Las Vegas is a busy city with a lot of traffic. It also has countless hotels, bars, restaurants, and casinos that need supplies, making large trucks a common sight on its congested streets. The giant size and weight of large trucks make them a serious threat to other vehicles. You need to know your legal rights if a collision occurs.
Here’s a closer look at the leading causes of trucking accidents and who may be held liable if you suffer injuries in a crash.
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving in Las Vegas is a problem. With so many sights to see, drivers are easily lured into taking their eyes or minds off the road. According to the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), driver inattention causes over one million motor vehicle accidents annually, leading to more than $40 billion in injury-related costs. Texting and handheld cell phone use is prohibited by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and can lead to truck driver disqualification.
2. Driver Error
Truck driver errors that are common causes of commercial truck accidents include:
- Speeding
- Driving while impaired
- Failing to obey traffic signs and signals
- Driving while fatigued or violating federal hours-of-service regulations
- Tailgating
- Making an improper turn
- Improper or illegal passing
- Aggressive or reckless driving
Nevada personal injury law says victims can hold negligent drivers financially responsible for any accidents they cause. When collisions involve truck drivers, you may also be able to hold the driver’s employer (usually a trucking company) accountable for their negligent actions.
3. Improperly Loaded Cargo
Overloaded, improperly loaded, or unsecured cargo can shift and fall during transit, causing deadly large truck crashes. Accidents can also happen when parties mishandle or fail to label trucks carrying potentially dangerous cargo, like chemicals or flammable materials. When these issues contribute to a commercial truck accident, liability may rest with the owner or loader of the goods.
4. Poor Truck Maintenance
Whoever owns the truck — whether it’s the driver, the trucking company, or a third party — has a responsibility to inspect, repair, and maintain it. Commercial vehicles must also have safety features, like underride guards and mirrors. If poor maintenance causes a semi-truck crash, you can hold the at-fault party accountable through a truck accident claim.
In addition, you may have a claim against a vehicle or auto parts manufacturer if mechanical problems or defective parts caused the crash.
5. Adverse Weather Conditions
Bad weather can be a severe hazard for large trucks that already struggle on steep grades, soft surfaces, and sharp turns. In addition, a fully loaded large truck needs 20 to 40 percent more distance to stop. When roads are wet or slippery, they need even more room.
Other roadway issues that can cause a trucking accident in bad weather include:
- Dangerous or badly designed intersections
- Potholes
- Negligent road maintenance
- Objects or debris in the roadway
- Broken traffic signals or obstructed road signs
Contact THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys for Truck Accident Assistance
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a Las Vegas truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. An experienced truck accident attorney with THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys can help you demand full and fair financial compensation from the liable parties. Call us today or contact us now for a free consultation.
