Partial Fault Truck Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas, NV

Two people standing beside their damaged cars after a collision, one gesturing with arms open, both cars visibly dented at the front
Two people standing beside their damaged cars after a collision, one gesturing with arms open, both cars visibly dented at the front

Truck accidents can be complicated, especially when determining who is at fault. In Las Vegas, many truck accident victims face confusion when it comes to partial fault cases. Unlike a typical car accident, truck crashes involve larger commercial trucks, which adds another layer of complexity. That’s where an experienced Vegas truck accident lawyer can help clarify your options.

Partial fault means that more than one party may be responsible for the accident, such as the truck driver, a passenger vehicle driver, or even the trucking company. In these cases, the fault may be divided based on the degree of negligence. This division can affect how much compensation is awarded in truck accident claims. A skilled truck accident lawyer will understand how to handle these circumstances and help ensure that your rights are protected.

Truck accident cases often result in severe injuries, like spinal cord injuries, head trauma, or even fatal injuries. For accident victims dealing with medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress, it’s necessary to seek compensation.

An experienced Las Vegas truck accident attorney like the THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys knows how to negotiate with insurance companies and pursue the maximum compensation available.

What if You Are Partially at Fault for a Truck Accident in Las Vegas?

Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule in determining liability and compensation for accidents involving three or more parties. This can be applicable to commercial truck accidents. The law mandates that every party pay their share of the fault. A judge or jury assigns everyone a percentage of fault and reduces their compensation accordingly. For example, if you seek $100,000 in compensation and are assigned 10 percent of the fault, the most you can receive is $90,000. 

The comparative fault law is meant to even the playing field and ensure everyone is appropriately compensated. But in practice, it gives insurance companies room to fight against claimants and push for fault to be assigned to anyone other than themselves. If they succeed, you could be denied the compensation you rightly deserve. A skilled Las Vegas truck accident attorney can build an argument supporting your case for maximum compensation.  

How is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident Case?

Determining fault in a truck accident case involves thoroughly investigating the events leading up to the crash. Attorneys use various types of evidence to determine who is liable, including: 

  • Medical records
  • Police accident reports
  • Witness statements
  • Video and photographic evidence from the crash scene
  • Surveillance or dashcam footage
  • Testimony from accident reconstruction experts 
  • Vehicle inspection reports
  • Maintenance logs
  • Data from the truck’s event data recorder (black box)

Is Nevada a No-Fault State?

Nevada is not a no-fault state; it operates under a fault-based system. This means the party responsible for a motor vehicle accident, such as a commercial truck accident, can be held financially accountable for the damages and other losses stemming from serious injuries. For truck drivers involved in a crash, personal injury claims are usually filed with the truck company’s insurer.

However, because multiple parties, like trucking companies or even third-party maintenance providers, may share liability in commercial truck accidents, claims may need to be filed against several insurers.

A skilled Vegas truck accident attorney can identify all potentially liable parties and determine which insurance coverages are applicable. Truck accident lawyers are adept at handling complex negotiations with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation for common truck accident injuries. If an agreement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to a truck accident lawsuit.

Hiring a law firm with experienced truck accident lawyers is essential for the following:

  • Handling disputes
  • Evaluating liability
  • Protecting your rights

If you or a loved one has suffered truck accident injuries, a personal injury attorney can help secure compensation for damages and other losses caused by the accident. Additionally, because commercial truck drivers operate under specific regulations tied to a commercial driver’s license, it’s important to work with legal professionals who understand the nuances of the trucking industry.

Compensation for a Partial Fault Truck Accident

A medical billing statement on a clipboard with a pen placed beside it, ready for completion

Types of compensation available in a truck accident claim include:

  • Medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor’s visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, mobility equipment 
  • Lost income
  • Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries result in a permanent impairment 
  • Costs to repair or replace personal property 
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Lost enjoyment of life

Truck accident victims typically sustain more severe injuries than victims of crashes involving smaller vehicles. Higher medical bills and other losses drive up the dollar value of a personal injury claim, increasing the chances the insurance company will dispute your demands. Our attorneys will place a fair value on your case and work aggressively for an optimal result, including taking your case to trial if that’s what it takes to make the insurers pay.     

What Should You Do After a Truck Accident Where You Could Be Partly at Fault?

Hands holding a smartphone taking a photo of a car accident scene, with two damaged cars visible in the phone’s screen

If you’re involved in a truck accident and think you may share some of the blame, taking the right steps can help your case. Even if you’re partly at fault, you still have rights and might be eligible for compensation. Here’s what you should do:

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

After the crash, try to stay calm and check if anyone needs immediate medical attention. Safety should be your top priority. Move to a safe location if possible, but avoid leaving the accident scene until law enforcement arrives.

2. Call the Authorities

Contact the police immediately. A police report will document the accident, which can be essential for your truck accident injury claim. Be honest, but avoid admitting fault. Let the authorities handle the investigation and assign responsibility based on their findings.

3. Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene

Take photos and videos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This documentation can help provide clarity about what happened and support your claim, especially if a fault is disputed. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well.

4. Seek Medical Attention Right Away

Even if your injuries seem minor, get medical treatment. Some truck accident injuries, like spinal cord injuries or internal damage, might not be immediately apparent. Timely treatment ensures your injuries are properly recorded and connected to the accident, which is important for your truck accident injury lawsuit.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Stick to the facts and avoid making statements that could be used against you later. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, so having a clear record helps protect your rights.

6. Avoid Speaking with the Trucking Company’s Insurer

If a representative from the trucking company’s insurance company contacts you, avoid giving statements without consulting a truck accident lawyer first. Anything you say could be used to reduce your compensation or place more blame on you.

7. Contact a Skilled Truck Accident Lawyer

Getting a lawyer experienced in truck accident cases is essential, especially if you may be partially at fault. They can guide you through the complex legal process, gather evidence, and negotiate with the trucking company’s legal team. Truck accident lawyers understand how shared fault laws work and can help you pursue the maximum compensation allowed.

8. Understand How Partial Fault Affects Your Claim

In states like Nevada, you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found responsible for 30% of the truck crash, you would receive 70% of the awarded amount. An experienced Las Vegas truck accident attorney can explain how these rules apply to your specific situation.

9. Document All Medical Records and Expenses

Keep detailed records of your medical bills, treatments, and any other expenses related to the accident, including lost wages and property damage. These documents will play a key role in determining the value of your truck accident claim.

10. Prepare for Potential Legal Action

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your next step might be filing a truck accident lawsuit. An experienced truck accident lawyer can build a strong case, showing that even if you share some fault, the trucking company or truck driver’s negligence contributed significantly.

Taking these steps after a truck accident can make a difference in the outcome of your truck accident injury claim. Even if you think you might be partly at fault, you should still seek legal representation to ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas Can Help 

Handling the legal challenges of a truck accident case can be challenging. A partial fault truck accident lawyer in Las Vegas can be invaluable in protecting your rights and maximizing your chances of fair compensation. 

A skilled lawyer will: 

  • Offer sound legal advice – An attorney will assess the details of your case and evaluate the potential outcomes of filing a legal claim.
  • Investigate the accident – An experienced lawyer has the resources and knowledge to conduct a thorough investigation, collect and preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the accident to establish a strong case.
  • Negotiate with insurers – A tough attorney can handle negotiations with stubborn insurers and seek a fair settlement that considers your degree of fault and the extent of your damages.
  • Represent you at trial – Many partial fault truck accident cases settle out of court, but sometimes, it takes filing a lawsuit to reach a fair resolution. A hard-hitting trial lawyer can argue your case effectively before a judge or jury. 

Talk to a Partial Fault Truck Accident Lawyer in Nevada

Don’t give up your right to compensation because you think you are partly responsible for a truck wreck. You deserve a strong legal advocate who can prove you still deserve money for your losses. Contact THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation with a partial fault truck accident attorney in Nevada.