Reno Truck Accident Lawyers Fighting for the Justice You Deserve

Commercial truck accidents are among the most devastating and legally complex collisions on Nevada roadways. Unlike typical car accidents, crashes involving 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and other large commercial vehicles often result in life-altering injuries, long-term disability, or even wrongful death. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles mean that even a minor mistake can lead to catastrophic consequences.

At Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers, our Reno-based legal team understands the unique challenges that truck accident victims face. From dealing with powerful trucking companies and their insurance adjusters to untangling the web of federal and state regulations that govern the commercial trucking industry, we’re prepared to fight aggressively for your rights. Our firm has decades of experience representing victims of truck accidents and has secured millions in settlements and verdicts for injured Nevadans.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, whether on I-80, Highway 395, or local roads like Kietzke Lane or McCarran Boulevard, you don’t have to go it alone. Let our Reno truck accident attorneys help you seek the compensation you need to recover. We offer free consultations, and you don’t pay unless we win.

Get started today by contacting us through www.carcrashlawyernevada.com.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Reno

Commercial trucks are vital to Nevada’s economy, but when safety regulations are ignored or human error occurs, these massive vehicles can cause devastating accidents. In Reno, crashes frequently occur along I-80, U.S. 395, and other major routes due to negligence, poor vehicle maintenance, and violations of federal safety standards. Understanding the root causes of these incidents is key to proving liability in a truck accident claim.

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers often work grueling hours to meet strict delivery deadlines, and despite regulations, many still operate their vehicles while dangerously fatigued. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces hours-of-service rules meant to limit driving time and mandate rest periods, but these are sometimes ignored or manipulated.

Fatigue slows reflexes, impairs judgment, and increases the likelihood of a crash, particularly on long, monotonous routes across Nevada’s desert highways. Victims of fatigue-related crashes may have grounds to hold both the driver and the trucking company accountable.

Improperly Loaded or Overloaded Cargo

Improper cargo loading is a common yet often overlooked cause of truck accidents. When freight is not properly secured, it can shift during transit, leading to rollovers, jackknife incidents, or loss of control.

According to the FMCSA’s cargo securement rules, all commercial loads must be evenly distributed and tied down using approved methods. Failure to comply with these guidelines can lead to catastrophic outcomes, especially on Reno’s curved freeway ramps and hilly terrain.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speeding is one of the most dangerous behaviors in commercial trucking. Due to their weight and braking distance, trucks cannot stop quickly, and when moving at high speeds, even small errors can result in deadly crashes.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that speeding remains a factor in a large percentage of fatal truck crashes nationwide. In Reno, truck drivers often speed through construction zones or merge aggressively in heavy traffic to make up lost time, endangering everyone on the road.

Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance

Trucking companies are required by law to maintain their vehicles in safe working condition, but not all comply. Defective brakes, worn-out tires, and faulty steering systems are among the most common mechanical issues that contribute to accidents.

The FMCSA mandates routine vehicle inspections under 49 CFR Part 396. When companies skip inspections or fail to fix reported issues, they put lives at risk, and they may be held financially responsible when accidents occur.

Distracted Driving

Despite strict federal regulations banning the use of handheld mobile devices while driving, distracted driving continues to be a major issue in the trucking industry. Texting, entering GPS coordinates, or handling dispatch communication while driving can all lead to serious crashes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), distracted driving causes thousands of preventable deaths each year, and commercial drivers are not exempt. Just a few seconds of inattention can have fatal consequences, especially when operating an 80,000-pound vehicle.

Injuries Common in Reno Truck Accidents

Truck accidents tend to cause much more severe injuries than standard car crashes due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Victims often face months or years of recovery, permanent disability, or even fatal outcomes. Medical bills can quickly become overwhelming, especially if ongoing treatment or rehabilitation is required. Understanding the nature and extent of these injuries is crucial when pursuing a personal injury claim.

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Head Trauma

A sudden impact with a commercial truck can lead to significant head trauma, including concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries may not be visible immediately after the crash but can result in long-term cognitive problems, memory loss, and mood disorders.

According to the Brain Injury Association of America, TBIs are among the most devastating and costly injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents. Victims may require extensive neurological care and specialized therapies to recover.

Spinal Cord Damage and Paralysis

Truck crashes often involve high-velocity impacts that place immense force on the body. When the spine is compressed or twisted during a collision, the result may be herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or complete spinal cord injury.

Life-Changing Effects of Spinal Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering a person’s ability to work, care for themselves, or live independently. The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation reports that spinal injuries from motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of permanent disability in the United States.

Severe Fractures and Crush Injuries

While minor fender-benders might result in sprains or bruises, truck collisions frequently lead to broken bones or crush injuries, particularly when a vehicle is pinned or rolled over by a semi-truck.

Long-Term Recovery Challenges

Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis may require surgical intervention and lengthy physical therapy. Crush injuries are especially dangerous due to the risk of compartment syndrome, internal bleeding, and permanent nerve damage.

Internal Organ Injuries and Internal Bleeding

Injuries to internal organs may not be immediately obvious after a crash, but they are often life-threatening. The blunt force trauma from a truck collision can damage the liver, kidneys, spleen, or lungs, leading to internal bleeding and complications that require emergency surgery.

Why Prompt Diagnosis Matters

Left untreated, internal injuries can be fatal. This is why accident victims should always seek medical evaluation after a collision, even if they feel fine initially. The Mayo Clinic emphasizes the importance of immediate imaging and monitoring for internal trauma.

Psychological Trauma and PTSD

Physical injuries aren’t the only consequences of a truck accident. Many survivors experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues in the weeks and months after the crash.

Mental Health Support for Crash Victims

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), PTSD can be triggered by terrifying events like violent crashes and may persist even after physical injuries have healed. Therapy, medication, and support groups can be crucial parts of recovery.

Who’s Liable for a Truck Accident in Reno?

Truck accidents in Reno often involve complex liability issues. Unlike typical two-car collisions, a truck crash might implicate multiple parties, including the driver, employer, maintenance crews, manufacturers, or even government entities. Under Nevada’s comparative negligence law, each party may be assigned a percentage of fault. Identifying who’s responsible is key to maximizing your compensation.

Below are the primary parties who may be held liable in a Reno truck accident case.

The Truck Driver

Truck drivers are the most immediate party to examine after an accident. Their driving behavior, condition, and compliance with federal regulations are often scrutinized to determine fault.

Drivers may be held liable if they were speeding, driving under the influence, fatigued, distracted, or otherwise negligent. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates strict hours-of-service limits, and violations of these rules are common in fatigue-related crashes. Driver logbooks, ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data, and dash cam footage can all help establish their responsibility.

The Trucking Company

Beyond the driver, the trucking company may bear responsibility, either indirectly or due to its own negligent practices. Under respondeat superior, employers are often liable for harm caused by their drivers during work-related duties.

Additionally, companies can be directly at fault if they hire unqualified drivers, fail to provide proper training, or cut corners on maintenance. If a company ignored brake issues or encouraged drivers to violate legal drive-time limits, they can be held accountable. Investigations may involve reviewing FMCSA safety audits or prior violations recorded by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Third-Party Cargo Loaders

In many commercial shipping operations, a separate logistics company handles the loading and securing of cargo. When loads are improperly balanced, unsecured, or exceed legal weight limits, they can shift in transit and cause serious accidents, especially on mountain passes or ramps.

Improper cargo securement is a direct violation of FMCSA cargo securement standards. Liability may fall on the shipping contractor, warehouse personnel, or freight handlers who performed the loading.

Manufacturers of Trucks or Parts

Mechanical failure is another potential cause of serious truck accidents. If a defective component, like brakes, steering columns, or tires, caused or contributed to the crash, the manufacturer or distributor of that part could be held liable under product liability law.

These cases often involve expert mechanical inspection and may be strengthened by known recalls from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If a company continued using recalled equipment, it could further increase their share of liability.

Government Entities (When Infrastructure Fails)

In rare cases, local or state government agencies can be liable for accidents caused by unsafe road conditions. These might include crumbling pavement, missing guardrails, obscured signs, or malfunctioning traffic signals.

Filing a claim against a government agency in Nevada involves strict deadlines and procedures. Victims must act quickly to preserve their rights under the state’s tort claims statute, and damages may be capped by sovereign immunity laws.

Truck Accident Lawsuit Timeline in Reno

Filing a truck accident lawsuit in Reno is a multi-step legal process. While every case is unique, most follow a predictable timeline that involves investigation, negotiation, and, if necessary, litigation. Understanding how the process works can help you set expectations and make informed decisions about your recovery.

Immediate Medical Treatment and Case Evaluation

After a crash, your first priority should be your health. Whether you go to Renown Regional Medical Center or another Reno-area facility, seeking treatment creates a formal medical record, crucial for proving damages later.

Once you’re stable, it’s time to speak with a truck accident lawyer. Your attorney will begin evaluating the facts of the case, reviewing the police report, and preserving vital evidence like dash cam footage or driver logs. The American Bar Association strongly recommends acting quickly to avoid losing evidence or missing important filing deadlines.

Investigation and Identification of Liable Parties

Your attorney will launch a comprehensive investigation into the accident. This includes obtaining the truck’s black box (Electronic Control Module), reviewing driver history, analyzing crash scene photos, and interviewing witnesses.

In truck accidents, multiple parties are often at fault. Liability could extend to the driver, the trucking company, maintenance contractors, or even the manufacturer. FMCSA compliance records and company safety audits are often subpoenaed during this stage to prove patterns of negligence.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim or Lawsuit

Once fault is established and medical treatment is underway, your attorney will begin preparing your claim. This could mean sending a demand letter to the insurance company or filing a formal lawsuit in civil court.

Statute of Limitations in Nevada

In most cases, Nevada law gives you two years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury claim, according to NRS 11.190. Failing to file within this time frame can result in the loss of your right to compensation.

Settlement Negotiations

Before going to court, your attorney will typically try to negotiate a settlement. This phase can take several weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the case, the insurance coverage involved, and whether you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI).

Settlements may cover medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare to proceed to trial.

Discovery, Mediation, and Trial

If the case moves to litigation, both sides will enter the discovery phase, during which evidence is exchanged and depositions are taken. This process can last several months.

In some cases, the court will order mediation, which is a final attempt to settle before trial. If that fails, your case will be heard before a judge or jury. A truck accident trial can take several days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of evidence and number of parties involved.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reno Truck Accident Claims

If you’ve recently been involved in a truck accident in Reno, you likely have questions about your rights, legal options, and next steps. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from victims and their families.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Nevada?

In Nevada, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including truck accidents, is generally two years from the date of the crash. This means you must file your lawsuit within that period or risk losing your right to compensation. Certain exceptions may apply, especially in cases involving government entities or minors. You can read more about this legal timeframe under NRS 11.190.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident?

Your first priority should always be medical care, even if injuries aren’t immediately visible. After calling 911 and receiving treatment, document the scene if you’re able, take photos, gather witness contact information, and request a copy of the police report. Then contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and begin building your claim.

The Nevada Department of Transportation offers resources about safe driving, but legal protection is best handled by an experienced injury lawyer.

How Is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident?

Fault is determined through a combination of police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and expert analysis. In commercial truck crashes, attorneys also review logbooks, black box data, maintenance records, and FMCSA compliance reports to determine whether the truck driver or their employer violated safety standards.

Since Nevada uses comparative negligence, multiple parties can be found partially at fault, and your compensation may be adjusted accordingly.

Can I Still Recover Damages if I Was Partially at Fault?

Yes. Under Nevada’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages as long as you are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, your final compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you’d receive $80,000.

This rule is designed to ensure fair outcomes, but it also makes it critical to work with an attorney who can minimize your assigned fault.

What damages can I recover in a truck accident case?

Truck accident victims in Reno may be entitled to several types of compensatory damages, both economic and non-economic. These damages are designed to make the injured party whole by addressing both financial losses and emotional hardship. Here’s a breakdown of the most common forms of compensation.

Medical Expenses (Past and Future)

Medical costs are often the largest portion of any settlement or verdict. This includes ambulance fees, ER visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and future care for long-term injuries. Truck crashes can cause traumatic injuries requiring ongoing treatment, so your attorney will work with experts to estimate future medical needs.

Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity

If your injuries force you to miss work, or if you’re unable to return to your previous job, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income. This also includes loss of future earning potential if your injury affects your ability to earn money over the long term. Financial experts may be called in to calculate projected losses based on age, occupation, and recovery outlook.

Property Damage

This typically includes the repair or replacement of your vehicle, as well as any personal property (like electronics or car seats) damaged in the crash. Even though this is often handled early in the process, it remains an important part of your total compensation.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering damages reflect the physical pain and discomfort you’ve endured as a result of the crash. These damages are subjective but can be significant, especially if your injuries required surgery, involved chronic pain, or interfered with daily activities.

Emotional Distress

Truck accidents are traumatic events that can leave lasting psychological scars. You may be compensated for emotional injuries such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and sleep disorders. Courts often consider emotional distress alongside pain and suffering when calculating damages.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, sports, family activities, or other aspects of daily life that brought you joy, you may be eligible to receive compensation for loss of enjoyment of life. This is especially relevant in cases involving long-term disability or chronic pain.

In Rare Cases, Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are not designed to compensate you but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. These are only awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless or malicious, such as a trucking company knowingly violating safety standards or a driver operating under the influence.

Your attorney will help calculate your total losses and ensure they’re fully documented. Learn more about these categories through resources like Nolo’s guide to personal injury damages.

Speak with a Reno Truck Accident Lawyer Today

A truck accident can change your life in an instant, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers, we have the experience, resources, and tenacity to take on large trucking companies and their insurers. Whether you suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one in a fatal crash, our team is here to help you pursue justice and full compensation.

Don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Evidence disappears, witnesses move, and deadlines approach quickly under Nevada law.

Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.