Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Nevada
Truck accidents in Nevada often happen because of driver mistakes, poor maintenance, and external conditions. Many of these crashes could be avoided if safety rules were followed. We’ve seen several factors repeatedly contribute to dangerous truck collisions, including:
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often push through long hours without enough rest. Fatigue slows reaction times and impairs decision-making, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Distracted Driving
Texting, eating, adjusting GPS systems, or talking on the phone are distractions that take a driver’s attention off the road. Even a momentary lapse can lead to a crash.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Some truck drivers exceed speed limits to meet delivery deadlines. Speeding makes it harder to stop or react in emergencies, especially for large, heavy trucks.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous for any motorist, but the risks are magnified with trucks due to their size and weight.
Improper Cargo Loading
Overloaded or unevenly distributed cargo can cause trucks to tip over or jackknife. Cargo shifts during transport also make the vehicle unstable.
Mechanical Failures
Poorly maintained trucks with faulty brakes, worn tires, or malfunctioning lights often lead to serious accidents. Regular inspections can prevent these issues.
Hazardous Road Conditions
Weather conditions like heavy rain, wind, or icy roads can create dangerous situations. Poor road maintenance, such as potholes or debris, is another common cause.
We understand how devastating these crashes can be and are committed to helping victims hold negligent parties accountable.
When Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
After an accident involving a semi-truck, it is imperative to contact an experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Las Vegas as soon as possible. Insurance companies for trucking companies know that their financial exposure is much greater in serious injury trucking accidents. They will often hire defense lawyers right away to defend the negligent truck driver and trucking company and attempt to stall efforts to obtain valuable information.
It is important that a preservation of evidence letter requesting preservation of dashcam footage, event data recorder (EDR) information, the truck driver’s cell phone records, call-in logs, pre-trip and post-trip inspection records, maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, and other valuable information is sent immediately. A prompt inspection of the semi-truck by an accident reconstructionist or other expert may also be warranted.
Given the significantly increased danger of a semi-truck compared to a normal-sized vehicle, truck drivers are held to a higher standard of care when operating their vehicles. A truck driver must obtain a commercial driver’s license, which requires them to pass a background check aimed to discover the criminal history and driving history, a medical examination, a skills test to prove the driver is capable of operating a semi-truck in a variety of scenarios, and a written knowledge test. Truck drivers are expected to put safety above any other priority. Unfortunately, not all truck drivers put safety first. It is not uncommon for truck drivers to drive on a lack of sleep, drive distracted, violate the rules of the road, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving with improperly loaded cargo, and exhibit other unsafe behavior.
Get A Free Consultation With Our Las Vegas Truck Accident Attorneys
Oftentimes, Nevada trucking accident cases enter litigation or “go to court.” Blake S. Friedman, Esq. has litigated a multitude of commercial trucking accident cases for his clients. Friedman Injury Law has the resources, experience, and tenacity to battle even the largest national defense law firms on high-profile trucking accident cases. Blake Friedman is currently litigating multiple multi-million-dollar commercial vehicle accident cases for his clients.
If you have been involved in a Las Vegas, Nevada trucking accident or commercial vehicle accident, contact or call Friedman Injury Law at (702) 970-4222 as soon as possible for a free consultation.