Many questions arise following commercial truck accidents in Nevada and the answers can determine the course of a claim. When large vehicle crashes occur, a truck accident lawyer can help find reliable answers. Some of the most common questions that come up following a collision include the following.
Are Commercial Motor Vehicles More Hazardous Than Other Forms of Transportation?
Large trucks are considerably heavier than passenger vehicles. On average, a commercial truck weighs 16 times more than a passenger vehicle. Some can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs. As a result, these vehicles require more time to stop and they have more inertia driving them forward. In a collision, their weight and speed can cause significant damage to passenger vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles.
Moreover, because of their size and weight, commercial motor vehicles are prone to jackknifing and rolling over. These risks increase depending on factors like:
- The speed of travel
- The condition of the vehicle
- Road conditions
What Should Drivers Do Following a Large Truck Accident?
The first thing drivers and their passengers should do is to determine the health and physical condition of everyone in the vehicle. If individuals are injured, then prompt medical attention should be secured. It is also important to contact the police immediately and to write down any information regarding the events of the accident. This can include recording video and photographing the scene of the accident and any injuries suffered in the collision. Individuals should make copies of any video, photographs, or other documents immediately and store these in a safe and secure location.
If physically able, drivers and their passengers should make sure to collect the contact information of the truck driver and any eyewitnesses to the collision. This information should include their full name, address, phone number, email, etc. Drivers should also get the name of the driver’s insurance company, the policy number, and the contact information for the trucker’s employer.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Truck Crash Injury Lawsuits in Nevada?
Drivers in Nevada must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident. Drivers who sue for personal injuries or wrongful deaths after this date will likely have their cases dismissed by the court. Filing a personal injury lawsuit as soon as possible can help victims avoid losing their right to recover compensation.
What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered Following a Large Vehicle Accident?
Victims can pursue a wide range of damages following a large truck accident in Nevada. This includes compensation for medical bills, estimated future medical expenses, surgical procedures, medications, physical therapy, and any treatments required to return the individual to their pre-accident health. Individuals can also pursue compensation for lost income, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and any pain and suffering they have experienced as a result of the motor vehicle accident.
Can Individuals Pursue Claims Against the Driver’s Trucking Company (or Others?)
It may be possible to pursue claims against a truck driver’s employer. It depends on their employment status. If the driver is an employee of the company, the doctrine of respondeat superior may be applied. Under this doctrine, the employer is liable for the truck driver’s negligence. However, many drivers are considered independent contractors. If the trucking company does not exercise a significant level of supervision of the driver, the trucking company is not responsible for the driver’s actions.
There are many factors that might contribute to causing a large vehicle accident. Poor maintenance, poor design, and improper loading are just a few common factors that often cause large truck accidents in Nevada. In some circumstances, it is possible to pursue claims against mechanics and shops that performed substandard repairs and service, or even vehicle manufacturers whose design or manufacturing processes contributed to a component or vehicle failure. It may also be possible to pursue claims against individuals who overloaded the trailer or improperly secured a load that shifted, causing the vehicle to veer out of control and cause the accident.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Large Truck Accidents?
Large trucks are involved in more than half of all accidents on American roads. Most of these are caused by driver errors or negligent actions. Common causes of large vehicle accidents in the United States include driving too fast for conditions, drowsy driving, and distracted driving. Speeding, defective components, poor maintenance, and poor training are also common contributing causes. Often, there are multiple causes that contribute to a truck accident, and it is important for law enforcement, insurance providers, and the individual’s truck accident attorney to investigate the impact of each factor when determining how to proceed with an injury claim or lawsuit.