What Are the Ramifications of Accidents Caused by Foreign Trucker Drivers?
Foreign truck drivers come from another country and work as commercial truck drivers on the roads of New Jersey. These drivers are frequently employed to work in places where local truck drivers are in short supply. While they’re usually well trained, foreign truck drivers sometimes have trouble communicating with other drivers on the road.
Foreign truck drivers, by themselves, don’t increase the risk of accidents, but there are ramifications if you’re involved in an accident with one. Accidents caused by foreign trucker drivers are more difficult to deal with than an accident caused by a local driver, due to the language barrier and unfamiliarity with the local traffic laws. You may have trouble getting the basic information you need at the scene.
Additionally, differences in insurance policies and legal procedures in other countries, as well as the necessity for international collaboration and coordination among authorities, add to the complexity of dealing with a foreign truck driver accident. When you factor in injuries, damage or fatalities, the problems escalate. If you’ve been in a traffic accident involving a foreign trucker driver, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer at RAM Law.
What Are the Reasons for Accidents Caused by Foreign Trucker Drivers?
Missed road signs. Road signs in other nations use different symbols and colors, whereas the road signs in the US are heavy on words instead of symbols. Road signs may confuse international drivers who are unfamiliar with them, even with training.
Cultural differences in driving. Driving etiquette varies from one nation to the next, and international truck drivers may not be conversant with regional norms for safe driving behavior. For example, aggressive driving is normal in other countries, and speeding accidents can happen to truck drivers who regularly exceed the speed limit.
Lack of rest breaks. Due to long distances, tight deadlines and the chance for misunderstandings, international truck drivers may not take adequate breaks to rest, which can result in exhaustion or decreased awareness.
Improper cargo loading. While accidents from poorly loaded cargo happen whether or not a driver is foreign, foreign truck drivers may try to overload their trucks more often.
Determining the responsibility for incidents involving foreign trucker drivers can be complicated — due to international law, language barriers and legal system differences.
Fault is determined by the factors of each case individually, but some potentially liable parties include:
Is There Foreign Truck Driver Training in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, there are various training programs for foreign truck drivers who desire to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or enhance their truck driving skills. Some of these programs are available through trucking schools or vocational schools, while others are available through trucking companies or internships.
Training programs include:
Instructions on driving regulations
Safety precautions
Proper maintenance
Language support for non-native speakers
Proper training is required for foreign truck drivers to operate commercial trucks safely, efficiently and legally. Training also opens up more options in the trucking sector for the driver.
How Can a Truck Accident Attorney Help Me?
Accidents involving foreign truck drivers can get tricky. Allow the attorneys at RAM Law to assist you in your truck accident case. They navigate through the complicated legal process for accidents caused by foreign trucker drivers.
Other reasons to hire an attorney include:
Investigating the accident. An attorney performs an extensive investigation of the accident to discover the cause and identify any parties who may be liable for damages.
Identifying legal options. Based on the investigation, your attorney advises you on your legal options, such as filing a personal injury claim, wrongful death claim or property damage claim.
Dealing with insurance claims. If someone’s hurt in the accident, an attorney assists you with filing insurance claims and negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that you receive an adequate settlement for your injuries.
Representing you in court. If it comes to a lawsuit, your attorney represents you in court and deals with the complex legal system, including any foreign law and legal system disparities.
Advocating for your rights. Your Ram Law attorney protects your rights and ensures that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.
Foreign trucker drivers must familiarize themselves with local regulations before operating a commercial truck in the State of New Jersey.
The state has rules that they enforce on foreign drivers, including:
Licensing requirements. To operate a commercial vehicle in New Jersey, foreign truck drivers must obtain a valid CDL.
Hours of service restrictions. Drivers must adhere to federal hours of service restrictions, which limit the length of time they can drive and mandate rest breaks to prevent drowsiness.
Vehicle safety requirements. All trucks must comply with federal safety regulations, which include frequent inspections and servicing.
Insurance requirements. Drivers must have insurance that fulfills the minimum coverage requirements of New Jersey.
Compliance with traffic laws. Foreign drivers must follow New Jersey’s traffic rules and regulations, including speed limits, traffic signals and other road rules.
Weigh station compliance. Drivers must stop at weigh stations as directed and follow directions given by authorities.
Truck Accident Lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Help Injured Clients Recover Compensation
The effects of an accident can linger long after the crash, especially if you suffer serious injuries. If a negligent driver has injured you, work with Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Our skilled truck accident lawyers will help you put your life back on course. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 732-247-3600 or complete our online form. Located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.
