Which common causes can contribute to Reno truck accident injury?
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Nov 02, 2016
We have all seen the news clips of the chaos and catastrophe associated with truck accidents on Reno roads. Usually when a semi-truck or other commercial truck is involved in a car accident, the outcome is a series of unfortunate events. Sometimes, it results in multi-vehicle accidents with the victims sustaining multiple injuries or even, fatalities. There are a few causes related to a negligent or an inattentive truck driver that could be behind such truck accident injury.

Most truck drivers are upstanding citizens and take their job very seriously. Safety should be, and is, at the heart of all decisions that most truck drivers make. However, stresses of the job or careless decisions can lead to a break down in the number one priority. This means the safety of everyone on the road can be at risk.

A truck accident can result from inattentive or reckless driving. The motivations behind these actions could be a push from upper management, urging the truck driver to stay on an impossible schedule that encourages the driver to skip breaks and driver for illicit periods of time. All truck drivers are obligated under federal regulation to take mandated breaks and rest periods. Those that do not take those much-needed breaks put everyone at risk. It could even cause a serious injury in a truck accident to a loved one.

It can be difficult to tell at first glance whether a driver was fatigued at the time of a truck accident. Federal regulations ensure that truck drivers keep logs of their driving behaviors, which include taking the mandated breaks. An investigation into this paper trail could lead to big conclusions. These conclusions could mean putting responsibility on the appropriate party after a truck accident.

Source: injury.findlaw.com, “Common Causes of Truck Accidents,” Accessed Oct. 30, 2016

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Protesters struck by pick-up truck during rally in Reno
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Oct 27, 2016
While most Reno car accidents are unfortunate, they are just that — unfortunate accidents. There isn’t typically any malicious intent behind the actions of the drivers who cause or contribute to these crashes. Once in a while, however, a driver intentionally causes an accident with intent to maim or harm. One such car accident appears to have happened recently between a pick-up truck and a group of protesters in Reno.

It occurred during a peaceful rally right in the city center under the arch. Approximately 40 protesters had gathered in support of Native American rights. According to reports, there was some type of exchange between the pick-up driver and the protesters and the driver began to rev his engine, eventually giving way to first gear and striking five people in the group. One woman was hospitalized due to the injuries she sustained in the crash, the other four were treated and released at the scene.

He took off from the scene of the car accident , later stopping a few blocks away to explain his side of the story to Reno officers on scene. It is unclear at this time what made the man decide to accelerate his vehicle into the crowd. Likely, a full investigation into the incident will follow. It is possible that the driver of the pick-up truck could face criminal, as well as civil, penalties for his alleged actions that day.

While people do make mistakes, a pedestrian is no match for a speeding motor-vehicle. That is why pedestrians have rights against drivers who intentionally or unintentionally strike them, causing injury. Some reports have called the man’s actions a ‘hate-crime.’ Whatever the motivation, if charged, the man will have a turn to tell his side of the story.

Source: tribtown.com, “The Latest: Reno mayor pledges justice after protest crash,” Oct. 11, 2016

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Accident resulting in spinal injury can be devastating, costly
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Oct 21, 2016
After a shocking and unexpected injury to the spinal cord, there can be a lot of uncertainty associated with the past, present and future. As far as the past goes, people may wonder just what exactly happened to them or a loved one that caused such a life-altering spinal cord injury. In the present, the emotional toll can make even getting up in the morning difficult. When it comes to the future, people may be wondering what it looks like for the injured and their family moving forward after a spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury can be sustained in almost an infinite number of ways. The most common spinal cord injuries are sustained in car accidents, work accidents or even other types of sudden traumatic injury incidences that are often associated with negligence. Negligence is a term given to an incident in which ‘but for’ another’s actions or inaction, the accident and injury would not have occurred. Most people and businesses have a duty of care to uphold.

At Bradley, Drendel & Jeannie we understand the stress that a Reno accident resulting in spinal cord injury can cause. Medical costs, property damage and lost wages due to a loved one’s, or a person’s own, inability to return to work after the injury can also be recovered. The silver-lining is that most costs can be recovered if attributed to a negligent party. This process begins by filing a personal injury suit against whoever is believed to be at fault.

Whatever stage people are at after a spinal cord injury , we have seen it all. You may have suspicions about the negligent party, but no concrete facts to go on. We can help take that burden off of a person’s shoulders by discovering the facts and evidence that need to be prepared for proving fault. People have been through enough after spinal cord injury.

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Nevada statute of limitations and car accident injuries
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Oct 14, 2016
After a car accident, there is typically a whirlwind of activity. Of course, health and wellness need to top the list and those injured in a car accident should take their injuries seriously. After immediate needs are assessed and treated for immediate danger, what should one do next?

Since there is a time limit on how long an injured person has to file a lawsuit, this might be a good time to explore this option. Not all car accident s are caused by another’s negligence, but for those that do involve another’s negligence, determining liability is crucial. An accident investigation, witness testimony and medical records are all great resources to utilize when building a personal injury suit. With the costs of medical care going up every year and insurance policies becoming less favorable for the average Reno resident, an injured victim may be looking to off-set the medical costs associated with car accident injuries.

Nevada’s statute of limitations is only two years from the time of the injury, which is a smaller time frame than most states. If the time window has closed, it can be nearly impossible to file suit against a person or company believed to be at fault. This is why time is of the essence after a car accident.

While two years may seem like a long time to some, it can go quickly for a family dealing with serious injuries after a car accident. Hospital visits, paperwork and other complications from injuries can make the extra step of filing suit all the more challenging. However, there is much to be reaped from the extra effort if a 3rd party is proven responsible or liable for the accident. There are financial gains to be had for the victim and their family.

Source: FindLaw, “Time Limits to Bring a Case: The ‘Statute of Limitations’,” Accessed October 10, 2016

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Drunk driving regulations for commercial truck drivers
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Oct 06, 2016
Trucking regulations are mandated mostly by federal law rather than state law. That’s because trucks often cross state lines and travel on interstates that are governed by such laws. Commercial truck drivers are obligated to uphold a standard of care higher than that of motor vehicle drivers. This is due to the dangerous nature of their job in the trucking industry.

It is dangerous, in theory, to be anywhere near a commercial truck, 18-wheeler or big-rig. This is due to their size and ability to potentially lose control and cause serious injury to anyone in the immediate vicinity. This is why blood alcohol content levels for anyone driving a commercial truck are stricter than for most motor vehicle drivers. The BAC legal limit for anyone driving a commercial truck is .04, which is half the legal limit for drivers in most states.

Commercial truck drivers are more likely to be required to submit to drug or alcohol testing after a truck accident. They also face harsher penalties if they refuse to submit to a blood alcohol test. It is, essentially, the equivalent to pleading guilty to DUI. Drunk truck drivers have caused catastrophic truck accidents. It is entirely preventable and unacceptable for a truck driver to be intoxicated behind the wheel.

If a drunk truck driver has caused you or your family serious injury in a Reno truck accident, this is grounds for seeking recovery. There are stricter regulations for truck drivers in just about every area of highway safety, and intoxicated drivers can be held accountable for their actions and any injury they may have caused. Federal law requires that truck drivers uphold a duty of care for themselves and others. If a truck driver failed to do this by driving intoxicated and caused serious injury, there are potential consequences.

Source: FindLaw, “Commercial DUI Regulations,” Accessed October 3, 2016

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Harrowing car accident leaves 2 dead; 2 pending felony charges
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Sep 29, 2016
Most car accident s fall under the category of an honest mistake. However, some car accidents are such blatant egregious errors that felony charges are filed in connection with the crash. This proved true for a couple from Reno that were recently killed in a car accident on McCarran Boulevard. The driver and passenger who caused the crash are being held in county jail after fleeing the scene of the car accident.

It happened when the victims’ disabled Pontiac was pulled over on the side of the I-80. A Ford F-350 merging from McCarran Boulevard struck the Pontiac and the two occupants inside, with the truck coming completely over the top of the car. The driver and passenger fled the scene and the driver is now being held on $100,000 bail. Had the driver and passenger not fled the scene, their charges may have been less severe.

Regardless, it doesn’t change the fact that two young people lost their lives on I-80 in a senseless accident. An investigation is being conducted by the proper authorities. For family and friends of the deceased, it is a very difficult time. It may give them some sense of relief to see the two people connected to the crash facing charges in relation to the hit-and-run.

If you or a family member have been injured by a negligent or drunk driver, then you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries through a personal injury lawsuit. It may be helpful for you to contact an attorney to help you through the process.

Source: kolotv.com, ” Victims in Friday double-fatal identified; suspect appears in court Thursday ,” September 21, 2016

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Motorcycle accident injuries are potentially compensable
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Sep 22, 2016
Just the thought of getting in a crash makes most motorcyclists cringe. This is because even the smallest of fender-benders can lead to catastrophic injuries or destruction to property. Liability can fall on the shoulders of a motor-vehicle driver if they failed to exercise due care leading up to the accident. Motor-vehicle drivers sometimes argue that they didn’t see the motorcyclist before the accident.

This is usually irrelevant as it is a driver’s responsibility to be aware of their surroundings, even if motorcyclists were in their blind spot. Keep in mind, it is possible that a motorcyclist could contribute, in some way, to their accident injuries. However, due to comparative negligence laws, it is possible for a motorcyclist to recover for another driver’s portion of the fault. Since injuries can cost in the thousands of dollars in medical bills and lost wages, even a 50% determination could mean significant recovery of costs.

It is likely an emotional and confusing time as the victim recovers from their injuries. It’s possible that the negligent driver could have been engaging in distracted driving behaviors or even intoxicated driving behaviors. A full investigation can help to discover if this was a factor in the motorcycle accident that affected you or your family member. At Bradley, Drendel and Jeanney, we are here to help answer your questions and guide you through the process of seeking reparations after a motorcycle accident injury.

Injuries could range from mild, like road rash, to severe, like spinal cord injury. Many motorcyclists involved in an accident fall somewhere in-between. Whatever your ailment, it is advised to seek the best medical care available. Only then can one hope to fully recover. Off-setting those expenses by assigning fault to another driver through a personal injury suit is key to making the finances work.

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What constitutes distracted driving in a Reno car accident?
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Sep 15, 2016
There are many driving behaviors that Reno drivers are practicing today that are inherently unsafe. What are they? Most of the driving behaviors fall under the category of distracted driving. With everyone’s busy lives, it is understandable how someone could fall victim to these dangerous behaviors.

However, this does not make distracted driving okay or permissible under Nevada law. Distracted driving includes any behavior or activity that takes a driver’s eyes off the road or mental concentration away from driving. Some common behaviors that fall under this definition are eating, texting or even reading or putting on make-up. If a person is injured in a car accident and they can prove that the other driver was engaging in one of these activities, then the behavior can constitute reckless driving and could be used as a factor in determining liability after a car accident.

While these distracted drivers may not have had any ill-intentions, the outcome is still the same if it results in injuries to innocent drivers and passengers. Distracted driving is definitely grounds for filing a personal injury suit if one is injured in an accident. If another person’s carelessness was a factor in causing a car accident, they can be held accountable. Each personal injury case due to a car accident is different and will require specific points in order to prove fault of another driver.

Luckily, there is top-notch medical care available for those who have suffered injuries in a car accident. This care can help return an injured person’s life to normal. However, even with insurance, this care will not come free. Financially, it can be extremely beneficial to prove fault after a Reno car accident.

Source: FindLaw, ” Distracted Driving ,” Accessed September 11, 2016

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Tips for filing a claim with insurance company after car accident
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Sep 08, 2016
For many involved in a car accident, this is their first experience dealing with such an incident. There may be injuries to the driver or loved ones and severe property damage. It may seem, as an injured person, that you don’t know where to turn. There are certain things that need attending to immediately and other items that can wait.

Once the injuries that you and your loved one have suffered are under control, it is time to think about starting the paperwork to file an insurance claim. After a car accident , your insurance company will ask many questions about the accident. In situations where you or a loved one believe that a negligent driver is partially or completely responsible, it is important to answer these questions accurately. Here are a few ways to complete the process in a way that is beneficial for you and loved ones.

Understanding how your coverage will affect the means of recovery from an accident is key. If you aren’t sure how your policy will cover you after a car accident, it is good to brush up on how it may affect you before talking with your insurance company. When you do sit down and talk with them, take detailed notes of who and what you talked about. Insurance claims often take an undetermined amount of time from start to finish. Because of this, keep track of receipts and costs associated with pursuing your insurance claim, as the insurance company or even the negligent party could be held accountable for these expenses.

There is no magic number that will tell how long the insurance claim process will take or how much money it could potentially recover for you and your family. However, there are ways to ensure that the process is as quick as possible. Try to be patient and understand that there are options if you do not like the number the insurance company comes back with.

Source: FindLaw, “Car Insurance Claims: Dos and Don’ts,” Accessed September 5, 2016

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Tragic deaths on Mill Street attributed to suspected drunk driver
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Sep 01, 2016
As we know, car accidents happen. But, it is the car accidents that are preventable, the ones that seem so avoidable, that are the hardest to witness. A true tragedy occurred in Reno a few weeks ago when two Nevada residents from the next town over sadly lost their lives in a car crash.

It all happened at about 8 o’clock in the evening when a man blew through a red light at the intersection of Rock Boulevard and Mill Street and struck another vehicle. The impact sent the other vehicle flying through the air and it eventually landed upside-down in a nearby field. The driver and passenger in that vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene. The man who allegedly ran the red light suffered non-threatening injuries and appeared to be under the influence, according to officials on the scene.

The driver will be booked for DUI after his time at the hospital. Other charges are likely to follow pending a full investigation of the suspected drunk driving accident by authorities and police. The investigation is still underway; however, upon its completion, it is likely that the driver will be charged with felony DUI if the authorities have found enough evidence. The family members of the man and woman killed in the crash will likely be seeking answers as to what caused this terrible accident.

There cannot be worse news than the unexpected loss of a loved one. When a person’s death is so violent and sudden, it often raises a lot of questions. Answers to those questions can be sought by loved ones. There are a few ways to accomplish this and the answers can make a huge difference to loved ones.

Source: mynews4.com, ” Police identify 2 people killed in suspected DUI crash in Reno ,” Olivia DeGennaro and Juan Carlos Flores, August 14, 2016

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