Being in a crash with a massive commercial vehicle is a life-altering event that happens in the blink of an eye. Because these vehicles are so heavy, the force of the impact often leads to permanent disabilities or even death for those in smaller cars.
If you are currently dealing with the aftermath of a wreck, you need to follow specific steps to protect your health and your right to get paid for your losses. Nevada law has strict rules for these situations, and missing a single step can make it much harder to win your case later.
Report the Incident to Local Authorities Right Away
You should call 911 immediately after the crash happens to get help on the way. Nevada law requires you to report any accident involving injuries or significant property damage, and you technically have up to 10 days to do so.
When you call for help, dispatchers send both medical teams and police officers to the scene. The police will create an official report that serves as a permanent record of what happened, which is a major piece of evidence for your personal injury lawyer.
Seek Medical Care to Link Your Injuries to the Crash
Even if you think you only have a few scratches, you need to let a doctor look at you right away. Some serious problems, like internal bleeding or brain trauma, do not show symptoms until hours or days after the collision occurs.
Getting medical help creates a paper trail that proves your injuries came from the truck accident. If you wait too long, the insurance company will argue that you got hurt somewhere else or that your injuries are not as bad as you claim.
Your doctor will record every test, medication, and treatment you receive during your stay. This documentation allows your legal team to calculate the exact amount of money you need to cover your hospital bills and future rehab costs.
Collect Physical Evidence at the Scene
If you are physically able to move around, you should start gathering as much information as possible before the vehicles are towed away. Use your phone to take photos of the truck, the damage to your car, and any skid marks on the pavement.
You need to write down the name of the driver, their license plate number, and the name of the trucking company they work for. Do not forget to get contact information from anyone who saw the crash happen so they can give a statement later.
Memory fades quickly when you are stressed or spending time in a hospital bed. Writing down exactly what you remember as soon as possible ensures you do not forget small details that could prove the other driver was at fault.
Move Your Car to Clear the Flow of Traffic
Nevada law says you must move your vehicle off the main road if it is still operable and safe to drive. Doing this prevents more crashes from happening and keeps traffic moving on busy highways like I-80 or I-580 where trucks are constantly passing through.
If you are too badly hurt to move or the car is totaled, stay where you are and wait for the police to take over. They will handle the towing and ensure the area is safe for other drivers while they finish their investigation.
Stay Quiet and Avoid Admitting Any Fault
One of the biggest mistakes people make is talking too much to the other driver or the insurance adjusters. Even saying something as simple as “I am sorry” can be used against you to suggest that you caused the accident.
The insurance company for the trucking firm might call you very quickly with a settlement offer. Do not sign anything or give a recorded statement until you have talked to a personal injury lawyer who knows how to handle these companies.
Understanding How Nevada Laws Affect Your Payday
Nevada uses a rule called comparative negligence, which means you can still get money even if you were partly responsible for the crash. As long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault, you can recover a portion of your damages.
For example, if a judge decides you were 20 percent at fault, you would still receive 80 percent of the total award. This is why proving the truck driver or their company broke safety rules is so important for your final check.
You also need to keep an eye on the clock because Nevada has a two-year statute of limitations. If you do not file your lawsuit within two years of the accident date, you lose your right to sue forever regardless of how much you suffered.
Track All Expenses and Financial Losses
Your lawyer will need to see exactly how much this accident has cost you in real dollars. Keep a folder with every receipt for prescriptions, co-pays, and even the gas you use to drive to your physical therapy appointments.
You should also keep track of the days you missed at work and any raises or promotions you lost because of your injuries. A personal injury lawyer uses this data to make sure the settlement covers your past, present, and future financial needs.
Work with a Dedicated Truck Accident Lawyer
Trucking cases are much more complicated than regular car accidents because multiple parties might be liable for your pain. This could include the driver, the company that hired them, or even the manufacturer of a faulty part that failed on the road.
A trusted truck accident lawyer will look into the truck’s black box data to see if the driver was speeding or working too many hours without a break. Having someone on your side who knows the federal safety regulations gives you a much better chance of a fair outcome.
If you need help going through the legal process after a crash, call Friedman Injury Law at (702) 970-4222. We are ready to help you hold the trucking company responsible and get the money you deserve for your recovery.