Las Vegas, known for its dazzling lights and bustling tourism, is also a growing hub for warehousing and distribution. With this growth comes an increase in trucks, which have to navigate the city’s unique landscape of busy tourist areas, tight urban spaces, and expansive highways. This combination can lead to dangerous truck accidents. It’s important to understand the causes of truck accidents, potential injuries, and when to hire a truck accident lawyer in Las Vegas.
Types of Las Vegas Trucking Accidents
Large, commercial trucks, tractor-trailers, and semi-trucks often weigh tens of thousands of pounds when fully loaded. Their weight, height, and length can make them unstable, and if a large truck swerves quickly into another lane, nearby drivers may not have time to get out of the way. Semi-truck attorneys see all kinds of accidents, including:
Head-on Collisions
Trucking accidents that involve head-on collisions often occur when another vehicle crosses a center line or median and crashes into an approaching truck. They also occur when the driver of a big-rig must suddenly react to an obstacle or traffic hazard in the road, forcing the trucker to cross into another lane.
Rear-end Collisions
Due to the size and weight of large trucks, braking takes much longer than a passenger car. A large commercial tractor-trailer can easily weigh more than 85,000 pounds when fully loaded, so injuries to drivers and passengers in forward cars are likely to be very serious, if not fatal.
Broadside Collisions
Side-impact collisions, often referred to as T-bone crashes, can come out of nowhere. In a head-on or rear-end truck collision, the front or back of an involved car usually gets crushed and absorbs part of the impact. A side-impact collision with a large truck leaves no cushion that minimizes injuries. Las Vegas semi-truck accident lawyers often see broadside collisions on the state’s roadways and highways.
Under-ride and Over-ride Accidents
Under-ride and over-ride accidents with large trucks are very common. Under-ride truck accidents often result with smaller vehicles coming to rest underneath the truck. Over-ride accidents usually happen when a large commercial truck runs over a smaller vehicle, typically taking off the top of the car. Both types can be deadly for drivers and passengers in small-sized cars, because the point of impact occurs at head level.
Jackknife Accidents
“Jackknifing” is a term that is specific to the trucking industry. It refers to large semi-trucks that are pulling a trailer. If a large truck jackknifes, the trailer can collide with anything in its path. If a jackknife accident happens with any significant speed, there is a high likelihood of a rollover accident, especially with lightly loaded trucks caught in high crosswinds.
Rollovers
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are about 15,000 trucking accidents each year that involve rollovers. Due to the size and mass of large trucks, rollovers often result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities for truckers and auto vehicle drivers and passengers in the path of the accident.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
In Las Vegas, several factors contribute to truck accidents, often amplified by the city’s environment. Here are some of the most common causes a trucking accident lawyer in Las Vegas should be familiar with.
Truck Driver Negligence
Truck driver negligence is a leading cause of accidents in Las Vegas. The most common type of negligence is speeding. Distracted driving is another issue, with drivers sometimes focusing on GPS directions in unfamiliar areas or being distracted by bright lights and billboards. Fatigue is also a factor, as truck drivers may push themselves to cover long distances or work irregular hours.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Truck drivers must properly maintain their vehicles. Neglected brakes can fail when descending from nearby mountain passes. Worn tires are especially dangerous on hot asphalt or during rare but intense rainstorms and flash flooding. And faulty lighting systems are hazardous on poorly lit roads outside the city center.
Improper Loading
Improper loading is a serious issue for trucks. For example, trucks might be overloaded with heavy casino equipment, increasing the risk of rollovers on tight turns. Trucks carrying large volumes of food and beverages might have unevenly distributed loads, affecting vehicle stability. Even seemingly cargo like pool chemicals for the city’s many resorts can become hazardous if not secured properly.
Common Injuries Resulting From Truck Accidents
Las Vegas truck accident attorneys often see serious injuries and fatalities that result in high medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and the need for physical rehabilitation.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are frequent in truck accidents, often due to the force involved. A car caught between a truck and a concrete barrier on the I-15 can lead to multiple fractures. Crushing injuries, including the limbs or pelvis, are also relatively common.
Amputations
It’s a situation no one likes to consider, but severe truck accidents can result in traumatic amputations. A cyclist or pedestrian hit by a truck making a tight turn might lose a foot or leg. In collisions where a car is dragged by a truck, occupants could suffer hand or arm amputations.
Neck and Back Injuries
The force of a truck collision often leads to serious neck and back injuries. A rear-end collision by a truck in stop-and-go traffic can cause whiplash or herniated discs. More severe accidents can even result in spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis.
Head Injuries
Even with airbag deployment, the force of a truck collision can cause severe head trauma. A car T-boned by a truck running a red light could leave occupants with concussions or traumatic brain injuries. Minor head injuries can even be invisible at the time, but cause problems down the line.
What to Do If You’re In An Accident Involving a Truck
It’s always smart to be prepared when you drive on the busy streets of Las Vegas. After a crash, the best Las Vegas truck accident lawyers will tell you to follow these steps.
Gather Evidence
After ensuring everyone’s safety and calling for help if needed, start gathering evidence. Take photos of the accident scene, including any skid marks on the road, damage to vehicles, and the surrounding area. If you’re on the Strip or near a casino, note any nearby security cameras that might have captured the accident. Get contact information from witnesses, including tourists who might be leaving town soon. Your Las Vegas trucking accident attorney can interview them later.
Report the Accident
Report the accident to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. They’ll create an official report, which is crucial for your case. Also, inform your insurance company about the accident. If the truck driver is present, get their contact and company information, but avoid discussing fault or making any statements that could be used against you later.
Seek Medical Help
Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention immediately. The adrenaline from the accident might mask injuries, and some symptoms may not appear until later. Las Vegas has several trauma centers equipped to handle truck accident injuries. Getting prompt medical care creates a record of your injuries, which is important for your case.
Seek Out a Las Vegas Truck Accident Lawyer
Always contact a truck accident attorney in Las Vegas as soon as possible. They understand the local laws, the unique aspects of truck accidents in the city, and how to deal with trucking companies and their insurers. A local lawyer will know how to investigate the accident, including checking if the truck violated any local ordinances or if road conditions contributed to the crash.
What to Expect From a Las Vegas Truck Accident Attorney
Due to the size and weight of large trucks, many drivers and passengers involved in trucking accidents sustain injuries that can last a lifetime and result in high medical and rehabilitation bills. When fatalities occur, the emotional distress caused to family members can lead to financial problems and long-term anxiety and depression. Your attorney’s number-one job is to get you the compensation you deserve.
Trucking accidents can also involve complex personal injury claims, since many commercial trucks are owned by large companies, rather than individuals. A Las Vegas truck accident attorney at Blackburn Wirth can help you navigate complicated issues with commercial carriers and large insurance companies.
At Blackburn Wirth, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys can provide legal advice and assist you with filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit. We will work to make sure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. Unless you win your case, you don’t owe us a fee. Contact us today or call 702-472-7000 to get started.
FAQs for Truck Accident Lawyers in Las Vegas
What Is the Nevada Statute of Limitations on Truck Accident Claims?
Nevada laws set a time limit, or statute of limitations, of two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in a Nevada court. Generally speaking, you have two years after the date of an accident to file your case in civil court. If you pass the two-year deadline, in most cases a Nevada court will refuse to hear your personal injury case.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?
Multiple parties can be held liable in a truck accident. This might include the truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle or parts manufacturer, the cargo loading company, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance. In Las Vegas, where many trucks serve large corporations like casinos or hotel chains, these entities might also share liability in certain circumstances. Your Las Vegas truck accident attorney can help you determine who can be held liable.
How Is Liability Determined in a Truck Accident?
Liability in a truck accident is determined through a thorough investigation. This includes analyzing the accident scene, reviewing the truck’s maintenance and driving logs, checking the driver’s record and compliance with regulations, and examining any potential road hazards. It might also involve checking local traffic camera footage or obtaining statements from witnesses like casino employees or tourists.
How Much Does a Las Vegas Trucking Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most Las Vegas truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay upfront costs. Instead, the lawyer takes a percentage of your settlement or court award if you win your case. The exact percentage can vary, but it’s typically around 25% to 40%. Always discuss fees and potential costs with your lawyer before hiring them.