Las Vegas Truck Accident Lawyers

With the assistance of a Las Vegas trucking accident attorney from Southwest Injury Law, you can seek the justice and financial compensation you rightfully deserve. Reach out to our law office today to learn how we can put our experience, skills, and resources to work for your case. Our legal team is available to offer a free case evaluation at your convenience. Call us today or message us online to get started.

Statistics on Big Rig Crashes

• The National Safety Council indicated in a 2022 report that roughly 5,837 large trucks were involved in crashes involving fatalities accounting for an overall increase of 1.8 percent from the previous year
• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 5,788 individuals suffered fatal injuries and over 154,000 people sustained injuries in motor vehicle crashes involving large commercial trucks in 2021
• Data for 2022 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety revealed that the highest occurrence of fatal big rig crashes occurred from 12pm-3pm with a total of 805 fatalities, accounting for 17 percent of all deadly large truck accidents that year

Federal Regulations for Truck Drivers

All commercial truck drivers are mandated to comply with the guidelines set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):

• Regular inspections of truck loads
• Trucking companies must allow reasonable unloading times
• Scheduled rest breaks must be taken regularly by truck drivers
• Truckers must not operate a tractor-trailer with a blood alcohol content of 0.04 or higher
• Truck drivers must be at least 21 years old and prove their ability to operate an 18-wheeler safely
• Truck drivers are prohibited from alcohol consumption within four hours prior to operating a big rig
• There are strict limits on the number of driving hours logged, also known as hours of service (HOS)
• Truck drivers must exercise a greater duty of care when driving during inclement weather conditions

The unfortunate reality is that many trucking companies fail to uphold FMCSA standards. When FMCSA violations lead to serious big rig crashes, there may be recourse available. Learn how our Las Vegas trucking accident attorneys can help by setting up a free case review today.

Liability in Tractor-Trailer Collisions

At our law firm, we work with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to investigate and present evidence of negligence. Common reasons for big rig crashes often include:

• Drug or alcohol use
• Reckless driving or speeding
• Truck driver fatigue or excessive hours of service
• Other distractions, such as texting while driving or adjusting the stereo
• Unsafe truck operation in steep grades, poor visibility, or inclement weather
• Traffic violations, such as improper lane changes or following vehicles too closely

Who Can Be Held Liable for Losses from an 18-Wheeler Collision?

A significant portion of trucking accident litigation involves meticulously examining the evidence to link specific acts of negligence to the appropriate defendants. There are often multiple defendants in a big rig crash case because liability may be shared among various parties based on their contribution to the incident, including:

• Truck drivers
• Trucking companies
• Truck manufacturers
• Government agencies
• Independent contractors
• Independent owner-operators

Typically, the investigation begins by investigating the truck driver’s negligence. If it is suspected that faulty truck parts or equipment caused or contributed to a big rig crash, an attorney can evaluate manufacturing defects to determine if a product liability claim may be appropriate. For more details, contact an experienced Las Vegas truck accident lawyer.

How Long Do You Have to File a Case for a Big Rig Crash in Nevada?

A personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit for a commercial truck accident must be filed within a specific timeframe known as the statute of limitations. In Nevada, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the incident date. However, certain situations, such as cases against public agencies, can change this timeframe. If a case names a government entity as a defendant, the statute of limitations is 180 days instead of two years.  

At Southwest Injury Law, we advise injured parties and surviving family members to contact an experienced attorney immediately following a big rig crash. When you turn to our legal team for assistance, we can evaluate your potential case in a free, no-obligation consultation. If you hire us to represent you, we will identify the relevant statute of limitations and ensure that a lawsuit is filed on time if attempts at a mutual settlement agreement have been exhausted.

How Can a Las Vegas Trucking Accident Attorney Help?

In the aftermath of an 18-wheeler collision, the situation may become complex quickly. The scene of the incident may change quickly, key evidence may be lost or destroyed, and eyewitness memories may fade over time. It is essential to contact an experienced Las Vegas trucking accident attorney immediately to ensure that evidence is gathered and preserved before it is too late. Following a big rig crash, our legal team from Southwest Injury Law can:

• Acquire a copy of the truck driver’s driving history
• Inspect and document the scene of the big rig crash
• Request maintenance records of the involved tractor-trailer
• Obtain the truck driver’s logs and trucking company records
• Send letters of preservation of evidence to appropriate defendants

Why are Spoliation Letters Important in a Tractor-Trailer Collision Case?

Letters of preservation of evidence, also known as spoliation letters, play a crucial role in personal injury and wrongful death cases arising from commercial truck accident cases. These letters are formal requests sent to potential defendants or third parties that caused or contributed to big rig crashes. In the context of commercial truck accidents, this often includes maintenance records, truck driver logs, electronic data from onboard recorders, and more.

Contact a Las Vegas Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Our Las Vegas truck accident lawyers are committed to helping clients obtain compensation and justice. Book a free consultation at (702) 600-3200. At Southwest Injury Law, we can assist you with your tractor-trailer collision case, protect your rights, and have your best interests at heart throughout the process.