speeding semi truck

Did you know that almost any serious Las Vegas truck accident results in severe and fatal injuries? While many in Las Vegas are debilitating, a truck and car accident is often worse due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicle. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), large trucks—which are also known big rigs, 18-wheelers, and semi-trucks—often weigh in excess of 10,000 pounds, and they have a very high ground clearance. Given that large trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds with cargo, these vehicles can weigh as much as 40 times as a passenger car. All of this means that a collision with a smaller passenger vehicle can be devastating.

View of truck standing on the side of the street after road accident in the city.

Recovering from any personal injury can be difficult, but it can be especially tough to find a way to cover your extensive medical bills after a truck accident, especially when your injuries are so severe that you are unable to return to work. While some truck accident victims ultimately are able to return to a job in a limited capacity, many live the rest of their lives with permanent partial or total disabilities. You should know that you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. An aggressive Las Vegas truck accident attorney can assist with your case.

Why Choose Ladah Law Firm for Your Semi Truck Accident Case?

A truck is driving on the road in the rain
  1. Experience Matters: With a focus on semi-truck accidents, Ladah Law Firm has the expertise and knowledge to navigate the complexities of these cases.
  2. Proven Results: Our firm has successfully recovered substantial compensation for victims of truck accidents, helping them cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
  3. Thorough Investigations: We conduct comprehensive investigations into semi-truck accidents, collaborating with accident reconstruction experts to build strong and successful cases.
  4. Understanding Federal Regulations: Knowledge of both Nevada and federal trucking regulations is crucial in these cases. Ladah Law Firm is well-versed in these regulations to ensure a thorough legal approach.

Understanding Truck Accidents: Causes and Legal Insight

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Transportation and Automotive Industry. Commercial Driving. Caucasian Truck Behind the Wheel.

Truck accidents can result from various factors, and recognizing these causes is crucial for both prevention and legal action. Some common causes include:

  • Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road may lead to tired and fatigued truck drivers, increasing the risk of accidents.
  • Improper Cargo Loading: Loose or improperly secured cargo can cause accidents, resulting in extensive damage to other vehicles on the road.
  • Negligent Maintenance: Failure to maintain trucks properly can lead to mechanical failures, contributing to accidents.
  • Driver Errors: Mistakes or errors made by truck drivers, such as abrupt lane changes, inattentiveness, or not paying close attention to blind spots, can lead to serious accidents.
  • Vehicle Issues: Mechanical problems, tire blowouts, and auto defects can contribute to accidents involving big rigs, semis, trucks, and 18-wheelers.

Specific Causes of Big Rig Accidents in Vegas

Semi Truck with Heavy Duty Platform Trailer on a Route. Transportation Industry.

Understanding the specific causes of big rig accidents in Las Vegas is essential for prevention and legal action. Some contributing factors include:

  • Driver Mistakes or Errors: Inattentiveness, abrupt lane changes, and not paying close attention to blind spots can lead to serious accidents.
  • Improperly Loaded Cargo: Cargo that is not loaded properly or is insecure can result in accidents and extensive damage.
  • Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Neglecting proper maintenance of trucks can lead to mechanical failures and accidents on the road.
  • Tire Blowouts: Blowouts can happen due to inadequate tire maintenance, contributing to accidents involving big rigs and 18-wheelers.
  • Auto Defects: Mechanical problems and defects in the truck itself can contribute to accidents and collisions.

Being aware of these causes empowers individuals involved in accidents to take appropriate steps for their safety and legal rights. If you’ve been in a truck accident, Ladah Law Firm is here to provide the legal support and representation you need. Contact us for a free consultation at 702-252-0055.

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Liability in a Truck Accident

Truck drivers have a duty to be careful when they are behind the wheel. Even if inclement weather plays a role in a truck incident, the truck driver losing control still may have been going too fast for the conditions and still may be liable for the accident. Unlike many car accidents in the Las Vegas area, these accident claims may have many different responsible parties. This is typically good for plaintiffs, since trucking companies or truck manufacturers tend to have deeper pockets than the truck driver. Examples of individuals who may bear some responsibility for an accident include but are not limited to:

  • The Truck Driver
  • Trucking Company
  • Truck Manufacture
  • Vehicle Operator
  • Vehicle Manufacture

Serious Injuries in Las Vegas Trucking Collisions

As we mentioned, trucking collisions typically result in severe and life-threatening injuries. In many cases, truck crashes prove to be fatal. Some of the most common catastrophic injuries in a large truck collision include the following:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
  • Spinal cord injuries (SCIs);
  • Back injuries;
  • Neck injuries;
  • Broken bones or fractures;
  • Internal organ damage;
  • Burn injuries;
  • Paralysis;
  • Loss of limb or amputation; and
  • Psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How to Safely Exit Your Vehicle After an Accident With a Semi Truck

Assess the Situation and Stay Calm

a car about to be hit by a semi truck

When involved in a collision with a semi-truck, it’s essential to stay as calm as possible and assess the situation before attempting to exit your crashed vehicle. Check for any immediate hazards like smoke, fire, or the possibility of oncoming traffic. If you can do so safely, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to the serious accident scene. Staying calm will help you make better decisions about when and how to exit the vehicle.

Wait for the All-Clear Signal

In the immediate aftermath of a collision with a semi-truck, it’s best to remain in your vehicle if you are not in immediate danger. This is especially true if you are on a busy road or highway. Wait for emergency responders to arrive and assess the situation. They will provide guidance on when it is safe to exit the vehicle. Keep your seatbelt fastened and remain in your seat until instructed otherwise.

Exit Safely and Move to a Safe Location

If emergency responders instruct you to exit the vehicle, do so carefully. First, check for any signs of injury and prioritize your safety. If you can move without further harm, exit the vehicle from the side opposite to the collision point, as the damaged area may still pose risks. Once outside, move to a safe location away from the road and any potential hazards. Always follow the guidance of emergency personnel and be mindful of any oncoming traffic.

Seek Medical Attention and Legal Assistance

Even if you do not appear injured immediately after a collision with a semi-truck, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time. Additionally, consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in handling accidents involving commercial trucks and other vehicles. They can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for medical bills, property damage, and other losses resulting from the collision. It’s crucial to take these steps to ensure your safety and protect your interests following such a traumatic event.

Many people have been injured in a semi truck accidents in Las Vegas. If you are one of them, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer with Ladah Law Firm for a free consultation today.

User Guide: What to Do After Being Involved in a Truck Accident in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, known for its vibrant atmosphere, also sees its fair share of serious truck accidents. Collisions involving semi-trucks can lead to severe injuries and, in some cases, prove fatal. If you find yourself involved in a truck accident in Las Vegas, here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:

1. Document the Scene of the Crash

Large truck accidents often result in life-threatening injuries, making it crucial to document the scene. If possible, follow these steps:

  • Take Pictures: Use your smartphone to capture close-up shots of property damage and wider shots of the entire scene.
  • Collect Information: Gather contact and insurance details from other involved parties, including drivers.
  • Get Witness Information: If there are witnesses, obtain their names and contact information.

2. Understand Liability in a Trucking Accident

Truck accidents can have multiple causes, and various parties may share liability. Potential factors include:

  • Truck driver error (distracted, drowsy, aggressive driving).
  • Trucking company negligence (improper maintenance, hiring practices).
  • Vehicle owner responsibility (third-party ownership).
  • Loader negligence (improper loading of the truck).
  • Auto designer or manufacturer defects (defective parts).

Identifying liable parties is crucial for building a strong case.

3. Know Your Options for Seeking Damages

Under Nevada law, seriously injured plaintiffs in truck accidents can seek compensatory damages:

  • Economic Damages: Cover direct economic losses such as medical expenses and lost wages.
  • Non-economic Damages: Compensate for subjective losses like pain and suffering.
  • Punitive Damages: Rare but possible if the defendant’s actions show a conscious disregard for others’ well-being.

Understanding these options helps in evaluating the potential compensation you may receive.

4. File Your Las Vegas Truck Accident Claim On Time

Be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit in Nevada:

  • For personal injuries, file within two years from the accident date.
  • In wrongful death cases, also file within two years, starting from the date of the victim’s death.

Failing to adhere to these time frames may result in the loss of your right to compensation.

5. Seek Advice from a Las Vegas Truck Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, consulting with an experienced attorney is crucial. The attorneys at Ladah Law are dedicated advocates with the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the legal process.

For more information or to discuss your case, call Ladah Law at 702-252-0055. Don’t navigate the aftermath of a truck accident alone—get the legal support you need.

What to do after being involved in a truck accident in Las Vegas infographic

Seeking Compensation in a Las Vegas Personal Injury Case

Understanding Compensatory Damages in Trucking Collision Cases

When pursuing a personal injury claim after a trucking collision, it’s essential to grasp the types of compensatory damages available under Nevada law (NRS 42.001). Plaintiffs have the opportunity to seek two categories of compensatory damages, aiming to provide fair compensation for injuries and losses sustained in the accident.

1. Economic Damages:

Covering direct, financial losses, economic damages include expenses such as:

  • Ambulance ride costs
  • Medical bills
  • Surgery expenses
  • Prescription medication costs
  • Follow-up doctor’s visit fees
  • Physical therapy
  • Lost wages
  • Property Damage

2. Non-economic Damages:

Encompassing subjective, indirect losses that lack an objective dollar figure, non-economic damages include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

How to find the best Las Vegas Truck Accident Attorneys

Understanding the Importance of an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney in Las Vegas

When dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident in Las Vegas, finding the right truck company attorney is crucial. Truck accidents can result in serious injuries, extensive medical bills, and significant property damage. To ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve, it’s imperative to seek an experienced truck accident attorney who specializes in handling truck accidents.

The Role of Trucking Companies and Truck Drivers in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents in Las Vegas can be complex cases, often involving multiple parties. Trucking companies and truck drivers can play a significant role in these accidents. It’s essential to work with an attorney who understands the dynamics of commercial truck accidents, as they have experience in truck incident cases dealing with trucking companies and truck drivers. This knowledge is invaluable when seeking compensation for your injuries and losses.

Identifying the Right Law Firm for Truck Accidents in Las Vegas

Choosing the right law firm to handle your truck accident case in Las Vegas is a critical decision. Look for law firms that have a proven track record of success in handling truck accidents. These firms often have a team of experienced truck accident attorneys who can provide expert guidance and representation. When searching for truck accident attorneys, consider their past results and client testimonials to gauge their ability to secure maximum compensation.

The Complexity of Truck Accidents in Las Vegas

Truck accidents are not like typical car accidents; they come with a unique set of challenges and complexities. To navigate the intricacies of trucking accidents successfully, you need the expertise of experienced commercial truck accident victims’ attorneys. Their understanding of federal and state regulations specific to commercial truck accidents is invaluable when building a strong case to maximize your compensation.

The Difference Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers Make

In Las Vegas, truck accident lawyers can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Their deep knowledge of truck accidents, their causes, and the laws surrounding them can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. When dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident, do not underestimate the crucial role experienced truck accident attorneys play in protecting your rights and securing the maximum possible compensation.

What about punitive damages?

In some cases, for truck accident claims, you may have the opportunity to pursue what Nevada law (NRS 42.005) refers to as exemplary or punitive damages. Punitive damages serve the specific purpose of punishing the defendant (or defendants) for particularly egregious actions. To secure a punitive damages award in a truck crash claim, the plaintiff typically must demonstrate that a product designer or manufacturer was aware of a defect and engaged in fraudulent activities, or that another defendant acted with malice. Malice, in this context, is defined as “conduct that is intended to harm a person or as despicable conduct carried out with a conscious disregard for the rights or safety of others.” Learn more about this legal option and how it may apply to your case by visiting our website.

When a plaintiff is awarded exemplary or punitive damages, the damages cap is three times the compensatory damages award if the compensatory award exceeds $100,000. In cases where the compensatory damages award falls below $100,000, the cap for exemplary or punitive damages is $300,000. A Las Vegas truck accident attorney can discuss possible damages with you.

Statute of Limitations for Your Truck Accident Claim

When you are injured in a trucking collision, it is extremely important to be aware of the statute of limitations. This is a law that specifies the amount of time you have to file your claim. If you do not file your lawsuit within the specific period of time that is outlined in the statute of limitations, you will be barred from filing a lawsuit. So if you are suffering because of a collision with a Las Vegas truck. Contact the experts at Ladah Law Firm. We have represented people injured in a truck crash and can provide legal services to you. Let us help you obtain compensation to pay for current and future medical expenses incurred from your medical care

A seasoned truck accident lawyer knows that Nevada law (NRS 11.190) says that the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years. This means that anyone injured in a trucking crash must file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the collision or else be barred from filing a claim. Two years might sound like a lot of time immediately after the crash, especially when you are dealing with the physical and psychological toll of the accident. However, the sooner you contact a personal injury lawyer, the sooner we can begin investigating your claim and gathering valuable evidence to prove the defendant’s liability. If you were injured in a Las Vegas truck accident. Contact Ladah Law Firm for a free consultation and let us help you file a truck accident claim.

How Comparative Fault Affects Las Vegas Personal Injury Cases

What will happen if you were partially to blame for the truck crash? For example, what if you were going five or ten miles over the speed limit when a commercial truck driver with a commercial driver’s license crashed into your vehicle? Nevada law (NRS 41.141) follows what is known as a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This rule says that as long as a plaintiff’s negligence or fault is not greater than the negligence of the defendant(s), the plaintiff can still recover damages. However, her award will be reduced by her percentage of the negligence. This means that owners and drivers of commercial trucks will be liable for their fair share of the damages.

To be clear, as long as a plaintiff is 50 percent or less responsible, she can recover. Once she is 51 percent or more responsible, she cannot recover damages.

To explain how the damages award is reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of the negligence, imagine a plaintiff is 30 percent negligent. She receives an initial damages award of $100,000. However, that award will need to be reduced by her percentage of the negligence, which is 30 percent or $30,000. In this scenario, the plaintiff ultimately would recover $70,000. Trucking accidents are not rare in the Las Vegas area and when they happen, the awards can be quite high. Even if you were somewhat at fault in the Las Vegas accident, you may still be eligible recover a percentage of the award.

How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?

Understanding the Costs of Hiring a Vegas Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a semi-truck accident in Las Vegas and are considering seeking legal assistance, it’s important to understand the potential costs involved. Many truck accident lawyers in Las Vegas operate on a contingency fee basis, which can be beneficial for those seeking legal representation for their personal injury claims or wrongful death cases.

Contingency Fee Basis for Truck Accident Cases

One of the significant advantages of hiring a Vegas truck accident lawyer is that they often work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t have to pay any upfront fees to retain their services. Instead, the attorney’s fees are contingent on the successful outcome of your case. In the event that your lawyer secures fair compensation for your truck accident injuries, their fees will typically be a percentage of the settlement or judgment. This arrangement allows individuals to access experienced legal representation without financial barriers.

Costs Associated with Semi-Truck Accident Cases

When it comes to hiring a Vegas truck accident lawyer, the cost of legal representation is often tied to the complexity of your case. Semi-truck accident cases can be intricate due to the involvement of commercial vehicles, potentially multiple liable parties, and significant damages. While attorneys typically structure their fees on a contingency fee basis, the case may still incur other costs, including court filing fees and expenses for expert witnesses. It’s essential to discuss these potential costs with your lawyer to ensure clarity on what to expect.

Providing Legal Support for Personal Injury Claims and More

Las Vegas truck accident lawyers possess the capability to manage a broad spectrum of cases encompassing semi-truck accidents, personal injury claims, and wrongful death. Their expertise extends to accidents involving other vehicles as well. Collaborating with an experienced truck accident lawyer enhances compensation prospects and assures clarity in the cost structure of contingency fees.

Contact a Las Vegas Trucking Accident Attorney

If injured in a Las Vegas truck accident, consult a Las Vegas truck accident lawyer at Ladah Law for experienced representation and claim assistance.

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