NORTH LAS VEGAS TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER

Any motor vehicle accident can leave you with serious injuries that cause you significant pain and that incur high medical bills, often at a time when you cannot return to work. A truck accident, though, is one of the most serious types of crashes you could be involved in and while they also happen on the roads, they are vastly different from other motor vehicle accidents. Below, our North Las Vegas truck accident lawyer outlines what you need to know if you have been hurt.

How are Truck Accidents Different from Other Motor Vehicle Accidents?

It may seem as though a truck accident is not much different from other motor vehicle accidents, but that is not the case. Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 when they are fully loaded, and the sheer size and weight of them will result in some of the most serious injuries. The severity of these injuries means insurance companies are liable for paying some of the highest settlements, and they will fight aggressively against these claims to shield themselves from liability.

Determining which party is liable after a truck accident is also never easy. After a crash involving two passenger cars, fault usually lies with one of the drivers at the scene. This is not the case after a truck accident. A number of different parties can be liable for a truck accident, including the truck driver, the trucking company, loading companies, manufacturers of truck and truck parts, and even other drivers. Identifying the liable party requires a full investigation during which important evidence will be collected.

Also unlike accidents involving two passenger vehicles, truck accidents are governed by federal law as well as state law. Federal regulations, such as the hours of service rule and guidelines for inspections and maintenance, also apply. This is one reason it is so important to work with a lawyer who is familiar with both sets of laws that govern these accidents.

Compensation Available After a Truck Accident

A truck accident claim is meant to restore you as wholly as possible to the same health condition you were in before the crash. As such, you can claim damages for any loss you sustained.

Compensation in truck accident claims is divided into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that have a concrete value and include compensation for losses such as medical expenses, loss of income, and property damage. Non-economic damages are not as easily quantifiable because they do not have a fixed dollar value. Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium are some of the most common types of non-economic damages.