Las Vegas Truck Accidents

For the last several years, injuries caused by trucking crashes and accidents have increased by a significant amount. According to the latest data, more than 116,000 injury-causing crashes occur each year in the U.S.

Have you recently been involved in a truck accident? If so, you’re entitled to compensation to help you recover from your injuries and get back on your feet.

Read on to learn more about some essential factors regarding truck accidents in Las Vegas and throughout the country. Armed with this information, you’ll have an easier time getting the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Las Vegas

Because they’re so large and require a high level of skill to drive safely, trucks are more vulnerable to accidents that many other types of vehicles. There are a lot of issues that can lead to truck accidents, including the following:

• Brake issues (responsible for 29 percent of truck accidents)
• Driving at high speeds (responsible for 23 percent of truck accidents)
• Lack of familiarity with the roads (responsible for 22 percent of truck accidents)
• Road problems (responsible for 20 percent of truck accidents)
• Over-the-counter drugs (responsible for 17 percent of truck accidents)
• Insufficient surveillance (responsible for 14 percent of truck accidents)
• Fatigue (responsible for 13 percent of truck accidents)
• Illegal maneuvers (responsible for 9 percent of truck accidents)

In many cases, it is a combination of issues that lead to a truck accident. For example, the driver may be fatigued and there may be issues with the road like ice or damage. Because of this, the percentage points listed above add up to a number greater than 100.

Long-Term Effects of Truck Accidents

Any kind of vehicle accident can lead to serious, long-term injuries. The injuries caused by truck accidents tend to be particularly severe, though. The following are some of the most well-known long-term effects associated with truck accidents:

• Amputations
• Crushed limbs
• Damage to internal organs
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal fractures
• Damage to the spinal cord
• Severe burns

In many cases, these injuries have life-long consequences. An individual who has to have a limb amputated or who sustains damage to their spinal cord will have to make dramatic changes to their lifestyle to accommodate this injury. These injuries can also hold people back from performing their jobs or taking care of their day-to-day responsibilities.

Compensation for Truck Accidents

Because of the serious consequences associated with many truck accidents, you may be entitled to a significant payout if you are injured in one. The following are some of the factors taken into account by lawyers and insurance agents when calculating your payout:

• The extent of your injuries
• The cost of immediate treatment
• The cost of long-term treatment
• Wages lost due to time off work
• Wages lost due to changes in the type of work you’re able to perform
• Non-economic injuries (e.g., pain and suffering)

You are also entitled to compensation for the damage done to your vehicle in the accident.

Who’s Responsible for Truck Accidents?

When a truck accident occurs, usually, there is more than one party responsible. Often, the bulk of the blame goes to the truck driver. However, other parties may be held responsible as well.

For example, if a part of the truck was defective and malfunctioned, the truck’s manufacturer will be held liable and may be responsible for compensating those injured in or affected by the accident. 

In some cases, attorneys may find that other people who helped to move the truck along through the stream of commerce also played a role (an indirect role, but a role nonetheless) in the accident. This includes people like truck retailers, distributors, and wholesalers.

What to Do if You’re in a Truck Accident

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Here are some essential steps you must take to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries:

Seek Medical Care

The first step to take after being injured in a truck accident is to seek medical care. You may be rushed to the hospital right away after your accident, depending on the severity of your injuries. 

Even if you don’t think you’ve experienced any serious injuries, you should still see a doctor right away. This helps you to begin documenting your case and it helps you to verify the extent of your injuries to a lawyer or insurance company later.

Document Everything

Write down everything you can remember about the accident as soon as possible. You ought to take pictures as well. Take pictures of your injuries, the scene of the accident, and the damage done to your vehicle. That way, you can start gathering evidence right away.

Monitor Your Speech

Be careful about the way you discuss the accident. If you use language like “I’m fine” or “I’m okay,” even just in passing or on social media posts, that could be used against you later, especially if the truck driver’s insurance provider tries to prove that your injuries are not as severe as you’ve made them out to be.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

You should hire a lawyer who specializes in helping victims of truck accidents, too. 

They will advocate for you and communicate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair treatment. They’ll also handle negotiations to make sure you get a fair payout that covers the extent of your injuries. 

It’s best to hire a lawyer right away before you try to communicate or negotiate with any other legal professionals or insurance agents.

Hire a Las Vegas Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, it’s imperative that you hire a Las Vegas truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. 

Having a lawyer on your side will increase your chances of getting the kind of settlement you deserve. It’ll also help to speed up the process and ensure you’re taken seriously. 

Contact us today to learn more about our legal services or to schedule a consultation.