Reno Truck Accident Attorneys

A large number of the collisions that occur between semi-trucks and passenger vehicles result from preventable human error. Unfortunately, when massive 80,000-pound trucks collide with cars that are less than one-tenth of their weight, the result is often life-altering catastrophic injury or fatality. When these accidents are caused by negligence—either by a truck driver, a truck company, or another entity—victims have a legal right to seek compensation for damages.  

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Nevada, contact Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. to request a case review. We skillfully handle all types of truck accident cases, including intoxicated drivers, fatigued drivers, distracted drivers, maintenance failures, negligent hiring, and improperly loaded trailers. Backed by an impressive history of verdicts and settlements and more than a century of combined legal experience, you can count on our firm to deliver.

Call Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. today at (775) 227-2280 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our truck accident lawyer in Reno!

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Because liability in truck accident claims is so complex, it is critical to determine exactly how the accident occurred and what factors contributed to it. Pinpointing the cause of the accident allows our team to bring a claim against the responsible person or party effectively.

Some common causes of large semi-truck and other commercial vehicle accidents include:

• Truck Driver Negligence: This includes actions such as eating, drinking, or texting while driving; other forms of distracted driving; negligently failing to follow traffic laws and/or the rules of the road; driving while tired or falling asleep at the wheel; insufficient vehicle maintenance (when this is the responsibility of the driver); and more
• Truck Driver Misconduct: As opposed to negligence, misconduct implies a greater level of intent; examples include drunk driving/drugged driving; reckless driving, such as swerving in and out of lanes or excessive speeding; aggressive driving, such as cutting off other drivers or engaging in road rage behaviors; and more
• Negligent Trucking Company Practices: Examples include negligent hiring or supervision, failing to conduct background checks on truck drivers, encouraging or not punishing truck drivers for violating federal hours-of-service regulations, and pushing unrealistic quotas and/or schedules or punishing truck drivers for failing to meet such requirements
• Defective Trucks/Truck Parts: Defectively designed or manufactured trucks and truck parts contribute to these types of accidents every year; common defective truck parts include tires, braking systems, engine components, headlights and taillights, reflective strips, backup signals, cargo doors, and more
• Poor Weather Conditions: While no one can be held responsible for the weather, truck drivers have a responsibility to drive even more safely when conditions are bad. This might include actions such as reducing speeds, using daytime headlights or waiting out particularly unsafe conditions, such as icy roads.

What Steps Should I Take After a Truck Accident?

After any collision with an 18-wheeler, semi-truck, or other type of commercial vehicle, you should take the following steps:

• Call the police and/or 911 at the scene of the accident. Ensure that you obtain a copy of the police report and keep track of all of your medical records.
• Obtain medical care and follow your doctor’s recommended course of treatment. You mustn't delay in seeking medical attention. If there is a gap between the time of your accident and the time you seek treatment, the insurance company will argue that your injuries must have resulted from some other cause.
• Contact an attorney before making any statement to the other party’s insurance company. The truck driver will have an attorney paid for by the trucking company’s insurance provider. Because he or she already has a lawyer, you also need one on your side.

Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?

Truck accident claims are not like other types of motor vehicle cases. Personal injury and wrongful death cases involving large commercial vehicle accidents are often incredibly complex due to various factors, including liability.

You can file a claim against the at-fault driver in a typical car accident case. This person is usually the sole liable party (or the sole entity against whom you bring a claim). However, in truck accident cases, the injured party typically files a claim against the trucking company, not the truck driver. This is because employers are generally responsible for the conduct of their employees under what are known as respondeat superior laws. Thus, the trucking company can be held legally liable for damages even when the truck driver was the one who acted negligently and caused the accident.

However, in some circumstances, the trucking company may not be liable. This could be the case when the truck driver was violating company policy, such as by driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when another outside factor substantially contributed to the accident. An example might be a case in which a defective truck tire blows out on the highway, causing the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle and slam into your car. In such a case, the manufacturer or distributor of the defective tire could be held partially or wholly liable for your damages.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Claim?

Victims of truck accidents may be eligible to receive a range of damages, which can include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation costs
• Wrongful death benefits

Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. works with a team of medical and other experts when handling truck accident cases involving catastrophic injuries, such as brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Our Reno truck accident lawyers frequently partner with accident reconstruction experts, life care planners, vocational rehabilitation specialists, economists, liability specialists, and other professionals to develop each case. Our approach is to pursue the maximum possible verdict or settlement for our clients.

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident Claim in Nevada?

In Nevada, the statute of limitations for initiating a truck accident claim is generally set at two years from the accident date. However, exceptions may arise in situations involving government entities or minors. It is imperative to promptly seek legal representation to safeguard your rights and improve the likelihood of securing compensation.

Contact Our Reno Truck Accident Lawyers Today

If you've been injured in a truck accident, you don't have to face the legal process alone. At Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P., we're committed to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. With our dedication and track record, you can trust us to fight tirelessly on your behalf. Contact us today and let us help you navigate your truck accident claim.  

Contact Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. today to schedule a meeting with our Reno truck accident attorney!