Reno Truck Accident

A truck accident in Reno can lead to life-altering injuries, overwhelming medical expenses, and long-term financial challenges. Victims often face trucking companies and insurers that prioritize profits over fair compensation. Nevada law allows injured parties to pursue claims when negligent truck drivers, companies, or maintenance providers cause a crash. However, proving liability in a truck accident case requires immediate action, detailed investigation, and strong legal representation.

At CVBN Law, we stand up for truck accident victims throughout Reno and across Nevada. Our team has the experience and resources to take on trucking companies and secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. We understand how devastating these accidents can be, and we are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process with skill and compassion.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a Reno truck accident, contact CVBN Law today. Call us at (725) 208-5202 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Reno

Truck accidents in Reno often result from a combination of driver negligence, vehicle defects, and unsafe roadway conditions. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which makes any collision far more severe than a typical passenger car crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highlights that driver error, fatigue, and mechanical failures are among the most common causes of catastrophic truck collisions nationwide. Understanding these factors is essential for proving liability and building a strong personal injury claim after a crash.

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents across the United States. Long-haul truck drivers often work extended shifts without proper rest, which can significantly impair their ability to focus, judge distances, or respond to sudden hazards. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enforces hours-of-service rules to prevent driver fatigue, but violations are still common. In Reno, busy routes like I-80 and US-395 see heavy truck traffic, which increases the risk of fatigue-related accidents.

How Fatigue Impacts Truck Driver Performance

When drivers operate their vehicles while exhausted, their reaction times slow, and their decision-making skills diminish. Studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that fatigue can have effects similar to alcohol impairment, leading to delayed braking and an inability to recognize dangerous conditions. Our team at CVBN Law often reviews electronic logging devices, driver logs, and inspection records to identify violations that contribute to serious collisions.

Distracted Driving and Mobile Device Use

Distracted driving is a growing problem on Nevada highways. Truck drivers are prohibited from texting while driving, but many still use mobile devices or onboard technology while behind the wheel. The Nevada Department of Transportation reports that distraction is a leading cause of roadway accidents throughout the state. In a truck accident scenario, even a few seconds of looking at a phone can cause a devastating chain reaction crash.

Texting and Other Distractions

Texting while driving a commercial truck is particularly dangerous because it requires drivers to take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that distracted truck drivers are far more likely to miss traffic signals or fail to notice smaller vehicles in adjacent lanes. Our attorneys often obtain phone records and dashcam footage to prove that distracted driving played a role in a Reno truck accident.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving Behaviors

Speeding remains one of the most common causes of severe truck accidents. A fully loaded semi-truck requires a much longer stopping distance than a passenger vehicle, and excessive speed makes it nearly impossible to avoid a collision. According to the National Safety Council, speeding is a contributing factor in nearly one-third of fatal crashes in the United States.

Dangerous Driving on Reno Roadways

In high-traffic areas such as South Virginia Street and Interstate 580, truck drivers who exceed the speed limit or engage in aggressive maneuvers put everyone on the road at risk. Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, sudden lane changes, or failing to yield are particularly hazardous when combined with the massive size and weight of a commercial truck. We often consult accident reconstruction experts to determine how speed contributed to the severity of a crash.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance and Mechanical Failures

Trucking companies are legally obligated to inspect and maintain their vehicles. When they fail to do so, critical components like brakes and tires can fail unexpectedly, causing catastrophic accidents. Reports from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance show that brake violations are among the top reasons for truck inspections and out-of-service orders.

Brake and Tire Defects

Brake failure is one of the deadliest mechanical issues because it directly affects a truck’s stopping ability. Tire blowouts can cause a truck to swerve uncontrollably, creating a high risk of rollover accidents. Our legal team often works with mechanical experts to review maintenance records, inspection reports, and black box data to determine if a mechanical defect contributed to a Reno truck accident.

Types of Truck Accidents in Reno

Truck accidents in Reno can occur in many different ways, each with its own set of challenges for victims seeking compensation. The size and weight of commercial trucks amplify the force of any collision, often leading to catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the majority of truck-related fatalities are caused by collisions with passenger vehicles. Understanding the various types of truck accidents can help victims and their families determine liability and pursue the full compensation they deserve.

Rear-End Collisions Involving Trucks

Rear-end accidents involving trucks are particularly dangerous because of the sheer force generated when a large commercial vehicle strikes a smaller car from behind. These accidents frequently occur on major highways like I-80, where sudden traffic slowdowns are common. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that rear-end collisions often result in whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage.

Stopping Distances and Negligence

A fully loaded semi-truck can take hundreds of feet longer to stop than a passenger vehicle. If a truck driver follows too closely or fails to anticipate traffic flow, the resulting crash can be devastating. Our team at CVBN Law investigates black box data, skid marks, and driver logs to prove that negligent behavior caused the accident. We often consult reports from the Nevada Department of Transportation to demonstrate that road conditions played no role, shifting liability squarely onto the driver or trucking company.

Jackknife Accidents on Nevada Highways

Jackknife accidents occur when the cab and trailer of a truck fold at an angle, resembling the shape of a folding knife. These accidents are common on slick roads or when drivers brake too suddenly. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, jackknife crashes frequently result in multi-vehicle pileups that block entire highways.

Improper Braking and Equipment Failures

Many jackknife accidents are caused by improper braking techniques or poorly maintained braking systems. Our attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts to determine whether equipment failure or driver error led to the crash. Evidence such as maintenance logs and inspection reports often plays a crucial role in proving negligence.

Rollover Truck Accidents

Rollover accidents are among the deadliest types of truck crashes. These incidents often occur when a truck is traveling too fast around a curve or when its cargo shifts unexpectedly. The National Safety Council reports that rollover accidents are especially common with top-heavy vehicles like tankers and flatbeds.

Overloaded and Unsecured Cargo

Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can destabilize a truck and increase the likelihood of a rollover. Federal regulations require strict loading practices, but trucking companies sometimes cut corners to save time. We review loading records and consult data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to show how improper loading practices may have contributed to the crash.

Underride and Override Accidents

Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a truck, while override accidents happen when a truck runs over a passenger vehicle. These types of collisions often lead to fatal outcomes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has advocated for improved underride guards to reduce the severity of such crashes.

The Importance of Underride Guards

Trucking companies must ensure their vehicles are equipped with properly maintained underride guards. When these safety features are missing or defective, the risk of fatal injuries skyrockets. Our legal team examines safety inspection records to determine if a lack of equipment played a role in the crash.

Speak With a Reno Truck Accident Lawyer Today

A truck accident in Reno can leave you facing overwhelming medical expenses, lost wages, and the stress of navigating complex insurance claims. You do not have to face this process alone. At CVBN Law, our dedicated Reno truck accident lawyers fight to hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurers accountable. We understand the complexities of Nevada trucking laws and have the resources to build strong cases for our clients.

Our legal team investigates every detail of your accident, from driver logs and black box data to vehicle maintenance records, to ensure no evidence is overlooked. We negotiate directly with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for your injuries, property damage, and pain and suffering. If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for the maximum financial recovery you deserve.

We offer free consultations to review your case and discuss your legal options. Call (725) 208-5202 or visit our contact page to schedule your consultation today. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Let CVBN Law stand by your side and help you move forward after a Reno truck accident.