved in fatal traffic accidents in Nevada. In 2016, 28 people died in accidents involving trucks in Nevada. In Clark County alone, large trucks took 16 lives in 2016. Those who survive truck accidents often live with serious to catastrophic injuries. If you were in such a crash, you’re not alone. Contact our firm for assistance.

Las Vegas Truck Accident Frequently Asked Questions

What if the truck driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol?

If the truck driver was impaired, it could significantly impact your case. You may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages, and the driver’s employer may also be held liable.

What is a contingency fee?

A contingency fee arrangement means:

• No Upfront Costs: You don’t pay attorney fees unless your case is won.
• Percentage-Based Fees: The attorney receives a predetermined percentage of the settlement or verdict.
• Risk-Free Representation: If the case is unsuccessful, you owe nothing.

This model makes legal representation accessible, especially when facing financial strain after an accident.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes. Nevada follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Can I file a claim if a loved one died in a truck accident?

Yes, if a family member died due to a truck accident, you might be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related losses.

How long does it typically take to resolve a truck accident case?

The duration varies depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and the willingness of parties to settle. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others may take years, especially if they go to trial.

Should I speak with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

It’s advisable to consult with an attorney before speaking to any insurance adjusters. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts, and anything you say can be used against you in your claim