Las Vegas Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers | Legal Help for Injured Victims 

Vegas locals know the dangers of semi-trucks all too well, with many locals having one too many dangerous close calls involving semi-truck vehicles. Many drivers have little idea the different types of semi-trucks that drive around the interstates they frequent, or the dangers that these different types of semi-trucks pose. Shipping companies force drivers into long hours, often driving across multiple states to reach their destinations—leaving drivers fatigued and overworked. There is no question that overworked drivers facing long hours lead to deadly semi-truck accidents, especially in the Las Vegas area where truck drivers operate 24/7.

Vegas locals know the dangers of semi-trucks all too well. For many, close calls with these massive vehicles aren’t rare—they’re routine. What most drivers don’t realize, though, is just how many different types of semi-trucks are sharing the road with them every day. From tankers and flatbeds to double-trailers and lowboys, each type comes with its own unique risks. Add in the fact that drivers are often pushed to the brink—hauling freight across state lines on tight delivery windows with minimal rest—and it’s no surprise that serious accidents happen.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over 5,000 fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred in 2021 alone, with many linked to fatigue, speed, or equipment failure. Research from the National Academies of Sciences also highlights that driver fatigue—often the result of long hours and inadequate rest—is one of the leading contributors to serious truck crashes, calling for better enforcement of rest regulations.

In a 24/7 city like Las Vegas, where truck traffic never sleeps, the consequences can be deadly.

That’s where Jerez Law comes in. We’ve seen firsthand how these accidents impact everyday people across the Vegas valley—physically, emotionally, and financially. We help victims and families make sense of what happened and hold trucking companies accountable when they cut corners on safety, training, or maintenance. Whether the crash happened on I-15, the 215 Beltway, or a side street in Summerlin, we dig into every detail and fight to recover everything you’re owed. You don’t have to take on a trucking company alone—and with Jerez Law, you won’t have to.

What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident in Las Vegas

If you’ve just been in a crash involving a semi-truck, your first instinct might be panic—and that’s normal. But what you do in the next few minutes matters more than most people realize. Start by checking yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone’s hurt, call 911 right away. Even if injuries don’t seem serious, adrenaline can mask pain, and some symptoms take hours to show up. If it’s safe, move your vehicle out of the way of traffic. Semi-truck accidents often block major roads like I-15 or the 215, which puts you and others at risk for a second collision. While you wait for emergency services, document everything: license plates, photos of vehicle positions and damage, road conditions, and especially the truck’s company info.

Once police arrive, make sure you get a report number—it’s one of the most important documents you’ll need later. Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver, but don’t argue or admit fault. These cases are complex and heavily investigated, often involving company lawyers, black box data, and commercial insurance adjusters. If you’re approached by the trucking company or their insurance right away, be cautious. You are under no obligation to give a recorded statement, and frankly, you shouldn’t—not without legal guidance. Your next move should be to get checked by a doctor and talk to a lawyer who handles semi-truck cases regularly. In a city like Las Vegas, where 18-wheelers roll through 24/7, you’re not just up against a driver—you’re up against a system that’s designed to minimize what you’re owed.

Types of Semi-Trucks Involved in Las Vegas Accidents

Semi-truck accidents in Las Vegas don’t all involve the same type of truck. Different vehicles are used for different purposes—hauling freight, transporting fuel, or carrying oversized machinery—and each comes with its own set of safety risks. Understanding the specific type of semi-truck involved in a crash is crucial for determining liability and accident severity. Below are the most common types of semi-trucks on Nevada roads, many of which are involved in serious or fatal crashes.

Flatbed Trucks

Flatbed trucks are commonly used to haul heavy equipment, lumber, steel, and large construction materials. Because they have no sides or roof, cargo is exposed and secured with straps or chains—which, when not fastened properly, can shift, slide, or fly off entirely. These vehicles are especially dangerous during quick turns, lane changes, or sudden stops. In the Las Vegas construction corridor—where flatbeds are frequently moving through tight intersections—this creates a real threat to other drivers.

What makes flatbed trucks dangerous in accidents:

• Cargo can shift or fall into traffic if improperly tied down
  
• High center of gravity increases rollover risk on turns
  
• Exposed loads may cause more damage during impact
  
• Risk of debris striking other vehicles at high speeds

Tanker Trucks

Tanker trucks are designed to carry liquid or gas, such as fuel, chemicals, or hazardous materials. In the event of a crash, these vehicles carry the added risk of explosion or toxic exposure. Their contents also slosh around during braking or turning, creating instability known as “liquid surge,” which can make the truck harder to control. When these vehicles crash on busy Las Vegas roads or near residential areas, the aftermath is often catastrophic.

Dangers specific to tanker trucks:

• Liquid surge during braking or turning causes instability
  
• Highly flammable or toxic contents increase injury risk
  
• Prone to rollovers due to cylindrical shape and high center of gravity
  
• Difficult to control when full or partially filled

Dry Van Trucks

Dry vans are enclosed trailers used for transporting non-perishable goods, making them one of the most common truck types on Nevada highways. While they’re boxy and familiar, their danger lies in weight distribution and stopping distance. If improperly loaded, the cargo can shift mid-drive, affecting braking and control. These trucks are frequent players in rear-end collisions due to their size and delayed response times, especially in congested areas of Las Vegas.

Why dry vans pose risks in crashes:

• Long stopping distances lead to rear-end collisions
  
• Limited rear and side visibility for lane changes
  
• Prone to tipping if loaded unevenly
  
• Hidden cargo may affect handling unexpectedly

Refrigerated (Reefer) Trucks

Reefer trucks are dry vans with a refrigeration unit, often transporting food or pharmaceuticals. These trucks have additional components that can fail and may require the driver’s attention while in motion. Mechanical issues with the cooling system can distract drivers, and the heavier weight from refrigeration systems makes braking and maneuvering more difficult—especially in Vegas’s stop-and-go traffic zones.

Reefer-specific accident hazards:

• Engine distraction due to refrigeration unit monitoring
  
• Potential fire hazard from electrical or mechanical failures
  
• Extra weight affects maneuverability and braking
  
• Long hauls increase driver fatigue risk

Lowboy Trailers

Lowboys are designed to transport extremely heavy equipment like bulldozers or transformers. Their low deck height lets them carry oversized loads that wouldn’t fit on a standard trailer, but this also makes them more difficult to navigate. These trailers are commonly involved in turning collisions, intersection blocks, or crashes involving poor clearance—especially in industrial and construction-heavy areas.

Why lowboy trailers are risky on Las Vegas roads:

• Reduced ground clearance causes problems on uneven terrain
  
• Oversized loads may not clear overpasses or signage
  
• Wide turns increase accident risk at intersections
  
• Harder for other drivers to anticipate length and load behavior

Double or Triple Trailers

Double and triple trailer configurations are used for long-haul freight across interstates like I-15 and US-93. These trucks are more complex to drive and extremely difficult to control in tight spaces or poor weather. Their length increases stopping distance, and turns require significantly more space. They’re especially dangerous when drivers are fatigued, speeding, or forced to react suddenly.

Accident risks with double/triple trailers:

• Increased risk of jackknifing during sudden stops
  
• Longer length reduces lane-change and merge safety
  
• High instability in crosswinds or during sharp turns
  
• Challenging for even experienced drivers to handle safely

Logging Trucks

Though not as common in city centers, logging trucks still pass through Nevada highways and are loaded with raw, often unsecured timber. These loads are top-heavy and awkwardly shaped, making rollovers and loss of control more likely—especially on ramps, hills, or curved roadways.

Hazards of logging trucks:

• Shifting logs can fall onto other vehicles in a crash
  
• Center of gravity makes rollovers common in corners
  
• Limited tie-down reliability under high-speed braking
  
• Rear logs can extend far beyond the trailer, increasing rear-end crash severity

Livestock Carriers

Livestock trucks transport animals—usually cattle or pigs—across states and to processing facilities. Unlike standard cargo, livestock move around during transit, which affects weight distribution and control. These trailers also tend to have ventilation holes and minimal structure, offering less crash protection to surrounding vehicles.

Why livestock carriers are especially dangerous:

• Shifting animals impact trailer stability and control
  
• Frequent ventilation cutouts reduce structural crash resistance
  
• Longer loading/unloading increases idle time in traffic zones
  
• Risk of animal escape during or after impact

Auto Haulers

Auto haulers carry new or salvaged vehicles to dealerships or auctions, often stacking them on two levels. Their design sacrifices aerodynamics and stability for carrying capacity. When involved in a crash, unsecured vehicles can break loose or fall from the top tier—creating secondary collisions or massive road hazards.

Dangers specific to auto haulers:

• Top-level vehicles increase rollover risk
  
• Rear visibility is limited due to multiple deck levels
  
• Loose or unstrapped cars can become projectiles
  
• Require extended distance to brake and turn safely

Hazmat Trucks

Hazmat trucks carry materials classified as hazardous, such as gasoline, industrial chemicals, explosives, or radioactive waste. These vehicles require special training and are subject to strict federal rules—but even with regulation, they pose a huge risk in urban accidents. A crash with a hazmat truck can lead to fires, toxic spills, evacuations, or long-term environmental harm.

Hazards posed by hazmat trucks:

• Spillage can cause fires, explosions, or chemical exposure
  
• Cleanup delays emergency response and increases injury risks
  
• Regulatory violations can lead to widespread liability
  
• Routes near population centers increase exposure risk

Injuries Caused by Las Vegas Semi-Truck Accidents

Collisions involving semi-trucks rarely result in minor injuries. Because of their sheer size and weight, these vehicles cause devastating harm to occupants of smaller cars—even at moderate speeds. Survivors often face long-term medical care, permanent disabilities, or life-altering trauma. Some injuries take days to fully reveal themselves, while others require immediate surgery or emergency intervention. Below are the most common types of injuries sustained in semi-truck crashes across Las Vegas and Clark County.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A sudden impact to the head—either from hitting the steering wheel, windshield, or being thrown from the vehicle—can cause a traumatic brain injury. TBIs range from concussions to more severe brain swelling, bleeding, or permanent cognitive impairment. In high-speed crashes with semi-trucks, TBIs are one of the most common—and most life-altering—injuries victims suffer.

TBI risks and long-term effects:

• Memory loss, confusion, and disorientation
  
• Difficulty speaking or processing language
  
• Mood swings, depression, and personality changes
  
• Sensitivity to light or sound
  
• Loss of balance or coordination
  
• Long-term therapy or assisted living needs
  

Spinal Cord Damage and Paralysis

The force of a semi-truck collision can damage or sever the spinal cord, especially in T-bone or rear-end accidents. Victims may experience partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and independence for the rest of their lives. Recovery from spinal trauma is slow, painful, and often incomplete.

Why spinal injuries are catastrophic:

• Loss of sensation in limbs or lower body
  
• Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia) depending on injury location
  
• Chronic pain or nerve damage
  
• Incontinence or loss of organ control
  
• Need for wheelchairs, home modification, or full-time care
  
• Psychological trauma from loss of function
  

Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage

Not all injuries are visible after a crash. Internal trauma—caused by seatbelt force, blunt impact, or being crushed—can rupture organs or blood vessels. These injuries are incredibly dangerous because symptoms may not appear right away. Without rapid diagnosis and surgery, internal bleeding is often fatal.

Signs and complications of internal injuries:

• Damage to the spleen, liver, kidneys, or lungs
  
• Blood pooling inside the abdomen or chest cavity
  
• Shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting
  
• Abdominal swelling or extreme tenderness
  
• Risk of septic shock or multi-organ failure
  
• Need for emergency surgery and ICU admission
  

Severe Burns or Chemical Exposure

When tanker trucks or hazmat carriers are involved in crashes, fires and explosions are a real risk. Victims can suffer third-degree burns or inhalation injuries from toxic chemicals. These injuries are incredibly painful and often leave permanent scars or respiratory damage.

Why burns and chemical injuries are life-altering:

• Fire-related burns requiring skin grafts or reconstructive surgery
  
• Lung damage from inhaling smoke, ammonia, or chlorine
  
• Scarring, disfigurement, and nerve damage
  
• Risk of infection during recovery
  
• Long-term rehabilitation and cosmetic treatment
  
• Emotional trauma from disfigurement

Amputations and Crush Injuries

In many semi-truck crashes, the smaller vehicle is crushed or trapped underneath the truck. This can result in crushed limbs, mangled tissue, or traumatic amputation at the scene. In other cases, limbs are surgically removed due to irreversible damage or lack of circulation.

The impact of crush injuries and amputation:

• Loss of arms, legs, hands, or feet
  
• Compartment syndrome from swelling and pressure
  
• Lifelong use of prosthetics or mobility aids
  
• Inability to work in former profession or perform basic tasks
  
• Emotional challenges and PTSD from body image changes
  
• Long-term physical therapy and pain management

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Las Vegas Semi-Truck Accident

Determining who is legally responsible after a semi-truck accident isn’t always straightforward. These cases often involve multiple parties beyond just the driver—such as the trucking company, vehicle maintenance providers, cargo loaders, or even government agencies. In a city like Las Vegas, where freight routes, tourism traffic, and urban intersections all collide, assigning liability requires a deep dive into every detail. Below are the most common parties that may be held legally accountable in a semi-truck accident claim.

Truck Drivers

The driver is often the first point of scrutiny. If they were speeding, distracted, fatigued, or under the influence at the time of the crash, they can be held personally liable. Truck drivers are held to a higher safety standard under federal regulations, and violations can significantly impact a claim.

How truck drivers contribute to liability:

• Driving under the influence (NRS 484C.110)
  
• Texting or distracted driving
  
• Ignoring mandatory rest breaks or falsifying logs
  
• Speeding or aggressive lane changes
  
• Failure to inspect vehicle before a shift

Trucking Company or Carrier

The company that employs or contracts the driver may also be held responsible—especially if they pushed unsafe schedules, failed to train properly, or ignored vehicle safety protocols. Known as vicarious liability, this legal principle holds employers accountable for their workers’ on-the-job actions.

When trucking companies are liable:

• Hiring unqualified or inexperienced drivers
  
• Failing to conduct background or drug checks
  
• Pushing illegal delivery schedules
  
• Skipping driver safety training
  
• Neglecting regular fleet maintenance

The Cargo Loader or Shipping Company

Improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo is a hidden but deadly factor in many truck crashes. When third-party contractors are responsible for loading freight, they may be liable if the load shifts or spills during transit.

Cargo loaders can be held liable for:

• Overloading the trailer beyond legal weight
  
• Failing to secure cargo properly
  
• Allowing unbalanced weight distribution
  
• Using inadequate tie-downs or restraints
  
• Transporting hazardous materials without proper labeling

Vehicle Maintenance or Repair Providers

Some trucking companies outsource their maintenance and inspection routines. If a mechanical failure leads to an accident—like brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering loss—the repair shop or inspection crew may be liable.

Common maintenance-related failures:

• Skipping routine inspections
  
• Installing faulty or worn-out parts
  
• Ignoring reports of known mechanical issues
  
• Failing to meet FMCSA safety guidelines
  
• Falsifying inspection records

Truck or Parts Manufacturers

In some cases, the crash was caused not by driver error, but by a defective part—like failed brakes, steering columns, or defective tires. In these cases, the manufacturer may be held accountable under Nevada’s product liability laws.

Why manufacturers may be at fault:

• Defective brakes, tires, or coupling systems
  
• Design flaws that lead to stability issues
  
• Failure to issue timely recalls
  
• Manufacturing defects in engine or axle components
  
• Lack of proper warning labels or safety instructions
  

Compensation Available After a Las Vegas Semi-Truck Accident

Victims of semi-truck accidents in Las Vegas often face severe injuries, significant property damage, and substantial financial burdens. Nevada law provides avenues for victims to seek compensation to alleviate these hardships. The exact amount varies based on factors like injury severity, liability, and insurance coverage.

Medical Expenses

Under Nevada law, victims are entitled to recover both current and future medical expenses resulting from the accident. This includes costs for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any necessary future medical care. Given the high costs associated with medical treatment, especially for severe injuries, these expenses can be substantial.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

If the accident causes you to miss work or reduces your ability to earn, you may be compensated for current lost income, future lost earning potential, and loss of employment benefits. Nevada law allows for the recovery of these economic damages to ensure that victims are not financially disadvantaged due to someone else’s negligence.

Pain and Suffering

This non-economic compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. Factors influencing this compensation include the severity of injuries, duration of recovery, and impact on quality of life. Nevada does not cap non-economic damages in personal injury cases, allowing victims to seek full compensation for their suffering.

Property Damage

Compensation can also cover the repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident. This ensures that victims are not left bearing the financial burden of property loss due to another party’s negligence.

Wrongful Death

In tragic cases where a loved one is lost, families may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, loss of financial support, and emotional distress. Nevada’s wrongful death statute (NRS 41.085) outlines the rights of heirs and the estate to recover these damages. Settlements in wrongful death cases can vary widely, often ranging from $500,000 to over $1 million, depending on the circumstances.

It’s important to consult with a qualified attorney to understand the full scope of compensation you may be entitled to. An experienced lawyer can help navigate the complexities of Nevada law to ensure that victims and their families receive the compensation they deserve.

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Why Contact Jerez Law After a Las Vegas Semi-Truck Accident

After a semi-truck accident, life can feel like it’s been flipped upside down. You’re dealing with injuries, bills, phone calls from insurance adjusters—and maybe even the loss of a loved one. It’s overwhelming, and you shouldn’t have to figure it out on your own. These aren’t simple fender benders. They involve massive vehicles, federal regulations, commercial carriers, and legal teams who are trained to protect their bottom line—not your recovery.

That’s where we come in. At Jerez Law, we’ve helped crash victims across Las Vegas and Clark County go up against trucking companies and win. We understand how these cases work—from accident reconstruction and black box data to FMCSA violations and wrongful death claims. Whether you were hit on I-15, the 215 Beltway, or a local road, we’re ready to investigate and fight for you. You don’t pay us unless we win, and we don’t stop until we’ve gotten every dollar your case deserves.

Talk to someone who actually understands what you’re going through. Schedule your free consultation today → Contact Jerez Law