The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) reports that the majority of deaths and injuries that result from large truck accidents are suffered by occupants in passenger vehicles. The reason for this is that large trucks are significantly larger in size and weight than passenger cars. As a result, the injuries can be severe, life-changing, and even deadly.
Commercial vehicles include any car or truck driven by an on-the-clock employee for company business. This, of course, includes UPS, FedEx, and Amazon box trucks as well as big rig 18-wheelers.
Steps to Take
If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident in Nevada with a commercial truck, below is a short guide with tips so you know what to do right after such an accident whether or not you have been injured.
- Get medical treatment: After any accident–including one with a commercial vehicle–all parties should immediately seek medical attention. This should be done even if you feel like your injuries are minor. First, a medical provider can document any harm. Second, seemingly minor injuries can often develop into more serious ones if proper medical intervention does not occur. Third, it is highly likely that the uptick in adrenaline in your body is masking any pain you would otherwise be feeling. Finally, do not refuse medical treatment if you are offered and ask for documentation of any treatment received.
- Do not leave the scene of the accident: You should never leave an accident scene, no matter how minor the crash may seem. This is because Nevada law criminalizes leaving the scene of an accident. State law requires that the nearest office of the Nevada highway patrol (NHP) or other law enforcement agency be notified. Failure to report the crash to 9-1-1 from the accident scene could result in the suspension of your driver’s license for up to one year and other legal penalties.
- Collect information: While you wait on first responders, make sure to check the condition of other victims (if you are able to). If anyone has been hurt, do not move them. Also work on getting the names and numbers of everyone who was either involved in the crash or witnessed the accident. Other information you should gather includes: details of the commercial truck owner and the driver’s employer; the police report number, as well as the contact information and badge number of the responding police officer; and photographs and videos of the crash scene. Also be sure to document every medical visit and all lab information, rehabilitation appointments, and test results.
Nevada Accident Attorneys
If you have been hurt in a Nevada accident with a commercial vehicle, do not speak with the insurance company or the other side without first consulting with an attorney. Unfortunately, insurance companies will try to limit the amount of money they will payout, even for valid insurance claims. Hire the experienced team of Nevada car accident attorneys at H&P Law to help you with your insurance claim.
