Commercial tractor-trailers are a vital part of the nation’s economy, but they can also be extremely dangerous to drive next to if their operators are not appropriately trained or act irresponsibly behind the wheel. Even at low speeds, collisions between semi-trucks and smaller commuter cars can have devastating repercussions.
When you suffer injuries that are serious enough to require professional medical attention from a wreck involving a commercial vehicle, you may have grounds to file a civil suit. A trusted personal injury attorney can help you establish liability against all responsible parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, or other third-party entities at fault for the incident. Speak with a Bloomfield truck accident lawyer from our firm today to begin reviewing the details of your claim.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in New Jersey
Commercial vehicle crashes often result in catastrophic injuries. These can range from traumatic brain injuries to spinal cord damage and paralysis. Most truck accident injuries tend to have one or more of the following factors as its cause:
- Driver fatigue due to being overworked
- Reckless driving like speeding or disobeying traffic laws
- Distracted driving
- Inadequate or poor maintenance
- Driver intoxication
- Negligent hiring of drivers who have a recorded history of some of the offenses already mentioned (drunk driving, reckless driving, etc)
- Failure to comply with safety regulations as set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (for example lack of rear guard protection)
If you and your Bloomfield truck accident injury attorney are able to prove that any of these negligent actions took place, and were what directly lead to your injuries, you will have a strong case against the responsible parties and may be able to recover financial compensation for you and your family’s injuries and damages through their own insurance providers.
Pursuing Compensation After a Semi-Truck Wreck
Like all other drivers, long-haul truckers have a legal “duty” to obey the law and act responsibly while in motion. In fact, the average trucker’s “duty of care” is much stricter than the average passenger car driver, given how much more damage a truck driver could potentially cause through misconduct behind the wheel. In addition, trucking companies are obligated to ensure they hire qualified personnel, train them appropriately, and adhere to federal laws regarding maximum driving time and distance when scheduling their routes.
Safety obligations do not only apply to drivers and trucking companies. Any violation of this duty of care by anyone involved in a trucking operation could result in liability for all economic and non-economic losses stemming from an accident. For example, a mechanic who failed to replace a faulty part or a supplier that did not secure cargo properly before transit could be held partially at fault.
Examples of damages that can be recovered after a wreck include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost work income or working capacity
- Personal property damage, including car repair/replacement costs
- Emotional trauma and suffering
- Physical pain from injuries
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Losses associated with long-term disability, such as the costs of in-home assistance and equipment like wheelchairs
If a truck wreck in Bloomfield causes someone to pass away prematurely, our qualified attorneys can help surviving family members seek restitution on behalf of their loved one.
Possible Obstacles to Effective Truck Crash Recovery
Even if they suffer life-changing injuries, someone who wants to file suit over a truck crash may miss out on valuable compensation if a court finds them partially at fault for their own damages. As per New Jersey Revised Statutes § 2A:15-5.1, courts can reduce the total compensation available to a civil plaintiff based on their share of “comparative fault.” Anyone who bears most of the total fault for their injuries is ineligible for compensation.
Additionally, N.J. Rev. Stat. § 2A:14-2 sets a filing deadline of two years after an injury first occurs for the injured person to file suit in virtually all situations. Support from a seasoned commercial vehicle collision attorney in Bloomfield is key to understanding and navigating potential legal roadblocks like these.
Get in Touch with a Bloomfield Truck Accident Attorney Today
Traffic accidents involving tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles can be difficult to move on from psychologically as well as physically. Taking prompt legal action could be crucial to preserving your financial security and personal well-being for years to come.
A knowledgeable Bloomfield truck accident lawyer can provide the guidance you need to effectively pursue the compensation you deserve. Call Fredson Statmore Bitterman LLC today for a consultation.