Reno Truck Accident Lawyers, Washoe County, NV
Seasoned Nevada attorneys fight for drivers, passengers, and families when truck accidents cause injuries or death
Truck accidents are more dangerous than car accidents. Cars are no match for the size, weight, height, and length of most trucks. If we could, we’d all stay as far away as possible from tractor-trailers and big rigs. Unfortunately, large trucks often don’t give cars much choice. The highways and roads that run through Reno are regularly filled with trucks making deliveries of consumer goods, machines, and equipment. When truck drivers are overworked, tired, drive too fast, or otherwise drive dangerously, there’s often not much a car driver can do, and the results can be catastrophic.
Trucking crashes are different than your run of the mill car crash. Federal regulations may be involved, the driving and work history of the driver may be an issue, and the crash and injuries will likely be much more serious. At Claggett & Sykes Law Firm, our Reno truck accident lawyers know how to go up against trucking companies and their insurance companies. We aren't afraid to go to trial. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling truck accident lawsuits. In that time, we have $1.5 billion in verdicts and settlements through our trial, appellate, and consulting work. Our Reno truck accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you will only pay attorney’s fees if we win your case.
Quick Questions
- What are the main types of Reno truck accidents?
- Why do most Reno truck accidents happen?
- What are common injuries from commercial truck accidents?
- Who is liable for a Reno truck accident?
- What’s my Reno truck accident case worth?
- How can a Reno truck accident attorney help?
- Is there a Reno truck accident attorney near me?
What are the main types of Reno truck accidents?
Truck accidents are unlike car crashes. While both involve vehicles colliding with each other, truck crashes usually result in much more significant damage and injuries. Truck crashes also require a thorough investigation into all responsible parties. Many times, the cause of the crash is that the driver is tired, overworked, or driving too long, or that the truck owner failed to properly maintain the truck. We will then look to see who owned the truck and who employed the driver to get a full picture of fault and insurance policies. We regularly represent drivers and passengers who are injured in head-on crashes, broadsides, sideswipes, and rear-end collisions with commercial vehicles.
However, there are certain types of crashes that are unique to large trucks, like 18-wheelers. Claggett & Sykes Law Firm represents injury victims and their families in truck accident claims stemming from:
- Jackknife accidents. These accidents occur because the trailers and truck cabs don’t travel in complete unison. If a driver speeds or takes a turn too quickly, it’s possible for the tractor to swing out in a direction from the cab causing the cab and trailer to end up 90 degrees apart. Jackknife accidents endanger the truck driver and any cars that come near the tractor-trailer. Jackknife accidents are usually due to the truck driver’s negligence.
- Rollovers. Trucks have a propensity to roll or tip over because their center of gravity is less stable than a car’s center of gravity. Truck rollovers are especially likely when trucks travel on curved roads or roads that are wet or slippery. When trucks roll over, it’s likely that the cargo will spill creating additional traffic nightmares for any nearby cars.
- Underride accidents. Trucks are generally required to have rear underride guards to prevent small cars from sliding under the truck. Trucks should also have rear side guards too. If a car slides under a truck, the car occupants will likely be crushed to death.
- Spilled cargo. Truck drivers and trucking companies have a duty to follow guidelines that regulate how to secure different types of cargo such as oil, lumber, and machines. The drivers and truck companies should also follow industry standards. Spilled cargo on Reno roads causes accidents as cars try to avoid the cargo or run over the cargo.
- Wide-turn accidents. Large trucks make very wide turns. Any cars near a semi or other large commercial truck may be crushed as the truck turns. Truck drivers need to take extra precautions to prevent these accidents.
- Blindspot accidents. Truck navigation is especially dangerous because of the dimensions of the truck, and because most trucks don’t have rear windows. Drivers need to be very careful when turning, backing out, or changing lanes. Blind spots make it difficult for Reno truck drivers to see to their right, left, rear, and even their front.
- Tire blowouts. 18-wheelers have, by definition, 18 wheels. If just one wheel blows out, the driver can lose control of the vehicle. Drivers sharing the road with those trucks may also suffer harm if the loose tire enters the roadway, or flies into a windshield.
- Defective truck parts. Fuel lines, hydraulic systems, and electrical components need to work when the truck driver needs them. If any part of a truck is defective, our Reno truck accident lawyers file claims against the manufacturers and other responsible truck parts companies.
At Claggett & Sykes Law Firm, our Reno truck accident lawyers work with investigators and trucking industry professionals to fully understand how truck accidents happen, and who is responsible.
Why do most Reno truck accidents happen?
In Nevada, it is necessary to determine fault for an automobile accident before you can recover financial compensation. This is because Nevada is a fault-based insurance state, where you are required to file a claim with the insurer of the at-fault party. Almost all truck accidents are the result of human error, such as:
- Truck driver misconduct
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding/driving at excessive speeds
- Driving while distracted
- Violating traffic laws or federal rules
- Driver fatigue
- Trucking company negligence
- Poor fleet maintenance
- Failure to perform background checks
- Failure to train and supervise
- Refusal to follow HOS rules
- Fallen cargo loads
- Defective truck parts
What are the common injuries from commercial truck accidents?
The force of most truck accidents increases the odds of life-changing catastrophic injuries, permanent injuries, and injuries that leave victims in chronic pain.
Reno truck accidents cause:
- Wrongful death
- Brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Burn injuries
- Bone fractures
- Internal injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Amputation
- Muscle, tissue, ligament, and nerve damage
- Vision and hearing loss
- Heart failure
Most truck accidents require long-term care. Many victims are permanently disabled.
Did you know?
According to the FMCSA, for 2019:
* There were more than a half-million police-reported crashes involving large trucks; 4,479 people died and 114,000 people were injured.
* “Single-vehicle crashes (including crashes that involved a bicyclist, pedestrian, nonmotorized vehicle, etc.) made up 21 percent of all fatal crashes and 14 percent of all injury crashes.” The majority of fatal large truck accidents involved two vehicles.
* Fatal large truck crashes happen mostly in rural areas (57%) and on interstate highways (25%).
Who is liable for a Reno truck accident?
The person or party most at fault for causing the truck accident will be liable, or financially responsible, for the crash and your related injuries, or even a loved one's wrongful death. Our seasoned Reno truck accident lawyers file personal injury and wrongful death claims against:
- The driver
- The owner of the truck
- The trucking company that hires the truck driver
- A trucking broker who arranges the shipment
- Other trucking companies that may have been involved in the shipment
- Truck manufacturers, distributors, and retailers when their defective truck parts caused the accident.
Generally, truck owners are vicariously liable for the negligence of their drivers. This means you can make a claim against the truck owner if its driver was negligent, even if the truck company did nothing else wrong. Trucking companies also have a duty to hire qualified drivers, train and supervise their drivers, inspect their trucks and to ensure their drivers comply with federal, state, and industry guidelines. Many times this does not happen, and the trucking company’s actions are what creates the situation that allows for the driver’s negligence.
What’s my Reno truck accident case worth?
At Claggett & Sykes Law Firm, our Reno personal injury lawyers work to recover damages for all your economic and non-economic damages. These damages include:
- All medical expenses including long-term medical care.
- Lost wages including long-term disability.
- Physical pain and emotional suffering.
- Property damage including the cost to fix or replace your vehicle.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
- Loss of consortium.
Just one night in a hospital can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Our record of settlements includes more than 80 seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements, including a $38,750,000 jury verdict for a fatal truck accident.
How can a Reno truck accident attorney help?
Our lawyers work with investigators, truck industry professionals, product safety professionals, your physicians, and your employers to show how the accident happened, who is responsible, and what your financial losses are. Because we work on contingency, you pay nothing out of pocket for our services; we only get paid when we win your case.
When your case is ready, often after the discovery part of your case is complete, we are skilled at negotiating with the insurance companies for the various defendants. Adjusters respect our ability to try your case in court and our skill at documenting your injuries, your losses, and all your pain and suffering. Many cases do settle. We are always ready to persuasively argue your case before a jury of your peers (the people who live in your community).
Is there a Reno truck accident attorney near me?
Our Reno law office is located at 100 N Sierra St, Suite 220. We also review Reno truck accident claims by video and on the phone. If cannot travel, we can arrange to meet you at your home.
Speak with an experienced Reno truck accident lawyer today. Free Case Reviews in Reno, Nevada
At Claggett & Sykes Law Firm, we’ve represented truck accident victims for years. We’ll answer all your questions and guide you through each stage of the litigation process. We represent drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicycle riders, and families and understand how to win these cases. Contact the experienced truck accident attorneys at Claggett & Sykes Law Firm today. Call 702-333-7777 or contact us today.
Reno Office
100 N Sierra St, Suite 220
Reno, NV 89501