An override accident happens when a large truck rides up and over the back of a smaller passenger vehicle, crushing the car underneath. These accidents are particularly dangerous because the size and weight difference between the vehicles puts the occupants of the smaller car at a much higher risk of serious injury or death. If you or a loved one was involved in an override collision, you have the right to seek justice. Contact a Las Vegas truck accident attorney to learn more.
Primary Causes of Truck Override Accidents
Several factors can contribute to override accidents. One common cause is distracted driving by the truck driver. If they take their eyes off the road, even for a moment, they may fail to notice slowed or stopped traffic ahead.
Fatigued driving is another major issue, as truckers often face pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines. This can lead them to skip breaks and drive for too many hours without adequate rest. When a driver is drowsy, their reaction times slow, and they may drift out of their lane or fail to brake in time to avoid rear-ending a smaller vehicle.
Speeding, tailgating, and reckless lane changes also increase the chances of a truck riding up and over a smaller vehicle. Poor truck maintenance, such as worn brakes or balding tires, can make it harder for the trucker to stop in time to avoid a collision.
What Makes Override Accidents So Dangerous?
The sheer size and weight disparity between a large commercial truck and a passenger car makes override accidents especially hazardous. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. In an override accident, the massive vehicle can easily crush the smaller one.
Victims often suffer devastating trauma, such as:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Multiple broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Burns and scarring
- Amputated limbs
Many victims of override accidents face a lifetime of disability, chronic pain, and astronomical medical expenses. Tragically, fatalities are also common in truck override crashes, leaving devastating families in their wake.
Identifying Responsible Parties in Override Accidents
If you were injured in an override accident in Nevada, you can file a lawsuit against the party responsible for your crash. You can pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses by bringing a personal injury claim. The defendant in your case may vary depending on the circumstances.
For example, the truck driver may be at fault if they were distracted, fatigued, speeding, or otherwise negligent behind the wheel. However, the trucking company might also be at fault for imposing unrealistic schedules, encouraging drivers to violate hours of service regulations, or failing to properly maintain their fleet.
Insurers and corporate defense lawyers will go to great lengths to avoid paying claims. In these situations, an attorney can investigate the accident, identify all potential sources of compensation, and begin gathering evidence of liability.
Contact The Janda Law Firm for a Free Case Review
After an override accident, you need an attorney who will stand up to powerful trucking companies and fight relentlessly for your rights. The Janda Law Firm has seen firsthand the devastation these crashes cause, and we’ve made it our mission to help victims like you recover every dollar you are owed. Contact us at (702) 758-8888 today and start building your case with our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys.