Eighteen-wheeler truck accidents can wreak havoc on the lives of all those involved. Damage to vehicles and property can be extensive and leave you in a tough financial position during your recovery. These devastating wrecks can leave you reeling for a long time.
When you need a Mesquite truck accident lawyer, the experienced team at H&P Law has you covered. Instead of wondering what to do after your accident, let us help you get the compensation you deserve. A Mesquite 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer can guide you through the process and answer all your questions.
18-Wheeler Truck Accident Statistics
Accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks are very serious and occur frequently. Call us today for a free consultation so you can learn more about what our Mesquite personal injury lawyer can do for you. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that large truck crashes have continued to increase in the last several years. In the most recent reporting year, it was estimated that there were:
- 494,000 accidents involving large trucks
- 5,149 of those accidents were fatal (1%)
- 110,000 of them caused injuries (22%)
Nights and weekdays are the most frequent times for semi-truck accidents to take place. Work zones are another common point of peril. Additionally, truck fatalities are most likely to transpire in the following areas:
- 54% in rural locations
- 26% on an interstate highway
- 12% on rural highways
Nevada Truck Accident Statistics
There are a number of accidents involving semi-trucks each year in Nevada. In the Institute for Safer Trucking’s most recent report of Nevada fatal truck crash facts, they reported that the mortality rate increased by 221% between 2012 and 2021. In addition, 17% of work zone fatalities involved a semi-truck
Semi-Trucks Are Susceptible to Devastating Accidents
Given their size and weight, tractor-trailers are susceptible to more severe accidents. Road conditions, equipment, and time on the road are all factors that contribute to 18-wheeler truck accidents. Below is a look at some common semi-truck accidents according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and their partner institution, the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI).
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is a serious hazard and a notable factor in semi-truck accidents. Truck drivers often work long hours at a time and may have their sleep cycle disrupted as a result. Drivers are twice as likely to crash if they’ve been driving for more than eight hours at a time.
Any violations of time regulations can significantly contribute to driver fatigue and even lead drivers to fall asleep at the wheel. This is a particular concern for drivers who drive cross-country. Newer digital systems for logging hours help enforce time regulations for drivers.
Faulty Equipment
Defective equipment is linked to accident causation. There is a 200% increased likelihood of an accident if any of a truck’s equipment isn’t working properly. However, faulty or mis-aligned brakes are the most common type of equipment to fail.
Braking
Tractor trailers need extra time to break due to the weight they carry, their size, and the way their brakes are designed. Given these factors, poor road conditions can exacerbate the difference in stopping times, especially if the roads are slippery or wet. Brakes that haven’t been properly maintained are another problem that can lead to accidents.
Truck Underride
Because there is a lot of space underneath 18-wheeler trucks, cars, pedestrians, bikes, and motorcycles can easily go underneath the truck in the event of an accident. This can lead to severe injury and even death. The majority of underride crashes occurred under the front portion of the truck, followed by the rear and then the side.
Injuries Commonly Caused by 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents
Collisions with semi-trucks can lead to injury, disability, and even death. Injuries can also be short or long-term in nature. Some common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Head, neck, and spine injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Internal injuries
- Paralysis
- Broken or fractured bones
Legal Representation Makes a Difference
When you’ve been in an 18-wheeler truck accident, you want to minimize the time it takes to receive compensation. This is where an 18-wheeler truck accident attorney in Mesquite can make all the difference. At H&P Law, we are committed to getting you the justice and case results you deserve.
Our team works hard to compile all the documents you need to build a case. From reports and medical records from the time of the event to measuring the extent of your damages, our experienced team works hard to build a case around the specifics of your situation. We aim to mitigate your stress during this tough time.
Legal Process for an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Claim
When you file a claim seeking compensation after your accident, an 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer in Mesquite will start working on establishing negligence and fault as the foundation of your case. According to negligence law in Nevada, it stipulates that negligence is determined when a defendant fails to act according to their duty to prevent harm, and instead causes injury. You may be entitled to receive damages for losses as a result.
Additionally, in order to establish negligence, the fault must first be determined. An investigation into the details of the accident must take place to see who caused the majority of harm. According to Nevada’s comparative fault state laws, the party who bears the burden of fault receives no compensation and may even have to pay punitive damages, depending on the circumstances.
Secure a Mesquite 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer without Delay
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from an 18-wheeler truck accident, H&P Law is here to advocate for you. We work vigorously to see that you receive justice for your damages. Our team strives to build a strategy that is right for you.
While semi-truck accident injuries can monopolize your life, the right support can make all the difference in your recovery process. Our team invites you to schedule a free consultation with a Mesquite 18-wheeler truck accident attorney. Let us represent you today and help you get back on your feet.
