According to the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS), 199 people were injured in Nevada truck accidents in the year 2010. Understanding the common causes of truck accidents can help motorists avoid being injured in one.
All Nevada drivers should remember that trucks have large blind spots, are tough to slow down, and are difficult to maneuver. Keeping a safe distance from semi-trucks, big rigs, and tractor-trailers is an important part of staying safe on the roadway. However, truck accidents are not always driver errors of passenger vehicles.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck driver negligence is perhaps the most common cause of Nevada truck accidents. Truck drivers who violate federal “hours-of-service” regulations and fail to get adequate rest before getting on the road are at risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
Other forms of truck driver negligence that can lead to severe injuries include distracted driving, making unsafe lane changes, making a turn without checking blind spots, exceeding the speed limit, and following too closely.
Nevada truck accidents are also often caused by poor vehicle maintenance which could lead to mechanical issues such as brake failure or tire blowouts.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Nevada?
In cases involving negligence or wrongdoing, at-fault truck drivers, truck owners, and trucking companies can be held liable for the damages they cause.
In addition to the negligent truck driver, there are other parties who may be liable for a Nevada truck accident. Depending on the circumstances, the truck companies could be held legally responsible for a fatal crash if it is determined that they failed to properly inspect and maintain their trucks or hire qualified drivers.
Manufacturers of faulty parts or systems can also be held liable for a Nevada truck accident. In some cases, third parties can be held accountable for a commercial truck accident. For example, if the driver of an automobile was negligent in causing an accident with a truck, then that driver may be held liable.
Additionally, if the road was not properly maintained and this led to a truck crash, then the state or municipality responsible for maintaining the road may be held responsible. Finally, if another vehicle rear-ended the truck, then that driver may be held liable for damages.
Compensation options for truck accident cases.
Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that can have a significant impact on the victim for the rest of his or her life. In cases where a negligent party is found liable for a truck accident, victims may be entitled to compensation for their damages including:
- Medical expenses related to injuries sustained in the accident.
- Lost wages or income due to the accident and recovery time.
- Property damage to the vehicle or other personal property.
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and decreased quality of life.
Strategies for avoiding truck accidents in Nevada.
The best way to protect yourself and your family from being injured in a Nevada truck accident is to be aware of the risks posed by semi – trucks, big rigs, and tractor-trailers. Here are some tips for staying safe on the road:
1. Be aware of the truck driver’s blind spots: Truck drivers have large blind spots on all four sides of their vehicle and may not be able to see you if you are too close.
2. Allow extra stopping distance: Commercial Trucks need more time and distance to slow down. When following a truck, maintain a safe distance of at least four seconds behind it.
3. Be aware of the truck’s size and weight: Trucks can take up two full lanes of traffic and require wide turns. When merging or passing a truck , give it plenty of room.
4. Follow the rules of the road: Obey speed limits and traffic signs, always use your turn signals, and never tailgate.
5. When a truck driver is operating a commercial vehicle, he or she must follow specific instructions and regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules are designed to keep commercial drivers and other motorists safe on the road.
6. Invest in safety features: Trucking industry should invest in advanced safety technologies such as electronic logging devices and lane departure warning systems.
These technologies can help alert drivers to potential dangers and reduce the risk of an accident.
Contact an Experienced Nevada Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love was injured in a Nevada trucking accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options. An attorney can help you determine who is responsible for the crash and seek the compensation that is deserved for your injuries.
The experienced Las Vegas truck accident attorneys at Shook & Stone fight hard to protect the rights of their injured clients. If you have been injured in a Nevada car accident, please call our offices at 702-570-0000 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.
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