A big rig driver may crash their vehicle into yours, leaving you with an injury. At this point, it may be beneficial to partner with a Mesquite big rig accident lawyer. You and your Mesquite truck accident lawyer can work together to pursue damages.
With more than 60 years of combined legal experience, the team at H&P Law can help you get compensation. We are available to review your case. To get started, contact our lawyers today.
What to Do After a Big Rig Accident
If a big rig driver causes an accident, try to remain calm. Call 911, which will bring medical personnel and police officers to the scene. You can get medical help and report the accident to the police.
Notify your auto insurance company about your accident. Also, keep track of your medical bills. You may use these bills to justify your request for damages from the liable truck driver. Call us today for a free consultation so you can learn more about what our Mesquite personal injury lawyer can do for you.
Along with these things, it may be a good idea to consult with a Mesquite big rig accident attorney. At H&P Law, we can answer frequently asked questions and many others about truck accidents and when to pursue damages. To learn more, reach out to us.
Who Is Responsible for a Big Rig Accident
A big rig driver may be liable for an accident. For example, a trucker may take their eyes off the road and slam their vehicle into yours. In this situation, the trucker may be responsible.
In addition to a truck driver, a trucking company, cargo loader, and other parties may be at fault for an accident. A big rig accident attorney in Mesquite can review the facts surrounding your accident. They may help you figure out who is liable.
To get the best case results, you must prove a liable party was negligent. This requires you to show that the party had a legal obligation to avoid careless and reckless acts that could put you in danger. You must also prove that this party violated their obligation, causing your accident to happen and forcing you to incur economic or non-economic damages.
Big Rig Truck Accident Claim
If you drive a car in Nevada, you are required to have auto insurance. Let your insurer know about your big rig accident right away. Next, your insurance company may work with the at-fault trucker and their insurance provider.
There are insurance requirements for commercial vehicles in Nevada. A truck driver may be covered under their employer’s insurance policy. Your insurance company may work with the at-fault trucker’s insurer to help you get damages.
Just because a big rig driver causes your crash does not guarantee you will get compensation. The driver’s insurer may do everything within its power to deny your claim. A big rig accident lawyer in Mesquite may help you negotiate with a liable trucker and their insurer.
When to File a Claim
According to Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) §11.190, you may have up to two years from the date of your big rig accident to seek damages. The time frame for filing a claim may not be extended. After two years, you may be solely responsible for your accident-related losses.
You may request economic and non-economic damages. A judge or jury may offer economic compensation based on your car repairs or replacement, medical bills, and other quantifiable losses. You may receive non-economic damages for pain and suffering.
It is your responsibility to prove negligence. If you cannot provide a sufficient amount of evidence, a judge or jury may rule against you. When this happens, you may receive partial damages or no compensation at all.
Comparative Negligence in a Big Rig Accident Case
Per NRS §41.141, comparative negligence is in effect in Nevada. You may be held partly responsible for a big rig accident. If a judge or jury says you are partially to blame for your accident, you may be ineligible for full damages.
As an example, a judge or jury may say you are 10% liable for your accident. This means the liable party is 90% at fault. Therefore, they may be required to pay 90% of the damages that you initially sought.
There are times when a judge or jury may find that a plaintiff is more responsible for an accident than the defendant. If this occurs in your case, a judge or jury is saying you are primarily at fault. As a result, the defendant may not be required to pay damages.
Big Rig Accident Case Evidence
You may present a wealth of evidence to support your argument. If you do, you may be well equipped to get 100% of the damages that you are requesting. Proof you may provide in a big rig accident case includes:
- Accident scene photos and videos
- Black box data
- Police report
- Truck maintenance records
You may be wondering if you need a lawyer to file a truck accident claim on your behalf. When you have an attorney at your side, you can get help with submitting your claim and gathering evidence. Your lawyer may also be able to secure a fair settlement for you.
Big Rig Accident Case Settlement
In terms of what is the average settlement in a truck accident case, there is no such thing. You may receive a settlement leading up to your trial date. If you accept the settlement, you may receive compensation and close your case.
It may be best to discuss a settlement offer with your Mesquite big rig accident lawyer. This gives you the opportunity to share concerns or questions you have about the proposal. If your Mesquite big rig accident attorney believes it is in your best interests to decline a settlement, they will let you know.
Regardless of your lawyer’s opinion, you make the final decision on a settlement. If you believe a proposal is fair, you may move forward with it. Alternatively, if you are not happy with a settlement, you can continue with your litigation.
Partner with a Lawyer
Legal help is available to those who were recently involved in a big rig accident. At H&P Law, we may be able to assist you with your accident claim. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, contact us today.
