Semi-truck accidents on I-15 or US-95 can lead to catastrophic injuries. These roads are major freight arteries. They also have a lot of local traffic and travelers. All of these things mix together to be especially dangerous when something goes wrong.

Learning about the typical causes of semi-truck accidents and the factors of liability involved can help injured victims make wise choices after a serious collision.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

Easton & Easton is an experienced law firm that advocates for accident victims injured in severe truck and commercial vehicle collisions across Las Vegas and Southern Nevada. The lawyers at Easton & Easton have many years of collective experience litigating cases involving tractor-trailers, delivery vehicles, and highway accidents.

Our lawyers review crash investigation data, trucking logs, and safety regulations to determine liability and damages. Easton & Easton applies Nevada law and federal trucking regulations where appropriate in semi-truck accident cases.

Driver-Related Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents on I-15 and US-95

Driver behavior is a major contributor to semi-truck accidents on I-15 and US-95, where high speeds and congestion leave little room for error. Unsafe lane changes, distraction, speeding, and failing to maintain safe following distances can be especially hazardous when large trucks navigate Las Vegas traffic.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that out of an estimated 503,000 reported large truck crashes in 2022, there were 5,279 fatal crashes and 114,000 injury-related incidents. On high-volume routes like I-15 and US-95, driver mistakes can escalate quickly into serious or fatal crashes.

Mechanical Failures and Maintenance Issues in Semi-Truck Crashes

Mechanical issues may also contribute to semi-truck accidents along I-15 and US-95. Trucks from long distances outside Las Vegas may enter the local traffic flow with worn brakes, bald tires, or other mechanical deficiencies that do not allow a driver to adjust to traffic conditions safely. Carriers must service and inspect their vehicles, but this may be overlooked when meeting tight schedules, or proper supervision is not in place.

Defective parts or mechanical failures at high speeds on the highway may lead to jackknifes, rollovers, and multi-vehicle pileups. Obtaining maintenance records and inspection reports of a semi-truck may be a vital part of determining whether its condition may have caused or contributed to a collision.

Cargo Loading, Weight Violations, and Improper Securement

Cargo load issues are a particular concern in collisions with improperly loaded or overweight trucks on I-15 and US-95, notably on curves and ramps, and when changing lanes.

Improperly secured cargo or shifting loads can alter the balance of a truck, and change its braking or steering response, potentially causing a rollover or loss of control. Cargo securement and maximum weight limits are regulated by federal laws and regulations, but violations of these rules can occur.

The Nevada Department of Transportation reported 351 fatal crashes in Nevada in 2023, including many that took place on high-speed roadways where commercial vehicles are in use. Determining fault in cargo-related collisions often requires investigation of shipping records and loading procedures.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Semi-Truck Accident in Las Vegas

Liability for a semi-truck accident doesn’t always rest with the driver. The trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and even the truck’s manufacturer could be liable in some cases. Factors such as driver logs, inspection records, employment relationships, and safety regulations may be examined to help determine liability.

Statutes of limitations can also be important to consider. According to Nevada Revised Statutes §11.190, most personal injury claims have to be filed within 2 years of the accident date. Evidence can be lost over time, and deadlines are not always extended, so identifying all potentially liable parties can be a critical early step after a serious truck crash.

FAQs

What Evidence Is Important After a Semi-Truck Accident?

Evidence in a semi-truck accident often can involve more than just photos and witness testimony. Evidence can include police reports, dash cam video, electronic logging information, vehicle inspection records, driver logs, drug test results, and even communications between the driver and carrier.

Some of these sources of information are in the control of the carrier and may not be preserved for long periods. Examining crash causation and potential liability requires early preservation and requests for evidence.

Do Semi-Truck Accidents Involve Different Insurance Issues?

A semi-truck accident can involve several insurance policies. In addition to the coverage carried by the driver and trucking company, other contractors may have coverage as well. Limits, exclusions, and priority of coverage can impact the claims process. These can create delays and impact settlement negotiations. It’s helpful for injured victims to understand how commercial policies differ from personal auto insurance.

What Happens if the Truck Driver Is From Another State?

A large number of the semi-trucks that travel on Nevada’s highways through Las Vegas are from out-of-state. When accidents involve semi-truck drivers and companies from outside Nevada, they become subject to different jurisdictional and service requirements.

Additionally, federal regulations may be in effect as well as Nevada law. These factors determine where claims must be submitted and which laws govern them, and make interstate trucking accidents more complex than purely local collisions.

Are Truck Accident Cases More Likely to Go to Court?

Some semi-truck accident cases that occur on I-15 and US-95 can end up in court. When parties fail to reach a consensus about liability, damages, or insurance coverage, they usually turn to lawsuits to resolve their disputes.

The Eighth Judicial District Court receives most personal injury cases within Las Vegas. Claims that involve a large number of defendants, commercial insurers, and catastrophic injuries have a greater chance of going through formal litigation as opposed to early resolution.

Contact a Las Vegas Truck Accident Lawyer

A semi-truck collision on a Las Vegas highway can lead to serious, even permanent, physical and financial damage. Determining why a crash occurred and who is to blame is an important step on the road to recovery. At Easton & Easton, we review the evidence in semi-truck accident claims to help injured victims learn about their legal rights and remedies under Nevada law. Schedule a consultation to hire a truck accident lawyer today.