Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers Serving Piscataway, New Jersey
Large commercial truck drivers and the companies that employ them are held to very high government standards because, in the event of a traffic accident, the consequences can be devastating. A traffic accident that involves a large commercial truck will usually result in catastrophic injuries and damages to the occupants of smaller passenger vehicles.
If you or someone you love was recently hurt in a large truck accident, it may be possible to obtain financial compensation for the resulting injuries and losses. The State of New Jersey recognizes the seriousness of large truck accidents and the devastation an accident can have on an innocent victim and his or her family. As a result, the state allows injured victims the opportunity to seek monetary restitution from the party responsible for their losses. To ensure your right to compensation is protected, speak to a knowledgeable truck accident attorney.
Secure the Compensation You Deserve After a Truck Accident
A large commercial truck accident can be a terrifying experience for anyone. In most accidents, the consequences are often catastrophic, usually leading to a lifetime of financial hardship and emotional distress. After being involved in a large truck accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and losses. To secure the highest compensation available, discuss your case with an experienced truck accident attorney.
Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC is a reputable law firm with many years of dedicated experience serving injured truck accident victims. The attorneys at Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC are well-versed in the state and federal regulations imposed on the trucking industry. Further, the law firm believes that all liable parties should be held responsible for the damages they caused as a result of their reckless and negligent conduct. When injured in a truck accident, consider obtaining the support of Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC. Schedule a complimentary case evaluation by contacting the firm here.
Liability After a Truck Accident
When a large truck accident occurs, it is not uncommon for multiple parties to bear responsibility for the damages caused to the victim. While there are many causes of truck accidents, many of these accidents are caused as a result of a failure to comply with state and federal regulations. Most commercial truck drivers are licensed professionals and they are legally required to abide by the government’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. These regulations were designed to establish a high standard of safety that the commercial truck industry should follow.
Trucking industry regulations commonly violated include, but are not limited to:
- Driver Fatigue & Hours of Service Violations – Among the many regulations imposed, truck drivers are restricted in the number of hours they can drive. As a result of unrealistic delivery expectations and/or the need to earn extra income, truck drivers are regularly forced to drive for many hours with little to no rest. A truck driver who fails to meet the requirements set by the federal agency runs the risk of causing a serious traffic accident that can lead to catastrophic injuries to innocent people.
- A Violation of Traffic Laws – Even though truck drivers go through extensive training, and although they are generally aware of the consequences that can follow a mistake while driving, commercial truckers are susceptible to breaking the law. This can include: Running a red light, Making improper lane changes, Driving too fast for weather or road conditions, and Failing to yield the right of way.
When a violation of the law leads to a serious accident, the trucker, his or her employer, and the company that owns the vehicle can face liability for the victim’s damages.
- Failure to Properly Maintain the Vehicle – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations also include a list of standards intended to ensure large commercial trucks are safe to operate. One of these regulations stipulates that all commercial trucks must be regularly maintained. All parts of the trucks should be regularly inspected, including but not limited to: Braking system, Lights, Fuel system, Wheels and rims, Fluid leaks, Undercarriage and frame, and Engine and transmission mounts.
- Driving While Intoxicated – Commercial truck drivers are under no circumstances allowed to consume drugs and/or alcohol while driving. To help truck drivers operate the vehicle safely, drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol testing. If a truck driver fails a test and/or makes the decision to operate the vehicle while intoxicated, this could lead to a catastrophic traffic accident.
Truck accidents caused by intoxication are some of the most dangerous accidents a large commercial vehicle can be involved in. Because these accidents are so dangerous, the court system in New Jersey will usually severely punish the liable party, often in the form of significant damages and punitive damages awards.
- Improper Loading – Based on the rules provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, large commercial trucks are only allowed to weigh up to 80,000 pounds. A violation of these regulations can not only make it difficult to maneuver the vehicle, the heavy and excessive weight can also make it hard to bring the truck to a complete stop.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also dictates how large commercial trucks should be loaded. A trailer that is unevenly loaded or not secured, the vehicle’s center of gravity can be off-centered, which can make the vehicle dangerous and difficult to maneuver.
Schedule a Complimentary Case Evaluation With a Proficient Truck Accident Attorney Today
Truck drivers, trucking companies, and other parties responsible for the safety of the truck are held to high standards. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is a federal agency that has imposed strict regulations on the trucking industry to ensure truck accidents do not happen. When a truck accident happens as a result of carelessness or negligence, the liable party will be held responsible for the victim’s injuries and losses.
If you were recently involved in a traffic accident involving a large commercial truck, it is important that you seek the support of a well-versed truck accident attorney. At Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC, advocating on behalf of injured truck accident victims is a top priority. Over the years, the law firm has successfully helped injured victims obtain the compensation they needed to cover medical expenses, time taken off work, and other losses caused by the accident. To schedule a complimentary consultation with the proficient litigators at Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC, consider contacting the firm by completing the online contact form here.
