When a massive 18-wheeler collides with your car, the world changes in an instant. Accidents involving semi-trucks, big rigs, or other commercial vehicles in Las Vegas are fundamentally different from a standard fender-bender. The sheer size of these trucks—often weighing more than 80,000 pounds—means the crashes are often severe, leaving victims with life-altering injuries and massive medical bills. If you or a loved one has been hurt, the steps you take right now are important. As your local car accident legal team, we are here to help you understand your rights and protect your claim from the moment the crash happens.
Why a Truck Crash Is Not Like a Car Crash
Many people assume a claim against a truck driver is handled the same way as a claim against another passenger vehicle driver. This is simply not true.
When you are hit by a regular car, you deal with an individual and their personal insurance. When you are hit by a commercial truck, you are dealing with a corporation. These large logistics companies and their insurance providers have huge resources and aggressive legal teams.
They may dispatch “Rapid Response Teams” to the crash scene immediately. These are investigators and lawyers sent to start looking for evidence that blames you for the accident. Their goal is to control the story and minimize how much they have to pay. To give yourself a fair chance, you must act fast to secure your own evidence and legal help.
Five Steps to Take After a Semi-Truck Accident
The moments after a crash are full of pain, confusion, and adrenaline. It can be hard to think clearly. We suggest you remember these five simple steps if you are ever hurt in a semi-truck accident in Nevada.
1. Get Medical Attention Right Away
Your health is the most important thing. Even if you feel “okay” or only have minor pain, you need to be checked out by a medical professional. The tremendous force from a commercial vehicle crash can hide serious injuries. Symptoms of spine and neck injuries, internal bleeding, or a traumatic brain injury may not appear until hours or even days later. Getting medical attention right away does two things: it protects your health, and it officially documents your injuries, which is needed to prove your case later.
2. Call Law Enforcement
You must call 911 and ensure an official report is filed. Do not let the truck driver talk you out of calling the police to “handle it privately.” Under Nevada law, you must report any accident that involves an injury, a death, or significant property damage. Law enforcement officers, such as the Nevada Highway Patrol or local police, will come to the scene. They create an official accident report that is a neutral record of what happened. This report includes their initial determination of fault, witness statements, and any citations given to the truck driver. Be sure to note the officer’s name, their badge number, and the report number for your records.
3. Collect Evidence Safely at the Scene
The scene of the crash can be cleared within hours. The truck may be towed to a private yard, and skid marks can be washed away by the weather. If you are physically able to move safely, start gathering evidence immediately using your cell phone camera.
- Photograph the Truck’s Identification: Don’t just get the license plate. Take photos of the DOT Number (usually on the cab door), the trucking company’s logo, and the trailer number. The cab and trailer may be owned by different companies with different insurance policies.
- Document the Damage and Road: Take wide photos and close-ups of the damage to both vehicles. Capture the scene around you, including skid marks, road debris, stop signs, or traffic lights.
- Get Witness Information: If people stopped to help, quickly get their names and phone numbers. They are neutral parties who can confirm what happened.
4. Do Not Talk to the Trucking Company or Insurers
The insurance adjusters for the trucking company are not your friends. They are trained to protect the company’s money. They may call you soon after the accident asking for a recorded statement or requesting you to “confirm” minor injuries. They may try to get you to settle your case for a very low amount before you even know the full extent of your medical needs. Any statement you give, even a simple, polite “I’m okay,” can be used later to argue you were not truly injured, or that you caused the accident. Do not engage with them. We handle all communication with the insurance carriers so you can focus on healing.
5. Contact a Truck Accident Attorney Early
This is one of the most important protective steps you can take. Truck accidents require a lawyer to intervene quickly to protect key evidence. Our lawyers know that the most critical piece of evidence is the truck’s Electronic Control Module (ECM), often called the “Black Box.”
The Black Box records vital data about the truck at the time of the crash:
- Speed
- Braking history
- Hours of Service (showing driver fatigue)
- Throttle position
This data is the “smoking gun” in many investigations. The problem is that the trucking company owns the data, and they are not required to keep it forever. In fact, many systems automatically overwrite this information after a short time or a few engine cycles.
Without a lawyer to send a formal Preservation of Evidence Letter immediately, the trucking company can legally destroy this proof of their fault. Preserving this Black Box data, along with driver logbooks, maintenance records, and proof of FMCSA safety violations, is a key part of our job.
The Complexities of Liability in Nevada Truck Cases
Liability in a regular car crash usually rests with one driver. In a truck accident, liability is much more complicated and can involve many different parties. When we investigate your case, we look beyond the driver to see if others were responsible.
Liable parties may include:
- The truck driver (for distraction, speeding, or fatigue).
- The trucking company (for poor training, aggressive scheduling, or negligent hiring).
- A freight or logistics company (for dangerous or improper loading).
- A maintenance or repair provider (for equipment failure).
- A parts manufacturer (for defective brakes or tires).
The legal process for going through a complex case with multiple defendants is challenging. We understand the specific laws and regulations that govern commercial trucking in Nevada and across the United States. We have the knowledge and resources to take on these large corporations and their defense teams.
If you have been seriously hurt in a collision with a commercial vehicle, do not try to go through this complex process alone. Let Friedman Injury Law protect your rights and fight for the recovery you deserve.
Call us today at (702) 970-4222 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will secure the evidence, investigate every detail, and aggressively pursue justice for you.
