Large trucks — they are on our roadways every day. We cannot avoid them and frankly, we need them. We depend on trucks to deliver goods to our retail outlets, medical supplies to our hospitals, and prescription medication to our pharmacies. They also deliver fuel which is necessary to keep our homes supplied with gas for cooking and to ensure we can get into our vehicles and travel to work.
The challenge is this also means there are more trucks on our roadways, particularly in Las Vegas which has a 24 hour a day need for necessities. Unfortunately, too often, we learn tractor-truck accidents have claimed a life or caused serious injury. Pedestrians, motorcyclists, and motorists are all at risk when a truck driver is not operating safely.
When you lose a loved one in a truck accident, Gina Corena & Associates is here to help. If you have suffered an injury, we can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us today for a free consultation.
A report by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) following an investigation to determine the most common causes of semi-truck accidents provides some sobering statistics about distracted truck drivers.
Nearly 30% of all truck accidents — that means almost a third of them — are a result of inattentive drivers. Stopping a truck is not easy. If a truck driver looks at their GPS, is reviewing a text message, or changing their radio station, an accident because of the distraction can occur.
Each of us had to pass a road test and a written test in order to obtain our driver’s license. Truck drivers require hours of training to qualify for a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Unfortunately, not every company that employs drivers cares about what happens if a truck driver has not completed their training hours. They hire a driver to fill a truck driver shortage and they may ignore Nevada CDL license requirements.
A trucking company ignoring training requirements, or otherwise putting an unqualified truck driver on Nevada roadways increases the risk for everyone they share the road with. The FMCSA report referred to previously shows nine percent of truck accidents occur because of a driver’s performance. When placed in a position where they need to make a quick decision, a truck driver may overcompensate, make a poor decision, or simply panic. This type of risky behavior can cause an accident in the blink of an eye.
Trucking regulations occur on both the state and federal level. They are put in place to ensure everyone on the road, truck drivers, operators of motor vehicles, as well as pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcycle operators remain safe. Regulations are disregarded by both truck drivers and their employers.
Rest times are important. We all know what happens when we fail to get enough sleep. Our decision making is slower, we have trouble focusing, and in some cases, we are drowsy. Any one of these factors are dangerous when you are behind the wheel of a vehicle. They are especially dangerous if you are sharing the road with a big rig operator suffering driver fatigue.
A commercial truck is large and when they are involved in what might otherwise be a major auto accident, the victims can, and do, suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries. Driver fatigue is a problem and after careful analysis, the FMCSA developed hours of service regulations. These regulations dictate how much rest a driver must have in order to continue operating safely.
Remember, a tractor-trailer needs more time to stop than passenger cars. In fact, they have very long stopping distances. A loaded tractor trailer may require a distance equivalent to two football fields in order to stop completely. That is a lot of room, and a semi-truck driver who is drowsy is unlikely to be able to distinguish when they should begin applying their brakes to avoid an accident.
As a victim, you have the right to compensation for your expenses associated with the accident which caused your injury. Some of the potential sources of compensation include:
Nevada has “modified comparative negligence” when it comes to personal injury cases. This means that a victim may still be able to recover some damages even if that person is partially to blame for the accident. As long as you are less than 51 percent to blame for the accident, you can recover some of your losses.
If you are found to be partly to blame, your damages are reduced by the percent that you are at fault. For example, if you’re 30 percent to blame, you would recover 70 percent of your damages. If your total damages are $100,000, you recover $70,000. When multiple parties are involved, (for example, two passenger vehicles and a motorcycle) assigning percentages of blame can be complicated. One person’s recovery may be offset by damages that person owes to others involved in the accident.
A jury decides fault in a Nevada personal injury case. They hear evidence from both sides and determine each person’s fault as a percentage. A judge will give the jury instructions about comparative negligence before they deliberate. The jury can decide that someone is entirely at fault. In most cases, a jury’s decision is final.
Insurance companies will often use the same formula to determine what they offer as a settlement. “Comparative negligence” is almost always a judgment call that is subject to your ability to negotiate with insurers or persuade a jury. A skilled attorney with knowledge of past awards and how fault is determined under Nevada law will be invaluable in this process.
When a car accident occurs, in most cases, both passengers and drivers of the vehicles suffer an injury. While the injuries may vary significantly, this is a common occurrence. This is not always the case when there is a truck involved in a roadway accident. In fact, commercial truck drivers often are uninjured. There are a few reasons for this:
Injuries sustained in car accidents and heavy truck accidents can vary significantly due to the size and weight difference between these vehicles. Here are some differences:
In contrast, car accidents, while they can still result in serious injuries, are generally less severe due to the smaller size and weight of the vehicles involved. Common injuries from car accidents include whiplash, fractures, cuts and bruises, and soft tissue injuries. However, it’s important to note that the specific circumstances of each accident can greatly influence the types and severity of injuries incurred.
An experienced legal team including those who have strong litigation experience can be helpful if you suffer an injury or lose a loved one in a Nevada truck accident. After seeking medical care, you should always contact a personal injury lawyer to find out what rights you have and how you should proceed.
Yes. A truck accident injury lawsuit is more complex than an auto accident lawsuit. One of the primary reasons for the complications is who may be responsible for the accident. Remember, in most cases involving a car accident there are two drivers — one will be at fault for the accident.
In the case of a truck crash there may be other people or entities who bear partial responsibility for an accident. Each of them may be working with a different insurance company which will be the first issue which must be dealt with. Some of the possible parties who may be held liable include:
Remember that each of these parties may have a different insurance company. When you have filed an accident injury claim, you need to make sure each of the responsible parties is held accountable for your financial losses. This is why it is always a good idea to make sure you hire a law firm with experience handling the complexities of truck accident claims.
It is impossible to stress how important it is to seek immediate medical care following an accident with a truck. Too often, victims of a big rig accident are so shocked at the accident scene they think they have suffered only a few bumps and bruises. The fact is this is probably unlikely. A jolt of adrenaline rushes through our bodies when we are frightened. Let’s face it, there are few things more terrifying than looking in your mirror and realizing you are about to be struck by a roadway behemoth.
No two accidents are the same. However, when you suffer an injury in a truck accident, you could require weeks or months to recover. Some of the injuries can include:
When someone loses their life in a truck accident, there is no way to ease a family’s pain. A wrongful death lawsuit can compensate them for their monetary losses but will never make up for the tragedy they have suffered.
If you suffered an injury in a semi-truck collision you may need weeks or months to recover from your injuries. When you combine the loss of income from being out of work with the financial drain of higher medical bills, the potential of needing to pay for in-home care while you recover, and other expenses, someone should be held accountable. You should not have to bear these costs when the truck accident was not your fault.
One of the primary challenges victims of an accident face when they file an insurance claim is dealing with the insurance company. This is particularly true when cases are complicated like truck accident injury claims. Remember, in some big rig cases, there may be a need to work with more than one insurance company. This will create a whole range of issues.
Insurance company adjusters may contact you or a family member shortly after an accident. Use caution when speaking with any insurance adjuster because they are not there to protect your interests. If you receive a call from an insurance adjuster after you have hired a truck accident lawyer, then the best thing to do is provide them your attorney’s telephone number and let them speak with them. If you have not hired a lawyer, do so immediately.
Remember there will be at least two types of claims which will be filed, one for personal injury and one for property damage. This means at a minimum there will be two insurance adjusters working on your claim. Neither of them is there to protect your interests. They are there to protect the insurance company and the best way for that to happen is to minimize the settlement amount you are offered.
When there are multiple liable parties involved in a claim, the insurance companies will do their best to minimize their portion of the liability. This may be done in various ways including denying your claim outright. You do not want to let the insurance company take advantage of you so there are some things you should avoid:
Since an insurance carrier is protecting their own interests, they will do a lot of things to minimize the amount of money they offer a truck accident victim. One thing many victims are unaware of is what happens following a settlement offer. Hidden in the fine print of the document which contains the offer there is usually a disclaimer which states that once the offer has been accepted, the insurance company has no future liability for the victim’s losses. Do not get tricked into accepting a fast settlement, these offers are usually well below the compensation amount you might otherwise be entitled to collect.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS) states that large trucks only make up approximately five percent of all registered vehicles. This is small comfort to victims of a truck accident. After a truck collision, you need someone on your side who will advocate on your behalf and work tirelessly to ensure you are properly compensated for your injuries.
Family members who are filing a wrongful death claim should have a basic understanding of Nev. Rev. Stat. § 41.085 (2021) so they understand the limitations of these claims as well as their rights. Your personal injury lawyer can explain this portion of Nevada law to you so know what to expect.
Wrongful death claims will be handled in the same manner as a standard personal injury claim when the settlement demand is being put together. All expenses associated with medical care of the victim prior to their death can be included.
Family members can include compensation for the wages their loved one would have earned through their lifetime had they not died in a tractor trailer accident. Other damages including loss of companionship can also be included. Unexpected expenses would also include funeral and burial expenses.
It is worth bearing in mind the same theory applies to wrongful death claims — specifically that you must be able to prove liability for the truck accident — as apply to other standard personal injury suits. In some cases, either a standard personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death claim can include punitive damages which are designed to punish the party who is responsible for your injuries or a family’s loss.
In the aftermath of a truck accident, it’s essential to follow a series of steps to ensure personal safety and protect legal rights. First and foremost, seeking medical attention is paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, some symptoms may not appear immediately, and a medical professional can provide a thorough examination. Next, filing a police report is crucial. This official record can serve as valuable evidence when pursuing a legal claim. It’s also important to collect as much information as possible at the scene. This includes the truck driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details, as well as information from any witnesses. If possible, taking photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries, can provide additional evidence. Finally, contacting a truck accident lawyer can be a significant step. An experienced attorney can provide guidance through the complex legal process, help determine liability, and fight for the compensation deserved. Each of these steps plays a vital role in the aftermath of a truck accident, helping to ensure the best possible outcome for the victim.
Once you have contacted a truck accident lawyer in Nevada, they will assist you in preparing an insurance claim. In some cases, you will have to wait until you are well on the road to recovery to ensure your claim is complete. You will have two years from the date of the accident to meet the requirements of Nevada’s statutes of limitations. Keep in mind, these claims are complicated though so speaking to an attorney as soon after your accident as possible is imperative
Understanding the aftermath of a truck accident in Las Vegas can feel overwhelming. With the potential for life-altering injuries and the intricate nature of truck accident lawsuits, it’s clear that professional legal guidance is not just a luxury, but a necessity. The stark statistics highlight the urgency of the issue, and the causes of these accidents are as varied as they are preventable.
When it comes to the value of a truck accident case, factors like the severity of injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages come into play. Compensation can address a wide spectrum of needs – from medical costs and lost income to pain and suffering, disability, emotional distress, and even wrongful death. An adept truck accident attorney can be a game-changer, offering crucial support in investigating the accident, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and steering you through the legal maze.
Gina Corena & Associates are here to help. Reach out today for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice you deserve.
Large trucks — they are on our roadways every day. We cannot avoid them and frankly, we need them. We depend on trucks to deliver goods to our retail outlets, medical supplies to our hospitals, and prescription medication to our pharmacies. They also deliver fuel which is necessary to keep our homes supplied with gas for cooking and to ensure we can get into our vehicles and travel to work.
The challenge is this also means there are more trucks on our roadways, particularly in Las Vegas which has a 24 hour a day need for necessities. Unfortunately, too often, we learn tractor-truck accidents have claimed a life or caused serious injury. Pedestrians, motorcyclists, and motorists are all at risk when a truck driver is not operating safely.
When you lose a loved one in a truck accident, Gina Corena & Associates is here to help. If you have suffered a debilitating injury, we can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Any roadway accident can happen in the blink of an eye. We all assume when we are on the road that those who we are sharing the road with are paying attention to what they are doing, and what others are doing. This is not always the case.
A report which drawn up by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) following an investigation to determine the most common causes of semi-truck accidents provides some sobering statistics about distracted truck drivers.
Nearly 30% of all truck accidents — that means almost a third of them — are a result of inattentive drivers. Stopping a truck is not easy. If a truck driver looks at their GPS, is reviewing a text message, or changing their radio station, an accident because of the distraction can occur.
Truck accident victims should never have to bear the financial cost of a distracted truck driver in Nevada. You can fight back by seeking help from a highly qualified truck accident attorney. You have rights following a truck accident. Make sure you know those rights by contacting an accident lawyer who has experience handling truck accident cases.
Each of us had to pass a road test and a written test in order to obtain our driver’s license. Truck drivers require hours of training to qualify for a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Unfortunately, not every company that employs drivers care about what happens if a truck driver has not completed their training hours. They hire a driver to fill a truck driver shortage and they may ignore Nevada CDL license requirements.
A trucking company ignoring training requirements, or otherwise putting an unqualified truck driver on Nevada roadways increases the risk for everyone they share the road with. The FMCSA report referred to previously shows nine percent of truck accidents occur because of a driver’s performance. When placed in a position where they need to make a quick decision, a truck driver may overcompensate, make a poor decision, or simply panic. This type of risky behavior can cause an accident in the blink of an eye.
An attorney who has experience handling truck accident injury claims will hold those responsible for your truck accident injuries accountable. When an unqualified truck driver causes an accident and as a result you are living with catastrophic injuries, the employer of the trucker can be held liable for your financial losses.
Trucking regulations occur on both the state and federal level. They are put in place to ensure everyone on the road, truck drivers, operators of motor vehicles, as well as pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcycle operators remain safe. Regulations are disregarded by both truck drivers and their employers.
Rest times are important. We all know what happens when we fail to get enough sleep. Our decision making is slower, we have trouble focusing, and in some cases, we are drowsy. Any one of these factors are dangerous when you are behind the wheel of a vehicle. They are especially dangerous if you are sharing the road with a big rig operator suffering driver fatigue.
A commercial truck is large and when they are involved in what might otherwise be a major auto accident, the victims can, and do, suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries. Driver fatigue is a problem and after careful analysis, the FMCSA developed hours of service regulations. These regulations dictate how much rest a driver must have in order to continue operating safely.
Remember, a tractor-trailer needs more time to stop than passenger cars. In fact, they have very long stopping distances. A loaded tractor trailer may require a distance equivalent to two football fields in order to stop completely. That is a lot of room, and a semi-truck driver who is drowsy is unlikely to be able to distinguish when they should begin applying their brakes to avoid an accident.
When you have been involved in a car accident, the aftermath at the scene of the accident is often chaotic. You may not be aware the truck operator was violating required rest times, but you can feel confident that when an accident is being investigated the driver’s logbook will be reviewed for this violation. Your personal injury lawyer can explain how a logbook can help them identify violations of rest times.
The driver of a truck is not much different than the driver of a car. Many of the same issues which cause auto accidents also result in truck accidents. Unfortunately, due to the sheer size of a truck, the accidents are more likely to be serious. Sadly, all too many times they are fatal. Some of the potential causes of accidents which must be investigated include:
There are a number of issues which can lead to a serious truck accident. When a fatal accident occurs and you lose a loved one, their sudden death means your family is suffering an incalculable loss. While money cannot make up for that loss, filing a wrongful death lawsuit can help ensure your family does not suffer financially because of the loss of a loved one.
When a car accident occurs, in most cases, both passengers and drivers of the vehicles suffer an injury. While the injuries may vary significantly, this is a common occurrence. This is not always the case when there is a truck involved in a roadway accident. In fact, commercial truck drivers often are uninjured. There are a few reasons for this:
A law firm an experienced legal team including those who have strong litigation experience can be helpful if you suffer an injury or lose a loved one in a Nevada truck accident. After seeking medical care, you should always contact a personal injury lawyer to find out what rights you have and how you should proceed.
Yes. A truck accident injury lawsuit is more complex than an auto accident lawsuit. One of the primary reasons for the complications is who may be responsible for the accident. Remember, in most cases involving a car accident there are two drivers — one will be at fault for the accident.
In the case of a truck crash there may be other people or entities who bear partial responsibility for an accident. Each of them may be working with a different insurance company which will be the first issue which must be dealt with. Some of the possible parties who may be held liable include:
Remember that each of these parties may have a different insurance company. When you have filed an accident injury claim, you need to make sure each of the responsible parties is held accountable for your financial losses. This is why it is always a good idea to make sure you hire a law firm with experience handling the complexities of truck accident claims.
When a truck accident investigation gets underway, there will be many questions to be answered. The answers to these questions will help determine who is liable for the loss of life, or injuries which occurred as a result of the accident. The questions can be broken out into categories.
While some of the answers to these questions may be evident at the accident scene, not all of them will be. This is why a thorough investigation of the cause of a truck accident is important to establishing liability. Experienced truck accident lawyers know what questions are the most important.
It is impossible to stress how important it is to seek immediate medical care following an accident with a truck. Too often, victims of a big rig accident are so shocked at the accident scene they think they have suffered only a few bumps and bruises. The fact is this is probably unlikely. A jolt of adrenaline rushes through our bodies when we are frightened. Let’s face it, there are few things more terrifying than looking in your mirror and realizing you are about to be struck by a roadway behemoth.
No two accidents are the same. However, when you suffer an injury in a truck accident, you could require weeks or months to recover. Some of the injuries can include:
When someone loses their life in a truck accident, there is no way to ease a family’s pain. A wrongful death lawsuit can compensate them for their monetary losses but will never make up for the tragedy they have suffered.
If you suffered an injury in a semi-truck collision you may need weeks or months to recover from your injuries. When you combine the loss of income from being out of work with the financial drain of higher medical bills, the potential of needing to pay for in-home care while you recover, and other expenses, someone should be held accountable. You should not have to bear these costs when the truck accident was not your fault.
Once you have contacted a truck accident lawyer in Nevada, they will assist you in preparing an insurance claim. In some cases, you will have to wait until you are well on the road to recovery to ensure your claim is complete. You will have two years from the date of the accident to meet the requirements of Nevada’s statutes of limitations. Keep in mind, these claims are complicated though so speaking to an attorney as soon after your accident as possible is imperative.
As a victim, you have the right to compensation for your expenses associated with the accident which caused your injury. Some of the potential sources of compensation include:
When you meet with a truck accident lawyer, you will be able to get a better idea of what can be included in an accident claim. Remember, there is only one opportunity to get the claim correct which is why it is always a good idea to have your attorney prepare the demand for settlement to submit to the insurance company.
Family members who are filing a wrongful death claim should have a basic understanding of Nev. Rev. Stat. § 41.085 (2021) so they understand the limitations of these claims as well as their rights. Your personal injury lawyer can explain this portion of Nevada law to you so know what to expect.
Wrongful death claims will be handled in the same manner as a standard personal injury claim when the settlement demand is being put together. All expenses associated with medical care of the victim prior to their death can be included.
Family members can include compensation for the wages their loved one would have earned through their lifetime had they not died in a tractor trailer accident. Other damages including loss of companionship can also be included. Unexpected expenses would also include funeral and burial expenses.
It is worth bearing in mind the same theory applies to wrongful death claims — specifically that you must be able to prove liability for the truck accident — as apply to other standard personal injury suits. In some cases, either a standard personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death claim can include punitive damages which are designed to punish the party who is responsible for your injuries or a family’s loss.
One of the primary challenges victims of an accident face when they file an insurance claim is dealing with the insurance company. This is particularly true when cases are complicated like truck accident injury claims. Remember, in some big rig cases, there may be a need to work with more than one insurance company. This will create a whole range of issues.
Insurance company adjusters may contact you or a family member shortly after an accident. Use caution when speaking with any insurance adjuster because they are not there to protect your interests. If you receive a call from an insurance adjuster after you have hired a truck accident lawyer, then the best thing to do is provide them your attorney’s telephone number and let them speak with them. If you have not hired a lawyer, do so immediately.
Remember there will be at least two types of claims which will be filed, one for personal injury and one for property damage. This means at a minimum there will be two insurance adjusters working on your claim. Neither of them is there to protect your interests. They are there to protect the insurance company and the best way for that to happen is to minimize the settlement amount you are offered.
When there are multiple liable parties involved in a claim, the insurance companies will do their best to minimize their portion of the liability. This may be done in various ways including denying your claim outright. You do not want to let the insurance company take advantage of you so there are some things you should avoid:
Since an insurance carrier is protecting their own interests, they will do a lot of things to minimize the amount of money they offer a truck accident victim. One thing many victims are unaware of is what happens following a settlement offer. Hidden in the fine print of the document which contains the offer there is usually a disclaimer which states that once the offer has been accepted, the insurance company has no future liability for the victim’s losses. Do not get tricked into accepting a fast settlement, these offers are usually well below the compensation amount you might otherwise be entitled to collect.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS) states that large trucks only make up approximately five percent of all registered vehicles. This is small comfort to victims of a truck accident. After a truck collision, you need someone on your side who will advocate on your behalf and work tirelessly to ensure you are properly compensated for your injuries.
Victims often wonder how they can possibly afford to pay a truck accident attorney. The fact is your case will likely be taken on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no legal fees up front, and you pay nothing unless we are successful in obtaining compensation on your behalf.
When it comes to legal representation after a car accident, experience matters. Our team of experienced car accident attorneys in Las Vegas has a proven track record of success in helping clients get the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to learn more.
Those who have lost a loved one in a truck accident, or if you have suffered an injury during a truck accident on Nevada roadways, you should contact Gina Corena & Associates today for help. You can reach us by calling our offices at (702) 680–1111 to schedule a free consultation.
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