Trusted Content
Key Takeaways
- Truck collisions can cause severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, loss of limbs, and burns.
- Truck accidents in Reno are often caused by factors like fatigue, distracted driving, poor weather conditions, poor maintenance, improperly loaded cargo, and inadequate driver training.
- The Reno truck accident lawyers at Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers can help those who have been injured in a collision seek compensation.
Truck accidents can change lives in seconds. The size and weight of commercial trucks often lead to devastating injuries, complicated investigations, and aggressive insurance company defenses. If you were hurt in a collision with a tractor-trailer or other commercial vehicle, a Reno truck accident lawyer at Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers can help you take your next steps during this difficult time. For more than 50 years, our firm has helped injured people across Northern California and Nevada pursue justice and the compensation they need to move forward.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Reno
Truck accidents are rarely unavoidable tragedies. They often happen because someone failed to act with reasonable care. In legal terms, this is known as negligence. Truck drivers and trucking companies have a duty to follow safety regulations and operate their vehicles responsibly. When they fail to meet that duty, and someone is harmed as a result, that person has the right to file a personal injury claim and pursue compensation for their medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
Many truck accidents happen because of:
- Driver fatigue: Driving without adequate sleep causes slower reaction time, making stopping or controlling a vehicle more difficult.
- Distracted driving: Actions like eating while driving, changing channels on the radio, or using a cell phone can all lead to accidents.
- Improper vehicle maintenance: Tire blowouts and mechanical failures resulting from poor or neglected maintenance can result in accidents.
- Poor weather conditions: Low visibility due to rain or fog, slick roads, and drivers who are not well-versed in these conditions can all contribute to dangerous roadways.
- Inadequate training: Truck drivers must undergo tractor-trailer training to get a commercial driver’s license. However, not all training is equal, and some truck drivers are under-trained.
- Speeding: Speed restrictions are in place for a reason, but sometimes truck drivers push past those limits to meet delivery deadlines. It is difficult to stop quickly when driving at higher speeds, which can lead to losing control of the vehicle.
- Improperly loaded cargo: If cargo is not balanced correctly or is above weight limits, it can lead to loss of control and rollovers.
Free Case Consultation
Your Compass to JusticeCommon Truck Accident Injuries
Because commercial trucks are so large and heavy, collisions with passenger vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries. The force of impact in a truck crash can cause life-altering harm that requires extensive medical treatment, long recovery periods, and sometimes permanent disability.
Some of the most serious injuries truck accident victims suffer:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The blunt force of a truck collision can cause significant head trauma. These injuries may lead to personality changes, cognitive impairment, memory loss, and other long-term complications.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can have devastating consequences, including partial or complete paralysis.
- Loss of limbs: Severe crashes may cause traumatic amputations or injuries so serious that surgical amputation becomes necessary.
- Severe burns: Fires and explosions sometimes occur after truck accidents, particularly when hazardous materials are involved.
Even injuries that initially seem minor can result in significant medical costs, lost income, and lasting physical or emotional challenges.
How Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Reno Can Help
At Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers, we bring more than 50 years of combined experience serving injured clients across Northern California and Nevada. We are not a distant firm; we live, work, and practice here in the Sierra and Reno communities and treat our clients like neighbors.
Here’s how we help truck crash victims:
- Local knowledge: We understand Nevada’s laws and Washoe County courts, and we know how to position claims to withstand aggressive insurer tactics.
- Thorough investigations: We dig deeper than crash reports, consulting experts and gathering evidence to prove negligence and liability.
- Aggressive negotiation: Insurers often try to undervalue serious injury claims. We negotiate relentlessly and won’t settle for less than what your case deserves.
- Real results in truck cases: Our firm has secured six‑figure and seven‑figure settlements in local truck and semi‑truck collisions, including notable recoveries in Reno and along Interstate 80.
- Client‑first support: From clear communication to compassionate guidance, we prioritize your peace of mind while you focus on recovery.
- No fee unless we win: You don’t pay attorney fees unless we secure compensation on your behalf. This lets you pursue justice without upfront financial risk.
When your life has been upended by a truck crash, having a Reno lawyer who understands both the law and your community can make all the difference.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
After a crash, it’s easy to assume that the truck driver is the one responsible. However, the trucking industry involves a complex web of other parties, who each share responsibility in keeping business moving. In a truck accident case, liability can extend beyond the driver to include:
- The trucking company, it they failed to maintain vehicles, enforce safety rules, or hire qualified drivers
- Vehicle manufacturers, if defective parts or equipment caused the accident
- Third-party contractors, such as cargo loaders or maintenance providers
- Government entities, in rare cases, if road conditions or traffic signals contributed to the crash
Our attorneys can help you identify all potentially liable parties so that you are able to pursue full compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.

What Types of Compensation Can You Recover in a Truck Accident Claim?
Commercial truck accidents in Reno can cause life-changing injuries and significant financial and emotional burdens. Victims may be entitled to compensation that reflects the full scope of their losses, including both the tangible and intangible impacts of the crash.
Compensation can cover:
- Medical expenses from hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work
- Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the accident and its long-term effects
The total recovery in a truck accident case depends on several factors, such as the severity of injuries, the impact on your ability to work, the costs of medical care, and the emotional toll on you and your family. Our Reno truck accident attorneys will help you ensure that none of the damages you are eligible to recover are overlooked.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Reno
Truck accidents can be overwhelming, and knowing what to do immediately afterward can make a big difference in protecting your health and your legal rights. Follow these critical steps:
- Call 911: Always report the accident to the police. Officers will document the scene, interview witnesses, and create an official report, which is essential for proving liability. Emergency medical services will also respond to assess and treat injuries, even if you feel okay at the moment. Some serious injuries may not be immediately obvious.
- Seek medical attention: Go to the emergency room or see a medical professional as soon as possible. Prompt evaluation ensures injuries are properly diagnosed and documented. Medical records also serve as important evidence in any compensation claim.
- Preserve evidence and document the accident scene: If possible, take photos of the vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information for witnesses. These details can be critical in establishing negligence and liability.
- Contact a Reno truck accident attorney: Speaking with a lawyer early helps protect your rights and ensures important evidence isn’t lost. At Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers, we guide clients through this stressful process, help gather and preserve evidence, handle communications with insurance companies, and develop a strategy to pursue full compensation.
- Keep records and track your recovery: Save medical bills, repair estimates, pay stubs, and any notes about how the injuries impact your daily life. This documentation supports your claim for both financial and non-financial damages.
Following these steps can help protect your health, safeguard your legal rights, and maximize your potential compensation. Truck accidents are complex, but having experienced attorneys on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Reno Truck Accident Lawyer: FAQs
How Common Are Serious Trucking Accidents in Nevada?
Truck accidents may seem like a rare occurrence, but they’re more common than many people think. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, since 2021, Nevada has seen an average of more than 770 large truck crashes per year. In fact, large truck accidents have grown increasingly common in recent history, rising from 730 crashes in 2023 to 847 in 2024, and increasing again to 874 in 2025. In many cases, these aren’t just minor accidents either. In 2025, truck crashes in Nevada resulted in 42 fatalities and more than 550 injuries. This data highlights the real risks of sharing the road with these vehicles.
How Long Does a Reno Truck Accident Case Take?
The timeline varies depending on the severity of injuries, the number of parties involved, and how willing the parties are to negotiate a settlement. Some cases resolve in a few months, while more complex claims can take a year or longer.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Reno Truck Accident Lawyer?
At Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front. Our fee is collected if we win the case for you and is calculated as a percentage of the settlement or verdict.
What if I Was Partly At Fault for the Accident?
In Nevada, your recovery is not automatically barred if you were partially at fault. The state follows comparative fault rules, which means your total compensation is reduced based on your percentage of responsibility for the accident. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your damages would be reduced by that amount. Working with an attorney can help you ensure that your share of fault is assessed fairly.
Speak With a Reno Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. At Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers, our legal team has decades of experience handling complex cases and securing compensation for clients facing severe injuries. We investigate every detail, hold negligent parties accountable, and guide you through the legal process with skill and care. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights.