Wall Township Truck Accident Lawyer
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2021, 5,788 lives were lost in collisions involving large trucks. Seventy-two percent of the fatalities were occupants of passenger vehicles. The NHTSA defines a large truck as “any medium or heavy truck, excluding buses and motor homes, with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 10,000 pounds.” Victims who sustain serious or catastrophic injuries due to the negligence of the truck driver or another party may be entitled to seek compensation for their damages.
Given the massive size and force of tractor-trailers and other heavy-load vehicles, collisions can cause severe physical trauma and all-too-commonly lead to fatalities. When motorists are seriously hurt in a crash with a truck, they find themselves facing exorbitant medical bills, long-term physical injuries, emotional trauma, missed work, and more. At Harrell Law Firm, we represent victims of truck accidents in Wall Township and throughout New Jersey. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you.
Leading Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
Despite federal and state laws promoting trucking safety, such as regulations in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck accidents are often rooted in negligence.
Here are some of the leading causes of truck accidents:
- Driver fatigue often results when they violate FMCSA hours of service.
- Distracted driving when they are adjusting the GPS, texting or eating.
- Traffic law violations such as speeding, improper lane changes, or tailgating.
- Driving under the influence of prescription or non-prescription drugs and alcohol.
- Equipment failure results from a lack of maintenance, such as for tires, brakes, or steering mechanisms.
- Improperly loaded cargo may result in the truck’s contents shifting dangerously during transit.
- Inexperienced or inadequately trained drivers who may be unable to handle a large rig in bad weather.
While most trucking companies and their drivers adhere to the rules set forth by FMCSA, some drivers and the companies they work for disregard these regulations. Instead of prioritizing safety, these companies may overlook federal laws for higher profit margins.
Injuries Suffered in a Trucking Accident Can Be Catastrophic
As noted, trucking accidents often result in severe or catastrophic injuries due to the immense weight and force involved in an impact. With a loaded trailer, a semi-truck can tip the scales anywhere from 17 to 40 tons. In contrast, the average passenger vehicle can weigh about 4,000 pounds. As a result, victims may sustain:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs):
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Internal Organ Damage
- Amputations
- Burn Injuries
- Lacerations
Most trucking companies have powerful insurance companies behind them. A truck accident attorney at Harrell Law Firm with a track record of attaining fair settlements or jury awards for clients is necessary to level the playing field against trucking companies.
New Jersey Is a No-Fault State
New Jersey operates under a no-fault insurance system for car accidents. Motorists involved in accidents with trucks must first turn to their own insurance policies to cover medical expenses up to policy limits and a percentage of lost wages, no matter who was at fault. However, passengers who are hurt in truck accidents often sustain serious injuries that meet the state threshold to go outside of the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit. They include:
- Death.
- Dismemberment.
- Significant disfigurement or significant scarring.
- Displaced fractures.
- Loss of a fetus.
A seasoned truck accident lawyer at Harrell Injury Law negotiates with insurance companies for a fair settlement. Based on the extent of your injuries and prognosis, we will know whether a settlement offer is genuinely fair and if it‘s enough to take care of your current and future needs.
Compensation for a Truck Accident Claim
Following a truck accident, victims may be eligible to pursue financial compensation for their losses, which include:
Economic Damages
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and future lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Expenses for medications, mobility assistance devices, and modifications to living space that are needed to facilitate the victim’s limitations due to injuries.
Non-economic Damages:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Physical impairment
- Reduced life expectancy
- Increased susceptibility to future injury or harm
The severity of your injuries and their impact on your life are significant factors that influence the amount of your settlement.
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Statute of Limitations
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including those related to truck accidents, is generally two years from the accident date. Given the time-sensitive nature of personal injury claims, consulting with a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible is advisable. By doing so, we can initiate the process of building your case and work towards securing the compensation you need to recover.
What Our Truck Accident Attorneys Can Do for You
At Harrell Law Firm, our team of New Jersey truck accident lawyers is committed to providing comprehensive support to our clients.
In many cases, liability extends beyond the truck driver to include other parties such as the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and even government entities responsible for road safety regulations.
In all cases, our attorneys will:
- Investigate the accident scene for evidence.
- Interview witnesses.
- Identify all potentially at-fault parties.
- Partner with experts for in-depth analysis of the crash.
- Review the truck driver’s history for negligence.
- Examine trucking company records for violations.
- Analyze video surveillance footage or dashcam footage, as well as
truck ”black box” data and traffic data from GPS and navigation services. - Calculate the compensation you need.
- Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement.
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court if necessary.
Speak with a Wall Township Truck Accident Attorney
If you have suffered injuries in a collision involving a large truck, or if you have tragically lost a loved one in such an incident, you need an experienced Wall Township truck accident lawyer. The New Jersey injury lawyers of Harrell Law Firm are ready to help. Serving clients in Wall Township and across Monmouth County, we are committed to delivering results that make a difference in your life.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your injuries.
