Las Vegas Truck Accident Lawyer

Ready to Hold Trucking Companies Liable for Your Injuries & Losses

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Las Vegas, NV, you understand how devastating it can be. Truck accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. At Alvandi Law Group, P.C., our dedicated Las Vegas truck accident lawyers have extensive experience helping victims of truck accidents recover compensation for their losses. We are here to guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive the justice and settlement you deserve.

To schedule a free case evaluation, call (800) 980-6905 or contact us online today.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents come in various forms, each with its own set of challenges and contributing factors. Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:

• Jackknife Accidents: A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a truck swings out to the side, forming an angle with the cab. This type of accident is often caused by sudden braking or loss of control. Jackknife accidents can result in multi-vehicle collisions and significant injuries to other drivers on the road.
• Rollover Accidents: Truck rollovers can occur when a truck driver loses control of the vehicle, often due to speeding, sharp turns, or improper cargo loading. When a large commercial truck rolls over, it poses a serious threat to nearby vehicles and pedestrians.
• Underride Accidents: An underride accident happens when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a truck and becomes trapped underneath. These accidents are particularly dangerous and often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
• Rear-End Collisions: Due to the significant weight of commercial trucks, they require more time and distance to stop compared to passenger vehicles. Rear-end collisions occur when a truck fails to stop in time and crashes into the vehicle in front of it, often causing severe injuries to the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
• Tire Blowouts: Tire blowouts are common in large trucks, especially when maintenance is neglected. A sudden blowout can cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to a serious accident.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks require extra space to make wide turns, and sometimes truck drivers misjudge the available space, leading to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. These accidents often occur in urban areas with heavy traffic.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Regulations

Trucking companies and drivers are subject to strict regulations imposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations are designed to enhance safety on the roads and reduce the risk of truck accidents. Violations of these regulations can contribute to accidents and establish liability in truck accident claims.

Some key FMCSA regulations include:

• Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations: Truck drivers are limited in the number of hours they can drive without taking a break. HOS regulations require drivers to take rest periods to prevent fatigue, a leading cause of truck accidents. Violating HOS regulations by driving for too long without rest can lead to accidents caused by drowsy driving.
• Weight Limits: Trucks are subject to weight restrictions to ensure they can be operated safely. Overloaded trucks can be difficult to control, increase the risk of tire blowouts, and lead to dangerous accidents.
• Maintenance Requirements: Trucking companies are required to maintain their vehicles in proper working order. This includes regular inspections of brakes, tires, and other essential components. Failure to perform routine maintenance can lead to mechanical failures and accidents on the road.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing: Truck drivers are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing to ensure they are not operating their vehicles under the influence. Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol is a major factor in truck accidents and can result in severe penalties for the trucking company and driver.

Truck Accident Liability

Determining liability in a truck accident can be a complex process involving multiple parties. Unlike typical car accidents, truck accidents often involve not only the driver but also the trucking company, maintenance crew, or even manufacturers of truck components. Common parties who may be held liable in a truck accident include:

• Truck Driver: The truck driver may be held liable if they were negligent in their actions, such as driving while distracted, speeding, or violating HOS regulations. Driver error is a leading cause of truck accidents, and establishing driver negligence is often a key factor in truck accident claims.
• Trucking Company: Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that their drivers are properly trained and that their vehicles are well-maintained. If a trucking company fails to adhere to FMCSA regulations, hire qualified drivers, or maintain their vehicles properly, they can be held liable for accidents caused by their negligence.
• Maintenance Providers: If the truck’s maintenance crew or the company responsible for maintaining the truck failed to perform necessary repairs or inspections, they may also be liable for the accident. Poor maintenance can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts.
• Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo can cause a truck to become unbalanced and difficult to control. If an accident is caused by improperly loaded cargo, the individuals or company responsible for loading the truck may be held liable.
• Truck or Parts Manufacturers: In some cases, a truck accident may be caused by a defect in the truck or one of its components, such as faulty brakes or tires. In these instances, the manufacturer of the defective part may be held responsible for the accident.