Tractor-trailers and semi-truck vehicles that operate on 18 wheels are quite popular in the shipment and transport industry. 18 wheelers are heavy trucks that can carry massive loads along rural or urban roadways within Henderson. Sitting just a few miles from the strip, Henderson is home to the second-largest population in the state and sees many large trucks traveling through and near the city hauling shipments to various destinations near and far.
The frequent 18-wheel trucks that travel through Henderson are potentially hazardous to other drivers and passengers on the roads within the community. 18 wheelers are not easy to drive or control. Heavy loads and a truck’s large size, coupled with a range of contributing factors such as driver experience and behaviors, road conditions, and inclement weather can increase the likelihood of an accident and injuries to other motorists and occupants on the roadways of Henderson.
Liability Issues that Can Arise After an 18-Wheeler Accident
When a truck accident involving an 18-wheeler happens there are many factors that might be to blame for the collision. 18-wheelers are not trucks used for personal transport but rather vehicles used in a commercial capacity, which creates a number of liability issues when a crash occurs. In most instances, when it is the actions of an 18-wheeler operator that is to blame for a crash, the primary liability for the accident will initially appear to be on them.
Negligent truck drivers are personally liable for their actions leading to an accident. However, they may not be in the position to pay for your losses. Rather, most victims of an 18-wheeler accident will pursue compensation through an applicable insurance policy. To operate a commercial truck, companies and drivers must carry valid insurance to protect potential victims of a crash.
If an insurance policy is unavailable or there is not enough coverage to settle the losses you sustain adequately, you can seek further compensation for other parties that might be liable after an accident such as:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck manufacturer
- Maintenance service company of the truck
- The company that loaded the cargo
Damages an 18-Wheeler Accident Victim Can Ask for After a Crash
After an 18-wheeler crash, victims that survive their injuries will have mounting medical bills, lost work, and other damage they must face following the crash. The cost of an 18-wheeler accident can be high depending on the severity of your injuries and the subsequent impacts those injuries will cause on your life each day and potentially in the future.
Damages that may be compensated after a semi-truck accident include:
- Medical losses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle damage
- Other property damage
- Wrongful death damages
How Can an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Help You in the Aftermath of An Accident?
You should not think of an attorney as an option when you are a victim of an 18-wheeler crash, but rather a necessity to follow the path most likely to help you reach a positive outcome in your case. An 18-wheeler accident attorney in Henderson will serve as the source of knowledge and experience of the law and procedure that you will need to go up against big players such as trucking companies and insurers. Without an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Henderson, you risk missing out on considerable compensation and may even be setting your case up for a denial of your claim depending on the facts of your case.
There are various tasks an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Henderson can assist you with, such as:
- Collection and preservation of evidence
- The management of all communications with parties to your case
- Calculation of your injury losses and other damages
- Negotiation of a settlement
- Preparation and representation in your case in the event a lawsuit becomes necessary
What Is Your Best Option After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Henderson?
As you face the uncertainty following an 18-wheeler, you may have many decisions to make with regards to your health, your finances, and your recovery. One decision that you should not ponder too long and take action as quickly as possible is to hire an 18-wheeler crash attorney. You must think ahead and how you can best protect your rights as you must prepare to go up against insurance companies that will resist your attempts at maximum compensation and parties that will attempt to deflect or reduce their liability at any and every opportunity.
The Statute of Limitations for 18-Wheeler Accident Lawsuits in Nevada
Each state has its own limitations set by law that guides an accident victim on the time they have to file a lawsuit against the parties responsible. The Nevada statute of limitations creates a two-year deadline from the date of an accident for a victim to file a claim for damages against an at-fault party in the state’s civil court. This time period is not representative of how much time you have to resolve a case, but rather the amount of time a victim has to begin the case by filing the proper paperwork through court.
A plaintiff in an 18-wheeler accident suit that files a lawsuit past the expiration of the statute of limitations will be unable to continue to seek compensation for their losses through court. It is critical to ensure that you are within the statute of limitations, hence why it is in your best interest to seek the representation of a Henderson 18-wheeler accident lawyer as soon as possible following a crash caused by an 18-wheeler.