Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Las Vegas, Nevada

Commercial vehicle liability claims in Las Vegas or Nevada

If you got injured in a commercial vehicle accident, call us at 702-432-1000 to discuss your case. We don't charge for consultations.

We represent clients in Las Vegas and Nevada.

What is a commercial vehicle? Definition

A commercial vehicle could be any motor vehicle used for business purposes. It can include trucks, vans, buses, taxis, food delivery vehicles, and other vehicles used to transport goods or passengers for compensation.

How are commercial vehicle accidents different from regular car accidents?

Here are some key distinctions:

• Vehicle type and size: Commercial vehicles are typically larger and heavier than regular passenger cars. It significantly impacts the dynamics and severity of accidents compared to typical car accidents.

• Commercial use: Commercial vehicles operate for business purposes, such as transporting goods or passengers for compensation. This commercial use often introduces additional complexities and regulations.

• Driver qualifications and licensing: Commercial vehicle drivers need specific qualifications and licenses. They may need to possess commercial driver's licenses (CDL), undergo specialized training, and comply with specific regulations governing their driving hours and rest periods.

• Ownership and liability: Businesses or organizations often own commercial vehicles rather than individual owners. In an accident, liability may extend beyond the driver to include the vehicle owner, employer, or other relevant parties.

• Insurance coverage: Commercial vehicles typically require specialized insurance coverage. Insurance policies for commercial vehicles often have higher liability limits and may include provisions specific to business operations.

• Regulatory compliance: Commercial vehicles are subject to additional regulations and compliance requirements imposed by government agencies such as the Department of Transportation (DOT). It involves vehicle maintenance, safety inspections, driver qualifications, hours of service, and recordkeeping.

• Potential damages: Due to their size and weight, commercial vehicle accidents can result in more severe injuries and damages than regular car accidents. The potential for significant property damage, bodily harm, and even fatalities may be higher in commercial vehicle accidents.

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• Public bus accidents: Public buses are also commercial vehicles. If the public bus is involved in an accident, there will be a cap on damages. Currently, this cap is $100,000 per accident.

It's important to note that while these differences exist, many principles of accident investigation, liability determination, and insurance claims apply to both commercial and regular car accidents.

Why do commercial vehicle accidents happen?

Driver error is the most common cause of commercial vehicle accidents. Similar to accidents involving private cars, driver negligence can contribute to accidents involving commercial vehicles. Examples include speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, fatigue, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, prescription drug use, and drowsiness.

In 2024, in Nevada, a commercial vehicle collided with three motorcyclists, resulting in the death of all three riders. The driver of the commercial vehicle is being charged with driving under the influence (DUI).

In 2024, a truck driver faced charges following the death of an Iowa couple. Reports revealed that he was watching a show on Netflix while driving, leading to a fatal car accident in Minnesota that claimed the lives of the couple.

In 2023, in Arizona, a commercial vehicle driver who caused a 6-vehicle crash was "actively using the TikTok application" when he rear-ended two passenger vehicles, killing five.

Other accident causes

• Improper loading: This is a serious issue and a cause of many accidents in Las Vegas or Nevada. Commercial vehicles often transport cargo, and if the load is NOT secured correctly or distributed, the motor vehicle becomes unstable. Improper loading leads to many commercial vehicle accidents and causes rollovers or loss of control.

• Vehicle maintenance issues: For example, faulty brakes, worn-out tires, or malfunctioning systems can increase the risk of accidents.

• Poor weather conditions: Rain, sand storms, or heat waves can increase the risk of commercial vehicle accidents.

Who is liable for medical bills after a collision with a commercial vehicle?

In Nevada, the at-fault party (or multiple at-fault parties) is financially responsible for all damages to the victim. It includes medical bills (past, present, future), lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

The responsible parties may include:

• Driver: If the driver's negligence or misconduct caused the accident, they can be liable for the damages.

• Employer or company: Employers can be held accountable for their employees' actions if the accident happens while they are working. It is called vicarious liability. Also, they might be directly responsible if the employer didn't properly hire, train, or supervise a commercial vehicle driver.

• Vehicle owner: If the leasing company owns the commercial vehicle that got in an accident (e.g., a rented truck), they may bear some responsibility, especially if there are maintenance or safety issues.

• Manufacturers or maintenance providers: The manufacturer or maintenance provider may be liable if defective parts or inadequate maintenance causes an accident.

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The 6 steps to do after a commercial vehicle accident

After a commercial vehicle accident, here are some steps to consider:

• Ensure safety: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe place and seek medical attention for any injuries.

• Report the accident: Be sure to contact the proper authorities (the police or highway patrol) to report the accident promptly. Don't forget to obtain a copy of the accident report for your records.

• Gather information: Collect info from all parties involved: the driver's name, contact details, license plate number, insurance information, and the company they represent. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses.

• Document the scene: Capture photos/videos of the scene of an accident, any vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. This evidence can assist with insurance claims or legal proceedings later on.

• Call insurance companies: Report the accident to your insurance company and inform them about the involvement of a commercial vehicle. The insurance companies will likely investigate the accident and process any claims.

• Consult an attorney: If you got injured, were hospitalized after the accident, and couldn't go to work, contact a personal injury attorney with experience handling commercial vehicle accidents.

Issues of commercial vehicle accidents

• Trucks have liability insurance and a higher per-accident limit than regular cars. They also have many insurance attorneys to fight back and reduce the compensation amount for the victim. In addition, a truck accident may happen in Nevada, but it involves drivers and commercial motor carriers from every state.

• Public buses have a cap on damages. Filing a liability claim for a bus accident means filing a lawsuit against the government.

• Food delivery has become very popular during and after pandemics, but delivery driver accidents have their specifics. You are filing a lawsuit against the app-based business.

We can help

Our law firm regularly handles commercial vehicle liability claims.

We work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if we get settlement money.

To discuss your case, call our lawyer at 702-432-1000.

Consultations are free.

We represent clients in Las Vegas and Nevada.

Last updated on May 1, 2024.

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