When a semi-truck collides with a passenger car, the consequences can be catastrophic, often resulting in death and devastating injuries. Nevada State Police and Nevada Highway Patrol respond swiftly to these scenes, but the aftermath could leave families grappling with medical bills, funeral expenses, and emotional trauma.
In Las Vegas, fatal semi-truck accidents on the highway have become a tragic reality. Temple Injury Law, your trusted truck accident lawyer, stands ready to assist those affected by these devastating incidents. Our legal team holds negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable for their actions.
Whether the crash occurred at a mile marker on the highway or in the busy streets of Las Vegas, we are dedicated to pursuing justice for the deceased victims and their grieving families. If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal crash involving a semi-truck, you may be entitled to financial compensation and explore your options for a wrongful death claim.
What Happens After a Fatal Crash Involving Semi Trucks
After a fatal crash involving semi-trucks, the first responders rush to the scene. They assess the situation and provide immediate medical assistance to the injured. Law enforcement officers secure the area, redirect traffic, and begin their investigation.
The wreckage is carefully examined to determine the cause of the accident. This involves:
- Gathering evidence
- Taking photographs
- Interviewing witnesses
The investigation may take several hours or even days to complete.
Meanwhile, the families of the victims are notified of the accident. Law enforcement officers, hospital staff, or other authorities may inform them.
Once the investigation is concluded, the wreckage is cleared from the road. This process involves towing away the damaged vehicles and cleaning up any debris.
The investigation findings are then used to determine liability for the accident. This information may be used in civil lawsuits or criminal charges against the responsible parties.
Overall, a fatal crash involving semi-trucks is a tragic event that requires a swift and thorough response from emergency personnel and law enforcement officers.
Devastating Reality of Fatal Accidents on Las Vegas Highways
The high rate of deadly crashes on the highways in and around Las Vegas is a source of concern. According to NHTSA statistics, there were 5,788 fatalities and about 154,993 injuries from accidents involving large trucks in 2021. These accidents involved around 523,796 large trucks across the country. Fatalities increased by 17% from 2020, with 72% of those killed being occupants of other vehicles, 17% were occupants of large trucks, and 11% were nonoccupants.
Comparing one year to the following year, there was a 23% increase in large-truck occupants killed, a 19% increase in occupants of other vehicles killed, and a 1% increase in nonoccupants killed. Injuries also increased by 9%, with 71% of those injured being occupants of different cars, 27% were occupants of large trucks, and 2% were nonoccupants.
Over a two-year span, there was a 16% increase in nonoccupants injured, a 13% increase in occupants of other vehicles wounded, and a 1% increase in large truck occupants injured.
The rise in deadly crashes involving large trucks in and around Las Vegas is alarming, with a notable increase in fatalities and injuries from 2020 to 2021, highlighting the urgent need for improved road safety measures and prevention strategies.
Establishing Fault in Deadly Semi-Truck Collisions
Assessing blame in fatal semi-truck mishaps is a detailed undertaking. The process necessitates scrutinizing the adherence to regulations set by drivers and their respective trucking firms by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Nevada’s rule on comparative negligence adds complexity, potentially dividing blame among several involved parties in such deadly incidents. Several variables play into judging a driver’s responsibility for lethal collisions.
- Lack of attention while driving
- Insufficient training measures
- Careless or negligent maneuvers
- Additional concerns related specifically to the driver like lack of experience, high turnover rates within companies, historical infractions, and physical exhaustion
All these factors markedly escalate the probability of catastrophic outcomes involving semi-trucks.
Thorough inquiries are paramount in determining liability after an accident. These examinations typically encompass discussions with eyewitnesses, meticulous evaluation of driver credentials and histories, and analyses gathered from technology onboard vehicles, such as black box recording devices.
Collecting concrete evidence stands at the heart of fault determination processes post-collision. This critical step involves close inspection of wrecked vehicles, reviewing medical documents for injuries, examining logbooks maintained by drivers and associated employment records, and considering expert witness testimony relevant to the incident.
Compensation for Families Affected by a Fatal Semi Truck Accident
For relatives of those tragically killed in semi-truck collisions, obtaining financial compensation can provide not only monetary ease but also a sense of closure. If negligence contributed to their family member’s death in a Nevada-based fatal semi truck accident, they have the right to pursue claims for wrongful death compensation. This financial assistance might address costs incurred by medical care before passing away, funeral arrangements, and psychological distress.
Financial compensation from semi-truck accidents can help with different kinds of losses, such as:
- Health-related expenses
- Damage to property
- Unearned income due to absence from work
- Compensation for physical pain and emotional anguish
As recommended by insurance institutes, these types of economic support assist grieving families during difficult periods following the loss inflicted by deadly accidents with commercial trucks.
Families of victims who died in tragic accidents have two years from the date of the death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Acting quickly helps gather evidence for the case.
Even when fault partially lies with the deceased victims themselves, they can still access entitlements under Nevada’s modified comparative negligence law. This law requires showing that someone else was more to blame.
Holding the Responsible Party Accountable
Enduring the consequences of a deadly semi-truck mishap can be an overwhelming experience. The difficulty increases when faced with different factors, such as determining who’s at fault and understanding the relevant legal laws. In these instances, professional legal counsel is essential.
Responsibility for fatal semi-truck collisions may involve more than just the driver at fault. Accountability could also lie with entities like the trucking company, those who loaded its cargo, maintenance personnel, or even the vehicle maker.
Hiring a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer can provide essential help for families seeking to file a wrongful death claim against responsible parties. Their experience significantly improves the chances of achieving positive legal results.
Tragic accidents involving commercial vehicle operators causing loss of life in Las Vegas often require truck accident litigation to address claims of negligence.
Why Insurance is Required for Semi Trucks
In addition, recognizing the potential for severe consequences in accidents involving semi-trucks, laws require semi-truck operators to carry higher liability insurance than other vehicles on the road. Here’s a detailed look at why this insurance is essential:
Higher Liability Risks
Because of their massive size and weight, semi-trucks can cause substantial damage in accidents. Compared to regular vehicles, the impact of a semi-truck collision can lead to more severe injuries and greater property damage. Therefore, the laws require that semi-truck operators carry higher liability insurance coverage to ensure sufficient funds are available to cover damages caused by such vehicles.
Protection Against Financial Losses
The insurance helps protect trucking companies and independent operators from financial ruin after an accident. Since the costs associated with semi-truck accidents can be significant—ranging from medical bills for injured parties to compensation for property damage and legal fees—having enough insurance is essential for maintaining the operator’s financial stability.
Compliance with Legal Requirements
In Nevada, as in most states, operating a semi-truck requires adherence to specific regulatory standards, which include maintaining proper insurance. This is not just a local mandate but also a federal requirement, as interstate trucking falls under the jurisdiction of several federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These agencies have established minimum liability coverage requirements based on the type and use of the vehicle.
Economic Protection for Victims
In accidents involving semi-trucks and smaller vehicles, the occupants of the smaller vehicles are at a higher risk of suffering more significant injuries. High-limit insurance policies ensure adequate funds are available to cover these victims’ medical treatments and other associated costs, providing a critical safety net.
What Makes Semi-Truck Accidents More Dangerous?
Accidents involving semi trucks can be particularly hazardous due to their size and weight, which often exceeds 80,000 pounds when they are fully loaded. This substantial mass intensifies the impact of collisions and leads to more serious injuries and damage.
Furthermore, semi-trucks possess design features that heighten the risk of accidents, notably their substantial blind spots that obstruct driver visibility. This risk worsens because semi-trucks often carry dangerous materials, increasing the risk of fires or explosions if a crash occurs.
Other factors that contribute to these incidents include:
Distraction is also a critical issue impacting drivers across all vehicle classes, including those who operate semi-trucks. It significantly contributes to accident rates. Due to their large dimensions, semis need increased following distances—a failure by drivers to adhere to adequate spacing between vehicles commonly results in rear-end collisions.
Seek Justice for Semi-Truck Accident Claims in Las Vegas
Fatal semi-truck accidents in Las Vegas, NV, demand urgent attention and action. Temple Injury Law, a trusted truck accident attorney in Las Vegas, stands ready to assist those affected by such tragedies. Victims and their families can access legal support and guidance related to these cases.
Our firm is committed to seeking justice and compensation for those suffering from these devastating accidents. Schedule a consultation with us to explore your options and help you recover.