Thousands of big commercial rigs and tractor trailers travel along interstates and highways throughout New Jersey each year. Their huge size and difficult maneuverability present unique risks to other car drivers and pedestrians on the road.
Big rigs and tractor trailers carry their cargo over the I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike), Route 78, Route 80, and other highways. Dump trucks, garbage trucks, construction vehicles, and other large vehicles use these roadways as well.
Unfortunately, a large number of these trucks cause accidents.
Statistics issued in 2012 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal that there were 254 fatal road accidents in New Jersey, many of which involved large commercial trucks.
Call (732) 625-9494 for a free consultation with one of our New Jersey Big Rig accident lawyers.
An accident involving even a passenger car can result in serious or even fatal injuries. It is totally different when getting into an accident with a big rig. Its sheer size and mass alone can cause considerable property damage and severe injuries in a collision. Devastating physical injuries including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, loss of limbs, internal bleeding, broken bones, and paralysis are often the result of big rig accidents.
Why truck accidents occur
Careless driving behavior is a violation of federal trucking safety regulations.
It includes:
- overspeeding or driving too fast for conditions
- impaired driving (alcohol, fatigue, illness)
- distracted driving or inattention
- aggressive driving or road rage
A truck driver or trucking company may be responsible if the accident was caused by the following factors:
- The driver was carelessly hired without properly checking their commercial driver’s license records or criminal background.
- Failure of the driver and trucking company to inspect, maintain, or repair the rig, which can lead to brake failure, blowouts, and other malfunction.
- The truck driver was overspeeding in poor weather condition
- The truck driver was impaired by drugs or alcohol
- The truck driver was distracted by using a cellphone
- The truck driver was drowsy or fatigued from a long shift
- The truck’s cargo was not securely loaded
Who may face liability?
Big rig drivers are not the only parties that may be responsible when truck accidents lead to considerable property damage and physical injury. Trucking companies, maintenance companies, leasing agents, loading and shipping companies, as well as parts and equipment designers, manufacturers, and distributors may also be held liable.
An experienced New Jersey big rig accident lawyer will help you in identifying all liable parties to help you get the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.
Why you need an experienced personal injury lawyer
Numerous federal and state motor vehicle laws apply to your truck accident case, as well as confusing insurance issues. For these reasons, you must not attempt to handle big rig accident claims on your own.
If you or someone you love have been injured in a commercial trucking accident, you must consult a New Jersey big rig accident lawyer immediately to discuss filing a personal injury claim. Your lawyer can help in collecting evidence and make sure that all required documents are completed.
Contact us
We understand the burdening costs of medical treatment and property damage repair that you face following a truck accident. Additional expenses brought by rehabilitation, past and future medical treatment, and lost earnings can further cripple you financially. You could also suffer mental anguish, loss of consortium, and other emotional trauma.
Our legal team at The Grossman Law Firm has professionally handled many trucking accident cases and possess thorough knowledge of commercial trucking laws. We will assist you and your loved ones obtain fair compensation for all of your damages and losses.
New Jersey has a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims. The sooner you contact a personal injury lawyer at Grossman Law Firm, the more time we will have to build your case. Calling us immediately will also help us document the accident scene and to preserve evidence.
Let’s get started on your case today. Call us at (732) 625-9494 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
