Pahrump sees a significant volume of commercial truck traffic on its scenic roads. Unfortunately, the size and weight of the big rigs pose a considerable safety risk for smaller passenger vehicles, often resulting in devastating accidents requiring help from a Pahrump big rig accident lawyer.
If you have been injured in a Pahrump big rig collision, seeking help from the Pahrump truck accident lawyer at H&P Law is crucial to navigating the complexities of Nevada’s legal system and securing compensation.
Big Rig Regulations
If you were in an accident with a big rig and a regulation was violated, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. An experienced Pahrump personal injury lawyer can investigate your accident to determine whether negligence played a role in your collision. Contact us now so we can begin our investigation and help you file a claim for damages.
Truck drivers must follow several regulations because of the dangers of big rigs, including their size and weight, maneuverability, stopping distance, driver demands, and cargo loads. These trucking regulations are governed by various laws aimed at ensuring the safety of commercial motor vehicles and reducing the risk of accidents. Rules that govern trucks include:
- Hours of service (HOS) regulations: To prevent fatigue, drivers are limited in how many hours they can drive and work in a given period.
- Electronic logging device (ELD) mandate: Commercial truck drivers must use electronic logging devices to record their service hours electronically to ensure accurate HOS recording.
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance: Big rigs must undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they operate safely.
- Cargo securement rules: Cargo must be adequately secured to prevent it from shifting, spilling, or falling during transport.
- Drug and alcohol testing: Commercial truck drivers must undergo drug and alcohol testing to prevent impaired driving.
- Hazardous materials transportation regulations: The transportation of dangerous materials in Nevada requires testing and is governed by regulations relating to labeling requirements, packaging, handling, and emergency response.
- Mandatory physical exams: Physical exams are required to ensure big rig drivers are medically qualified to operate a truck safely.
- Cell phone use: Commercial truck drivers are forbidden from holding a cell phone to make a call or dialing by pressing more than one button. They must use their phones in hands-free mode.
- Weight and size limits: Nevada regulations establish weight and size limits for big rigs to ensure they can safely operate on the road without causing damage to infrastructure or compromising safety.
- Vehicle registration and permits: All trucks operating in Nevada must be registered and may require additional permits depending on their weight, size, or cargo type.
- Driver licensing: Drivers operating commercial vehicles in Nevada must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with the appropriate endorsements for their vehicle type.
Causes of Pahrump Big Rig Accidents
Truck accidents can occur for various reasons. Any collision with a large truck can cause severe injuries. Common causes of big rig wrecks in Pahrump include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Fatigued driving
- Driving under the influence
- Reckless driving
- Improper vehicle maintenance
- Overloaded trucks
- Blind spots
- Unfamiliarity with the roads
- Harsh weather conditions
- Poor road conditions
These are just some of the causes of truck accidents. Each big rig accident requires careful analysis of the circumstances to determine the contributing factors and identify the liable parties. Consulting with an experienced big rig accident lawyer in Pahrump can help you understand your legal options and ensure your rights are protected.
Liability in Pahrump Big Rig Accidents
In a Pahrump big rig accident, multiple parties may be held liable for your injuries depending on the circumstances of the collision. It is crucial to identify the responsible parties to obtain compensation because, in Nevada, the at-fault party is responsible for paying for your damages. Parties commonly at fault in truck accidents include:
- The big rig driver
- The trucking company
- Other drivers
- Parts manufacturers
- Government agencies
- Cargo loading companies
- Safety inspectors
- Repair technicians
Under the state’s modified comparative negligence rule, your percentage of fault can reduce the compensation you receive from other liable parties. It is crucial to consult with a big rig accident attorney in Pahrump. We can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case, gather evidence, analyze applicable laws, and identify potentially liable parties to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your damages.
Compensation Recoverable in Pahrump Big Rig Accident Claims
Following a big rig accident in Pahrump, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be overwhelming. If another party’s negligence caused your injuries, Nevada law allows you to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim to recover various damages. Here is an overview of what you may be able to recover:
Economic Damages
These are tangible losses with clear financial value and include medical costs associated with treating your injuries, including hospital stays, doctor visits, emergency room care, surgeries, medication, therapy, and rehabilitation.
They also include the income you lose due to your inability to work because of your injuries and may include lost wages from your current job, reduced earning capacity due to permanent disabilities, and lost future earning potential. Finally, they cover repairing or replacing any personal belongings damaged in the accident, including your vehicle.
Non-Economic Damages
These are intangible losses that are more subjective and difficult to quantify but still compensable under Nevada law and may include the physical and emotional pain and suffering you experience due to your injuries. They also cover your emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional difficulties you experience as a result of the accident.
These damages may also include your inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed due to your injuries and the loss of companionship, love, and support from your spouse or close family members due to your injuries.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party for intentional or grossly negligent conduct. These damages are not intended to compensate you for your losses but to deter similar behavior in the future.
Get Help with Your Claim from a Pahrump Big Rig Accident Lawyer
Navigating the complexities of a truck accident and negotiating fair compensation can be challenging. Our skilled Pahrump big rig accident lawyers at H&P Law can assess the potential value of your claim and negotiate to help you obtain satisfactory monetary recovery. Contact our team today for a free consultation on how we can help with your big rig accident claim.
