Wall Township Truck Accident Lawyer
It does not take much for an 80,000-pound truck to cause catastrophic damage in a collision. This disparity in mass compared to passenger vehicles means accidents often result in severe injuries and fatalities. Moreover, many transport hazardous materials, which adds another layer of potential danger in the event of an accident. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in Howell Township, you can pursue financial recovery for your losses.
Truck accidents often raise technical questions based on federal regulations, licensing, vehicle ownership, vicarious liability, and accident reconstruction. At Harrell Law Firm, trust that we will thoroughly investigate the accident, obtain evidence, and work with industry experts to determine the liable parties and build a compelling case for damages. Schedule a free consultation with a New Jersey injury lawyer today.
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.
Truck accidents are not just larger versions of car accidents—they involve more severe injuries, more complex regulations, and larger entities, such as trucking companies and their insurers. A Howell Township semi-truck accident lawyer understands the intricate web of federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry and can:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly to gather evidence.
- Determine liability among multiple parties.
- Handle negotiations with powerful insurance companies.
- Represent your interests in court if necessary.
When dealing with a trucking company’s insurance company, you can expect them to use various bad-faith tactics to protect their interests and minimize or deny your claim. They may challenge the severity of your injuries, question the necessity of your medical treatment, or dispute the impact of the accident on your life.
Further, insurers may propose settlements far below the actual value of your claim, hoping to close the case quickly and avoid further negotiation or litigation. We can counter these tactics to secure the rightful compensation you deserve.
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.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-truck accidents are often the result of negligence, either on the part of the truck driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer, the cargo company responsible for loading commercial trucks with the goods they need to transport to their destination or other parties.
The most common causes of truck accidents include the following:
- Aggressive driving
- Driving while distracted
- Improper loading
- Driving while fatigued
- Improper truck maintenance
- Drug or alcohol use
- Inadequate training
- Tire blowout
- Brake failure
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) regulates and provides oversight of commercial motor vehicles (CMV). Violations of FMSCA include CMV safety standards, the preservation of records, drug and alcohol testing, and hours-of-service rules for drivers.
Common Injuries from a Truck Accident
Potential injuries resulting from a truck accident include:
- Severe head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries
- Burns
- Amputation
- Whiplash and neck injuries
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released news that “truck crash fatalities have increased 13 percent from 2020-2021, resulting in more than 5,600 people killed in large truck crashes last year…Many of these deaths were preventable, and all of them are tragic.” These statistics underscore the need for a skilled truck accident lawyer who can leverage their resources and experience to recover the compensation you need to heal.
New Jersey Is a No-Fault State
New Jersey follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning your own insurance covers your medical expenses and a portion of lost wages up to policy limits, regardless of who caused the accident. However, you can file a lawsuit if your injuries meet certain thresholds, such as significant disfigurement, dismemberment, or loss of a body part. Our attorneys can help you determine whether your case qualifies for a lawsuit under New Jersey law.
Compensation for a Truck Accident Claim
Compensation in a truck accident claim includes damages designed to address the losses from the accident, such as the following:
- Bills from physicians, hospitals, therapists.
- Prescription medications.
- Wages and salary that the accident victim is unable to earn while recuperating.
- Transportation costs for medical services and therapy.
- Expenses for modifications to living spaces to accommodate limitations caused by injuries.
- The impact of the accident, including losses such as the loss of enjoyment of life.
- The effects of permanent scarring or disabilities.
- Psychological trauma.
Our attorneys are committed to diligently advocating for a settlement that accurately represents the full scope of damages you have endured, addressing both the immediate and ongoing challenges resulting from your injury.
Statute of Limitations in New Jersey
The statute of limitations in New Jersey is generally two years from the accident date. Although there are exceptions, it’s wise to confer with a lawyer as soon as possible as valuable evidence, e.g., surveillance videos, may disappear or be erased.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Harrell Law Firm
Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized, effective legal representation to ensure the best possible outcome. If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident, chances are you are facing medical bills, pain and suffering, and financial instability. However, our truck accident attorneys in Howell Township are here for you. Schedule a free, no-obligation today. Since we work on a contingency basis, there are no legal fees unless we win compensation for your injuries.
