Important FAQs for Las Vegas Truck Accident Victims
Every year, around 500,000 semi truck accidents occur across the US. The 2016 Nevada DOT statistics show that out of all statewide traffic accidents there were 305 fatal crashes, 22,094 injury crashes, and 29,843 property-damage-only crashes. And in 2010, large trucks were involved in 1,463 or 1.5% of all crashes, with Clark County having he highest percentage of traffic accidents at 78.89% (Nevada DOT).
Now, while it may seem from these figures that the chances of being involved in a Vegas truck accident are pretty slim, there are other considerations to take into account. So, in the event of an auto and truck accident in Las Vegas, any victim or family of a victim needs to be forearmed with some information about such accidents and know whom to call.
First, semi trucks (or tractor trailers or big rigs) can weigh around 80,000 pounds fully loaded – that’s 40 tons! And even empty they weigh in the neighborhood of 32,000 pounds, which is 16 tons. With all that weight, these trucks have a very long stopping distance. And then add to that the fact that many truck drivers are overwrought and overtired. So although the incidence of Vegas truck accidents is lower than for other motor vehicles, they are usually far more severe, often catastrophic, for the victims.
In addition, most truck accidents involve drivers who work for large trucking companies rather individual owner-operators. So unlike auto accident claims that involve individuals and their own insurers, these cases are often complex with intense (sometimes lengthy) investigations. The victims are, essentially, going up against big companies with the power of big insurers behind them.
Yes, absolutely – and as soon as possible, even if you don’t require emergency medical services. The resulting detailed medical records about your injuries will play a key role in your truck accident claim.
More important, though, your health may depend on prompt medical attention. The severity and extent of your injuries may not be immediately apparent, and without medical attention, they could worsen over time. Neck and back injuries, for example, don’t always manifest their severity right away and, left untreated, can lead to debilitating degenerative conditions. So, for both the sake of your well being and in order to receive compensation for damages such as treatment costs and loss of income, see a doctor as soon as possible.
No, you should not talk to the truck driver’s or trucking company’s insurer yourself. It’s just too easy to say something that may damage your claim and prevent you from receiving the compensation you need and deserve. When they contact you (which happens fairly often because they are trying to trip you up), you should talk to the truck insurance company only with the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in Vegas truck accidents. Or, even better, have your attorney deal the insurer directly.
Basically, insurance companies are not your friends. The goal of the huge insurers that trucking companies use is to not to pay damages because they are in business to make as much profit as possible. And their vigorous defense will often include no-holds-barred and sometimes even underhanded tactics to weaken your claim and minimize your injuries.
For example, insurance companies may hire so-called investigators to watch and video your activities. The goal is to catch you doing anything inconsistent with your claimed injuries. And then, if your claim happens to go to court, these videos may be used as evidence.
Very often, victims in truck accidents – when the negligence/fault is plain and the injuries are severe – understandably want to pursue a lawsuit right out of the gate. Or, sometimes, a settlement agreement just can’t be reached, and the case goes to court. When that happens, there is first a long period of information gathering before your lawsuit ever reaches court, followed by often protracted court proceedings. The whole process is quite lengthy and can be very expensive. That’s why you need a Vegas truck accident attorney with a track record of achieving personal injury settlement agreements before the case goes to court.
The best answer to that question is . . . it depends on the law firm and the attorney. Truck drivers, as mentioned above, often work for large trucking companies that have big insurance companies behind them. And that means, in order to receive your fair compensation, you need a Las Vegas truck accident attorney who specializes in this species of personal injury claim.
For Las Vegas truck accident claims, you need a law firm with attorneys who know how insurance companies think. In the past, Ramzy Ladah worked for these insurance companies that pay out (or, rather, that work hard at not paying out) on accident claims. The attorneys at Ladah Law, then, understand the strategies and motivations of the insurance companies. So if you’ve been in a Vegas truck accident and want a fair settlement, the compensation you need and deserve, contact Ladah Law Firm by filling sending a message or calling us: 702-252-0055.