Truck Accident Lawyers
Anyone who has been in an accident knows what a scary experience that can be. When you are in a collision with a large truck, that damage is nearly unimaginable. Injuries resulting from an accident with an 18-wheeler are rarely mild, and managing a lawsuit can be overwhelming, even when you’re at your full strength and capacity. Mitchell Rogers Injury Law in Las Vegas, NV knows that this is one of your most vulnerable times and endeavors to treat you and your case with diligence and compassion.
Handling a lawsuit yourself without the help of a dedicated Arizona Car Accident Lawyer takes some of the pressure off your plate and gives you the time and emotional energy you need to recover. The road to recovery can be painful and arduous, but with a good truck accident lawyer on your team, you know you have someone to look out for your interests and fight for your rights to compensation for your injuries.
Las Vegas Truck Accidents
Truck accidents happen every day. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that nearly 6,000 people died from accidents with large trucks in the recent reporting year, and another 155,000 were left injured. Almost 75% of reported fatalities were occupants of vehicles other than the truck, and 71% of the injuries reported in truck accidents were occupants of the other vehicle. The same report shows that 59 trucks were involved in fatal car accidents in Nevada alone during the reporting period.
Regarding the truck drivers involved in accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report shows that truck drivers had a lower percentage of intoxication being involved in the accident than 3% of drivers. Truck drivers are likelier than car drivers to have had prior accidents in the previous five years but less likely to have had previous license suspensions or revocations. The data shows that while tractor-trailers are involved in relatively few accidents compared to cars, the damage is far more disastrous. This is for several reasons, but the most prominent is the expansive size difference.
A compilation of existing state truck size and weight laws reports that trucks in Arizona can weigh up to 80,000 pounds without a permit. However, the state may issue permits allowing the trucks to exceed that 80,000-lb weight limit. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) automotive trends report states that vehicles will generally be 4,000-6,000 lbs., less than the 18,000 lbs. most states allow per commercial truck axle. When these vehicles collide, even an impact that would otherwise be a minor fender bender can total a car and leave the occupants seriously injured or dead.
Complicating Factors of a Las Vegas Truck Accident
Big rig accidents can become particularly complicated, making it crucial to secure a big rig accident lawyer to help you with your case. Any type of litigation can become complicated, but truck accidents have some circumstances that are more likely than the average accident.
Cost
Sustaining an injury always complicates things, but in the case of a truck accident and the likelihood of sustaining significant injuries. When your injuries may be tens of thousands of dollars instead of a couple of thousand, the insurance companies become more aggressive with their negotiations. They may work harder to discredit you and your injuries or request a large amount of documentation as proof that your injuries are as bad as you say they are. The insurance company’s job is to protect their money and assets, and they do an excellent job. You deserve representation by a fierce big rig accident attorney who knows insurance companies’ tactics and will not be bullied or inconvenienced into less compensation than you deserve.
Multiple Parties
Most truckers are not directly responsible for their trucks. Many drive a truck that belongs to their company or the company they contract for. This means that while the driver is involved, the company that owns the truck may also become involved. Sometimes, the truck driver may be required to carry their own insurance on the truck, which likely means there are two companies with policies. This may become relevant if the reason for the accident is unclear or if your tractor-trailer accident attorney thinks the truck owner, mechanic, or cargo loader may hold responsibility in addition to, or instead of, the driver. The addition of third and sometimes fourth parties can quickly make things difficult, and you need the experience of a reputable tractor-trailer accident lawyer to help you.
Federal and State Regulations
The trucking industry is heavily regulated, in part to minimize accidents caused by exhaustion. However, it also means there are many more points to consider when discussing liability. For example, if the truck was not maintained in accordance with federal or state standards, the owner may be responsible, the same way the driver may be responsible for not abiding by the Hours of Service (HoS) guidelines.
Causes of Las Vegas Truck Accidents
The causes of truck accidents can be very similar to any other kind of vehicle accident, but many are unique to 18-wheelers. Las Vegas, Nevada, is a huge hub of activity, and vehicles of all types can be seen traveling the strip nearly any time of day or night. It is a recipe for disaster, particularly since the NHTSA report cited earlier states that most accidents happen off the freeway. Some of the reasons for those accidents may be:
- Distracted driving
- Inadequate training
- Failure to check the blind spot
- Inability to stop quickly
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Poorly maintained brakes
- Improperly secured cargo
- Driver exhaustion
- Negligent hiring by the company
- Company failure to enforce required breaks and HoS guidelines
- Left turns
- Inadequate space for wide turns
This is not an exhaustive list of the causes of accidents. There are plenty of reasons that may fall beyond the control of the driver or trucking company, such as negligently maintained roads or landscaping, which causes blind spots. If you are in a truck accident, you need the support of an 18-wheeler accident lawyer to help identify all of the possible causes and investigate the potential liable parties.
Injuries From Las Vegas Truck Accident
Semi-truck accident injuries are commonly severe, if not life-threatening. The force of impact, even at low speeds, can cause neck injuries like whiplash. Some of the other injuries you may have sustained from a semi-truck accident include:
- Concussion
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Disfigurement
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Burns
- Respiratory injury
Many of the injuries we think of after an accident are physical, and those are important to address, but emotional injury should not be disregarded. Emotional injuries that come from a traumatic and potentially life-threatening event like a semi-truck accident can disrupt your functioning as much as a broken bone or concussion. If you are experiencing symptoms of trauma such as nightmares, intrusive thoughts, increased depression or anxiety, or a change in sleeping and eating patterns, you may be experiencing symptoms of PTSD and should speak to your medical providers. It is helpful to send any medical updates to your attorney as you have them.
Why Do I Need a Trucking Accident Lawyer?
It can be argued that any time it is an option to have a lawyer, you should have one. A semi-truck accident attorney is no different. General caution aside, there are many clear benefits to retaining a truck accident lawyer immediately after your accident. The trucking company and insurance company likely have lawyers on their staff or available to consult during this ordeal. Having your own lawyer just levels the playing field. Additionally, an attorney can help with:
- Knowledge of truck accident law
- Negotiation skills
- Investigating your accident
- Handles communication with other parties
- Resources
- Taking the case to trial
- Valuing your injuries
All of these reasons are valid for having a truck accident attorney, but additionally, when you retain an attorney, you have someone to guide you through the legal process. They can help set your expectations for the case and keep you updated on progress so you do not have to. Some people may feel that securing an attorney after a car accident is an extreme decision, but, in reality, it is just smart.
Supporting Your Case
Beyond focusing on your own recovery and keeping all necessary follow-up appointments, there are several things you can do from the moment the accident happens to begin preserving and gathering evidence your attorney may use in your favor. These may include:
- Call to consult with an attorney immediately so they can file motions to preserve data from the truck
- Seek medical attention
- Collect witness information
- Take photos of the scene
- Take photos of your injuries from the accident as they heal
Our lawyer may take the lead in navigating your lawsuit, but your engagement is crucial to its success. One of the ways you can support your attorney’s efforts is to behave in a way that minimizes liability. To do this, your lawyer may advise that you minimize time on social media and avoid talking too freely about your case. The more information you put into the world, the more information the opposing parties have available to use against you.
Damages in a Truck Accident Case
When our trucking accident lawyer talks to you about damages in your case, we refer to the overall cost of your injuries. There are a few types of damages commonly claimed in court, but you will most frequently hear the terms economic or non-economic damages. These labels refer to the types of costs you are claiming. Economic damages are easily evaluated by considering the actual money spent on things, while non-economic damages are based on less explicit costs. Economic damages may be supported by providing invoices and receipts, while non-economic damages may be established by witness testimony. Some of the damages that your trucking accident lawyer may suggest you claim are:
- Medical costs, current and future
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Loss of consortium
Wrongful Death
You may be entitled to compensation if you have lost a family member in a truck accident. If you are unsure of your eligibility to file a lawsuit, you may benefit from speaking with a wrongful death lawyer. No amount of money can bring back your loved one or replace the hole their loss leaves. Still, our hope at Mitchell Rogers Injury is that recovering compensation can help with medical bills or funeral costs for the decedent at a minimum. In some cases, you may be able to use the money to supplement your loved one’s income and float household expenses while you grieve or determine what comes next in life.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded by the jury in cases that go to trial. They are assigned when the jury determines the accident was caused by particularly abhorrent behavior. While the other damages discussed are meant to compensate, these are meant to punish. In, it is stated that an example of this behavior would be if the guilty driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Call Our Las Vegas Truck Accident Lawyers Today
The aftermath of a truck accident can be life-altering. You may be adjusting to daily tasks while managing physical pain and emotional distress. If your injuries were caused by the negligent actions of a truck driver, company, or anyone else, you may be entitled to compensation. Do not try to navigate negotiations with the insurance company alone. Reach out to Mitchell Rogers Injury Law, and let us take the legal work off your plate while you focus on healing.
Our trucking accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so there is no added stress of legal fees. We will not accept payment from you until we have recovered compensation. You should not have to pay for the negligence of others, and when you work with us, we will fight so you do not have to. Our client reviews speak for themselves. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss the options we may have available for you.