No economy can function properly without an effective transportation system. Unfortunately, the need to transport goods across the country often puts strain on the drivers who make the trek.
Commercial motor vehicle operators are regularly required to drive long distances. Fatigue and driving through unfamiliar areas, in adverse conditions, and at night make being a trucker a dangerous way to earn a living. Truck accidents caused 3,921 deaths and 104,000 injuries in 2012, according to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Perhaps more alarming, while truck drivers are at risk of injury and even death while on the road, passenger vehicle occupants tend to suffer the worst of the impact in CMV crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety revealed that 68 percent of people killed in truck wrecks in 2014 were occupants of other vehicles. Were you hurt in a crash with a large truck? Contact a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer from Ed Bernstein & Associates to discuss your legal options. Ed Bernstein & Associates has been representing the injured for more than 40 years. Call 702-240-0000 to schedule a free initial consultation with an accident attorney.
Who Is Liable for My Damages?
It is not always obvious who is liable for damages in a truck accident. A variety of factors can affect the performance of a commercial vehicle and its driver.
The truck driver might be liable if he or she was speeding, distracted, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, the truck company may be liable if it is found that the truck was poorly maintained or improperly loaded, or the driver was inadequately trained. Liability may also rest with the truck owner, fleet manager, a mechanic or the truck manufacturer. If you were injured in a crash with a truck, it is important that you contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Your accident attorney can help you identify the liable parties and avoid mistakes, such as overlooking certain damages, accepting a low settlement or signing a general release. In order for your personal injury claim to be successful, your attorney will need to prove negligence and liability. Your lawyer will also have to show evidence to prove the value of your damages, which may include:
- Medical expenses arising from your injuries;
- Wages lost due to time spent recovering;
- Loss of future earning capacity;
- And pain and suffering.
According to Nevada law NRS 42.010, you also may be entitled to punitive damages if the truck driver willfully consumed or used alcohol or another substance knowing that he or she would drive afterward. If you were injured in a truck accident with a negligent driver, contact a personal injury lawyer from Ed Bernstein & Associates. An accident attorney will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 702-240-0000 to schedule a free initial consultation.