Trucks outsize almost all other vehicles on the roads. Their size and weight make them especially dangerous upon collision with another vehicle, and tragically, many truck accidents result in fatalities.
Those who lose loved ones in a truck accident find themselves in a devastating aftermath as they work to heal and secure justice. A Spring Valley truck accident lawyer can help ease some of the stress.
H&P Law is an award-winning law firm, earning top ratings from Super Lawyers over multiple years. A compassionate, experienced Spring Valley fatal truck accident lawyer from our team is ready to put that exceptionalism to work for you. We are here to support you and fight for justice.
How an Attorney Can Help After a Fatal Truck Accident
The shock and grief that follows the death of a loved one can be paralyzing. Our team is here to help you move forward if a family member dies in a truck accident. We will inform you of your legal options, handle all the details of filing a claim, and offer you continued, compassionate support.
When you lose a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, you may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim to secure justice and compensation. A Spring Valley personal injury lawyer can determine your eligibility and then take your claim through the legal process.
Regarding the Nevada Statute of Limitations, what you should know is that time is of the essence. The State allows two years to file most wrongful death claims, so connecting with a fatal truck accident lawyer in Spring Valley quickly is critical. When we can investigate your case early, we can collect evidence while it is still available and file your claim well within that legal deadline.
How Often Fatal Truck Accidents Occur in Nevada
Statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) show there were 28 fatal truck crashes producing 34 deaths over a recent year in Nevada. According to the Large Trucks report from the National Safety Council (NCS), the majority of those killed in truck accidents are other-vehicle occupants.
These accidents have a variety of causes, including:
- Truck Operator Negligence: Trucks are difficult to control, so any distraction or error can have devastating results. Driving while fatigued or impaired can also be deadly
- Truck Company Negligence: Companies must train drivers, take unsafe drivers off the roads, and avoid putting pressure on drivers to exceed regulated on-duty hours. Any dangerous conditions perpetuated by the company can lead to crashes
- Vehicle Manufacturer Negligence: Truck and part manufacturers must produce properly operational vehicles. Vehicle defects or malfunctions can render the truck uncontrollable
- Unsafe Travel Conditions: Unmaintained roads or traffic signals, inadequate street lighting, and other unsafe aspects of travel can prompt accidents. The government agencies responsible for the upkeep may be liable in these situations
- Another Driver: In multi-vehicle accidents, a driver other than the truck operator may have committed a violation or error that caused the truck to crash into your loved one. Your claim could be against this third-party driver
Your Spring Valley fatal truck accident attorney at H&P Law will investigate your accident to find its cause and accurately identify the at-fault party.
A Fatal Truck Accident Attorney in Spring Valley Will Fight for Justice
H&P Law knows what it takes to prove negligence for a truck accident in Nevada. We will explore all sources of evidence and have relationships with accident reconstructionists and other experts who can provide valuable insight.
Often, evidence comes from eyewitness testimony, video footage taken from traffic or surveillance cameras, and physical evidence from the scene and involved vehicles. We will also work to acquire data from the truck’s electronic data recorder (EDR) or “black box” to find out what happened in the moments leading up to the crash.
We will tell you what to expect in a wrongful death case so you feel empowered and informed every step of the way. The other side will try to minimize the pain and losses you have experienced from your loved one’s death, but will stand with and fight for you, working aggressively to hold the at-fault party accountable for the destruction they have caused.
Nevada’s Wrongful Death Laws
The Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 41.085 allows “heirs of the decedent and personal representatives of the decedent” to seek damages when a loved one dies because of “the wrongful act or neglect of another.” Eligible heirs include the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children, followed by the deceased’s parents or siblings.
Since the deceased is not alive to collect compensation for their injuries and suffering, a wrongful death claim provides an opportunity for surviving families to seek justice on their loved one’s behalf and compensation for the resulting losses the family experiences.
Compensation You May Receive for a Fatal Truck Accident
There are no average wrongful death settlement amounts in Nevada, as each case has different factors influencing its worth. Your attorney will evaluate your case carefully, calculating a settlement demand to reflect its worth and restore a sense of justice. Damages available in most wrongful death claims include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical costs related to the victim’s death
- Lost wages and benefits that the victims would have earned had they lived
- The victim’s pre-death pain and suffering
- Surviving family members’ loss of companionship, grief, and suffering
Truck accidents involving extreme negligence may also command punitive damages. Punitive damages are an additional financial penalty that the at-fault party must pay to account for their heinous actions. For example, punitive damages may apply if the at-fault driver was drunk or crashed into your loved one in a fit of road rage.
Schedule a Consultation with H&P Law Today
H&P Law cares about clients. As we fight aggressively to get you justice, we will treat you with compassion, recognizing your pain and supporting you through it. Connect with us to arrange a free case consultation.
A Spring Valley truck accident attorney is ready to take your case through the process with skill and efficiency, helping you move toward healing and the better days ahead.
