Understanding what makes Las Vegas one of the deadliest trucking corridors in the US requires looking at how traffic volume, roadway design, and commercial trucking demands intersect along routes like I-15, US-95, and I-11, where serious and fatal truck crashes continue to occur.

Las Vegas is located on a major crossroads of freight corridors that service the West. Heavy commercial truck traffic in the city is forced to mix alongside commuters, vacationers, and local businesses. Every day, high-speed interstates, ongoing construction, and long-haul trucking timetables all come together in Southern Nevada.

Hire a Trucking Accident Lawyer

Easton & Easton represents individuals injured in serious vehicle and trucking collisions across Las Vegas and Southern Nevada, drawing on more than 100 years of combined personal injury litigation experience. We handle cases involving commercial trucks, delivery vehicles, and highway crashes and pursue fair compensation against negligent parties.

With a track record of significant recoveries and recognition from peer-review organizations such as Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers, Easton & Easton focuses on personalized advocacy for each and every client.

I-15, US-95, and I-11 Create a Perfect Storm for Truck Crashes

Las Vegas is a freight destination and a corridor city. I-15 hosts Southern California to Mountain West high-volume freight truck traffic, and US-95 and I-11 bring commercial traffic into and through the Las Vegas area. All three corridors funnel long-haul trucks, locals, tourists unfamiliar with Nevada traffic and roadways, and frequent road construction into shared spaces.

Lane restrictions, sudden merges, and high speeds make for an environment ripe for collisions, especially during peak travel times. Trucks entering and exiting these freight corridors have to merge at congested interchanges near resorts, industrial and warehousing areas, and residential corridors. A variety of travelers, unfamiliar and highly stressed, creates a setting where a momentary lapse in attention can result in a truck-involved catastrophic crash.

Commercial Truck Crash Data in Clark County Shows Real Consequences

Government crash data demonstrates the severity of commercial vehicle crashes in Southern Nevada. Official data released through the Nevada Department of Transportation Zero Fatalities program revealed that there were 14 commercial-vehicle-related deaths in Clark County in 2022 alone.

Fatalities and fatal crashes were on the rise in 2022 when compared to previous years in the dataset. These figures reflect the risk posed when commercial trucks travel through heavily populated urban corridors. Large trucks move an immense amount of force, and wrecks can and often do cause catastrophic and fatal injuries to occupants of smaller vehicles.

Long-Haul Routes and Driver Fatigue Increase Risk Through Las Vegas

Las Vegas also has substantial regional and intrastate freight traffic serving warehousing, construction, and hospitality. Fatigue is a major safety concern when long driving hours are combined with overnight driving and high congestion levels. Urban corridors like US-95 and I-15 are congested thoroughfares that require constant vigilance for lane changes, braking traffic, and merging vehicles.

A momentary lapse in reaction time or poor decision-making due to fatigue can result in catastrophic consequences. Commercial trucks need longer stopping distances and have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. In Las Vegas, where traffic patterns can change in an instant near interchanges and construction zones, fatigue-related mistakes can rapidly develop into high-impact collisions.

Legal Deadlines Matter After a Las Vegas Truck Accident

Truck accident claims are subject to time limits under Nevada law. Generally, an injured person in a commercial truck crash must file a personal injury claim within two years from the date of the accident under Nevada Revised Statutes §11.190. A failure to timely file a claim can result in a complete bar to recovery, even if the victim has been severely injured.

Trucking cases often involve an early investigation, including driver logs, maintenance records, and electronic data that can be destroyed or discarded after a period of time. It is important to know how the statute of limitations applies, particularly when multiple parties and commercial carriers are involved.

FAQs

How Common Are Fatal Crashes in Nevada?

From 2017 through 2021, there were 1,544 fatal crashes in Nevada. Clark County, which is home to Las Vegas, made up 64% of these crashes. The Las Vegas metropolitan area accounts for a disproportionately high share of Nevada’s fatal roadway crashes, which highlights the dangers on high-volume corridors that serve both local and long-distance traffic.

Who May Be Legally Responsible for a Truck Accident in Las Vegas?

Liability may not always fall solely on the truck driver involved in an accident. In some cases, the trucking company, a maintenance contractor, a freight broker, or the vehicle manufacturer could be held accountable.

Liability can also be affected by issues such as improper loading, inadequate training, or mechanical failure, which may shift responsibility to other parties. Thorough investigation and analysis of contracts, inspection reports, and safety compliance records are crucial to determine all potentially liable parties.

Why Are Truck Accident Claims More Complex Than Car Accident Claims?

Truck accident claims usually involve additional regulations, insurance policies, and evidence. In addition to common state laws, commercial carriers are subject to federal safety regulations, driver qualification standards, and vehicle maintenance regulations.

Claims often involve corporate insurers and layered policies. For these reasons, truck accident cases usually require more extensive investigation and supporting documentation than typical passenger vehicle accidents.

What Types of Damages May Be Available After a Truck Accident?

Truck accident victims who are injured may be able to recover financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and physical pain and emotional suffering. Damages may also include future care or long-term restrictions in cases involving permanent injuries. The types and extent of damages depend on the circumstances of the crash, the injuries sustained, and the impact of the accident on everyday activities and work.

Contact a Las Vegas Trucking Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents on Las Vegas highways can be devastating. When these large commercial vehicles are involved in collisions, the consequences can be life-changing, especially on heavily trafficked routes such as I-15 and US-95.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a truck crash, it is important to understand the risks, legal deadlines, and options available to you. At Easton & Easton, we represent injury victims involved in trucking accidents and work to understand how the laws of Nevada apply in your case. Schedule a consultation today to hire a truck accident lawyer.