Many highways transverse Clark County, being used by visitors from all over, drawn to Las Vegas and its attractions. Those living in the neighboring communities of Henderson and North Las Vegas must also travel those roadways sharing them with big rigs carrying all sorts of goods to and from the area and beyond.
Unfortunately, large 18-wheeler trucks can be the cause of horrific accidents involving much smaller vehicles resulting in substantial injuries and sometimes death. Those involved often need urgent medical care and the qualified legal representation of an experienced truck accident lawyer.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer
While you receive medical care for your injuries, you should hire a lawyer to explore the reason for the accident, who was at fault, and what compensation you deserve. As complex as the accident was, so are the legalities surrounding it.
Depending upon the severity of your injuries, it could take a long time for you to heal. You have large additional medical bills and may have lost your ability to earn your income while you recuperate. In addition, Nevada has a statute of limitations of two years to file a legal claim following any type of vehicle accident.
You need an 18-wheeler accident attorney in North Las Vegas who is familiar with Nevada’s statute of limitations, its traffic laws, and the roadways of the area where your accident occurred. Pacific West Injury Law is here to help you.
Hiring a North Las Vegas 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney
You should meet with an attorney as soon as you can, following your 18-wheeler truck accident. If you are laid up in the hospital or at home convalescing, a Pacific West Injury Law attorney will go to see you.
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Your attorney will want the chance to hear your rendition of how the accident occurred. They will also want to see any information you have regarding the accident. The legal team may need to collect more evidence to evaluate how you should move forward.
Some information they may use includes:
- The name of the truck driver and the company for which he works
- The driver’s insurance information
- The type of cargo carried and who loaded the truck
- A police report of the accident
- Witness testimony
- Copies of your medical records
After a review, your attorney will be able to more thoroughly discuss your accident with you and suggest how to move forward. If you agree, you will be asked to sign a representation agreement.
What does an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer in North Las Vegas Cost?
Your attorney’s fees are laid out in the representation agreement. Remember that your initial consultation is free. If you hire Pacific West Injury Law, you do not need to be concerned about paying your lawyer until your case is settled.
For legal services, your attorney and their team will receive a percentage of your settlement compensation. After an agreement is made between those responsible and your legal team, your attorney will receive your compensation payment which will be placed in a holding account. Once the check clears, Pacific West Injury Law will write you a check for your compensation less your attorney fees.
Proving Fault in an 18-Wheeler Accident Case
Your attorney will have to prove fault to win your case. It may seem simple – when a truck hits you, the driver is responsible. But the truck driver himself may only be partially at fault or not-at-fault at all.
He may have tried to stop the truck before the accident but to no avail. Perhaps, the truck was not repaired properly, or his load was heavier than it should be. Then others could be held accountable.
However, in most vehicle accidents, at least one driver was negligent and at fault. Some forms of truck driver negligence include:
- Driving on a North Las Vegas roadway that the municipal code deems off-limits for the weight of the truck
- Failure to follow other regulations for trucks and truck drivers in North Las Vegas, Clark County, or Nevada
- Distract driving
- Fatigued driving
- Speeding
- Failing to follow other traffic laws
- Driving under the influence
No matter the reason for negligence, if the truck driver was working, their employer could share in fault of the accident.
How Damages and Compensation Are Determined
Damages from an 18-wheeler truck accident are broken down into three areas – economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. Each can come into play in a legal claim or lawsuit.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are commonly paid without much argument. These are damages that reveal a monetary value through bills or other actual figures. Economic damages include:
- Paramedic care and emergency transportation to the emergency department
- Emergency department treatment, tests and x-rays, surgery, hospitalization, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
- Estimated future medical care
- Repair or replacement costs of your vehicle
- Lost wages from being off work
- Estimated future loss of income
Non-Economic Damages
While there are no definitive bills associated with non-economic damages they are as real as physical injuries. These are the damages your experience mentally and emotionally such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional trauma with psychological effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder
- A loss of enjoyment of life
- A loss of companionship
Your experienced truck accident attorney will look at prior cases similar to yours to apply a figurative amount to the non-economic damages you have endured.
Punitive Damages
In your accident was the result of an egregious act through intent or malice, punitive damages may be appropriate. While the intent here is to punish the defendant for wrongdoing, you as the plaintiff could receive punitive damage compensation.
Choosing the Right North Las Vegas 18-Wheeler Lawyer for Your Case
No doubt you want an attorney with knowledge, experience, and integrity. You need someone local who will concentrate on your case. And you want someone who is not afraid to face the large company that employs the driver who hit you and their multi-million-dollar insurance company.
Kris Helmich, founder, and owner of Pacific West Injury Law will fight for you through a settlement process and in the courtroom if necessary. Kris likes dealing with clients personally, handling the needs of our Clark County neighbors. Contact our office and let Kris and his team get to work on your case.
