Tractor-Trailer Accident Compensation
Las Vegas, Nevada
Tractor-trailer accident claims
The result of a tractor-trailer accident could be devastating. Often the multiple victims and multiple vehicles involved in tractor-trailer accidents and the legal disputes about crash responsibility may take a long time to resolve.
If your tractor-trailer accident resulted in a severe injury, you must hire an excellent personal injury attorney. The attorney will protect your interests and get monetary compensation to cover your medical bills and other damages.
We invite you to call us at 702-432-1000 and speak with our attorney. We don't charge for consultations.
Why do tractor-trailer accidents happen?
Many things can cause a tractor-trailer accident on the road. Occasionally, it is the weather - fog, snow, blizzard, but most of the time, a human error and somebody's negligence.
In addition to many common causes of motor vehicle accidents - driver fatigue, distractions, speeding, alcohol consumption - there are many things specific to only tractor-trailers.
One of them is the tractor-trailer load that exceeded the truck's weight limit.
The government regulations require the tractor-trailer not to exceed 80,000 lb and its compliance at the interstate weigh stations. And still, sometimes, the tractor-trailers are overloaded, which can cause difficulty stopping, brake failure, or increase of the speed driving downhill.
Another is the load shift. The unexpected load shift can cause a tractor-trailer overturning (rollover accidents).
Other causes for tractor-trailer accidents include:
• Incorrectly balanced load.
• Violation of hours of service requirements.
• Improper training and supervision.
• Faulty equipment.
While no attorney can change the unfortunate event of a tractor-trailer accident, we can help you get compensated for your medical bills (past, present, future), property damages, lost wages, and also pain and suffering.
Highway accidents in Nevada
Nevada's major Interstates utilize tractor-trailers: Interstate 15 (connecting Los Angeles and Salt Lake City) and Interstate 80 (connecting San Francisco and Salt Lake City). According to the Nevada Department of Transportation, "Truckers are the third-largest motorist group using Nevada's highways, after commuters and tourists."
What is essential to know - if the accident happened on the Nevada highway, the lawsuit for injury compensation is filed in Nevada, even if the tractor-trailer business is registered somewhere else. Furthermore, you need to hire a tractor-trailer accident attorney who has a license to practice law in Nevada.
Who is liable for the crash?
Various parties may be responsible for the tractor-trailer accident, including:
• The tractor-trailer driver
• The tractor-trailer owner
• The trailer owner
• The tractor-trailer company
• The tractor-trailer company management
• The tractor-trailer rental company
• The tractor-trailer rental company management
• The tractor-trailer manufacturer(s)
• The tractor-trailer parts manufacturer(s)
• The trailer manufacturer(s)
• The trailer parts manufacturer(s) or trailer
• The people responsible for loading the tractor-trailer
• The people responsible for maintaining the tractor-trailer
In Las Vegas and Nevada, the tractor-trailer accident attorney can file a lawsuit against some or ALL defendants accountable for the crash. The party responsible for the accident (or their business insurance) is financially responsible for injury compensation.
Proving fault: The "black box"
The truck "black box," similarly to the airplane "black box," is integrated into a truck engine and stores a snapshot of data of what happened during the accident. Furthermore, many tracking companies use satellite tracking equipment or trip recorders. The data gathered by these devices could be crucial to proving liability disputes.
Proving fault: Traffic cameras
If the accident happened in an intersection or the area of possible traffic cameras, the attorney could request the camera recordings to help with the investigation of a tractor-trailer accident.
When multiple parties involved
Tractor-trailer accident cases can be very complex and include numerous victims and vehicles. Under Nevada law, the at-fault party must compensate ALL victims who filed a claim.
If you are partially at fault
Nevada accepts the comparative negligence law, which means to you - if you are less than 51% at fault for an accident, you still are entitled to the settlement.
Time limits to file a claim
In Las Vegas and Nevada, you have two years to file any liability claim and demand compensation for your injury. It includes tractor-trailer accident claims.
How long should I wait until my tractor-trailer accident settles?
Depending on the severity of the injuries and the amount the victim demands, it may take six months to three or four years. The cases when multiple vehicles are involved may take even longer.
Can I re-open an old truck accident case?
Yes, but many restrictions apply to re-opening a tractor-trailer case. Under the new law that took effect on October 1, 2019, you can re-open an old accident compensation case if a) you accepted a settlement without the aid of an attorney and b) within 60 days of cashing the settlement check. Call our office for more information.
Tractor-trailer claim process
Our law firm routinely handles accident liability claims with USAA, Progressive, GEICO, State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, Travelers, and many other insurance companies. The method of preparing a demand package, filing a commercial tractor-trailer claim, and negotiating a settlement is the same regardless of what insurance company the at-fault party is using.
What makes a tractor-trailer accident case unique
Many federal and local government laws control the operations of tractor-trailers. If your collision resulted in a severe injury, you need an attorney who knows these government requirements and how and where to check for non-compliance. Otherwise, you may end up getting only a partial settlement.
We can help
We take all tractor-trailer accident liability claims on a contingency basis. If we cannot get your settlement money, we don't get paid, and you don't owe us anything.
Call us at 702-432-1000 for a free consultation and to discuss your tractor-trailer accident.
We represent clients in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, Clark County, and Nevada.
Also, we are licensed in four states - Nevada, DC, California, and Utah.
Last updated on February 3, 2024.
