Each year, Nevada sees hundreds of truck accidents, with the roads surrounding Henderson—like the busy I-515 and U.S. 93—being some of the most dangerous for large commercial trucks. The force of these massive vehicles, often weighing up to 80,000 pounds, can lead to devastating injuries in the event of a crash.
If you find yourself in such a situation, the physical, emotional, and financial toll may overwhelm you.
A lawyer can guide you through the intricacies of truck accident claims, explaining your legal rights and options for compensation.
If you have suffered injuries from a truck accident, our experienced team of Henderson truck accident lawyers at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers is here to provide the aggressive representation necessary to win your case.
Don’t wait—call us at (205) 957-4995 for your free consultation and take the first step towards getting the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers?
When navigating the aftermath of a truck accident, having the right legal representation can make all the difference. Here's what sets us apart:
Decades of Experience and Proven Results
With over two decades of experience representing victims of catastrophic truck accidents, we have recovered more than $1.5 billion for our clients.
This track record speaks to our ability to handle even the most challenging cases. Our firm has successfully fought against large trucking companies and their insurers, securing favorable settlements and verdicts that allow victims to focus on healing, not finances.
One notable victory includes a multi-million-dollar settlement for a client who suffered life-altering injuries in a commercial vehicle collision.
Local Presence in Henderson
Convenience matters when dealing with a truck accident, we make ourselves easily accessible to local clients so they can stay connected throughout the legal process.
Client-Centered Approach and Recognition
We pride ourselves on being client-focused. Our 24/7 availability ensures clients can reach us when they need it most. In addition to personalized service, our firm has received numerous accolades for its dedication to legal excellence. Our commitment to aggressive representation, compassionate communication, and relentless pursuit of justice has earned us recognition from both clients and peers.
Understanding Truck Accident Compensation
After a serious truck accident, one of the most pressing questions on your mind may be: How much compensation can I receive?
Truck accidents often result in more severe injuries compared to other vehicle accidents due to the size and weight of the trucks. As a result, the compensation available in these cases is generally higher, reflecting the impact on your life. Below, we break down the categories of compensation you may be entitled to:
1. Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible losses directly related to the accident. These damages are often the easiest to calculate because they have clear, measurable costs.
Common examples include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers both current medical bills and future costs. It includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and even long-term care if necessary.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for the income you lost during your recovery period.
- Loss of Future Earnings: In cases of permanent injury or disability, you may never return to your previous job. Compensation for lost earning potential ensures your future financial stability.
- Property Damage: You can recover any damages to your vehicle or personal property due to the accident.
2. Non-Economic Damages
These damages compensate for the emotional and physical suffering caused by the accident:
- Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical discomfort and emotional trauma caused by the accident.
- Emotional Distress: The emotional toll of a traumatic accident, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is also compensable.
- Loss of Consortium: If the accident has affected your relationship with your spouse or family, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
3. Punitive Damages
In rare cases, Nevada law allows for punitive damages if the at-fault party acted with extreme negligence or willful misconduct (NRS 42.005). These damages punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior. For example, a trucking company that failed to properly maintain its fleet or an intoxicated driver might face liability for punitive damages.
How Compensation is Calculated
When calculating damages, your attorney will gather evidence like medical records, expert testimony, and wage documentation. Nevada’s modified comparative negligence rule (NRS 41.141) will also play a role.
This law reduces your compensation if you are found partially at fault, but as long as you are less than 50% responsible, you can still recover damages.
Need help calculating your potential compensation? Our team will thoroughly investigate your case and fully account for all aspects of your financial, emotional, and physical losses, helping you recover as much as possible.
Where Do Truck Accidents Occur in Henderson?
Truck accidents are unfortunately common in Henderson, Nevada, especially given the city's proximity to major highways and busy intersections. Henderson lies near several key routes, including the I-515, I-215, and U.S. 93/95, all of which see a high volume of large commercial trucks transporting goods across the state and country.
High-Risk Areas for Truck Accidents
Some areas in Henderson are known for higher instances of truck accidents.
The Nevada Department of Transportation indicates these areas are particularly dangerous:
- Boulder Highway: A stretch notorious for its dense traffic, especially with large trucks navigating the industrial zones nearby. Multiple intersections along Boulder Highway frequently appear in accident reports due to the mix of commercial and personal vehicles.
- Eastern Avenue: As a major road running through Henderson, Eastern Avenue sees high traffic volumes, and truck-related accidents have been reported here due to congestion and sudden lane changes.
- I-215 at Stephanie Street and Green Valley Parkway: These exits are near heavily commercialized areas, increasing the chances of truck accidents involving delivery and service vehicles.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in Henderson
1. Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents often occur when a truck takes a curve too fast or when cargo shifts, destabilizing the vehicle. Semi-trucks' top-heavy nature makes them particularly prone to this type of accident. Rollover crashes can lead to multi-car pileups and significant damage to smaller vehicles.
2. Jackknife Collisions
Jackknifing happens when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. This often occurs during sudden braking or poor road conditions, such as ice or rain. The trailer can block multiple lanes of traffic, causing massive collisions and serious injuries to drivers in surrounding vehicles.
3. Blind Spot and Lane-Change Collisions
Semi-trucks have significant blind spots on all four sides, especially the rear and sides. When a truck driver changes lanes without noticing a smaller vehicle in their blind spot, the result can be a catastrophic sideswipe or crush accident. These types of accidents are common on highways where trucks frequently change lanes.
4. Wide Turn Accidents
Trucks need extra space to make turns, particularly right-hand turns. When a truck swings wide to navigate a turn, vehicles next to or behind it may misinterpret its movements and get caught in a dangerous squeeze. Drivers unfamiliar with truck behavior are especially vulnerable to these types of collisions.
5. Rear-End Collisions
Due to their size and slower stopping times, trucks can easily cause rear-end accidents. When a truck fails to stop in time, it can cause serious injuries to the passengers in the vehicle in front, particularly in cases where the truck hits a smaller vehicle.
6. Spilled-Load Accidents
Improperly secured cargo can result in a load spilling onto the roadway, creating dangerous conditions for other vehicles. These accidents often lead to multi-car crashes, especially if the cargo is hazardous or flammable.
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
Victims of truck accidents often suffer from severe injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal injuries affecting organs
- Burns from fuel fires or chemical spills
- Wrongful death, in the most tragic cases
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Truck Accident
Insurance companies are businesses first and foremost. Their goal is to protect their bottom line, which means they might offer you a lowball settlement or deny your claim altogether.
Here are some common tactics insurers use:
- Denying Liability: Trucking companies often try to shift blame onto the victim or argue that another party (like a different driver or even the trucking company’s maintenance crew) was responsible.
- Delaying Claims: Insurers might drag out the claim process, hoping the victim will settle for a lower amount simply to avoid waiting.
- Disputing the Severity of Injuries: Insurance adjusters may downplay the extent of your injuries to limit the amount they have to pay, often questioning medical records or demanding multiple independent medical examinations.
How Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
We are well-versed in the tactics used by insurance companies to reduce their payouts. Our legal team will:
- Gather Evidence: We will collect crucial evidence such as police reports, medical records, and any traffic camera footage. This helps prove fault and the full extent of your damages.
- Negotiate Aggressively: Our attorneys handle all communications with the insurance companies. We won’t let them push you into accepting less than what you’re entitled to.
- Litigate if Necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Most cases settle out of court, but having an attorney ready to go to trial puts pressure on the insurance company to negotiate fairly.
Nevada law, under NRS 686A.310, specifically protects consumers from unfair claims practices. This statute outlines prohibited actions by insurance companies, such as unreasonably delaying claims or refusing to pay without a reasonable investigation. We use these protections to ensure that you get the full compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Henderson
1. Obtain the Police Report
Nevada law requires that you report any motor vehicle accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage (more than $750 in damages) to law enforcement (NRS 484E.030). After the accident, request a copy of the police report, which will provide an official account of the incident.
2. Keep a Detailed Journal
In the days and weeks following the accident, keep a journal of your physical and emotional recovery.
Document:
- Pain levels, medical appointments, and treatments.
- The impact the injury has on your daily life, such as missing work or household tasks you can no longer perform.
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety or sleeplessness caused by the trauma of the accident.
This daily record can provide powerful evidence supporting your claim for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
3. Follow Your Medical Treatment Plan
Sticking to your doctor’s recommendations is essential not just for your health but also for your case. Failing to follow treatment plans can give insurance companies an excuse to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim, reducing your potential compensation.
4. Avoid Making Statements to Insurance Companies
After an accident, insurers—especially those representing the trucking company—may try to contact you for a statement. Be cautious. Opposing parties will use anything you say to reduce your claim. It’s always best to let your attorney handle all communications with the insurance company.
5. Save Receipts and Medical Bills
Keep all receipts and bills related to the accident, from hospital visits to vehicle repairs. This documentation will help your attorney accurately calculate your economic damages, ensuring you receive full compensation for both your current expenses and future needs.
6. Limit Social Media Activity
While it may be tempting to share your experience on social media, it’s best to avoid posting anything about the accident or your recovery. Insurance companies often monitor social media for evidence that could contradict your claims.
For instance, they may use photos of you enjoying an outing to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as stated.
Get the Compensation You Deserve with Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers
Facing the aftermath of a truck accident is daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. From navigating insurance companies to gathering evidence, our team will handle every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Contact us today at (205) 957-4995 for your free consultation and take the first step toward justice.