Big rigs, semis, and delivery trucks are no strangers to the busy highways and roads that run through and around the city of Las Vegas. At any given time, during the day or night, these trucks are sharing the road with cars and pedestrians. The sheer size and weight of these trucks, especially when fully loaded, makes it extremely dangerous for other drivers on the road. So much that 25 percent of passenger vehicle occupant deaths are a result of accidents involving big trucks. Lerner and Rowe recommend seven things you need to know to protect your rights if you are a victim of a truck accident.
#1 – Documenting the Accident Is Important
The initial moments after a crash are extremely chaotic. You or your passengers might suffer serious injuries or may be trying to figure what just happened to you. Your first concern should be making sure that everyone is safe, and that emergency help has been called. If you are able to move around, you will want to begin gathering information regarding your accident. You should not depend only on the information that the police will gather with their report. It could take days before you have a copy of that report. But most importantly, witnesses could leave the scene before the police arrive.
Gather information, including:
- Truck driver’s name and the name of the company that owns the truck
- License plate number
- Insurance provider
- Company phone number
- Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
- Photos of the accident scene and damage to the vehicles
#2 – Truck Accident Injuries Are Severe
The injuries from a car versus truck crash can be extremely devastating considering the difference in size and weight of the two vehicles. These injuries could be life-changing and require extensive medical care and months of recovery.
Accidents involving a large truck could result in death or injuries, such as:
- Back injuries
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
Because of the severity of injuries, you could have a long stay in the hospital, experience chronic pain, or even permanent disability. You might not be able to immediately return to work, which could negatively affect your financial security.
#3 – Federal Laws Regulate Trucks and Truck Accidents
Commercial truck drivers and their companies are held to a stricter standard because of federal laws. They are required to be registered with the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. But they are also required to:
- Maintain their trucks and comply with annual inspections
- Have special driver’s licenses
- Keep an electronic log book
- Drive no more than the maximum hours allowed during a set period
#4 – Commercial Truck Accidents Are More Complicated
Crashes involving commercial trucks are more complicated than those that only involve cars. There are numerous reasons why accidents involving trucks occur, including:
- Mechanical failure
- Speeding to meet delivery deadlines
- Driver distraction or fatigue
- Aggressive driving
- Truck being overloaded
- Tire blowouts
- Tailgating
- Improper training
- Poor weather conditions
- Failure to maintain or inspect truck
- Unsafe lane changes
And adding to the accident’s complication is having to deal with not just the driver, but the business that owns the truck and their insurer.
#5 – Reducing Your Risk of Being in a Crash
Sometimes truck accidents are not the fault of the truck driver. It is the responsibility of all drivers, cars and trucks alike, to safely share the road. Still, you can reduce your risk of being in a crash by:
- Staying out of the trucks blind spot by keeping in view of the truck’s side mirror
- Never tailgating to prevent rear-ending a truck if it stops short
- Not riding close up on the right side of trucks if they are turning because trucks make wide turns
- Reducing the risk of causing a truck to jackknife by never stopping short
#6 – Damages that You May Be Entitled to from a Truck Accident
If you or a loved one suffers injury in a car-truck accident, you could receive compensation for your expenses and damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of capacity to earn
- Loss of companionship
An experienced Las Vegas truck accident attorney can help you receive the compensation you deserve to help you get back to a normal life.
#7 – You Need a Las Vegas Truck Accident Attorney
Do not be fooled into thinking your insurance company or the truck driver’s insurance company has your best interests at heart, because they do not. The insurer’s goal is to spend as little as possible on your medical bills and reimbursement for property lost. Plus, they are not going to reimburse you for your wages that are lost while you are recuperating from your injuries. You need a Las Vegas truck accident attorney to deal with insurers and keep your injury claim on track with the Court.
When you are in a wreck and need a check, your best bet is to have a Las Vegas truck accident attorney from Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys on your side. We bring experience, skill, and passion to your case. Because accidents can happen any time of the day, we are available 24/7 to take your call at 844-977-1900 or for an online LiveChat to schedule your free consultation. Furthermore, there are no fees until we win your case. You have nothing to lose by getting our team on your side.