Truck Accident Safety: Key Nevada Laws You Should Know

Truck accidents are among the most severe types of traffic collisions, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Given the size and weight of large commercial trucks, the outcome can be devastating when a truck collides with a passenger vehicle, motorcycle, and/or pedestrian.

National Truck Accident Statistics: The Bigger Picture

Truck accidents represent a significant portion of fatal crashes in the U.S., with statistics underscoring the seriousness of the issue.

• According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in 2020, 4,965 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks, representing an 8% increase from the previous year.
• Of those fatalities, 71% were occupants of other vehicles, not the truck itself.
• On average, around 130,000 people are injured in truck accidents each year across the United States.
• Large trucks make up only about 5% of registered vehicles, but they are involved in 9% of all fatal crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Nevada-Specific Truck Accident Statistics

While national statistics paint a broad picture, truck accidents in Nevada follow similar trends. With its extensive highway network and reliance on trucking for goods transportation, Nevada sees a significant number of truck-related accidents each year.

• The Nevada Department of Public Safety reports that heavy trucks were involved in over 10% of fatal accidents in the state in recent years.
• Interstate highways like I-15 and I-80, which connect Nevada to major commercial hubs, are particularly prone to truck accidents, especially in congested or high-speed zones.

Safety Tips for Avoiding Truck Accidents

Here are some crucial safety tips for motorists when driving near large trucks:

1. Stay Out of Blind Spots: Trucks have significant blind spots, especially directly behind and along the sides of the vehicle. If you can’t see the truck driver in their side mirror, they likely can’t see you.
2. Pass Safely and Quickly: When passing a truck, do so on the left side, where the driver has better visibility. Avoid lingering in their blind spots and maintain a consistent speed when overtaking.
3. Give Trucks Extra Room to Turn: Trucks often need to make wide turns, especially when turning right. Stay back and allow them plenty of space to maneuver safely.
4. Don’t Cut-Off Trucks: Trucks require a much longer stopping distance because of their size. Cutting off a truck could lead to a dangerous rear-end collision, as the truck may not be able to stop in time. Before changing lanes in front of a truck, make sure you can see both side mirrors in your rearview mirror. This ensures plenty of room in front to change lanes and that the truck driver also sees you.
5. Be Cautious in Poor Weather Conditions: Trucks are more difficult to control in adverse weather, such as rain, snow, or fog. Increase your following distance and be cautious when driving in inclement conditions around large trucks.

Nevada Trucking Laws You Need to Know

Several Nevada laws specifically target reducing the risk of truck accidents and ensuring safer roadways.

1. Hours of Service Regulations
   Truck driver fatigue is a leading cause of accidents, and Nevada follows federal Hours of Service regulations to prevent this. Commercial truck drivers in Nevada are subject to limits on the number of hours they can drive without rest:
   • 11-hour driving limit: Drivers can drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
   • 14-hour limit: Truck drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following a 10-hour rest period.
   • Mandatory rest breaks: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after driving for 8 consecutive hours.
   These regulations are crucial to reducing fatigue-related accidents, which are particularly dangerous in truck crashes.
2. Weight Limits and Load Requirements
   Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks pose a higher risk of accidents. Nevada law imposes strict weight limits on commercial trucks. Trucks exceeding 80,000 pounds on interstate highways require special permits, and violations can result in heavy fines.In addition, Nevada law requires that cargo must be properly secured to prevent spillage or shifting, which can lead to accidents or road hazards. NRS 484D.715 outlines these rules, and violations can result in citations for both the driver and the trucking company.
3. Speed Limits for Trucks
   Nevada enforces different speed limits for trucks in certain areas. For example, while passenger vehicles may be allowed to drive up to 80 mph on some rural interstate highways, trucks are often restricted to lower limits, typically 70 mph or less. This is because trucks require much longer distances to stop and can cause greater damage in high-speed collisions.
4. Drug and Alcohol Testing
   Truck drivers in Nevada must comply with federal regulations regarding drug and alcohol testing. Commercial truck drivers are held to stricter standards than other motorists, with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.04% compared to the 0.08% limit for regular drivers. Random drug and alcohol testing is also mandatory for commercial truck drivers in Nevada.
5. Distracted Driving
   Texting, accessing the internet, and using hand-held cell phones while driving are against the law in Nevada. You may talk on a phone using a hands-free device. Penalties are $50 for the first offense in seven years, $100 for the second, and $250 for the third and subsequent offenses.

What to Do if You’re Involved in a Truck Accident

If you’re involved in a truck accident in Nevada, there are specific steps you should take to protect yourself:

1. Call 911: Seek immediate medical attention and report the accident to authorities.
2. Document the Scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Do not admit fault at the scene, this includes apologizing to the other motorist. Obtain videos and photos of the scene, but do not post any of them online.
3. Get Driver Information: Obtain the truck driver’s contact information, insurance details, and the trucking company’s name.
4. Contact an Attorney: Truck accidents can involve multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, and manufacturers. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Truck accidents are a serious concern both nationwide and in Nevada. By understanding the risks, following safety tips, and knowing the relevant laws, you can reduce your chances of being involved in a truck accident. However, if you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you need the right legal representation to protect your rights.

At Sam and Ash Injury Law, we are committed to helping accident victims navigate the complexities of truck accident claims. Our experienced attorneys understand Nevada’s truck accident laws and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation — Because You Deserve What’s Right.