At Shook & Stone, our legal team has successfully represented many individuals who have been seriously injured in accidents involving large trucks. We understand the complex issues involved in these cases, and we know how to build a strong case to get the compensation you deserve.
Trucking companies and their insurance carriers often try to minimize the amount of money they have to pay out after an accident. They may try to blame the other driver, or they may try to downplay the severity of your injuries. A Reno truck accident lawyer will not let them get away with this. We will aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact Shook & Stone today for a free consultation with our experienced Reno personal injury lawyers.
Why Do Truck Accidents Happen in Reno?
There are many reasons why large trucks may be involved in accidents in Reno. Some of the most common include:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Improper turning
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Unsafe lane changes
- Tailgating
- Improperly Secured Load
- Substance Abuse
In some cases, the trucking company may be at fault for the accident. This can happen if the company did not properly maintain the truck or if they failed to properly train the driver. If this is the case, our proactive Reno truck accident attorneys will hold them accountable.
Reno Commercial Vehicle Accidents
In Reno, NV, commercial vehicle accidents are more common than most people think. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 4,000 large trucks involved in fatal accidents in 2016. This is an increase of 28% from 2009.
There are many different types of commercial vehicles that can be involved in accidents, including:
- 18-wheelers
- Delivery trucks
- Dump trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Tanker trucks
- Tractor trailers
- Ambulances
- Fire Trucks
- Police Vehicles
- Municipal Vehicles
Most of these accidents are caused by driver error, but in some cases, the trucking company may be at fault. If this is the case, our diligent truck accident lawyers in Reno will hold them accountable.
Common Injuries in a Truck Accident
Due to the nature of commercial trucks, accidents involving these vehicles often result in serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Head injuries – including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries – including whiplash
- Back injuries – including herniated discs
- Spinal cord injuries – including paralysis
- Broken bones- including fractures
- Burn injuries
- Wrongful Death
Some of these vehicles, like tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and big rigs weigh up to 80,000 lbs., making any injury in a traffic collision much more severe. If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident, the experienced semi-truck crash lawyers at Shook & Stone can help you get the compensation you deserve.
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Types of Compensation in Truck Accidents
There are many different types of compensation that may be available to accident victims. This will depend on the specific facts of your case. Some of the most common types of compensation our clients receive include:
- Medical expenses – including future treatment
- Lost wages – if you are unable to work due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering – for the physical and emotional injuries you have suffered
- Loss of consortium – for the loss of companionship and support of a spouse or partner
- Punitive damages – in some cases, punitive damages may be available to punish the truck driver or company for their negligence
How to Prove Negligence in a Truck Accident
In order to get the compensation you deserve, you will need to prove that the truck driver or trucking company was negligent. This means that they failed to use reasonable care, and as a result, you were injured. There are many ways to do this. Some of the most common include:
The truck driver’s driving record
If the driver has a history of traffic violations, this can be used to show that they were negligent
The trucking company’s hiring practices
If the company hired a driver with a history of traffic violations, this can be used to show that they were negligent
The truck’s maintenance records
If the truck was not properly maintained, this can be used to show that the trucking company was negligent
Eyewitness testimony
If there are witnesses to the accident, their testimony can be used to show what happened
The black box
Many commercial trucks have a “black box” which records data about the truck. This data can be used to show how fast the truck was going, whether or not the brakes were applied, and other important information
How Truck Drivers Try to Hide Their Wrong Doing in an Accident
After an accident, truck drivers will often try to hide their wrong doing. They may try to make it seem like the accident was your fault. They may also try to downplay the seriousness of your injuries. The Department of Transportation sets guidelines that truckers and trucking companies need to follow in order to ensure the publics safety in the trucking industry.
Some of these guidelines include:
- Truck drivers must take breaks after driving for a certain number of hours.
- Truck drivers must keep a log book which tracks their hours of operation. This is one of the most common things in an accident, the truck driver will lie or try and alter their truck driver log.
- Trucking companies must keep records of the truck drivers’ hours of operation.
If a truck driver or trucking company violates these rules, they can be held liable for any accidents that occur as a result.
What to Do After an Accident with a Commercial Vehicle in Reno
If you have been involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, it is important to take certain steps in order to protect your rights. These steps include:
Get medical attention – it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. This will ensure that your injuries are documented and treated.
Do not sign anything – the trucking company’s insurance adjuster may try to get you to sign a release. This release will waive your right to seek further compensation. Do not sign anything without first consulting with an attorney.
Get the truck driver’s information – be sure to get the truck driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information.
Get the trucking company’s information – be sure to get the name of the trucking company and their insurance information.
Take pictures – if you are able, take pictures of the accident scene, the damage to your vehicle, and your injuries.
Get witness information – if there are any witnesses to the accident, be sure to get their name and contact information.
Hire an attorney – it is important to hire a Reno tractor-trailer collision attorney who has experience handling commercial vehicle accidents. An experienced attorney will know how to navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Much Does a Reno Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
Our truck traffic collision attorneys in Reno work on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case.
We understand that most people who have been injured in a trucking accident are unable to work and are facing mounting medical bills. We do not want to add to your financial burden, which is why we only get paid if we are successful in getting you compensation.
What Is the Time Limit to File a Truck Accident Claim?
In Nevada, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. This means that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you do not file a lawsuit within this time period, you will be barred from recovering compensation.
How a Reno Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
If you have been involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, it is important to hire an experienced Reno truck accident lawyer. A well-practiced attorney will know how to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case. They will also fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact our Reno, NV, office today to schedule a free consultation.
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