Commercial Truck Accident Attorneys Serving North Plainfield, New Jersey
Large commercial trucks can be found on many roads throughout the State of New Jersey. These large vehicles carry heavy loads of cargo throughout highways such as the New Jersey Turnpike, Routes 78 and 80, and Routes 1 and 9. Regrettably, many large commercial trucks cause traffic accidents that have serious consequences.
Each year, thousands of commercial truck accident injuries wreak havoc on the lives of many families. A serious truck accident can have lifelong consequences, including disability, loss of income, emotional suffering, and physical pain. After a large commercial truck accident, speaking to a professional attorney can help.
Financial Compensation May Be Available After a Truck Accident
If you were injured in a large truck accident or if you have lost a loved one as a result of a semi-truck accident, seeking proficient legal advice as soon as possible is in your best interests. The experienced truck accident attorneys at Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC can help.
At Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC helping severely injured truck accident victims and their families is a top priority. The experienced law firm offers top-notch legal assistance in many types of truck accident cases, including those resulting in catastrophic injury. After you were injured in a large truck accident, Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC can assist you in navigating the complex legal system and champion for your right to full compensation. Contact Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC for a free case evaluation today.
Common Causes of Large Truck Accidents in New Jersey
Causes of semi-truck accidents can largely be categorized as follows:
- Collisions Caused by Driver-Error, such as:
- Speeding,
- Driving while distracted,
- Aggressive or reckless driving,
- Driving while sleep-deprived or fatigued, and
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Accidents Caused by Mechanical Failure, for example:
- Vehicle equipment failure,
- Poor vehicle maintenance or lack thereof, and/or
- Tire issues, such as blowouts or tread separations
Among these two categories, accidents caused by driver error account for roughly one-third of fatal semi-truck accidents each year. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in 2018, about 32 percent of all fatal truck accidents were caused by driver error. The three main factors in many of these accidents were speeding, driver inattention, and failure to yield a right of way.
Truck Accident Investigations
Accidents involving large commercial trucks often have devastating consequences. The immense weight and size of these trucks mean that an accident with a smaller vehicle can often result in serious, often deadly injuries. A vast majority of those killed in truck accidents in New Jersey are those traveling in smaller passenger vehicles.
When a truck accident happens, insurance companies know that injured victims are in a vulnerable situation. Many victims will face mounting medical bills, a loss of employment, and other accident-related expenses. Consequently, insurance companies will do all that is possible to take advantage of the situation and therefore will offer a settlement that is only a fraction of a fair settlement.
To avoid a lowballed settlement offer, steps should be taken to safeguard the investigation process. This includes:
- Gathering witness statements
- Gathering police reports
- Securing digital evidence, like GPS data, dashboard camera footage, video surveillance, and the Electronic Control Module
- Securing employer records, driver training records, and driving records
Securing evidence is critical to building a strong case against the party at fault for causing the accident, whether that is the truck driver, trucking company, or another third party. Truck accident cases are complex and the legal process can be challenging. Pursuing a case can be difficult but it is necessary to file a claim when the accident has resulted in serious injuries or death.
Truck Accident Damages
In the State of New Jersey, truck accidents fall under the state’s no-fault insurance laws; therefore, when a person is injured in an accident caused by another, his or her own insurance company may be responsible for paying the damages caused by the accident.
For the most part, when a traffic accident happens, certain requirements must be met before an injured victim can sue the party that caused the accident. When the traffic accident involves a large commercial truck, however, it is possible to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver even if the accident is minor and the injuries are not permanent. For truck accident cases, there are no limits on pain and suffering damages.
The types of damages available in a truck accident can include, but are not limited to:
- Property damage,
- Medical costs,
- Physical injuries, and
- Pain and suffering
The State of New Jersey adheres to the theory of comparative fault, meaning, victims can face accountability when their actions played a role in the accident that caused their injuries. If the victim is found to be more than 50 percent at fault for the accident, he or she will be unable to collect any compensation from the other parties involved in the accident.
In addition, when the truck accident results in the victim’s death, the victim’s loved ones can seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. Through a wrongful death claim, the victim’s loved ones can obtain compensation for funeral expenses, medical costs, loss of the relationship, and more.
Proficient Attorneys Can Help You Recover the Compensation You Deserve
No one ever expects to get into a traffic accident with a large commercial truck. When one of these accidents does happen, however, the consequences can be devastating. A truck accident can lead to serious injuries that can result in disfigurement, disability, mounting debt, emotional suffering, and more. In some cases, large truck accidents can result in the death of a loved one. In either situation, financial compensation can be available after a truck accident in New Jersey.
If you or a loved one was harmed in a large commercial truck accident in New Jersey, obtaining compensation for the damages resulting from the accident is possible with the support of Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC. The lawyers at the firm will work tirelessly to secure important evidence needed to build a strong case. Further, the law firm will champion on your behalf for full compensation. Consider calling Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC today to schedule your complimentary case evaluation.
