common types of truck accidents in Las Vegas

Common types of truck accidents in Las Vegas include rear-end collisions, jackknife accidents, rollover incidents, blind spot crashes, underride collisions, and tire blowouts. Congested highways, driver fatigue, speeding, improper cargo loading, and challenging weather conditions often contribute to these incidents, making truck accidents a significant safety concern in the area.

Truck accidents can be devastating, especially in a busy city like Las Vegas, where large commercial vehicles frequently share the road with smaller cars and pedestrians. The unique nature of these accidents often leads to serious injuries and significant property damage. Understanding the types of truck accidents that occur most often in Las Vegas, NV, is important for anyone who drives in the area. By knowing what to look out for, you can take extra precautions to stay safe and protect your rights if you are involved in an accident.

In this article, we explore the most common types of truck accidents in Las Vegas, how they happen, and how an experienced Las Vegas truck accident lawyer can assist you if you’ve been involved in one.

The Most Common Types of Truck Accidents in Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas, Nevada, sees a variety of truck accidents due to its heavy traffic, high-speed roads, and diverse driving conditions.

These accidents typically involve large commercial trucks such as semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and delivery vehicles. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common types of truck accidents that occur in Las Vegas, NV, along with a brief explanation of how each type happens.

Rear-End Collisions

A rear-end collision happens when a truck strikes another vehicle from behind. In many cases, this type of accident is caused by driver inattention, speeding, or failure to maintain a safe following distance. Rear-end collisions can lead to serious injuries, especially if the other vehicle is stopped or moving slowly.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident occurs when the truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a “V” shape with the cab. This often happens when a trucker is forced to brake suddenly or loses control of the vehicle. Jackknife accidents are dangerous because the trailer can block multiple lanes of traffic, leading to pile-ups and severe collisions.

Truck Rollover Accidents

A rollover accident happens when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. Rollover accidents can be caused by speeding, sharp turns, uneven road surfaces, or cargo that’s not properly secured. Given the size and weight of trucks, rollovers can be catastrophic, especially if the truck is carrying hazardous materials or is involved in a multi-vehicle accident.

Underride Accidents

Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the back or side of a truck and slides under it. This is particularly dangerous because the vehicle can be crushed underneath the truck, leading to serious or fatal injuries. These accidents are often caused by poor visibility, defective truck lights, or improperly maintained equipment.

Tire Blowout Accidents

When a truck’s tire blows out, the driver can lose control of the vehicle, leading to a serious crash. Tire blowouts are common in trucks due to the heavy weight they carry and the increased strain on the tires. Blowouts can happen unexpectedly, causing the driver to veer off the road or into other vehicles, resulting in collisions.

Wide Turn Accidents

Wide turn accidents occur when a truck makes a turn that’s too wide, often because of the truck’s length or lack of maneuverability. This can lead to the truck hitting another vehicle, pedestrian, or even property. Wide turn accidents are most common in urban areas like Las Vegas, where narrow roads and intersections require precise turning.

Lost Load Accidents

A lost load accident happens when cargo from a truck becomes dislodged or falls off while the vehicle is in motion. This type of accident is often caused by improperly secured loads or failure to follow safety regulations. Loose cargo can cause other drivers to swerve or stop suddenly to avoid a collision, leading to accidents.

Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents

Trucks have large blind spots, known as “no-zones,” where the truck driver cannot see other vehicles. Accidents in these areas can happen when other drivers enter the blind spot and the truck driver is unaware of their presence. It’s crucial for other drivers to avoid staying in these areas to prevent collisions.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions between a truck and another vehicle are among the most dangerous accidents on the road. These crashes often occur due to driver fatigue, distraction, or impairment, and can result in severe injuries or fatalities. Given the size disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles, head-on collisions are often catastrophic.

T-Bone (Side-Impact) Accidents

A T-bone accident, also known as a side-impact accident, occurs when a truck collides with the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape. This typically happens at intersections when a truck runs a red light or fails to yield to another vehicle. T-bone accidents are particularly dangerous because the side of a vehicle offers less protection than the front or rear.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Las Vegas, it’s essential to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer who can protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve. A skilled lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident, determine fault, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. They will also ensure that all your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are accounted for in your claim.

Here’s how a truck accident lawyer can help:

  • Investigate the Accident: Your lawyer will gather evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements, and video footage to build a strong case.
  • Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to settle for as little as possible. A lawyer will ensure you get fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
  • Determine Liability: Identifying who is at fault in a truck accident can be complicated, but a lawyer will help establish liability, whether it’s the truck driver, the trucking company, or a third party.
  • Handle Paperwork: Truck accident cases often involve complex legal paperwork, which your lawyer will manage so you can focus on recovery.
  • Litigation: If the case goes to court, your lawyer will represent you and fight for your best interests.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Las Vegas, it’s important to act quickly and consult with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process.

Call (702) 252-0055 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.