Truck Accidents

Truck Accident Lawyer in Reno

60+ Years of Taking on the Trucking Industry & Defending the Community

Semi-trucks, commonly known as semis or big rigs, dominate the highways, moving over 70 percent of the nation’s goods, fueling a $700 billion industry. Trucking accidents, exacerbated by the sheer volume of commercial freight vehicles on our roads and hazardous industry practices, pose significant threats to passenger vehicles and pedestrians. When a truck accident occurs, the results can be catastrophic, causing severe injuries and even fatalities.

With decades of experience handling personal injury claims, our law firm has established itself as a proven choice for those seeking the best truck accident attorneys in Reno and beyond. Our legal team understands the complexities of truck accident cases, from navigating insurance claims to pursuing legal action against negligent truck drivers and trucking companies. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, the Law Offices of Friedman & Throop can help. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your truck accident case, and let us be your advocates in seeking justice and fair compensation.

Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different Than Car Accident Cases

Truck accident cases are far more complex than typical car accident claims. Commercial trucks are governed by a unique set of federal and state regulations, carry significantly higher insurance policies and often involve multiple parties who may share responsibility for a crash. As a result, these cases require deeper investigation and a far more strategic legal approach.

One major difference is the role of federal trucking regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Truck drivers and trucking companies must comply with strict rules related to hours of service, vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and cargo loading. Violations of these regulations frequently play a key role in proving negligence in truck accident cases. These are issues that simply do not arise in standard car accident claims.

Liability is also more complicated in truck accidents. While car accidents typically involve one or two parties, truck crashes may involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, or even truck or parts manufacturers. Identifying all responsible parties is critical, as it can significantly increase the compensation available to injured victims.

Compared to car accident cases, evidence in truck accident cases is both highly technical and time-sensitive. Commercial trucks are often equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs), onboard computers, and detailed maintenance records. This evidence can be lost or destroyed if it is not preserved quickly, making immediate legal action essential. A knowledgeable truck accident attorney can send spoliation letters to the trucking company and other responsible parties, legally demanding that all relevant evidence be preserved. Car accident cases rarely involve this level of data or urgency.

Lastly, injuries and damages in truck accident cases are typically far more severe due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. These differences demand a truck accident lawyer in Reno who understands the trucking industry, federal safety regulations, and the tactics used by commercial insurers.

Types of Truck Accidents We Handle

We are seasoned Reno truck accident lawyers dedicated to representing clients injured in various types of truck accidents, including the following:

• Truck rollovers
• Brake failure incidents
• Accidents involving unlicensed or untrained drivers
• Tire blowouts
• Mechanical defects leading to accidents
• DUI/DWI-related accidents
• Accidents caused by driver fatigue
• Truck accident cases stemming from poor truck maintenance
• Accidents occurring under unsafe driving conditions, such as snow, ice, rain or fog
• Collisions resulting from aggressive driving behaviors
• Incidents involving oversized big rigs 

Common Injuries & Available Compensation in Truck Accidents

Accidents involving semi-trucks and big rigs often result in life-changing catastrophic injuries. Victims commonly suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones and internal organ damage, burns, and permanent disfigurement. In the most tragic cases, truck accidents can result in wrongful death, leaving families facing overwhelming emotional and financial loss in the aftermath.

Truck accident claims often involve substantial compensation because of the severity of injuries. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, injured victims and their families may be entitled to recover several types of damages including economic, non-economic, and in certain instances, punitive damages.

Economic Damages

• Victims may be eligible to recover compensation for:
• Medical expenses and future costs
• Hospitalization, surgeries, and rehabilitation
• Ongoing or long-term medical care
• Lost wages from time missed at work
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Prescription medications and medical equipment

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are those that address the personal and emotional impact of a truck accident. This includes:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of companionship or consortium (if applicable)

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded to the victim if the liable party is found to have acted with gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. These damages are awarded to punish wrongful behavior and deter similar misconduct in the future. Cases involving driving under the influence, willful violations of federal trucking safety regulations, or knowingly operating an unsafe commercial vehicle may award punitive damages.

Determining Fault in a Truck Accident Case

Determining fault in a truck accident case is often complex due to the number of parties involved and the regulations governing the trucking industry. Fault may rest with the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers or vehicle manufacturers. Establishing liability requires an attorney to conduct a thorough investigation of driver logs, electronic data, maintenance records, compliance with federal safety regulations, as well as reviewing police reports and speaking with witnesses.

In the state of Nevada, fault is determined under a modified comparative negligence rule. This rule states:

• Victims CAN recover compensation as long as they are 50 percent or less at fault
• Victims cannot recover compensation if they are 51% or more at fault
• Any percentage of fault assigned to the victim can reduce the amount of compensation recovered

For example, if a victim is awarded $100,000 and is found to be 20 percent at fault, their recovery would be reduced to $80,000.

Trucking companies and insurers often try to shift blame to injured victims to reduce or deny claims. Having a truck accident attorney at your side is critical for proper investigation, identifying all responsible parties, and pushing back against unfair fault allegations during settlement negotiations. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our team is prepared to fight for you in courtl

Were You Hurt in a Truck Crash? Friedman & Throop Can Help.

With decades of combined experience in truck accident injury law, Terry Friedman and Julie McGrath Throop are dedicated to assisting you with your truck accident case. Whether due to negligence, intentional actions or unforeseen circumstances, truck accidents involving semi trucks, big rigs and commercial vehicles can be devastating, resulting in significant medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Our expertise in handling accident claims against trucking companies and insurance companies makes us the top choice for personal injury claims stemming from truck accidents. As a leading truck accident law firm, we understand the complexities of the truck industry and are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, you need a professional and aggressive attorney to ensure that you are treated fairly and compensated adequately. To schedule your free consultation with our experienced team of Reno truck accident lawyers, contact the Law Offices of Friedman & Throop today.

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