Nationally Recognized 18-Wheeler Crash Attorneys with $20 Billion in Victories
Nevada’s roads have always been critical arteries for commerce and tourism, with semi-trucks and 18-wheelers frequently weaving through the bustling streets and highways of Las Vegas. Between the daily influx of visitors and the city’s rapid population growth, the need for consumer goods and raw materials continues to rise. Unfortunately, this surge in truck traffic also brings an increased risk of catastrophic trucking accidents. When an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle collides with a passenger car, the results can be devastating, leaving victims with life-altering injuries—or worse.
At Arnold & Itkin, our Las Vegas truck accident attorneys have fought relentlessly to secure justice for people hurt in these serious crashes. Having won billions for our clients nationwide, we understand the complexities of trucking regulations, insurance negotiations, and the legal battles often involved in achieving a fair outcome.
“Since we settled the case with Arnold & Itkin, I feel like my future’s looking brighter. We’ve been able to know we got the best that we could get.”
The Las Vegas area has seen dramatic growth over the past two decades—both in terms of population and tourism. Major highways like I-15 and U.S. 95 are constantly congested with cars, motorcyclists, buses, and semi-trucks. Additionally, Las Vegas draws large conventions, music festivals, and sporting events that bring in massive amounts of supplies and equipment by way of big rigs and other large commercial vehicles.
Trucking companies often operate under strict deadlines to meet delivery schedules for Las Vegas casinos, hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. Unfortunately, this push for on-time deliveries can lead to tighter schedules, more pressure on drivers, and less attention to critical safety measures. When a single lapse in judgment occurs—whether from driver error, vehicle maintenance issues, or poor loading practices—serious crashes can happen in the blink of an eye.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler & Large Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Las Vegas can arise from a variety of scenarios. Even the best-trained drivers and carefully maintained trucks are not immune to risk when trucking companies, carriers, and manufacturers fail to put safety first.
Some of the most frequent causes include:
Driver Fatigue: Truckers often face tight deadlines, which can lead to driving beyond regulated hours or skipping adequate rest breaks. Fatigued driving impairs reaction time, decision-making, and situational awareness.
Distracted Driving: Whether it’s texting, checking GPS, or interacting with dispatch equipment, distraction can be deadly when handling an 18-wheeler in heavy Las Vegas traffic. Companies must prioritize safe driving practices.
Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use, including prescription medication misuse, may play a role in trucking accidents. Given the sheer weight and size of commercial trucks, impairment at the wheel is a recipe for disaster.
Speeding & Reckless Driving: The pressure to meet tight delivery windows can encourage speeding or risk-taking. In urban areas and on highways, aggressive driving can cause rear-end collisions, rollovers, or jackknife accidents.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Semis must be routinely inspected. Worn brakes, underinflated tires, and faulty lights can lead to loss of control or reduced visibility. Trucking companies must keep equipment in safe working order.
Improper Loading & Securement: If a truck’s cargo is not balanced properly or securely tied down, it can shift unexpectedly and cause the driver to lose control. Oversized or overweight loads can also create serious hazards.
Bad Weather & Road Conditions: When truck drivers are pushed to operate in sudden downpours or desert dust storms, or when roads are poorly maintained, this can significantly escalate the risk of a trucking accident.
No matter their cause, all collisions share one common factor: they could have been prevented. Identifying at-fault parties is a crucial step taken by our Las Vegas truck accident lawyers.
Truck Accidents & Tourism in Las Vegas
Las Vegas's booming tourism and convention industry keeps the city's trucking lanes full 24/7. Events like music festivals, trade shows, and hotel and casino restocks demand heavy deliveries of supplies, food, and building materials by commercial trucks that must navigate crowded streets and highways. Interstates like I-15 near the Strip, US-95, and the 215 see nonstop freight traffic, and the mix of tourist drivers, taxis, rideshare vehicles, and semi-trailers creates a high-risk environment. With tight delivery deadlines intermixing with high traffic volumes, limited rest for drivers, and complex and congested routes, commercial vehicle accidents become more likely—and more devastating.
Who Can Be Held Accountable After a Las Vegas Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a truck accident can be more complex than in a typical car crash. Multiple parties may share blame, and each will likely have their own insurance coverage and legal defenses. An experienced truck accident lawyer in Las Vegas can investigate the details of your collision, review maintenance logs, analyze driver hour-of-service records, and work with accident reconstruction experts to pinpoint each entity that played a role in your crash.
Depending on the specifics, the following parties may be held responsible:
Truck Driver: If the driver was speeding, driving under the influence, or otherwise negligent, they can be liable for damages, although their employer may be held accountable for any oversight or safety failures.
Trucking Company: Employers must properly train and supervise drivers, maintain fleets, and comply with federal regulations. When they fail to do so, they share responsibility for collisions involving their vehicles and drivers.
Cargo Loaders: Improper loading or securement of goods and cargo can cause a tractor-trailer or other large truck to tip or jackknife, making the individuals or companies responsible for loading potentially liable.
Vehicle & Parts Manufacturers: Defective brakes, tires, or other truck components may implicate the product’s manufacturer if a design flaw or manufacturing error contributed to the accident.
Maintenance Crews or Vendors: If a third-party mechanic fails to address critical maintenance issues—or performs substandard work—the resulting mechanical failure could make them accountable.
Las Vegas and Clark County see some of the heaviest trucking traffic in the Southwest. With I-15 serving as the primary freight route between Southern California and Salt Lake City—and US-95, US-93, and the 215 Beltway funneling trucks into and around the valley—thousands of big rigs pass through the region every day.
Major national carriers such as UPS, FedEx Freight, Knight-Swift Transportation (headquartered in Phoenix with major operations in Nevada), JB Hunt, and Schneider National regularly operate in and around the Las Vegas metro area. In addition, regional haulers like CRST, Werner Enterprises, and XPO Logistics maintain a strong presence near the Las Vegas Strip, warehouse districts, and the Harry Reid International Airport freight hub.
Oilfield and construction trucking tied to Nevada’s development, as well as long-haul carriers servicing the Southern Nevada industrial corridor near North Las Vegas and Henderson, add to the mix. When one of these massive vehicles is poorly maintained, improperly loaded, or operated by an overworked driver, the consequences on crowded Clark County roads can be catastrophic. We know the tactics these major companies and their insurers use to dodge responsibility, and we’ve proven time and again that we have the resources and skill to hold them accountable.
For more information on major carriers and their safety records, check out the following articles:
Collisions involving large trucks and other commercial vehicles often lead to life-changing injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, burns, amputations, and even death. Survivors may face extensive hospital stays, multiple surgeries, and long-term physical therapy. On top of the medical challenges, they could miss weeks or months of work—or be unable to return to their previous job at all. Families who lose a loved one in a trucking accident may also face financial strain, grief, and an uncertain future without the deceased’s support.
Nevada law permits victims to seek compensation for economic damages and non-economic damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases related to trucking accidents. These can include medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning potential, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages if the at-fault party’s conduct was especially reckless or intentional. This can make all the difference for survivors and families as they try to move forward.
Medical Facilities for Truck Accident Victims in Las Vegas
Arnold & Itkin has a proven record of securing life-changing results in trucking accident litigation across the country. In one notable case, attorneys Kurt Arnold and Kyle Findley secured a landmark $35.5 million settlement on behalf of a family that was catastrophically injured in a truck accident. This case was particularly rewarding because the defendant tried to deny liability and even attempted to shift the blame to our client’s shoulders, but our team fought back and was able to prove that the truck and its driver were not fit for duty and should never have been on the road.
Some of our other successful truck accident cases include:
$59.5 million for two farm workers seriously injured in a crash with an 18-wheeler.
$33.35 million for occupants of a van struck by a large truck on a highway.
$12.4 million for a worker who was struck by a UPS truck at his worksite.
$12 million for a truck driver who was crushed by cargo while unloading his vehicle.
Those are but a few of the successful verdicts and settlements we have been able to secure for survivors and families affected by semi-truck and big rig collisions. Our trial attorneys are known—and feared—by trucking companies and insurers alike for our complete commitment to securing justice for our clients. No matter the odds. No matter what.
Injured in a Vegas Truck Accident? You Have Rights.
Victims of truck accidents in Nevada must act swiftly to protect their legal rights. Under Nevada law, you typically have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence system—meaning compensation can be reduced if the victim is partially at fault, but only up to a 50% threshold. Understanding your rights and options is crucial if you are to seek a fair recovery.
You have the right to:
Pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and future care related to your injuries.
Hold all responsible parties accountable, including trucking companies, manufacturers, drivers, or others.
Seek damages for pain, suffering, and emotional trauma, not just financial losses.
Have your case investigated fully, including access to black box data, maintenance logs, and driver records.
Refuse early settlement offers that undervalue your case or fail to cover long-term needs.
Hire an attorney of your choosing to fight for you and protect you against insurers and corporate defense teams.
Our Las Vegas trucking lawyers make sure these rights aren't just words on paper. We've proven time and again that we can hold powerful truck companies accountable and win life-changing results for crash survivors nationwide.
Speak with a Truck Accident Attorney in Las Vegas
After a devastating truck accident, families need attorneys who are proven in the courtroom. Defendant corporations want to avoid facing a trial by jury when facing well-represented plaintiffs, as the jury may award far more than the case would have settled for out of court. Our attorneys prepare every case for trial. We take this approach not only because it works, but because we are actually willing—and able—to do what it takes to win in court.
At Arnold & Itkin, we’ve built our reputation on delivering record-setting results for our clients—recovering billions of dollars for people who’ve been injured through no fault of their own. Our legal team knows how to stand up to major trucking companies, insurers, and other powerful defendants. We work tirelessly to investigate crashes, leverage expert testimony, and develop compelling cases that force negligent parties to own up to their wrongdoing.
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a commercial trucking crash in Las Vegas, let us help you work toward a brighter future. Contact us today for a free consultation.
CommonQuestions
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Nevada?
Nevada’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, it’s best to consult a Las Vegas truck accident lawyer promptly. Time-sensitive evidence—such as black box data or witness statements—could be lost or compromised if you wait too long.
What If the Insurance Company Offers Me a Quick Settlement?
While it may seem tempting, initial settlement offers rarely reflect the true value of your claim. Insurers know you may be facing immediate financial hardships and hope you’ll settle for less. Speak to a local truck accident attorney in Las Vegas before accepting any offer; a lowball payout could leave you responsible for future medical expenses and other unforeseen losses.
Can I Still Seek Compensation If I’m Partially at Fault?
Under Nevada’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages if you were less than 50% responsible for an 18-wheeler or other trucking accident. Any compensation awarded, however, may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
After a Vegas Truck Accident, What Compensation Could I Be Entitled To?
Potential damages in a trucking accident claim may include current and future medical costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, rehabilitation expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. In some cases where a defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious, you may also seek punitive damages.
Do I Need an Attorney If I Lost a Loved One in a Truck Accident?
If a family member died in a trucking accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. This can provide financial relief for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship. It can also help you find answers and peace of mind by seeing at-fault parties held accountable. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process during this difficult time.
