If you recently suffered catastrophic injuries in a commercial trucking accident, you may be entitled to full compensation for your damages. With help from a respected Paradise truck accident lawyer from H&P Law, you can bring the at-fault party to justice and get the most out of your claim.
While you are recuperating, the claims process may be overwhelming and intimidating. Fortunately, with the support of a top-rated Paradise personal injury lawyer from our firm, available 24/7, you can feel confident bringing forward your claim against those responsible. Contact our law office to request a free consultation today and discuss how your accident occurred, who could be sued, and which personal injury laws could have the greatest impact on the outcome of your case.
Why Truck Accidents Happen in Paradise
Paradise experiences significant truck traffic daily. Every person who shares Interstate 15 or Interstate 11 with a truck knows how unnerving the experience can be, especially when you see just how common truck accidents are. Consider some of the most common causes of truck accidents our Paradise 18-wheeler accident lawyer sees:
- Distracted driving: Even with their training, truck drivers are prone to accidents caused by distractions. Phones, navigation systems, and eating are common sources of distraction.
- Fatigue: The federal regulations for truck drivers make it clear that breaks and time off are critical to preventing fatigue-related accidents. Yet, many fail to abide by these rules.
- Cargo mishaps: If cargo best practices do not happen, that cargo becomes a weapon in the back of a truck, with the potential to cause the driver to lose control if it becomes loose.
- Mechanical failures: Truck brakes, lights, suspension systems, and tires can fail, leading to loss of control and a serious risk of injury.
- Reckless driving: Truck drivers have schedules to meet. That often leads to aggressive behavior on roadways, including speeding.
In any of these situations, the truck driver, trucking company, or a third party could be to blame for the accident. As your Paradise truck accident lawyer, we work diligently to determine what went wrong so we can ensure you, as the victim, recover fair damages.
You Could Be Repaid for Every Single Loss
If you are involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, you have the right to be made whole, according to Chapter 41 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. You should be repaid for the total value of your economic and non-economic damages, which are both tangible and intangible. Potentially recoverable damages that truck accident victims in Paradise may be able to demand include:
- Full coverage of your medical expenses
- Compensation to repair or replace your vehicle
- The value of your pain and suffering or emotional distress
- Total compensation for your loss of income and employee benefits
- Reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses
- Coverage of unexpected childcare expenses or household maintenance fees
Punitive damages may also apply under NRS §42.010. However, you should never include punitive damages in your anticipated settlement, as they are rarely awarded. We will keep you informed if we believe the defendant’s conduct rises to the level required for punitive relief.
Do Not Give the Insurance Company Your Statement
While filing a claim with the insurance company is one of the top ways to recover compensation after a truck collision, you should never give the insurer a statement without your Paradise truck accident attorney present. Insurance companies are successful because they pay out less in claims than they collect in premiums. You can expect the insurance adjuster handling your case to be looking for reasons to deny your claim or reduce your payout.
If you give a statement to the insurance company, you are giving them an opportunity to pick your words apart. They may misinterpret your statements to them as indicating that you have accepted responsibility for the accident or are expressing guilt.
If you hope to protect yourself from saying something the insurance adjuster could use against you, direct them to your Paradise car accident lawyer at H&P Law so we can provide them with the information they need to continue processing your truck accident claim.
Understanding Truck Accident Fault
Fault insurance simply means the at-fault party’s insurance company will cover a portion of your costs. Nevada follows fault insurance laws under NRS §485.185. When you file a claim against the liable party’s insurance policy, their insurance company will be expected to pay for your covered losses.
This does not mean the insurance company will compensate you for the total value of your damages. Only the specific types of losses as described in the policy will be included. Generally, insurance coverage will only extend to medical bills and vehicle repair costs.
The insurance company will also not be expected to cover the total value of these expenses. Under the policy terms, the insurance company will only pay up to the policy limit. If your medical bills, for example, were $75,000, but the liable party only has $50,000 in coverage, you may be stuck with a $25,000 bill.
Who May Be Liable for Your Truck Accident Losses
There are multiple potentially responsible parties who could share liability for your truck accident injuries and damages. Our team will closely evaluate the collision to identify those responsible. Some of the parties most frequently named in commercial truck accident lawsuits and insurance claims include:
- Negligent truck drivers: Truck drivers are responsible for their actions, such as speeding or driving under the influence, which cause accidents.
- Trucking companies: A trucking company that allows an inexperienced driver behind the wheel could be at fault. They may also be at fault if they forgo regular maintenance on their trucks or fail to monitor driver hours-of-service violations.
- Truck parts, manufacturers, and distributors: If components of the truck failed and that resulted in the accident, these parties could be held accountable for your losses.
- Truck maintenance technicians: Mistakes made by maintenance teams, such as failing to secure a tire or neglecting to check the engine oil, can make these parties accountable.
- The owner of the big rig: In some cases, the truck owner differs from the driver. Failure in maintenance and upkeep can make these parties accountable.
- Safety inspectors: If a safety inspector found the vehicle safe, but it was not, and the accident resulted, those inspectors and inspecting agencies could be at fault.
- Motor vehicle dealerships: Selling an unsafe vehicle could expose the dealership to liability.
- Cargo loaders: Cargo loading companies that fail to follow best practices could be held accountable for damages caused by loose cargo.
- Irresponsible dram shops: If a driver was under the influence because they were overserved at a local bar before getting behind the wheel, that establishment could be held accountable.
Our Paradise truck accident attorney looks at all scenarios. Our objective is to identify any party responsible for what happened to you so we can pursue full and fair compensation on your behalf. Do not wait to seek legal support from our team. We need to act quickly to preserve critical evidence.
Recognizing the Importance of Truck Safety
Federal regulations make it clear that truck drivers and owners must take every possible step to keep vehicles in good working order. These laws have modernized the trucking industry many times by including safety features and incorporating technology to track driver movements.
Yet truck safety remains a major factor in accidents, which are often deadly. The process starts with trucks built to be roadworthy and durable, with passenger vehicles in mind. It includes the responsibility of truck owners to maintain their vehicles properly so they continue to operate properly. Routine inspections are not optional; they are an obligation for all truck drivers and owners.
There are also steps truck drivers must take before setting out on a trip, including visual inspections, safety protocols, and communications that document any concerns in advance. There is a strong need to verify that the cargo is secure and that the tires are in good condition. All of these factors contribute to how safe a truck is, or isn’t. If you believe these factors contributed to your accident, let our legal team know about it.
Common Injuries in a Truck Accident in Paradise
You may have the right to sue for any type of injury that has dramatically affected your life. The injuries do not need to be life-threatening or critical, simply impactful. Some of the most common types of injuries our Paradise truck accident clients have dealt with include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputation
- Internal bleeding and organ failure
- Septic shock caused by infected cuts
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries, including whiplash
- Concussion
- Broken bones and fractures
Many people face serious, long-term consequences from truck accidents. After such an accident, prioritize your recovery by getting the medical care you need and focusing on your mental health and well-being. Then, let our Paradise truck accident lawyer go to work on your case and claim.
You Can Build a Stronger Case With Evidence
One of the ways you can support your claim is to keep accurate and comprehensive documentation of all losses you have. That starts at the time of the accident. Take photos and video of the damage to your vehicle, document your injuries, keep a log of your medical care and out-of-pocket costs, and make sure to track any hours lost. This evidence becomes critical to your case later.
At the accident scene, you can gather critical information. This might include photos as well as witness statements or at least witness names and contact information. You can also gather data on what you suspect happened, such as noting that the driver was slurring words or was watching a podcast behind the wheel.
As you go through your recovery process, document all losses you have, including medical appointments, missed family activities, and losses related to your mental health, such as the intensity of your post-traumatic stress disorder. Keep a journal that documents as many of these losses as possible. It all becomes valuable to your claim later.
How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer in Paradise Cost
Do not lose hope or feel discouraged if you cannot afford to hire a truck accident attorney in Paradise to take on your case. When you choose H&P Law, we work on a contingency basis.
If we do not successfully recover compensation for your truck accident damages, we will not get paid. This eliminates the risk that you will not receive financial compensation. You will never have to pay even one penny in legal fees if we are not successful.
We will also cover the costs of filing your claim, so you never have to put your personal finances on the line. This is the least we can do after everything you have been through.
Get Help from an In-Demand Truck Accident Lawyer in Paradise Today
Moving forward with a commercial truck accident claim can be a lot to handle while you are still in the throes of your recovery. Fortunately, you do not need to navigate the claims process on your own. With the legal knowledge and experience of a trial-proven truck accident attorney in Paradise from H&P Law, you can demand that the at-fault party be brought to justice.
Do not get stuck covering even one penny in expenses when someone else is to blame. Hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law when you consult our legal team to discuss your opportunities for financial recourse. Fill out our online contact form or call us to schedule your free consultation today.
