There are approximately 388,000 commercial truck accidents in a year in the United States, and of those, 28% result in serious injury. Because trucks are so large, they can cause extremely catastrophic accidents that can span across multiple parties.
It makes it essential to understand the complexities, regulations, and procedures that are involved in truck accidents, as well as how a truck accident lawyer can help.
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Regulations Governing Truck Accidents in Nevada
There are a number of regulations in place both federally and in Nevada to ensure that truck driving is as safe as possible.
Federal Regulations
- The driver must be 21 years of age, have a valid commercial driver’s license, and be proficient in English
- The trucks need to be reviewed for safety to determine if they will be allowed on the road or not
- Trucking companies need comprehensive insurance because of their significant liability exposure.
- Inspections and repairs are required to be performed frequently to ensure safety
- Drivers are only allowed to drive a certain amount of hours for their own, and other drivers’, safety
Nevada Regulations
- Trucks can’t be taller than 14 feet, wider than 8.5 feet, or longer than 70 feet
- The weight limit for trucks is 20,000 pounds for single-axle vehicles, 34,000 pounds for tandem-axle vehicles, and 42,000 pounds for triple-axle vehicles
- Trucks may not have gross weights exceeding 80,000 pounds without a special permit
- Licensed truck drivers must submit to blood alcohol testing if they get pulled over for driving under the influence
- The driver’s blood alcohol concentration can not be .04 percent or greater while they’re driving a commercial truck
- If the truck driver has any detectable amount of alcohol in their system while driving, they will not be able to drive for 24 hours
Special Considerations for Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks can cause catastrophic accidents that can easily result in severe injuries and death, which is why they have so many extra regulations that they must follow.
Some of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents are:
- Distracted driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving under the influence
- Failure to properly train truck drivers
- Failing to adjust to road and weather conditions
- Speeding and driving recklessly
It’s essential for everyone involved to know what the main causes of semi-truck accidents are, as well as the regulations in place and if they were broken or not.
Liability Issues in Truck Accidents
A huge factor in the liability in a truck accident is whether or not the truck driver was driving negligibly.
This would be if the driver was:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Driving while sleep deprived
- Driving while distracted
Truck accidents can also be caused by another driver not taking the proper precautions while driving near a truck by:
- Changing lanes abruptly in front of the truck
- Driving in areas where the truck driver has no visibility
- Driving between large trucks
- Improperly merging
Determining Liability in a Truck Accident
When liability is being determined, these three factors are considered:
- Driver behavior
- Vehicle condition
- Company Policies
Trying to prove liability is tricky, and that’s why it’s a good idea to have a truck accident attorney in your corner.
They will do the following:
- Appoint a qualified accident scene investigator to look at the crash site
- Review police reports
- Review medical visits and records of injuries that occurred due to the accident
- Meet with insurance adjusters
- Coach you through the process of accurately describing the accident
- Locate and review any available traffic camera recordings
- Locate additional eyewitnesses
- Conduct conversations with the truck company’s legal and insurance representatives
Insurance Considerations and Claims
In Nevada, the minimum liability limit for commercial auto policies is $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage.
When you file an insurance claim after a truck accident, you will need to:
- Find an experienced truck accident attorney to handle your claim
- Conduct all communications about the accident through your attorney
- Allow your attorney and the insurance companies to collect evidence surrounding the accident
- Negotiate
- Go to court if the negotiations fail
- Wait for payment
Legal Procedures Following a Truck Accident
Immediate Actions and Legal Obligations
The immediate aftermath of a truck accident will look like this:
- Injured parties will be taken to the hospital
- The accident site will be cleared of debris
- The police will gather testimony and evidence
You will want to meet with an experienced truck accident attorney right away, as well as:
- See a doctor to document and assess any injuries that you received
- Gather any documents related to your case, like medical records and receipts, vehicle repair estimates, photos of the accident scene, pay stubs, tax forms, and the police report
- Refrain from posting anything about your accident online, as anything you put out there can potentially be used against you
Pursuing a Personal Injury or Property Damage Claim
If you wish to pursue a personal injury or property damage claim, the first step is to meet with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney.
From there, you can decide which claims you would like to file, including:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Transportation
- Legal fees
Many claims can be settled through negotiations. However, there are some cases that will be needed to be taken to court if the negotiations fail.
Specialized Legal Assistance for Truck Accidents
Finding the Right Truck Accident Lawyer
Because truck accidents can be so complex, especially if they involve multiple parties, it’s prudent to hire a truck accident lawyer to help you navigate the process.
You will want to find a lawyer that specializes specifically in truck accidents, as they will be more familiar with all of the laws, regulations, and procedures that are involved in the incidents.
How Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help
Semi-Truck accident attorneys will help you navigate the complexities of a truck accident case, collect evidence, negotiate, and ultimately, get you the maximum payout possible.
Call The Experts at Naqvi Injury Law
If you’re involved in a truck accident, it’s critical that you get assistance from a specialized, experienced lawyer. We can offer you just that at Naqvi Injury Law.
Naqvi Injury Law has won countless awards because we are not only made up of the “top one percent of lawyers,” but also trustworthy, dedicated to giving you the legal protection that you need, and committed to giving you the maximum payout that you deserve.
If you’re in need of a truck accident lawyer, call us at (702) 919-7543 or contact us on our website for a free consultation.