The Dangers Of A Nevada 18-Wheeler Accident

The average car weighs around 5,000 pounds. An empty 18-wheeler can weigh closer to 40,000 pounds, but the maximum legal limit in the U.S. is set at 80,000. Due to the massive size of a commercial truck, collisions involving these vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries, with those involved in an accident with an18-wheeler having a nearly 10 times greater chance of sustaining fatal injuries than those who are involved in a crash with a regular passenger vehicle.

Common Causes Of 18-Wheeler Accidents

• Improper Maintenance.

  Semi-trucks must comply with both federal and state laws regarding service standards. Truck maintenance and inspection are meant to prevent injury to the truck driver as well as others on the roadway. Mechanical failure is a typical reason for commercial truck accidents, and in certain cases, mechanical failure could have been prevented if the truck had been adequately maintained. There are strict standards established in order to prevent these enormous vehicles from becoming roadway hazards. The expert legal team at the Cottle Firm is equipped to help you determine who may be to blame in the case of inadequate semi maintenance.

• Distracted Driving.

  When a driver’s attention is diverted from the roadway, it can be considered distracted driving. In many cases, semi drivers are trying to fight the boredom of life on the road and maybe distracted by a number of things, such as adjusting the radio, smoking, using a cell phone, or eating in the cab. When the driver’s attention is off the road, it can easily result in a catastrophic collision.

• Driver Fatigue.

  Drivers who may be fatigued have an even more difficult time paying attention behind the wheel. They are also susceptible to falling asleep while operating these massive vehicles. The allowable number of hours that a truck driver can be on the road has been restricted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Even still, drivers usually have to work extremely long hours with few breaks due to the massive amount of stress to meet tight deadlines. This type of negligence can cause costly mistakes when operating a semi.

Nevada State 18-Wheeler Collisions

Accidents with semi-trucks can result in serious injuries to those involved. In 2010, there were 177 commercial trucks involved in traffic accidents across the state of Nevada. Of these crashes, 42 resulted in significant injury to an involved party. When someone is injured in an 18-wheeler accident, they will likely have to take on costly damages associated with the incident. This could take the form of medical costs, lost income from time off work, and general pain and suffering after the crash. Whatever the case, victims may be eligible for financial compensation with the help of a Las Vegas semi-truck attorney.

At the Cottle Firm, our team of legal expert proudly serves the residents of Nevada. We believe that no victim should have to take on costs associated with an accident caused by a negligent driver. If you or a loved one has been injured by a reckless semi-driver, contact our law offices at (702) 722-6111.