Reno Truck Accident Lawyer
The location of Reno, Nevada, makes it an ideal port for commercial vehicle routes to deliver cargo within Nevada and to neighboring states. When a truck driver passes through the area, he or she can access Interstates 80 and 580. Many experienced truck drivers choose to be cautious on these busy highways. Yet, it only takes one irresponsible or reckless trucker to cause a devastating truck accident for anyone driving along carefully.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Reno truck accident, our hearts go out to you. It is not fair for you to cover all the costs and losses without reparation; this is an injustice that should be made right. Our compassionate truck accident lawyers are passionate about pursuing justice and financial compensation for victims like you and your family.
Get the legal support you need from our qualified truck accident attorneys – the first step is easy and can be done any time of day or night. Call or text Richard Harris Law Firm at (702) 213-9779 24/7 to schedule a free consultation.
Truck Drivers Could Have Liability in Reno Accident Cases
When trucks and cars collide, the passengers of the smaller, lighter passenger vehicles are killed more often than commercial truck drivers. Trucks cause more damage in a car accident due to several factors.
Weight
When we begin learning to drive, we may often be reminded to estimate and apply the appropriate stopping distance for traveling at standard speeds. For truck drivers, this is even more prudent advice.
A semi-truck (tractor-trailer) can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – or even more with a special over-dimensional permit. Average motor vehicle weights range from about 3,500 pounds for a sedan to just under 4,500 for a minivan.
A car being hit at high speed by a truck weighing 20 times its weight doesn’t stand much of a chance. The heavier the commercial vehicle that hits you, the higher the probability of injury or death. A personal injury attorney in Reno, NV can evaluate whether or not your injuries were affected by the weight of the truck that struck your vehicle.
Length
The length of the commercial vehicles involved is another important factor in truck accidents. A commercial truck might carry multiple trailers that extend its length to 70 feet. However, with the right paperwork and documentation, a trucking company may be permitted to use trucks that are even longer in measure.
Both car and truck drivers must adjust their speed and timing to take size into account. If a trucker caused your accident by driving recklessly, the trucking company should compensate for the losses connected to your injuries. An experienced lawyer can help you take legal action so you can get the compensation you need from the responsible party (or parties).
Height
In Nevada, the maximum height for a semi-truck is 14 feet unless the company has obtained a special permit. The taller the truck, the higher chances of an accident, especially if the truck driver miscalculates the clearance of bridges or tunnels or else ignores clearance signage altogether.
The height of a commercial truck also greatly increases the risk of a serious accident – even a single-vehicle accident. This is because taller vehicles have a higher center of gravity, which means the vehicle is more prone to rollover under certain conditions.
At times, truck drivers will attempt to turn quickly to avoid a collision but end up hurting themselves alone. Besides being one of the most dangerous road accidents, however, even a single-vehicle rollover is a risk to everyone around. A toppled vehicle and its debris in the middle of a roadway are obviously a danger to vehicles approaching or passing the site of the incident.
If a rollover was a factor in your car accident, please contact Richard Harris’ team of personal injury attorneys to learn which parties may be able to provide you with compensation.
Speed
The speed limits of Reno roads vary. Truck drivers must know when the speed limit of trucks differs from the maximum allowed for passenger vehicles.
According to Nevada’s Basic Rule, Reno drivers must always drive at a reasonable and proper speed. Regardless of the posted limit, semi drivers must respond to the current traffic, weather, and road conditions. They might need to decrease their speed, exercise greater than normal caution, and be prepared to stop.
If you believe excessive speed was a factor in your truck accident, contact our personal injury lawyers to learn whether you qualify to file a truck accident claim for your injuries.
Braking distance
Commercial vehicles often need a greater distance and longer time to stop than other cars. In bad weather or on bad roads, the space needed might increase. Following too closely or driving distracted sometimes results in semi-truck accidents that cause immeasurable pain and suffering.
Trucking companies must regularly inspect brakes, among other trucking components, and fix problems quickly. An attorney can hold them liable for car accidents caused by poor maintenance. If you were injured because a company and its employees failed their duty, contact us today to learn what a capable lawyer can do for you.
Maneuverability
Truck drivers make wide turns because their vehicles can’t turn as sharply as cars. For example, you may have seen a large truck move left before turning right to create the proper turning space.
Truck drivers need specialized skills to avoid serious trucking accidents. The State of Nevada requires a Commercial Driver License (CDL) to drive commercial vehicles. Your truck accident attorney can determine whether the commercial trucking company followed regulations regarding the size and operation of their trucks.
The truck accident lawyers of Richard Harris Law Firm have the resources necessary to investigate driving records. To request a thorough review of your Reno truck accident case, contact our team as soon as possible. Click the chat icon below to start a conversation now.
Commercial Trucking Actions That Lead to Accidents
In 2020 alone, there were 314 fatal vehicle accidents in Nevada. It may be hoped that the number will decrease in the times ahead, yet you likely agree that “when it comes to your friends and family, zero fatalities is the only acceptable number.”
When Reno trucking accidents occur because of negligent or reckless behavior, an experienced trucking accident lawyer can determine whether or not driver-related issues contributed to your trucking accident.
Impaired driving
In Nevada, you can access alcohol and legal marijuana 24 hours a day. Many residents enjoy this unique privilege and use their substances in a responsible manner. Yet, Nevada’s 87 deadly accidents of 2018 prove that the risk of driving under the influence is all too real.
The statewide legal blood alcohol limit for bus and commercial truck drivers is 0.04 percent. Truckers are also prohibited from driving under the influence of controlled or prohibited substances.
Signs of an impaired driver are:
- Weaving, swerving, or moving unpredictably
- Stopping or accelerating suddenly
- Going too fast or slow
- Driving without headlights
- Turning without warning
- Following too closely
Trucks are a dangerous weapon in the hands of impaired drivers. If you were in a Reno truck accident, please schedule an appointment at our law firm to learn about your rights. Call or text (702) 213-9779 any day for immediate attention.
Distracted driving
Driving takes concentration, particularly when operating large commercial trucks. Every year, in Reno, NV, distracted motorists cause life-changing pain and suffering to innocent victims. Nevada law prohibits talking or texting on cell phones while driving, but phones are only one potential source of distraction.
A driver could be distracted by almost anything, including:
- Reaching for things
- Looking at external objects or events
- Consulting a map or a GPS
- Putting on makeup
- Eating
- Interacting with other vehicle passengers
Some distracted driving behaviors can make a collision up to 9 times more likely.
Our truck accident lawyers believe you deserve to be safe on the roads in Reno, NV. The trucking company’s insurance should cover your injuries and material losses if your accident claim is valid.
After any accident, you can contact our legal team for free to learn about your rights under Nevada law. Fill out the contact form or text (702) 745-8555 to schedule your free truck accident claim consultation.
Fatigued driving
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines fatigue as “the result of physical or mental exertion that impairs performance.” This condition is especially common among the hard-working truck drivers of our nation.
A truck driver might feel tired due to:
- Lack of good sleep
- Illness
- Strenuous activity
- Long work hours
- Long-distance or late-night drives
- Hunger or skipping meals
- Drowsiness-causing drugs (prescribed by a medical doctor or over-the-counter)
The FMCSA, Nevada law, and trucking companies limit when and how long a driver may drive. These rules, called hours-of-service regulations, depend on the following factors:
- If the driver is carrying passengers
- How many consecutive days he or she has worked
- If the commercial vehicle has a sleeping berth
No matter how you make your living, you might find yourself feeling drowsy as you work. Yet, when a job involves driving, workers can’t allow themselves to become overtired. Regulations are in place to prevent this but are not always followed to the letter by drivers or their employers.
An estimated 50,000 people suffered injuries due to fatigued drivers in 2017. If you are among this unfortunate number, you can still have hope. A Reno truck accident lawyer can help you pursue life-changing justice and financial compensation for your accident. Learn how by reading the next section.
Maximize the Benefits of Your Truck Accident Claim
In a perfect world, an insurance company would always give victims of truck accidents what they deserve. However, truck accident attorneys often need to prod money-hungry insurance companies into doing the right thing.
How can you ensure that you get a fair settlement for your trucking accident? Rely on our attorneys in Reno, who are always ready to go the extra mile.
Since Richard Harris founded his law firm in 1982, our accident injury lawyers have been working hard for our clients. We even ended up assembling a fleet of airplanes to help us get the job done on time for each and every client.
Fair compensation for property damage
Trucks may damage and total cars, but compensation can help you get the money you need for repair or replacement. After a Reno truck accident, why not consult with us to find out the worth of your property damage claim? We may be able to estimate the true amount of compensation you are owed.
Compensation to cover medical bills
The cost of medical expenses after a truck accident injury can be relentless. Emergency transport to the hospital and ER attention can cost thousands of dollars alone. When you add up surgeries, prescriptions, aftercare, and rehabilitation, your medical bills could reach totals you may never be able to pay in a lifetime.
Insurance companies are supposed to protect people from overwhelming medical bills, but some might use small errors or missing documents as an excuse to avoid paying out. Sometimes, insurers also refuse to cover certain therapies that they deem as unnecessary for your injuries.
A truck accident attorney can help you avoid the stress and frustration of dealing with an unscrupulous insurance company. We can help you fill out the paperwork correctly the first time to avoid delays. And when an insurance company tries to deny your claim, you can count on us to walk you through the appeals process.
Recovery of lost income
Whether recovering in a medical facility or at home, victims of truck accidents need sufficient time to take care of their injuries. During the recuperation phase, they might miss many days of work. If this has been your experience, you might be wondering what you can do about your lost income.
Our team of Reno, NV, personal injury lawyers can make sure lost wages in truck accident cases. When Richard Harris Law Firm takes on your case, your truck accident attorney will pursue compensation for your future losses if you have a long-term personal injury.
Pain and suffering damages
The pain and suffering of a Reno truck accident could last for a long time. Under Nevada liability law, a law firm can pursue pain and suffering damages for injured victims. All truck accident cases are different, so please reach out to us today to share your unique story.
Wrongful death reimbursement
Was your loved one fatally injured? A caring accident attorney can assist you in obtaining funds for a dignified funeral and burial for your family member. You might also qualify to receive pain and suffering compensation for what your loved one suffered prior to passing away.
Legal advice from competent attorneys
Getting sound legal advice can stop you from making mistakes that could cost you big time. Why take the chance of losing your rightful compensation or being shortchanged in a liability settlement? A truck accident lawyer can help you understand your options so you can make the right choices.
At our law firm, a free initial consultation is one of our most popular services. To schedule a free liability review, call our Reno truck accident team at (702) 213-9779.
How We Make Sure You Can Afford Our Attorneys
When browsing law firms, “lawyer” and “attorney” may seem synonymous with “expensive professional.” Yet, at Richard Harris Law Firm, we don’t believe that legal advice should be out of reach for any injured individual and his or her family.
When you work with our law firm, you never have to pay for an initial consultation and there are never any fees for a lost case. If your lawyer proves that a truck driver caused your injuries, your attorney fees will come straight out of your settlement, rather than your pocket. You thereby avoid losing money to pay for our services.
Contact a Reno Truck Accident Attorney Right Away
Truck accidents are traumatic. You need to take time to recover, but life may feel more stressful than before; it may be tempted to put off filing your claim. For these reasons, some car accident victims learn too late that they have run out of time to file for compensation. Don’t let this happen to you!
Our Washoe County attorneys are familiar with the deadlines that govern your truck accident case. We can help you take legal action on time to comply with the law. A representative of Richard Harris Law Firm is always available to give you information on truck accident cases.
Follow any of these easy steps to get free information:
- Text (702) 213-9779 to learn how an attorney can help you get compensation for truck accidents
- Call the same number to make an appointment with our Reno team for your free truck accident consultation
- Start a live chat now by clicking the dialogue icon at the bottom of this page
- Stop by our office at 6900 S. McCarran Blvd. #1010 if convenient for you
Trucks drive 1.85 billion miles on Nevada roads every year. Most trips are uneventful, but a few end in catastrophe.
If you must cope with an unfortunate accident, you don’t have to deal with getting compensation for your injuries alone. Getting help will ease your mind. What’s more, legal assistance is especially vital in handling truck accident cases, which are uniquely complex.
A compassionate car accident attorney with Richard Harris Law Firm is ready to defend your rights under Nevada law. Our entire team is eager to help you get the compensation you are due for your injuries. Call or text us at (702) 213-9779 24/7 to schedule a free consultation.
