Semi-truck accidents on I-15 and US-95 can be among the most severe motor vehicle collisions in Nevada, resulting in catastrophic injuries and fatalities. These major transportation corridors have a high volume of commercial traffic passing through Las Vegas and connecting Nevada with neighboring states. As with any car crash, when a semi-truck collision happens, victims often face complex legal issues regarding liability, fault, and compensation under Nevada law.
Why Are Semi-Trucks So Dangerous on I-15 and US-95?
I-15 and US-95 are used extensively by long-haul trucking companies and regional delivery companies to transport goods. High traffic volumes, congestion, fast speeds, construction zones, and large stretches of desert driving can be hazardous to truck drivers and passenger vehicles alike. Driver fatigue, time pressure to make deliveries, and unfamiliarity with local traffic laws can also increase crash risks on these highways.
Because semi-trucks take longer to stop and maneuver, even small errors in judgment can be catastrophic when traffic suddenly slows or road conditions change. In 2022, Nevada saw 630 semi-truck accidents, with 21 being fatal and 236 resulting in injuries.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-truck accidents are frequently preventable and can occur because of negligence from the truck driver or the trucking company they work for. Some common causes of semi-truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue. This is one of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents, especially on long stretches.
- Reckless driving. This includes speeding, disobeying traffic laws, and tailgating.
- Inclement weather. Conditions like snow, ice, rain, and fog make driving more hazardous.
- Mechanical issues. Concerns such as brake failure, tire blowouts, and steering issues can cause a very serious accident, injuring others on the road.
- Poorly loaded cargo. This affects the weight of the truck and can cause rollovers and other issues with the truck in transport.
The Role of Trucking Companies
Trucking companies are often responsible for highway crashes, even if the truck driver is most visibly involved in the crash. Companies set hiring, training, scheduling, and maintenance practices that can directly influence a driver’s behavior on the road. If delivery deadlines are unrealistic or if there is poor safety oversight, corporate negligence can play a role in a crash.
The trucking company may also be at fault for not monitoring driver hours or for not acting on safety violations. It might even be liable for not enforcing maintenance procedures and allowing poorly maintained trucks to remain on the road. Often, these factors are discovered during post-accident investigation.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Assigning fault in semi-truck crashes is not always straightforward, and multiple parties may be at fault. The truck driver, the trucking company, a maintenance provider, a cargo loading contractor, or even a truck parts manufacturer may all have some responsibility. Often, more than one party is at fault, and each may have separate insurance policies.
Fortunately, Nevada law allows injured victims to pursue compensation from all the negligent parties whose actions led to the crash. Multi-layered liability is one reason truck accident cases differ from standard car accident claims.
Relevant Delivery Driver Accident Laws
Truck accidents on I-15 and US-95 are subject to Nevada state law and federal trucking regulations. Commercial drivers must follow specific safety rules regarding their hours of service, vehicle inspections, and how they secure loads. Breaking these safety standards can be evidence of negligence.
Nevada uses a modified comparative negligence standard for determining fault. Fault is typically shared, and even if the injured party is partially to blame, they can receive compensation unless they are more than 50% responsible. The recovery may be reduced depending on the injured party’s degree of fault.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
Deciding to hire a truck accident lawyer can have a significant impact on the outcome of a semi-truck accident case. Delivery driver accident claims are not like car accident claims because they involve powerful insurance companies, large trucking corporations, and complicated trucking regulations.
Truck accident attorneys have the skill and experience needed to identify all the at-fault parties, find evidence of hidden negligence, and negotiate aggressively on behalf of their injured clients.
Legal representation also helps ensure that all of Nevada’s procedural requirements are met and can protect accident victims from the unfair settlement tactics that are common in commercial trucking accidents.
FAQs
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?
Liability for a truck accident is based on who was negligent. The at-fault party can be the truck driver, the trucking company, a maintenance provider, a cargo loading company, or a vehicle manufacturer. More than one party can be at fault. Trucking operations have layers of responsibility above and beyond the driver who is sitting behind the wheel.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
Truck accident settlements can range significantly depending on factors such as the severity of injuries, long-term medical care requirements, lost wages, and the degree of fault. Claims involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death tend to result in higher settlements compared to those involving minor injuries. The outcome of settlements is heavily influenced by available insurance coverage and liability concerns, along with the quality of presented evidence.
Are Semis Always at Fault?
Semi-trucks are not necessarily responsible for every accident. Liability depends on the analysis of all factors involved in a collision, including the actions of the drivers, road conditions, vehicle maintenance, and other motorists on the road. Trucking companies and drivers are held to high standards of safety, but other drivers may be primarily or partially responsible for some accidents.
Who Is a Responsible Driver Responsible For?
A driver has a responsibility to drive their motor vehicle without endangering the safety of other people. This means that the driver has a responsibility to obey traffic regulations. Commercial drivers have additional responsibilities, including complying with safety regulations, properly inspecting their vehicles, and driving carefully in dangerous conditions. Negligence by a driver can make both the driver and their employer responsible.
About Easton & Easton
Easton & Easton is a family-owned and operated personal injury law firm. We have decades of experience representing clients in serious truck accident cases. Our firm has over 100 years of combined trial experience. We are proud to be named Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and by national legal organizations. We have a history of pursuing cases that hold negligent companies responsible. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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