Getting justice after a trucking accident
Trucking accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles involved. These types of accidents can leave victims facing long-term physical and financial challenges, including extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. At our firm, we understand the gravity of these situations and are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to help victims navigate the aftermath of such devastating incidents.
If you were injured in a trucking accident while on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to cover your lost wages and medical expenses. Our team has experience in dealing with the complexities of workers’ compensation claims, especially when they intersect with personal injury cases. This dual approach ensures that you receive the maximum support possible to aid in your recovery and financial stability.
In some cases, trucking accidents can tragically result in fatalities, leading to wrongful death claims on behalf of the victim’s family. We approach these sensitive matters with compassion and determination, working tirelessly to seek justice for the families who have lost loved ones due to negligence. Our firm has extensive experience handling complex accident cases, including auto accidents and motorcycle accidents, to ensure our clients receive fair compensation for their losses.
Whether you are dealing with severe injuries, a workers’ compensation claim, or the heartbreaking aftermath of a fatal accident, our legal team is here to help. We take a personalized approach to every case, investigating the circumstances thoroughly and advocating fiercely for your rights. You deserve a dedicated legal partner in your corner, and we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.
It is easy to think that all automotive accidents are the same. What is the difference between a collision between two vehicles, a car striking a pedestrian, and a car colliding with a truck?
- Truck accidents tend to be much more severe than common car accidents. This severity results from the heavy nature of commercial trucks, which can be as much as 80,000 pounds, the abundance of cargo on board, and the frequency of trucks traveling at high speeds on the highway. Because of the truck’s sheer size, the injuries and damage incurred in a trucking accident are often worse than in a regular car accident.
- Trucking accidents tend to have more responsible parties and more internal complexities. While non-commercial drivers are responsible for their vehicles and the manner in which they conduct themselves, in trucking accidents, the driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, owner of the truck’s trailer, and the truck’s mechanic could all be held liable for the accident.
The most common causes of trucking accidents
With a few exceptions, trucking accidents tend to be the product of the same conditions that increase the risk of regular auto accidents. The common causes of trucking accidents include:
- Distracted driving – Distracted driving includes listening to loud music, eating while driving, texting, adjusting the radio, and using an onboard computer.
- Driving under the influence – Even with stringent regulations placed on truck drivers to avoid DWI liability, some truckers still use drugs and alcohol while driving.
- Fatigued driving – Because truck drivers often have to travel long distances in a relatively short period of time, it is common for drivers to experience fatigue.
- Speeding – Similar to fatigued driving, truckers often have to travel long distances. Traveling faster allows them to drive for less time, and thus, make more money.
- Mechanical failures – With such heavy loads and long travel distances, trucks have to be maintained to rigid standards to prevent mechanical failure.
- Oversized loads – Some companies may want to reduce the number of drivers or get deliveries filled faster so they may cut corners by overloading their trailers.
- Poor driver vetting – Truckers are supposed to maintain commercial driver’s licenses and pass background checks, but many companies do not vet their drivers thoroughly enough.
- Defective truck parts – Just as in non-commercial vehicles, truck parts can fail, leading to accidents.
Determining liability in a trucking accident
Because there are so many possible parties involved in a trucking accident, trucking accident cases are inherently more complex than regular automotive accidents. Determining the liable party in a trucking accident case is crucial to achieving justice in these cases. The possible liable parties include:
- The truck driver or owner – if the driver was driving under the influence, distracted, speeding or otherwise conducting themselves recklessly
- The trucking company – if the trucking company failed to properly vet the driver or neglected to maintain the vehicle properly, resulting in the accident
- Manufacturer – if any part of the truck’s equipment, including the hitch, the cab, the trailer or tires has been proven defective
- The shipper or truck loader – if the company shipping the products ineffectively loaded the cargo or overloaded the cargo, they can be held liable for the accident
Trucking accidents are more common than you think, and many trucking companies will fight as dirty as possible to avoid admitting liability. Because these cases are so complex and could drag out for years, it is critical that you retain experienced legal representation soon after your accident.
If you live in the greater New Jersey area or the New York metropolitan area, our partners at DAME Legal can help you overcome this difficult part of your life with relative ease. Give us a call at 201-968-5800 or fill out our contact form on our site to begin the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. A skilled truck accident attorney can help identify all potential sources of compensation to maximize your recovery.
New Jersey has a statute of limitations that governs the timeframe within which you must file a lawsuit following a truck accident. Missing this deadline can forfeit your right to compensation. Consulting with a truck accident lawyer promptly can help ensure your claim is filed on time.
Our dedicated team of legal professionals has extensive experience and a successful track record in truck accident cases across New Jersey. We’re committed to providing personalized, compassionate service while aggressively pursuing the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been in a truck accident, reach out to us to discuss how we can help.
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