Poor Road Conditions That Cause Truck Accidents

Sometimes, truck accidents due to poor road conditions are unavoidable. Whether because of extreme weather conditions, inadequate traffic signage, distracted driving or construction damage, road conditions contribute to accidents. If you’re involved in such an accident, it’s in your best interests to hire a truck accident lawyer for wrecks caused by bad road conditions. Find support in New Jersey at RAM Law. Call as soon after your accident as possible to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

What Are Poor Road Conditions?

Truck accidents aren’t always caused by the negligence of the truck driver or trucking company. Accidents due to poor road conditions are always a danger. Poor road conditions include more than broken asphalt or a slick road surface; poor conditions also can mean unclear road markings or poor weather.

When an 18-wheeler or a semi-truck encounters potholes, the truck drivers may lose control of their trucks, collide with other vehicles or objects, or cause a sideswipe accident. Poor road conditions can cause devastating accidents that lead to considerable injuries.

If you’ve been in any kind of truck accident, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer for wrecks caused by bad road conditions. RAM Law is one of the best in New Jersey.  They’ve helped victims of truck accidents due to poor road conditions get compensated fairly for their injuries and damages. Protect your rights and get fair compensation.

What Causes Poor Road Conditions Accidents?

Poor road conditions are triggered by a variety of situations. Truck drivers must be aware of road conditions and change their driving accordingly. The most common reasons for poor road conditions accidents include:

• Improper road maintenance. Asphalt can rapidly deteriorate, leading to dangers such as potholes, uneven pavement and debris, all of which can cause accidents.
• Extreme weather. Heavy rain, snow, ice or fog produces hazardous driving conditions, making it harder for drivers to retain control and avoid accidents.
• Construction. Road construction sometimes squeezes travel lanes, causes uneven surfaces or creates temporary changes in road structure, which increase the likelihood of an accident.
• Heavy traffic. In areas where traffic tends to be heavily used, the road surface takes a beating, which degrades the surface, which then becomes dangerous especially when the road is congested, as drivers can’t see far ahead.

You may be able to sue for accidents due to poor road conditions, but the procedure can be difficult and depends on the accident’s location and the type of road. You may be able to make a claim against the government body in charge of maintaining or designing the road. You can also file a lawsuit against a private contractor in charge of building or maintaining the road.

Who’s Liable for Accidents Due to Poor Road Conditions?

A number of factors influence the liability for truck accidents that result from poor road conditions. Because of the lengthy legal process, you’re best served by seeking the services of a truck accident lawyer for wrecks caused by bad road conditions. An experienced lawyer can identify the liable party, which may include:

• The State of New Jersey or the local government, whichever is responsible for road maintenance
• A private entity, if they’ve been contracted to maintain the road
• The truck driver, if the driving was considered too reckless for the road conditions
• The trucking company
• Multiple parties

Your trucking accident lawyer develops a case if poor road conditions were the cause of the accident. If the cause was extreme weather, then your RAM Law attorney makes a compelling case by gathering evidence, such as:

• Traffic law violation. It’s possible to show negligence if the driver broke traffic regulations by speeding, failing to yield or ignoring a stop sign or a red light.
• Failure to adjust driving to weather conditions. It’s the responsibility of all drivers to modify their driving to suit the weather. Failure to do so may demonstrate negligence, whether intentionally or distractedly.
• Eyewitness testimony. Witnesses who saw the driver’s actions before the accident often share their testimony.
• Expert witnesses. With their knowledge of how the weather and a driver’s conduct contributed to the accident, accident reconstruction specialists or weather experts help establish negligence.

Why Do I Need a Truck Accident Attorney?

New Jersey laws safeguard those who have been hurt in accidents due to poor road conditions. If you’ve been in such an accident, seek the legal advice of a truck accident lawyer for wrecks caused by bad road conditions. These attorneys explain your rights and potential options for getting compensation, based on their:

• Knowledge. An experienced lawyer is well-versed in the laws governing truck accidents due to poor road conditions.
• Ability to identify liability. A trained lawyer looks into the accident’s cause, finds those responsible and hold them accountable for their wrongdoing.
• Negotiating skills. Insurance companies may attempt to settle your claim for less than you deserve. An attorney represents you in negotiations with insurance companies and doesn’t settle for less than you’re entitled to.
• Evidence gathering. To show negligence, your lawyer must gather, protect and examine all the evidence. Your attorney collects and analyzes the evidence, including pictures, videos and maintenance logs.

Your RAM Law attorney challenges the trucking company’s defense and attempts to reduce your compensation. Additionally, your lawyer understands and navigates the complicated legal process of your trucking accident.

How Can I Avoid Accidents Involving Unsafe Road Conditions?

Some accidents may be unavoidable, especially if another driver makes a mistake on a road in less-than-optimal conditions. But tips to prevent poor road condition truck accidents include:

• Maintain a safe following distance
• Remain alert for poor road conditions like potholes and debris
• Observe the weather conditions
• Use your headlights
• Avoid distractions

Whenever you’re driving around truck traffic on the road, drive carefully. Stay calm and slow down if you’re driving near a truck that you feel is being driven aggressively or unsafely.

What Should I Do if I’m Hurt in a Trucking Accident?

If you were hurt in a truck accident, find an experienced truck accident lawyer for wrecks caused by bad road conditions. For such accidents, New Jersey has established certain rules, including:

• Tort Claims Act
• Statute of Limitations
• Comparative Negligence Law
• Mandatory insurance coverage

Right after your accident, your impulse may be to accost the driver, but stay calm and stay safe. The steps to take immediately after your accident include:

1. Call the police. Report the accident immediately. Give the police accurate and comprehensive information about what happened.
2. Get medical assistance. If you’re hurt, or even possibly hurt, get yourself checked by a medical professional as soon as possible.
3. Never admit you were wrong. You must not admit fault, including never apologizing, because the other party may use your admission against you.
4. Exchange information. Get the truck driver’s contact and insurance details. Get the witnesses’ contact information whenever possible.
5. Document the scene. Take pictures and video of the accident scene, the damage and any injuries, if you can.
6. Contact a truck accident lawyer. You’ll need legal assistance for your case from RAM Law to be reimbursed for damages and compensated for pain and suffering.
7. Keep accurate records. Maintain a record of any bills for treatment, receipts and other documentation associated with the accident.

Complex Truck Accidents Require Representation – Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Today

Accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, staggering medical expenses, and life-altering disabilities or death. You need an experienced truck accident lawyer with exceptional experience. Call Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. today at 732-247-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.