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Las Vegas Truck Accident Attorneys

Shook & Stone is committed to achieving results for our clients

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 380,000 large trucks were involved in traffic accidents in the United States in 2008, and 4,066 of those trucks were involved in fatal accidents. As a result of these accidents, a total of 4,229 people died, which was 11 percent of all the traffic-accident related deaths reported that year. An additional 90,000 people were injured in these truck accidents. Overall, about one out of nine traffic accident deaths in 2008 were the result of a collision that involved a large truck. In Nevada, 21 people lost their lives in large truck accidents in 2008, with hundreds more injured.

A truck accident will likely result in serious, life-threatening injuries to those involved, very frequently to the occupants of the smaller vehicle. Approximately 74 percent of the deaths that resulted in large truck accidents in 2008 were occupants of another vehicle, with another 10 percent being non-occupants. Only 16 percent of truck accident fatalities were occupants of large trucks. Any Nevada resident who has been in a truck crash caused by the negligence of another party should seek professional representation to ensure their rights are protected following the accident. A qualified attorney can help an injured victim obtain compensation for any losses and damages associated with the accident.

Causes of Nevada Trucking Accidents

Similar to other motor vehicle accidents, there are a number of reasons a truck accident may occur. In the event a semi truck collision is caused by the truck driver, he or she may be held liable for any damages, as well as the truck company if their negligence played a part in causing the accident. The following are several of the more common causes of commercial truck accidents:

  • Truck Driver Fatigue: Though harsh policies are in place which regulate the number of hours a truck operator can drive on a daily and weekly basis, many may exceed these hours in order to meet the rigorous deadlines established by the trucking company. The effects of driving while fatigued can be similar to driving under the influence; therefore, truck drivers who are fatigued while behind the wheel can cause a serious accident to occur.
  • Overloaded Trailers: When a trailer is overloaded or when the weight a trailer is carrying is poorly distributed, it can result in a Nevada jackknife truck accident.
  • Driver Inexperience: An inexperienced truck driver has an increased risk of causing a crash. Operating a commercial truck requires adequate training and proper safety and driving skills, so when a driver lacks the appropriate knowledge and abilities, the results can be catastrophic.
  • Poor Visibility: Due to a large truck’s blind spots, a driver has limited visibility and therefore may not be able to see motorists who are next to them. Motorists driving near a commercial truck must be sure to stay out of a trucker’s blind spots in order to help prevent an accident. Also, truck drivers should signal before making a turn and, as much as possible, make sure it is safe to do so before turning or switching lanes on the road.
  • Inadequate or Poor Truck Maintenance: To ensure a truck is safe for traveling, these large vehicles must be properly inspected and maintained before and after a trip. Routine maintenance should be performed during non-use as well. A defective or unsafe vehicle has great potential for causing a collision due to mechanical failures or defective parts.

How a Nevada Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

At the Nevada personal injury law firm of Shook & Stone, our legal team has extensive experience helping truck accident victims obtain the compensation they need to recover from a devastating crash. We will work tirelessly to ensure your legal rights are protected throughout your case and will hold any negligent parties responsible for the harm caused. To schedule a consultation with one of our experienced truck accident attorneys, please call our offices immediately at (877) 910-2220.