What are the Most Common Causes of Trucking Accidents?
There are many causes of truck accidents. Accidents involving large trucks can cause serious injuries or even death. It can be deadly when it becomes out of control due to its sheer size and weight.
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drunk Driver
- Aggressive driving
- Hours of service violations (fatigued driving)
- Severe weather
- Road construction
- Overloading Cargo
- Brake/vehicle failure
- Driving under the influence
- Poor lighting
Auto accidents can be very distressing, causing physical and emotional harm. If you’ve been hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you might be wondering if you can sue the other person’s insurance company. In most cases, you can.
When you file truck accident claims against the responsible party’s insurance, you’re seeking compensation for your injuries. This includes medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A Las Vegas car accident lawyer can help you navigate this process. They’ll know how to handle the legal complexities and build a strong case for you.
It’s common for insurance companies to offer low settlements, but you don’t have to accept. You can pursue fair compensation through a lawsuit with the help of an experienced personal injury law firm, ensuring you get the money you need for medical bills and other accident-related expenses.
Commercial truck accidents, often fatal, are frequently caused by driver negligence. Commercial truck drivers need special licenses, and federal and state laws regulate their operations. Investigations have revealed gaps in compliance with regulations and training requirements. As per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a large truck is defined as one with a gross vehicle weight rating surpassing 10,000 pounds. Meanwhile, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals a concerning trend: fatalities related to large trucks have risen by 13 percent in the past year.
Fatigue of Semi Truck Drivers and How It Contributes To Semi Truck Accidents
The FMCSA requires truck drivers to adhere to a set of regulations called Hours of Service (HOS). These regulations determine how long truck drivers can work during driving hours. These regulations also specify the length and number of rest periods.
Truck drivers do not uncommonly lie about the length of their time on the road. Truck drivers often have to drive as long as possible to meet a deadline to be accepted by trucking companies. Driver fatigue can be caused by sleep deprivation.
Fatigued drivers can cause serious injury to others on the road. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 10% to 20% of all truck-related fatalities yearly could be attributed to trucker fatigue.
The truck accident lawyers can assist you if you suspect driver fatigue could have contributed to your accident. For a free consultation, contact us today.
What is the Compensation Process for Truck Accidents?
Identifying Parties Responsible for Truck Accidents
Significant truck accidents are different from other types of vehicle accidents. Because they are so large, serious injuries can result. These accidents are more complex because you may be held liable by multiple people. The truck driver is not the only one who may be responsible. Experienced semi-truck accident lawyers are essential to help you navigate the world of liability, from large corporations to third-party brokers and manufacturers.
Identifying Parties Responsible for Truck Accidents
You and your lawyer will need to consider a wide range of people and parties when deciding who is responsible for the truck accident.
- Truck Driver – This is the obvious one, as your truck driver could have been most directly responsible for the trucking accident.
- Trucking Company – If the vehicle driver works for a trucking firm, they may be held responsible. They are responsible for tracking driver information, including background checks and scheduling rest periods.
- Third-party agents: Many commercial transport companies employ a third-party broker to help them connect with drivers and trucks to transport their cargo. If you are involved in a truck accident with a truck driven by a broker, your lawyer will need to investigate whether they were honest in hiring the vehicle and how much control they had over their driver’s schedule.
- Truck manufacturers: You could increase the liability of the truck manufacturer if the truck accident were caused either by a mechanical problem or another issue with the truck’s parts. A truck manufacturer could also be held responsible if an independent truck driver or employer fails to regularly inspect and repair the truck
Trucking accidents can be complex. You’ll need to determine if any parties involved can be held responsible. All truck drivers, as well as their employers and brokers, have their insurance policies. You could be owed compensation by more than one source. Our lawyers can help you get the best compensation for your truck accident injuries.
Truck Accident Caused by Illegal Hiring Practices
Federal and state governments have enacted various laws to prevent truck accidents. These laws cover how trucks are maintained and how drivers are hired. Trucking companies and brokers who try to cut corners or not do their homework can cause an accident.
Personal injury lawyers are experts who can help you determine if the trucking accident occurred due to negligence in hiring or maintaining trucks.
They’ll look for:
- Tire treads that are uneven or defective
- Broken brakes, broken axles, and many other things
- Incomplete maintenance logs
- Truck driver’s training and employment history at fault
- Truck driver with criminal record/background
How Temple Injury Law Can Help You After a Truck Accident
At Temple Injury Law, we are here to help you with any questions or concerns that may arise regarding your injury after a truck accident. Our experienced attorneys have years of experience in the legal field and can provide the best advice for your situation.
We understand how traumatic an injury can be and strive to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve. No matter what kind of truck crash you were involved in, our team is dedicated to helping you get justice and fair treatment under the law. If you’re looking for a reliable attorney who understands how serious injuries can affect people’s lives, schedule a consultation with us!
FAQs About Truck Accidents in Las Vegas
Do not give a recorded statement to the trucking company or insurance carrier. Also, do not sign any paperwork sent to you either by the trucking company or their insurance carrier. Contact an experienced attorney for a free consultation. An attorney will be able to review any paperwork they have sent you.
After a truck accident:
- Request the police report on your crash.
- Ask your insurance company for a valuation of property damage.
- Keep track of all your doctor’s visits and treatment received, and log any pain or symptoms. Keep a copy of any test results, prescriptions for medication, and other pertinent medical information.
- You should keep a detailed record of all out-of-pocket costs you incur.
- Record-breaking days of absence from work or other activities/events.
- It would be best if you never accepted an offer of settlement from an insurance company without consulting a truck collision lawyer.
In a semi truck accident case, the truck’s owner, trucking company, or owner may be liable. Other cases may also involve the responsibility of the truck’s loader or the responsible entity for the trailer’s contents. A lawyer is the best way to determine who is responsible for each case. We offer free consultations for potential clients.
In Nevada, the statute of limitations for a trucking accident is two years from the date of the accident. It is essential to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney immediately after an accident. It is easy to lose or destroy necessary evidence about vehicle safety standards and driver logs. It is better to get to work as soon as possible.
It isn’t easy to give an exact timeframe without knowing the details of your trucking accident. Every case is unique. Some cases can be settled in months, while others can take several years. No matter how long it takes to settle your claim, our truck accident lawyer will keep in touch with you throughout the process. We are here to answer any questions.