Truck accidents

Truck accidents

Truck drivers work long shifts and are constantly pressing the gas to make it to their next destination, oftentimes causing catastrophic accidents on the roadways.

Truck Accidents in New York and New Jersey: Understanding Your Legal Rights

Truck accidents can be catastrophic events that can result in devastating injuries, property damage, and even death. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in New York or New Jersey, it is important to understand your legal rights.

Causes of Truck Accidents

There are several factors that can contribute to truck accidents, including:

  1. Driver error: Truck drivers can cause accidents by driving while fatigued, distracted, impaired, or in violation of traffic laws.
  2. Poor vehicle maintenance: Trucking companies have a responsibility to maintain their vehicles in safe operating condition. Failure to do so can result in mechanical failures and accidents.
  3. Improperly loaded cargo: Cargo that is improperly loaded can shift or spill, causing the truck to become unstable and leading to an accident.
  4. Road conditions: Poor road conditions, such as potholes, can cause a truck to lose control.
Truck accidents

Injuries Resulting from Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can result in serious and life-changing injuries, including:

  1. Traumatic brain injuries: The impact of a truck accident can cause traumatic brain injuries that can lead to cognitive impairment and long-term disability.
  2. Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis, chronic pain, and other long-term health problems.
  3. Broken bones: Truck accidents can cause multiple fractures, including broken arms, legs, and ribs.
  4. Internal injuries: Internal injuries can result from the force of the impact and may require surgery or other medical interventions.

Legal Options for Truck Accident Victims

If you have been injured in a truck accident in New York or New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. This compensation can cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

To receive compensation, you will need to prove that the other party was responsible for the accident. This can be challenging in some cases, but an experienced personal injury lawyer can help. Your lawyer will investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim. They will also negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, take your case to court.

Truck accidents are complex cases that can involve multiple parties, including the trucking company, the driver, and the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be familiar with the laws and regulations governing the trucking industry and can help you navigate the legal system to ensure that your rights are protected.

Preventing Truck Accidents

While truck accidents cannot always be prevented, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of accidents, including:

  1. Properly maintaining the vehicle: Trucking companies should conduct regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that their vehicles are safe and roadworthy.
  2. Ensuring that drivers are qualified and well-trained: Trucking companies should only hire qualified and well-trained drivers who have a proven track record of safe driving.
  3. Obeying traffic laws: Truck drivers and their employers should obey all traffic laws and regulations to prevent accidents.
  4. Avoiding distracted driving: Truck drivers should avoid distractions such as cell phone use or eating while driving.