Big rigs are a lifeline of the transportation industry, providing transportation of large quantities of products across the nation. While this is vital to commerce, it can be nerve-wracking to drive with these trucks on the road. That is because accidents involving these trucks can lead to overwhelming damage and life-changing injuries.
If you have experienced this yourself, reach out to a Las Vegas big rig accident lawyer to learn more about your right to compensation. You may have grounds for a lawsuit, and a dedicated Las Vegas truck accident attorney at H&P Law is ready to help you file. If you are potentially eligible for compensation, all you have to do is reach out to our team to learn more about protecting your future.
Why Are Big Rigs So Dangerous?
Many of us are already nervous when driving around big rigs. Even worse, the damages you may suffer when involved in an accident may be more severe than from other crashes. So, what makes these truck accidents so dangerous?
One of the biggest issues is the size of these vehicles. They may be several times bigger than your car. That means they may have more force behind them when an accident happens, leaving more serious injuries.
Truck accidents can also be more dangerous depending on the cargo they carry. Many trucks carry hazardous materials, such as flammable gas. When these trucks are involved in an accident, it can lead to fires, explosions, and other dangerous situations.
Liability for Big Truck Accidents
You may already be aware that you have a case to file. However, you may be unsure who is responsible for your injuries. If you are struggling to pinpoint the at-fault party and get your motor vehicle accident case started, talk to your big rig accident lawyer in Las Vegas about the following potential liable parties for your claim.
Employer Responsibility
When you are involved in an accident with a big rig, it is rarely the truck driver’s financial responsibility to pay for your injuries. That is because they are acting within the scope of their employment. That places the responsibility for your injuries on the trucking company.
When a trucking company decides to hire a driver, they are responsible for the actions of that driver. They are expected to maintain all important records and training, and they are accountable for completing a background check. If any mistakes are made during this process, the company may be financially responsible for your injuries.
Third Parties May Be Liable
In some cases, the truck driver may have done everything they could to protect your safety. Unfortunately, your accident may have still happened because someone else was being careless. When another driver causes an accident involving a big rig, your lawyer at H&P Law may pursue action against that driver.
Sometimes, big rig accidents are caused by faulty equipment or truck parts. When this happens, the fault may lie with the manufacturer of that part. For help holding the manufacturer responsible for your injuries, reach out to an attorney for the guidance you need.
Compensation for Your Big Rig Accident Injuries
Getting compensated fairly is a key part of overcoming the injuries you have suffered in a Las Vegas big rig accident. However, you may not have the tools to calculate the cost of the damages you have suffered. Those damages determine the amount of compensation you will receive, so do not hesitate to reach out to an attorney about calculating the following damages.
Economic Damages
When you have been seriously injured or your vehicle is damaged in an accident, you may be owed economic damages. These damages cover any financial losses you have suffered because of the accident. That includes both current and future expenses that may apply, such as future medical procedures and ongoing lost wages.
If you are struggling to calculate your economic damages, do not hesitate to reach out to an attorney. Your big rig accident attorney in Las Vegas, NV, can handle the task of gathering evidence for your economic damages. They can also help you calculate how much your damages are worth.
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages are also known as pain and suffering damages because they compensate you for the intangible suffering you have experienced in an accident. These damages cover many types of damages that do not leave a physical dollar amount but do impact your life. In fact, these damages, like those below, are calculated based on the severity and impact of the damages on your life:
- Anxiety
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Physical pain
Punitive Damages
When a person is wantonly reckless with your safety or when someone willfully tries to injure you, you may be due punitive damages. For example, a truck driver may have swerved into your lane to cause an accident in an act of road rage. In cases like these, you may be due punitive damages, which are meant to punish the wrongdoer.
Punitive damages are rarely awarded, but the judge may choose to award these damages. They are meant to deter future negligence of that severity, so seeking them gives you compensation and can help discourage similar actions from others in the future. Talk to your attorney about gathering evidence that you may be due these damages.
Speak to a Las Vegas Big Rig Accident Attorney
When a big rig is involved in your motor vehicle accident, the results may be dire. You may have suffered injuries that impact the rest of your life, or you may have even lost a loved one because of the accident. That can be a devastating experience, but you do not have to accept the damages without taking action.
At H&P Law, we offer legal representation that can help you get compensated and hold the at-fault party responsible. When you are ready to speak to an experienced big rig accident lawyer in Las Vegas, NV, you can set up a free consultation with our team, where we can discuss your case and what you can do next. When you are ready to take action, simply reach out by calling or filling out our online contact form.
