Big Rig Accident Injury Attorneys in Las Vegas

Big Rig Accident Injury Attorney in Las Vegas

Big rig accidents can result in catastrophic outcomes, causing severe injuries that can change victims’ lives permanently. The trauma of being involved in such a collision is only compounded by the financial burden of medical expenses and rehabilitation costs.

Understanding the Impact of Big Rig Accidents

Victims of big rig accidents often face long-term physical and emotional challenges. From medical bills to lost wages, the aftermath can be overwhelming. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large truck crashes resulted in over 4,000 fatalities in 2020 alone, underscoring the seriousness of these incidents.

What Should You Do After a Big Rig Accident?

1. Seek Medical Attention: Always prioritize your health and well-being.
2. Document the Scene: Take pictures and, if possible, gather witness statements.
3. Contact an Attorney: A big rig accident attorney can guide you through the legal process and help secure the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose a Big Rig Accident Attorney in Las Vegas?

Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. They can help navigate the complexities of insurance claims and litigation, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Understanding the Types of Big Rig Accidents

Big rig accidents can vary significantly in nature and impact. Recognizing the different types can help drivers, passengers, and pedestrians stay informed and safe on the roads. Below are some of the most common types of truck accidents, along with key factors that contribute to them.

1. Rear-End Collisions

Due to their massive size and weight, big rigs require more distance to come to a complete stop. As a result, maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for drivers. Rear-end collisions often occur when truck drivers fail to account for the extended stopping distance, resulting in severe accidents.

2. Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts can happen for various reasons, including worn-out tires, improper maintenance, or overloading. When a tire blows out, the driver may lose control of the truck, potentially resulting in catastrophic collisions. Regular tire inspections and maintenance are vital for safety.

3. Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are among the deadliest types of truck accidents, accounting for nearly 60% of all truck-related fatalities. The size and weight disparity between a big rig and a passenger vehicle can result in devastating consequences for those in smaller vehicles.

4. Rollovers

Rollover accidents can occur due to factors such as speeding, negligent driving, or improperly loaded cargo. Additionally, hazardous road conditions can exacerbate the likelihood of rollovers. Ensuring that loads are balanced and adhering to speed limits are crucial steps in preventing these incidents.

5. Lost Load

Proper loading procedures are crucial for the safety of big rigs. Regulations specify how cargo should be secured to prevent it from shifting during transit. A lost load can lead to severe accidents, not only for the truck but also for other vehicles on the road.

6. Underride Accidents

Underride accidents often occur in rear-end collisions when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a big rig. These incidents can be particularly deadly and are usually exacerbated by faulty or missing underride guards on trucks.

7. Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident occurs when the truck’s cab and trailer fold in on themselves at the point of separation, creating a “V” shape. This can happen due to sudden braking or other abrupt maneuvers.

Common Causes of Big Rig Accidents

Some of the most common reasons for big rig collisions include:

• Distracted driving: Truck drivers, like many others, use their cell phones and other electronic devices while driving commercial vehicles, despite it being banned at the federal level.
• Fatigued driving: due to its frequent cause of collisions, there are federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations that limit truck drivers to a maximum 11-hour shift and require a break of at least 30 minutes after 8 hours of driving.
• Inexperienced drivers: Nevada requires drivers of semi-trucks or big rigs to obtain a commercial Driver’s license(CDL); however, just because a driver has their CDL doesn’t mean they have the experience required to operate a large commercial truck.
• Driving under the influence: In some cases, the collisions are consequences of truckers driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Dangerous road conditions: any loss of traction can cause the truck’s weight to shift and the cab and trailer to slide. 
• Negligent maintenance of the truck: whether it’s hydraulic failure, brake failure, etc, the slightest malfunction can cause a car to lose control and sway back and forth. 
• Defective truck parts
• Violation of FMCSA hours-of-service rules
• Mechanical failures

Sometimes the trucking company may be a cause of the accident. This can happen when they hire drivers without a commercial driver’s license.

Establishing Responsibility in Big Rig Accidents

Determining liability in big rig accidents can be complex. Often, multiple parties may share responsibility for the incident, making it crucial to identify all involved. Here are some key parties that could be held liable:

1. Truck Driver

The most obvious party in a big rig accident is the truck driver. If the driver was negligent—whether through distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence—they may bear a significant portion of the blame.

2. Employer of the Driver

The trucking company that employs the driver may also be held accountable. Employers have a legal duty to ensure their drivers are qualified and adequately trained. If the company failed to conduct proper background checks or neglected to provide necessary training, they could be liable for the accident.

3. Owner of the Truck

When the trucking company does not own the vehicle but merely leases it, the actual owner may be held responsible. Suppose the owner entrusted the car to a driver without conducting a background check, or failed to maintain the truck properly. In that case, they may share liability in the event of an accident.

Most Common Injuries After Suffering a Collision with a Big Rig

Many injuries resulting from a collision, especially one involving a big rig, can be life-changing due to the size of these trucks. Some examples of these are:

• Broken bones
• Nerve injuries
• Back injuries
• Soft tissue damage
• Traumatic head injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Concussions
• Organ damage
• Burns
• Amputations 
• Paralysis
• Whiplash injuries

These types of injuries can result in great medical expense, lengthy healing time, long-term or permanent disability, and emotional distress. Any truck accident can cause catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of big rigs. Commercial trucks are allowed to weigh 80,000 pounds on interstate highways.

Essential Steps to Take After a Big Rig Accident

Experiencing a big rig accident can be overwhelming, but knowing how to respond can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim. Here are crucial tips to follow after such an incident.

1. Call 911

The first step is to contact emergency services. Dialing 911 ensures that police officers are dispatched to investigate the scene and that medical personnel can assist any injured individuals. Prompt police involvement can also create an official record of the accident, which is valuable for any future claims.

2. Seek Medical Attention

Regardless of how minor your injuries may seem, it’s essential to obtain medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and early documentation of your condition can be crucial for any legal proceedings later on. Even a visit to urgent care can serve as substantial evidence to support your decision to file a claim.

3. Get Contact Information

Make it a priority to gather contact details from the truck driver responsible for the accident and from any witnesses. This information can be invaluable when establishing liability or corroborating your version of events.

4. Gather EvidEvidence

Collecting evidence from the scene is vital. Take photographs of your injuries, the vehicle damage, and the overall accident scene. These images can support your claim and provide context for the events.

5. Obtain Legal Advice

Before making any statements to insurance companies or signing any documents, it’s wise to seek legal advice. An attorney experienced in handling big rig accidents can guide you through the complexities of your case and help you understand your rights.

Damages for Which You May Obtain Compensation

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a big rig accident, you are entitled to receive compensation for your economic and non-economic damages, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Lost past and future income 
• Physiotherapy
• Nursing care
• Reduced earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Loss of consortium