Truck Drivers and Traffic Signal Accidents

Las Vegas has big rigs driving the highways and city streets 24/7.

When a truck driver disregards a traffic signal the results can be devastating. Whenever truckers drive recklessly it can be a recipe for disaster.

A regular sized car running a red light can result in a terrible crash. Put an 18-wheeler into the mix and damages will be even more horrifying.

Our truck accident attorneys at Richard Harris have worked on many of these cases. It is important that you have an experienced law firm on your side that knows how to handle lawsuits like this.

A negligent truck driver can cause a lot of damage. There is a high risk for serious injuries in truck accidents.

Our lawyers will fight for you.

If you or a loved one were injured by the negligence of a truck driver you have every right to be compensated.

Expenses and injuries can be long lasting in some of these cases. Make sure that your rights are protected.

Richard Harris will seek to get you the maximum compensation for the damages.

Call Today!

Traffic Signal Accidents Can Be Complicated

Trying to fight the trucking company and their insurance company is never an easy task. This is especially true if you try to do it on your own.

Richard Harris will take a hard look at the facts of your claim.

Traffic signal accidents have many different variables.

Other factors may have contributed to a traffic signal accident.

Our attorneys at Richard Harris know how to put together a case that can win.

Contact Richard Harris Now!

It is important that you get the help of a truck accident lawyer right away. There is a ‘statute of limitations’ in Nevada on all personal injury cases.

It is two years from the time of the accident. If you wait any longer you may not be able to receive compensation.

Getting an attorney immediately is crucial when collecting information in a traffic signal case.

The longer you wait there is more of a chance that vital evidence can disappear.

Witness statements are always much more reliable right after the accident.

Key information may get forgotten over time. In some traffic signal accidents, the evidence can lead us to the trucking company sharing in the liability.

Our attorneys will make a complete investigation on all the information.

Getting a hold of this information on the truck maintenance records will be harder to get as time moves forward.

The sooner our attorneys can start working on your case the better.

Common Ways That Truck Drivers Disregard Traffic Signals

NRS 484B contains the rules of the road for the state of Nevada. It covers traffic signs, signals, and markings.

Traffic signals are there to give the driver vital information about hazards, obstacles, and road conditions.

All drivers must obey the rules of the road.

Truck drivers are no exception. There are many ways that truck drivers can cause an accident.

Not following traffic signals is a major reason.

Running Red Lights – This happens in Las Vegas at intersections all over town. Truck drivers should slow down when coming to an intersection. It is important that they give themselves the time needed to stop if necessary. This is not always the case. If a truck decides to go through a red light the results can be shocking. A truck driver may choose to hit the gas instead of the brakes.

Speeding – A big rig speeding down the road is reckless. Not following the speed limit is one of the biggest dangers on the road. Commercial trucks need more time than regular vehicles to stop. A truck driving over the speed limit puts everyone at risk. If a truck has to stop or turn at reckless speeds they can jackknife or even roll over. Driving over the speed limit and not following the traffic signals can be deadly.

Failing To Yield the Right Away – The right away laws are intended to provide safety. Truck drivers not yielding can be held liable in an accident. Following the lights and signals is important to avoid a crash. A trucker can endanger more than just himself and the other motorists. Pedestrians and cyclists are also at risk in these types of accidents. A trucker getting on a highway and failing to yield when merging is incredibly dangerous.

Making An Illegal Turn – Trucks taking turns can be problematic. If they make the turn in an illegal manner, they can cause a crash. Making an illegal U-turn is always dangerous. Not using the blinkers properly and turning can take a motorist by surprise.

Using Wrong Lanes – Truck drivers will often use more of the road than a regular motorist. Trucks turning often find themselves using another lane. Getting the big rig around the corner can be difficult. If the truck swerves into the wrong lane and hits your vehicle they can be held liable.

Anytime a large truck is in an accident it is always concerning. The size and weight of a commercial truck hitting a car can be fatal. It is vital that in order to win your case that we can prove a traffic signal violation. Evidence like police reports can be a big help. Eye witnesses can also be the proof needed. Getting pictures, video, or any other evidence is important to the success of any personal injury case.

Truck Driver Liability in Traffic Signal Accidents

If a trucker disregards traffic signals and causes an accident they can be held liable.

The truck drivers company may be responsible in certain situations.

The liable party has a legal responsibility to pay for the damages of the accident.

Financial compensation for the negligence of disregarding a traffic signal can be overwhelming.

Some of the damages will include;

Medical Expenses – There is a good chance that there will be injuries in a truck accident. Medical costs can be huge. Hospitals are expensive. Bills can add up fast. Surgery, medicine, and therapy are just some of the expenses. An ambulance ride and rehabilitation could also be involved. In serious truck accident injuries, the medical care may be ongoing. Long term treatment will need to be calculated in the lawsuit.

Loss of Wages – The financial burden from losing a job can be devastating. Injuries can make it impossible to go back to work. Wages lost in the future must also be considered when filing a claim.

Pain and Suffering – Being injured will come with pain. The pain can be both physical and emotional. Getting in a truck traffic signal accident can be mentally traumatizing.

In some of the truck accident injuries we see the person can heal up and get back to their regular routine. In others the injuries can be long lasting and life changing. Medical care may be needed for years to come. Our expert personal injury truck accident attorneys will seek compensation for all the damages.

Why Do Truck Drivers Disregard Traffic Signals?

There are many reasons why these type of truck accidents happens.

First of all, just operating one of these big rigs is more complicated and difficult than a regular vehicle.

• Lack of Experience – Being a truck driver has a lot of responsibilities. Truckers understand the dangers to others if they get in an accident. A driver with inadequate training and/or experience can cause serious harm. A truck driver often needs to have the proper commercial driver’s license (CDL) and training in order to drive. If an accident happens and the driver is not properly licensed, they can be held liable. In some cases, so can the trucking company they work for.
• Tired Driver – In some cases a truck driver will drive longer than they are supposed to. There are regulations for truck drivers. They are put in place to make the roads safe. There is often pressure put on a driver to get the cargo to where it is going on time. A driver will sometimes push to hard to make the delivery. A tired driver can miss a sign or signal while travelling. This can be disastrous.
• Maintenance Issues – There are many maintenance issues that can cause a traffic signal accident. Faulty lights, brakes, and steering can cause a crash. Commercial trucks must have proper maintenance before hitting the road. Even a bad windshield wiper can cause a mishap. If we can prove that there was negligence in the maintenance, they can be held responsible.
• Weather Conditions – Rain and snow can make for a dangerous ride. Truckers also can be in danger if there are large gusts of wind. When weather conditions are an issue, it can be very distracting to a truck driver. Not seeing the signal or signage properly in the rain can result in a crash. Lack of visibility can make it hard for a driver when approaching an intersection.

Contact the Law Offices of Richard Harris. The first consultation is always free.

We are available 24/7. Call, email, or come by the office.