Life-Changing Trucking Accident Case Results
Arnold & Itkin has a proven record of securing life-changing results in trucking accident litigation across the country. In one notable case, attorneys Kurt Arnold and Kyle Findley secured a landmark $35.5 million settlement on behalf of a family that was catastrophically injured in a truck accident. This case was particularly rewarding because the defendant tried to deny liability and even attempted to shift the blame to our client’s shoulders, but our team fought back and was able to prove that the truck and its driver were not fit for duty and should never have been on the road.
Some of our other successful truck accident cases include:
- $59.5 million for two farm workers seriously injured in a crash with an 18-wheeler.
- $33.35 million for occupants of a van struck by a large truck on a highway.
- $12.4 million for a worker who was struck by a UPS truck at his worksite.
- $12 million for a truck driver who was crushed by cargo while unloading his vehicle.
Those are but a few of the successful verdicts and settlements we have been able to secure for survivors and families affected by semi-truck and big rig collisions. Our trial attorneys are known—and feared—by trucking companies and insurers alike for our complete commitment to securing justice for our clients. No matter the odds. No matter what.
Why Las Vegas Truck Accidents Are on the Rise
The Las Vegas area has seen dramatic growth over the past two decades—both in terms of population and tourism. Major highways like I-15 and U.S. 95 are constantly congested with cars, motorcyclists, buses, and semi-trucks. Additionally, Las Vegas draws large conventions, music festivals, and sporting events that bring in massive amounts of supplies and equipment by way of big rigs and other large commercial vehicles.
Trucking companies often operate under strict deadlines to meet delivery schedules for casinos, hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. Unfortunately, this push for on-time deliveries can lead to tighter schedules, more pressure on drivers, and less attention to critical safety measures. When a single lapse in judgment occurs—whether from driver error, vehicle maintenance issues, or poor loading practices—serious crashes can happen in the blink of an eye.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler & Large Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Las Vegas can arise from a variety of scenarios. Even the best-trained drivers and carefully maintained trucks are not immune to risk when trucking companies, carriers, and manufacturers fail to put safety first.
Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Truckers often face tight deadlines, which can lead to driving beyond regulated hours or skipping adequate rest breaks. Fatigued driving impairs reaction time, decision-making, and situational awareness.
- Distracted Driving: Whether it’s texting, checking GPS, or interacting with dispatch equipment, distraction can be deadly when handling an 18-wheeler in heavy Las Vegas traffic. Companies must prioritize safe driving practices.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use, including prescription medication misuse, may play a role in trucking accidents. Given the sheer weight and size of commercial trucks, impairment at the wheel is a recipe for disaster.
- Speeding & Reckless Driving: The pressure to meet tight delivery windows can encourage speeding or risk-taking. In urban areas and on highways, aggressive driving can cause rear-end collisions, rollovers, or jackknife accidents.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Semis must be routinely inspected. Worn brakes, underinflated tires, and faulty lights can lead to loss of control or reduced visibility. Trucking companies must keep equipment in safe working order.
- Improper Loading & Securement: If a truck’s cargo is not balanced properly or securely tied down, it can shift unexpectedly and cause the driver to lose control. Oversized or overweight loads can also create serious hazards.
- Bad Weather & Road Conditions: When truck drivers are pushed to operate in sudden downpours or desert dust storms, or when roads are poorly maintained, this can significantly escalate the risk of a trucking accident.
No matter their cause, all collisions share one common factor: they could have been prevented. Identifying at-fault parties is a crucial step taken by our Las Vegas truck accident lawyers.
Who Can Be Held Accountable After a Las Vegas Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a truck accident can be more complex than in a typical car crash. Multiple parties may share blame, and each will likely have their own insurance coverage and legal defenses. An experienced truck accident lawyer in Las Vegas can investigate the details of your collision, review maintenance logs, analyze driver hour-of-service records, and work with accident reconstruction experts to pinpoint each entity that played a role in your crash.
Depending on the specifics, the following parties may be held responsible:
- Truck Driver: If the driver was speeding, driving under the influence, or otherwise negligent, they can be liable for damages, although their employer may be held accountable for any oversight or safety failures.
- Trucking Company: Employers must properly train and supervise drivers, maintain fleets, and comply with federal regulations. When they fail to do so, they share responsibility for collisions involving their vehicles and drivers.
- Cargo Loaders: Improper loading or securement of goods and cargo can cause a tractor-trailer or other large truck to tip or jackknife, making the individuals or companies responsible for loading potentially liable.
- Vehicle & Parts Manufacturers: Defective brakes, tires, or other truck components may implicate the product’s manufacturer if a design flaw or manufacturing error contributed to the accident.
- Maintenance Crews or Vendors: If a third-party mechanic fails to address critical maintenance issues—or performs substandard work—the resulting mechanical failure could make them accountable.
The Devastating Consequences of Truck Accidents
Collisions involving large trucks and other commercial vehicles often lead to life-changing injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, burns, amputations, and even death. Survivors may face extensive hospital stays, multiple surgeries, and long-term physical therapy. On top of the medical challenges, they could miss weeks or months of work—or be unable to return to their previous job at all. Families who lose a loved one in a trucking accident may also face financial strain, grief, and an uncertain future without the deceased’s support.
Nevada law permits victims to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases related to trucking accidents. These can include medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning potential, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages if the at-fault party’s conduct was especially reckless or intentional. This can make all the difference for survivors and families as they try to move forward.
Speak with a Truck Accident Attorney in Las Vegas
At Arnold & Itkin, we’ve built our reputation on delivering record-setting results for our clients—recovering billions of dollars for people who’ve been injured through no fault of their own. Our legal team knows how to stand up to major trucking companies, insurers, and other powerful defendants. We work tirelessly to investigate crashes, leverage expert testimony, and develop compelling cases that force negligent parties to own up to their wrongdoing.
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a commercial trucking crash in Las Vegas, let us help you work toward a brighter future. Contact us today for a free consultation.
