One of the most severe types of trucking accidents is the override crash, where a large commercial truck drives up and over a smaller passenger vehicle. These collisions can inflict catastrophic and deadly injuries on those in the car. If you get injured in this type of truck accident in Las Vegas, a skilled personal injury lawyer can help you seek justice.
Understanding Override Truck Accidents
An override accident describes a collision where a larger vehicle, such as a big rig or 18-wheeler, drives over top of a smaller vehicle. The weight of the large truck can compress a passenger car underneath its tires, resulting in roof collapse and possibly crushing the occupants within the motor vehicle.
Override truck accidents can be the outcome of many acts of negligence, or the failure to behave with proper care. This includes errors made by the truck driver behind the wheel of the big rig and negligence by the trucking company, a parts manufacturer and other parties. Common causes include truck driver inattention, distracted driving, making unsafe lane changes, failing to yield, brake failure and lack of visibility.
Legal Challenges in Override Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident cases in Las Vegas have unique elements that can make them more challenging than the average car accident claim. This includes issues of liability or financial responsibility. If a truck driver was operating on behalf of a trucking company, the company could be held vicariously liable for an override crash.
A third party could also have partial liability. For example, if bad brakes contributed to the override accident, the crew in charge of maintaining the brakes or the brake manufacturer could be held responsible. Another complication is the existence of trucking-specific federal and state regulations. Proof that a regulation was violated could support an override accident claim.
How a Specialized Las Vegas Override Accident Attorney Helps
You’re already facing a lot as the victim of a truck override accident in Las Vegas. You may be dealing with significant and painful injuries, as well as property damage and financial stress. Hiring an attorney with experience handling truck accident claims can remove the burden of legal action from your shoulders.
Your lawyer can investigate the override accident to determine what caused the crash and who can be held accountable. Then, your lawyer can gather evidence and work with expert witnesses, such as crash reconstructionists, to prove liability. You can trust your lawyer to negotiate with insurance companies for you, using years of litigation experience to secure the best possible results for your case.
Compensation Available for Override Accident Victims
With help from an experienced attorney, you may be able to recover the compensation you need to move on from a truck override crash in Las Vegas. Your lawyer will fight for a fair settlement or judgment award for losses such as:
- Medical costs and future necessary care
- Lost income and future capacity to earn
- Permanent damage, disfigurement or disability
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Death benefits for the wrongful death of a loved one
Achieving a fair financial recovery may take assistance from a skilled litigator in Las Vegas. If you try to represent yourself when going up against powerful trucking companies and insurance providers, they may take advantage of you. To speak to an attorney about a recent override truck accident, contact Edward Bernstein & Associates.