Commercial trucking is crucial to the economy of Las Vegas. The massive hospitality industry in the area relies on a great deal of supplies shipped by truck into the city every day, and many local businesses need commercial trucks to conduct their operations effectively. While many drivers are accustomed to seeing these large vehicles, it’s vital to know the common causes of truck accidents in Las Vegas and what you can do after such an accident occurs.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Las Vegas
While less common than car accidents, truck accidents are often tremendously damaging, and many of these accidents result from driver negligence or misconduct behind the wheel. Nevada law requires that you prove fault for an accident if you believe another driver is to blame, and this rule applies to truck accidents just as it does to all other vehicle accidents in the state.
According to the National Safety Council, there were 120,200 large trucks involved in crashes that resulted in injuries in 2022, and another 5,837 were involved in crashes that caused fatal injuries. Trucking companies are responsible for performing background checks on all drivers they hire, verifying their certification, experience, and training before assigning their routes.
Accidents can occur because of a truck driver’s individual negligence; it is also possible for their employer to share fault for the accident. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Las Vegas include:
- Driver fatigue. All trucking companies are required to ensure their drivers have adequate rest breaks between shifts and during long periods of driving.
- Speeding. or driving too fast for conditions. All drivers have a duty of care to abide by posted speed limits. Speeding, or driving too fast during severe weather or other dangerous conditions, can easily cause an accident when a large truck requires a great deal of distance to slow down or stop.
- Improperly loaded cargo. The party responsible for loading a truck must ensure it is packed correctly and that the cargo is secure and balanced. Special types of oversized cargo may require additional safety measures, and failure to properly pack a truck can leave it off-balance, resulting in an accident.
- Mechanical failures. Braking systems and other mechanical systems of a large truck require careful, attentive maintenance. When the party responsible for truck maintenance fails to address foreseeable risks, they can absorb liability for a resulting accident.
- Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. It’s possible for a driver to cause an accident if they consume alcohol or illicit drugs before driving. It is also possible for a driver to become drowsy or intoxicated because of prescription medications. When DUI causes a truck accident, an at-fault truck driver is likely to face criminal charges and may also lose their commercial driver’s license.
These are just a few of the most common causes of truck accidents in Las Vegas. No matter how your recent accident happened, you will need to prove fault before you can recover compensation for any damages you suffered. An experienced truck accident attorney in Las Vegas can be invaluable to the recovery efforts. The team at Easton & Easton has years of experience resolving truck accident cases for clients in Las Vegas and will put this experience to work for you.
FAQs
What Is the Most Common Cause of Truck Accidents?
The most common cause of truck accidents is driving too fast for conditions. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), it was cited as a cause for roughly 30% of large truck crashes in 2022. Driving too fast for conditions may define speeding, but it can also apply when a driver is at or below the speed limit, but current conditions dictate they should be travelling at a slower speed.
How Do You Prove Fault for a Truck Accident in Las Vegas?
You can prove fault for a truck accident in Las Vegas using various forms of evidence. Your attorney can secure trucking company documentation, cell phone records, vehicle computer data, and eyewitness testimony to help you build your case. You will need to prove fault for the accident and identify the party responsible before you can recover any compensation for your damages.
How Much Compensation Can I Recover for a Truck Accident?
The amount of compensation you could recover for a truck accident will largely depend on the severity of your injuries. If you can prove another party is responsible for causing the accident, they will be liable for any economic and non-economic damages you suffered because of their actions. Your total compensation could include repayment of medical bills, vehicle repair costs, lost income, and compensation for your pain and suffering.
Can a Trucking Company Be Liable for Its Driver’s Accident?
Yes, it is possible for a trucking company to be liable for its driver’s accident. If the facts of the case show that the trucking company was negligent in their hiring or training of the driver, the company can face vicarious liability. Your attorney can explain how this applies to your case and how vicarious liability may influence your recovery.
Why Do I Need to Hire an Attorney After a Truck Accident in Las Vegas?
You should always hire an attorney after a truck accident in Las Vegas because you are significantly more likely to succeed with your case and maximize your total compensation with their assistance. The right attorney can not only help you prove fault for the accident but also accurately calculate the full extent of the damages you could be eligible to claim. They can help you resolve your case efficiently, reducing the time you must wait to receive compensation.
The team at Easton & Easton can help you recover from a recent truck accident in Las Vegas. While it’s important to know the common causes of truck accidents in Las Vegas to hopefully reduce your chance of experiencing one, it is also crucial to consult trustworthy legal counsel if you or a loved one is injured. Contact us today and schedule a consultation with our team to find out how we can help with your truck accident case in Las Vegas.
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