Large commercial trucks play an important role in transporting goods across the country. But with the rising number of trucks passing through New Jersey, the chance of a truck accident has increased substantially. When a truck driver is negligent, it can have serious consequences for other vehicles on the road.
When you are injured in a crash due to a trucker’s negligence, you have a legal right to pursue compensation with the help of a trusted personal injury attorney. The cost of medical care and lost income related to the crash can be stressful. Contact a Piscataway truck accident lawyer to discuss your options. We can pursue damages on your behalf so that you can focus on your recovery.
Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Collisions
Most truck accidents are preventable if drivers exercise due caution. Negligence poses the greatest risk to smaller vehicles on the road. But at the same time, those in passenger cars should also take precautions to give large trucks space on the road and avoid accidents. Driving in a trucker’s blind spot, for instance, can be a sure way to cause a collision. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Traffic violations
- Drug or alcohol use
- Poor weather conditions
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Brake or maintenance issues
There are strict guidelines in place for truck drivers and companies to follow regarding how many hours a trucker can work in a day and the weight or amount of cargo a truck can carry. Unfortunately, companies are known to press these rules by encouraging drivers to work overtime. Driver fatigue is a significant factor in these crashes, so it is crucial for truckers to take proper breaks. Likewise, overweight and overloaded trucks can increase the chance of a collision. When companies break these rules to prioritize their profits, not only does it endanger other vehicles, it has legal consequences. Our Piscataway attorneys can review the circumstances surrounding a commercial vehicle collision to determine the cause of a wreck and who should be held liable for the damages.
Fault in a Truck Accident Lawsuit
Truck accident lawsuits can be complicated if multiple parties are involved. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, the driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or maintenance technician could be legally responsible for the accident.
One common issue that arises is vicarious liability. Ordinarily, employers are liable for their employee’s negligence within the scope of their job. Truck companies will often classify their drivers as independent contractors in an effort to avoid liability. However, it is possible to show that the employer is responsible if the injured person can prove the trucking company exercised a great deal of control over the trucker’s employment. A truck accident lawyer in Piscataway can assist victims with investigating the cause of the collision by reviewing witness testimony, video surveillance, and in some instances working with experts such as accident reconstructionists.
When a party is determined to be liable, the truck accident victim can collect financial compensation. A successful personal injury lawsuit will typically recover the cost of the victim’s past and future medical treatment, property damage, lost income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.
Retain a Piscataway Truck Accident Attorney
When you suffer injuries due to a negligent truck driver, hire a Piscataway truck accident lawyer to handle your claim. At Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, our team of legal professionals can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We will apply our knowledge of New Jersey’s negligence laws and resources to help you succeed. Call us today.
