Traffic accidents involving commercial trucks can lead to innumerable consequences. If you were part of a truck accident, you might be wondering whether the traffic tickets issued to the truck driver play a role in your accident claim. The short answer is yes; traffic tickets can impact your truck accident claim.
In this article, we will discuss how traffic tickets can affect your claim, the types of traffic violations that may be relevant, and the importance of working with an experienced truck accident attorney.
Traffic Tickets as Evidence of Negligence
In a truck accident claim, one of the key factors to establish is negligence. Negligence refers to the failure of a party to exercise reasonable care, which results in injury or damage to another party. Traffic tickets can serve as evidence of negligence, as they indicate that the truck driver violated a traffic law, which may have contributed to the accident.
For example, if a truck driver receives a ticket for speeding, running a red light, or making an illegal turn, these violations can be used as evidence that the driver was negligent. This can help strengthen your claim and increase the likelihood of recovering compensation for your injuries and damages.
However, it is important to note that a traffic ticket alone may not be enough to prove negligence in a truck accident claim. You will still need to demonstrate that the truck driver’s violation of the traffic law directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries.
Types of Traffic Violations Relevant to Truck Accident Claims
There are several types of traffic violations that can be relevant to a truck accident claim. Some common examples include:
- Speeding: A truck driver who is speeding may have less time to react to changes in traffic conditions, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Distracted driving: Truck drivers texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distractions while behind the wheel can cause accidents due to their lack of focus on the road.
- Failure to yield: If a truck driver fails to yield the right of way to other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists, they may be found negligent in an accident claim.
- Hours-of-service violations: Truck drivers should follow Nevada state regulations on how many hours they can drive without a break. Failure to do so may lead to a violation.
- Improperly secured cargo: If a truck’s cargo is not properly secured, it can shift during transit and cause the truck to become unstable, increasing the risk of an accident.
The Importance of Working with an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
If you have been involved in a truck accident, working with an experienced truck accident attorney who can help you navigate the complex legal process is crucial. An attorney will be able to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.
Your attorney will also be able to determine whether the truck driver’s traffic tickets are relevant to your claim and can use this information to help prove negligence. In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate a settlement with the truck driver’s insurance company, saving you the time and stress of going to court.
In conclusion, traffic tickets can indeed play a role in a truck accident claim, as they can serve as evidence of negligence on the part of the truck driver. However, it is important to remember that a traffic ticket alone may not be enough to prove negligence, and you will still need to demonstrate that the truck driver’s actions directly caused the accident and your injuries.
Working with an experienced truck accident attorney can help you build a strong case and increase your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.
We at The Bourassa Law Group are here to manage all your legal troubles in the state of Nevada. Call us at (800)870-8910 and talk to our legal resource for directions.
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