Las Vegas is the world’s entertainment capital, and the city’s logistical needs are immense. Commercial trucks play an essential role in keeping the city up and running. Further, they are a crucial part of the supply chain for countless industries. However, despite their importance, large commercial vehicles also pose serious risks. When they collide with other drivers, the injuries can be severe.
If you were hurt in a Las Vegas truck crash, you have the right to seek legal counsel. At Valiente Mott Injury Attorneys, our experienced Las Vegas truck accident lawyers help victims of semi-truck, big rig, and commercial vehicle collisions secure the compensation they deserve. Contact us online or call (702) 664-8369 today for a free consultation with a personal injury attorney.
Meet Our Dedicated Truck Accident Attorneys
We Don’t Just Settle, We Fight For Your Rights
Our team focuses exclusively on personal injury law, representing individuals, not corporations, in cases involving trucking crashes, wrongful death, and catastrophic injuries.
Every client receives personal attention, honest communication, and relentless advocacy. A Las Vegas personal injury lawyer from Valiente Mott Injury Attorneys will handle everything from accident investigation to litigation, so you can focus on recovery.
Michael S. Valiente
Founder & Attorney
Michael S. Valiente, Partner at Valiente Mott, left his position at Nevada’s preeminent insurance defense trial law firm to help people, not insurance companies. He has extensive experience representing victims of car accidents, defective products, and catastrophic injury.
Timothy A. Mott
Founder & Attorney
Tim Mott, Partner at Valiente Mott, left his position at Nevada’s preeminent insurance defense trial law firm where he represented corporations, including Fortune 500 companies and the largest insurance companies in the world, to create Valiente Mott. Tim, along with Mike, created Valiente Mott to help people, not insurance companies. He has extensive experience representing victims of car accidents, defective products, and catastrophic injury.
Nate Quist
Managing Partner
Nate Quist began his career working alongside Partners Mike and Tim at Nevada’s preeminent insurance defense trial law firm. At the insurance defense firm, Nate represented large corporations and dealt with extremely complicated legal issues. Nate left the world of insurance defense to join the Clark County Public Defender’s Office in Las Vegas.
James A. Trummell
Trial Attorney
Jim joined the litigation team at Valiente Mott in May 2021 as the trial attorney. In his role with the firm, Jim drafts pleadings, oversees pre-trial discovery, takes and defends depositions, makes court appearances for hearings, prepares witnesses, and takes cases to trial. In bringing his talent and skill to Valiente Mott, Jim left his position as a trial attorney for one of Nevada’s most successful and well-known civil litigation firms. He advocated for Plaintiffs alongside some of the best and most respected trial attorneys in the State. Selected by his peers, Jim was honored as a Vegas, Inc. Top Lawyer 2020 and a 2021 Mountain States Rising Star Personal Injury Attorney by SuperLawyers.com.
$25M
Settlement
Product Defect - Wrongful Death
Vehicle defective design resulted in gas tank failure and explosion. The defense initially refused to make an offer as they believed their client was not at fault for the incident.
$6.025M
Settlement
Pedestrian Accident
No initial offer. A vehicle struck a pedestrian. The defense refused to accept liability for years.
$5M
Settlement
Truck Accident
Semi-Truck failed to exercise due care by rolling through a stop sign and struck our client while riding his bike in the crosswalk.
$3.025M
Settlement
Truck Accident
$100k Initial Offer — Fault free passenger in a small sedan and her driver turned left into oncoming traffic in front of a large passenger truck resulting in a t-bone collision.
Las Vegas Truck Accident FAQs
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents vary widely, each with unique dangers and legal considerations. Our Las Vegas truck collision lawyers handle all major types, including:
- Jackknife Accidents: When the trailer swings out, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab.
- Rollover Crashes: Trucks tipping onto their side or roof, sometimes rolling multiple times.
- Underride Accidents: Smaller vehicles sliding under a truck’s trailer, often deadly.
- Rear-End Collisions: Heavy trucks rear-ending cars, causing catastrophic damage.
- Tire Blowouts: Leading to loss of control, rollovers, or lane swerving.
- Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots; collisions often occur when drivers fail to see vehicles nearby.
At Valiente Mott Injury Attorneys, our lawyers conduct thorough investigations to determine exactly how your truck collision occurred and who bears legal responsibility.
Common Injuries From Truck Accidents
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 80,000 pounds, approximately 30 times heavier than a typical passenger car. Due to the extreme size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, truck accident injuries tend to be severe, life-altering, and often catastrophic:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Mild concussions to permanent cognitive impairment.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis, chronic pain, mobility limitations.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Simple to complex, often requiring surgery.
- Internal Injuries and Bleeding: Damage to organs that may not be immediately visible.
- Burn Injuries: Third-degree burns requiring reconstructive surgery.
- Wrongful Death: Families may pursue compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional support.
- Amputations & Loss of Limb: Permanent loss of limb requiring prosthetics and lifestyle adjustments.
When building your case, we take into consideration all compensation covering past and future losses. These substantial damages make working with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Las Vegas essential.
Don’t Wait to Start Your Claim
The sooner you contact our Las Vegas injury attorneys, the stronger your case becomes. We’ll handle the insurance companies and paperwork while you focus on recovery.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Las Vegas Truck Accident?
Truck accident liability is more complex than typical car collisions. Multiple parties may share responsibility, increasing potential sources of compensation.
Truck Drivers
Truck drivers can be directly liable for negligence, including:
- Traffic violations (speeding, running red lights, failing to yield)
- Distracted driving (phones, GPS)
- Driving while fatigued beyond hours-of-service limits
- Substance use (alcohol or drugs)
- Improper maneuvers (unsafe lane changes, tailgating, failing to check blind spots)
Trucking Companies
Under respondeat superior, companies can be held responsible for employee negligence. Trucking company liability may include:
- Negligent hiring: employing drivers with poor records or DUIs
- Negligent training: insufficient safety and cargo instruction
- Negligent supervision: failing to monitor hours-of-service compliance
- Negligent maintenance: failing to repair or inspect brakes, tires, and other critical components
Cargo Loaders & Third Parties
Liability may extend to:
- Loading companies failing to secure cargo properly
- Shippers exceeding legal weight limits
- Maintenance providers responsible for mechanical failure
Government Entities
Rarely, public agencies may be liable for road defects, poor signage, or inadequate traffic control contributing to the crash.
How Fault Is Determined in a Truck Accident
Determining fault requires detailed investigation, evidence analysis, and knowledge of Nevada law and federal trucking regulations.
Evidence Used
- Police Reports: Officer observations and initial accident reconstruction
- Witness Statements: Neutral accounts supporting or challenging claims
- Physical Evidence: Skid marks, debris, vehicle positions, and damage patterns
- Black Box Data (ELDs): Speed, braking, and hours-of-service logs
- Dashcam Footage: Visual record of events leading up to the crash
- Maintenance & Inspection Records: Reveal mechanical failures or regulatory violations
Multiple Parties
Our Las Vegas truck accident attorneys evaluate each party’s role (drivers, trucking companies, cargo loaders) to assign responsibility accurately.
Nevada Comparative Negligence Law
Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence law.
- If you are 50% or less at fault, damages are reduced proportionally.
- If 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.
Example: If your damages are $200,000 and you are 20% at fault, your award is reduced by 20% to $160,000.
Federal Regulations
Violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) often constitute negligence per se, including:
- Driver qualifications & training
- Hours-of-service compliance
- Vehicle maintenance & inspection
- Drug & alcohol testing
- Cargo securement standards
What To Do After A Truck Accident
The actions you take immediately after a truck accident can significantly impact both your health outcomes and your ability to recover compensation. Following proper steps protects your wellbeing and preserves your legal rights.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety
Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. Turn on your hazard lights.
Step 2: Call 911
Report the accident immediately to emergency services. This will dispatch both medical personnel and the police.
Step 3: Seek medical attention
Get a medical evaluation at a hospital or emergency room, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. A medical record is critical for a claim.
Step 4: Document everything:
Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from all parties and witnesses.
Step 5: Avoid admitting fault:
Do not apologize or admit fault to the other driver or their insurance company.
Step 6: Notify your insurance company
Report the accident to your own insurance provider as soon as possible, as many policies require prompt notification.
Step 6: Consult a lawyer
Contact a Las Vegas semi-truck crash lawyer before speaking to the other party’s insurance company to protect your rights. An attorney can handle communications and negotiate on your behalf.
Experienced
Compassionate
Relentless
Your Las Vegas Injury Lawyers
We’ve helped thousands of clients across the Las Vegas valley recover millions in verdicts and settlements.
Available Compensation for Truck Accident Victims
The value of a truck accident claim in Las Vegas varies widely depending on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the crash, and the parties involved. Settlements can range from tens of thousands of dollars for minor injuries to over a million dollars for catastrophic injuries or wrongful death cases. While exact figures require a case evaluation, understanding the factors that influence a truck accident settlement can help set realistic expectations.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the financial losses you incur directly because of the truck accident. Common types include:
- Medical bills: Past, current, and future medical costs, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing therapy. Expert testimony from doctors can help estimate future treatment costs.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost while recovering from your injuries. Your lawyer can also help estimate future lost earning capacity if injuries affect your ability to work long-term.
- Other out-of-pocket costs: This includes property damage, travel costs for medical appointments, household help, or other expenses related to accident recovery.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for losses that are not directly financial but affect your quality of life. These include:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and discomfort caused by the accident.
- Emotional distress: Damages for anxiety, depression, PTSD, or mental anguish resulting from the crash.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: For limitations that prevent you from enjoying hobbies, sports, or family activities.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship, support, intimacy, or affection from a spouse or partner.
- Disfigurement and scarring: Covers emotional and psychological impact of permanent physical changes.
- Damage to reputation: In some cases, if your injuries limit professional or social participation.
Methods for Calculating Non-Economic Damages
Multiplier Method
- Adds all economic damages and multiplies the total by a factor based on injury severity.
- Typical multipliers: 1.5–2 for minor injuries, 3–5 for severe injuries.
Example: If economic damages are $50,000 and injuries are severe, a multiplier of 3 results in $150,000 for non-economic damages.
Per Diem Method
- Assigns a daily dollar value to pain and suffering, multiplied by the number of days you experienced it.
- Daily rates are calculated based on factors similar to the multiplier method.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages punish the at-fault party for egregious or reckless behavior and deter similar actions in the future.
Example: Compensatory damages of $100,000 could allow punitive damages up to $300,000.
Average Truck Accident Settlement Ranges
| Severity of Injury |
Typical Settlement Range |
| Minor injuries |
$50,000 – $150,000 |
| Moderate injuries (with surgery) |
$150,000 – $500,000 |
| Severe injuries (TBI, spinal cord) |
$500,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| Wrongful death |
$1,000,000 – $5,000,000 |
Why Are Truck Accident Claims More Complex Than Ordinary Car Accidents?
Although every motor vehicle collision can have serious consequences, truck accident claims are often much more complicated than standard car accident cases. The differences extend far beyond the size of the vehicles involved. Commercial trucking is governed by extensive federal and state regulations, multiple businesses may share responsibility for a crash, and trucking companies typically have significant insurance resources and legal teams working to minimize liability.
One of the biggest differences is the number of potentially liable parties. In a typical passenger vehicle accident, responsibility usually falls on one or both drivers. In a commercial truck accident, however, liability may extend to the truck driver, the trucking company, the company that owns the trailer, a maintenance contractor, a cargo loading company, a vehicle manufacturer, or another third party. Determining who is legally responsible requires a thorough investigation and careful review of the available evidence.
Truck Accident Evidence
Evidence in truck accident cases is also far more extensive than in ordinary car crashes. In addition to police reports, witness statements, and photographs, important evidence may include electronic logging device (ELD) data, black box information, GPS records, dispatch communications, maintenance records, driver qualification files, inspection reports, cargo documentation, and drug and alcohol testing records. Some of this evidence may only be preserved for a limited time, making prompt action essential after a collision.
Commercial trucking companies and their insurers also tend to respond immediately after a serious accident. In many cases, they dispatch investigators, adjusters, and defense attorneys to the crash scene within hours. Their goal is often to begin building a defense before an injured victim has an opportunity to gather evidence or obtain legal representation. An attorney who understands these tactics can ensure critical evidence is preserved and your rights are protected.
The Extent of Injuries
Truck accident claims frequently involve catastrophic injuries because of the enormous size and weight of commercial vehicles. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, creating tremendous force during a collision. Victims often suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, internal organ damage, or permanent disabilities that require lifelong medical treatment. As a result, calculating damages usually involves detailed medical evaluations, expert testimony, future treatment costs, diminished earning capacity, and long-term care planning.
Finally, truck accident cases often require a detailed understanding of both Nevada negligence law and the federal regulations that govern the trucking industry. When a trucking company or driver violates important safety rules, those violations may become critical evidence in establishing negligence. Because of these additional legal and factual issues, truck accident claims in Las Vegas generally require a more comprehensive investigation than ordinary automobile accident cases.
Trucking Regulations That May Affect Your Las Vegas Accident Claim
Commercial trucking companies and professional drivers must comply with numerous safety regulations designed to reduce accidents and protect everyone sharing the road. Many of these rules are established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), while others are imposed under Nevada law. When a trucking company violates these regulations and the violation contributes to a crash, it may become powerful evidence in a personal injury claim.
Hours-of-Service Rules
Driver fatigue remains one of the leading causes of commercial truck accidents. To reduce the risk of drowsy driving, federal Hours-of-Service regulations limit the number of consecutive hours commercial drivers may operate before taking mandatory rest breaks. Drivers are also required to accurately record their driving time using Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs).
When trucking companies pressure drivers to exceed these limits or falsify logbooks, they may be placing profits ahead of public safety. Reviewing electronic log data often becomes an important part of investigating serious truck accidents.
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Requirements
Commercial trucks travel thousands of miles every month and experience substantial wear and tear. Federal regulations require carriers to routinely inspect, maintain, and repair their vehicles to ensure they remain safe to operate. Maintenance records may reveal problems involving:
- Brake systems
- Tires and wheels
- Steering components
- Lights and reflectors
- Suspension systems
- Coupling devices
- Trailer equipment
Failure to properly maintain a truck can result in catastrophic mechanical failures that contribute directly to serious crashes.
Driver Qualification Standards
Not everyone is legally qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Truck drivers must meet licensing requirements, maintain valid Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs), satisfy medical certification standards, and comply with ongoing qualification requirements. Trucking companies also have a responsibility to properly screen applicants, review driving histories, conduct background checks where required, and ensure drivers receive adequate training. Negligent hiring or retaining an unqualified driver may expose the company to additional liability after a collision.
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Federal law requires many commercial drivers to participate in drug and alcohol testing programs, including pre-employment testing, random testing, post-accident testing, and testing when reasonable suspicion exists. Evidence that a trucking company failed to comply with these testing requirements—or knowingly allowed an impaired driver to remain on the road—may significantly strengthen an injured victim’s claim.
Cargo Securement and Weight Limits
Improperly loaded cargo can dramatically increase the risk of rollovers, jackknife accidents, falling debris, or loss of vehicle control. Federal cargo securement regulations establish standards for how freight must be loaded, balanced, tied down, and transported. Similarly, trucks that exceed legal weight limits may require much longer stopping distances and place additional stress on braking systems and tires. Investigating cargo records and shipping documents may help determine whether improper loading contributed to the crash.
The Importance of Regulatory Violations?
A trucking regulation violation does not automatically establish liability, but it can serve as compelling evidence that a driver or trucking company failed to exercise reasonable care. An experienced truck accident attorney in Las Vegas can obtain maintenance records, electronic logging data, inspection reports, employment files, and other evidence to determine whether safety violations played a role in the collision.
When regulatory violations are uncovered, they often strengthen an injury claim by demonstrating that the crash may have been preventable if the trucking company followed the safety standards designed to protect the public. These investigations frequently uncover evidence that would never be available in a typical passenger vehicle accident.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
In Las Vegas, you generally have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit and three years to file a property damage claim. This two-year deadline for personal injury is known as the statute of limitations and applies to most negligence-based claims, including those for truck accidents. It’s important to file within these deadlines to avoid losing your right to seek compensation.
How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Charge?
At Valiente Mott Injury Attorneys, we make high-quality legal representation accessible through a contingency fee arrangement. This means you pay nothing upfront and only pay attorney fees if we successfully recover compensation for your truck accident claim.
Key Benefits of Our Contingency Fee Model
- $0 Upfront Costs: No retainer fees, deposits, hourly charges, or hidden costs. We begin working on your case immediately.
- We Cover Case Expenses: We advance costs for medical records, police reports, expert witnesses (accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, economists, vocational specialists), court filings, depositions, investigations, and document preparation.
- No Win, No Fee: If we don’t secure a settlement or verdict for you, you owe nothing.
This structure allows you to hire an experienced Las Vegas truck accident attorney without worrying about financial barriers, giving you the legal support you need to pursue maximum compensation.
Truck accident claims are far more complex than typical car accidents. They involve federal trucking regulations, large corporate defendants, multiple liable parties, and sophisticated insurance tactics. Our truck accident lawyers in Las Vegas at Valiente Mott guide you through every step to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
Our Approach to Truck Accident Cases
- Immediate Investigation
We gather critical evidence to establish fault, including dashcam footage, electronic logs, witness statements, and accident reconstruction reports.
- Proving Fault
We hold the responsible truck driver and trucking company accountable, ensuring negligence is clearly established.
- Managing the Legal Process
Our attorneys handle all paperwork, deadlines, and communications with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on recovery.
- Assessing Damages
We work with medical and financial experts to evaluate current and future losses, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.
- Negotiation and Litigation
We aggressively negotiate with insurance companies for fair settlements and are fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
- Focus on Recovery
By managing the complex legal process, we let you concentrate on healing while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Las Vegas Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you were injured in a truck accident, don’t wait. The sooner you speak with an experienced Las Vegas truck accident lawyer, the stronger your claim will be. Call Valiente Mott Injury Attorneys at (702) 664-8369 or reach out online today for a free consultation and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
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