Reckless/Aggressive Driving Truck Accidents

Accidents happen when truck drivers operate their vehicles carelessly or purposefully in an aggressive or reckless manner. These aggressive trucking accidents often cause extensive damage and injury. If you’re involved in such an accident, protect your legal rights and your claims for compensation by hiring the best trucking accident lawyers in New Jersey. Call RAM Law today to talk to an experienced attorney.

What Constitutes Reckless and Aggressive Driving in Trucks?

Any action by a truck driver that willfully and carelessly disregards the safety of other drivers, passengers and pedestrians. That kind of behavior is referred to as reckless or aggressive driving in trucks. 18-wheelers can be frightening to those in a small-vehicle, but when the trucker intentionally scares other drivers, the situation escalates from a traffic infraction to a crime.

Aggressive trucking accidents can occur due to a variety of dangerous behaviors, such as:

• Speeding
• Ignoring traffic signals and signs
• Passing by cars aggressively or even sideswiping
• Driving an overloaded truck carelessly

Reckless driving and aggressive driving differ in the eyes of the law. Aggressive driving is considered a traffic offense, ending in fines or license points. Reckless driving is a criminal offense that carries severe penalties, including license suspension or even imprisonment.

If you’ve been in a truck accident, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer. RAM Law in New Jersey has helped the victims of aggressive trucking accidents get compensated fairly for their injuries and damages. Don’t rely just on your insurance company.

What Causes Reckless Driving Truck Accidents?

The causes of aggressive trucking accidents vary but may be due to tired or improperly trained truck drivers.

Other factors may point to trucking company negligence or truck driver negligence, such as:

• Driving while intoxicated. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs judgment and slows reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Lane changes and merging. Unsafe lane changes or improper merging may result in accidents.
• Aggressive behavior. Honking, flashing lights, cutting off vehicles or making aggressive gestures agitates other drivers.
• Fatigue. Extended periods of driving affect drivers’ judgment and reaction time, leading to accidents.
• Distractions. Using a phone or CB radio, eating or drinking, or talking to passengers while driving can cause accidents.

No matter how cautiously you drive, the other drivers represent a danger if they drive aggressively. Truck drivers in particular need proper training; otherwise, aggressive trucking accidents may increase, causing accidents and even wrongful deaths.

Why Do I Need a Truck Accident Attorney?

Accidents involving injuries often become complicated if authorities don’t properly gather evidence. Work with a personal injury attorney who specializes in trucking accidents to ensure you get the right level of compensation.

Hire truck accident attorneys for aggressive trucking accidents for their:

• Knowledge and experience. Their understanding of the relevant laws for the trucking industry helps them create a compelling argument on your behalf.
• Thorough investigations. They conduct a comprehensive investigation into the accident, gathering information, speaking with witnesses and consulting with experts. This work enables them to identify the accident’s likely cause and at-fault parties.
• Negotiation with other parties. They bargain with your insurance provider and other parties for a just settlement for you.
• Representation in court. They speak on your behalf in court, presenting evidence and making arguments to support your claim.
• Protection for your legal rights. They stand up for your rights, making sure that you’re treated fairly and that your rights aren’t violated.
• Identification of damages. They help calculate the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, future costs and pain and suffering.

Besides challenging the trucking company’s defense and attempts to reduce your compensation, your RAM Law attorney navigates the complicated legal process of aggressive trucking accidents.

Your truck accident lawyer develops a case that the aggressive or reckless behavior caused the accident by gathering evidence such as:

• Requesting documents. Your attorney asks for logbooks, maintenance records and GPS data to check if the driver spent more time on the road than is legal and if the truck was properly maintained.
• Analyzing witness statements. Your truck accident attorney speaks with other drivers, passengers and bystanders to inquire about the driver’s actions prior to the accident, such as tailgating, swerving or cutting off other vehicles.
• Requesting video footage. Your lawyer acquires video footage, such as dashcam footage from other vehicles or surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
• Expert consultation. The attorney talks with specialists like accident reconstructionists or medical personnel to reveal the truck driver’s aggressive actions.
• Black box data. Many commercial trucks have black boxes that record the truck’s speed, braking and other factors. Black box data reveals crucial details about the actions taken by the truck driver before the accident.

What Should I Do After an Aggressive Truck Accident?

Being in an accident with a truck often results in serious injuries, lost time at work and a long court case, but to ensure your safety, take immediate steps that include:

• Call the police. Report the accident immediately. Give the police accurate and comprehensive information about what happened.
• Get medical attention. If you or anyone else involved in the collision may be hurt, don’t delay medical care.
• Exchange Information. Get the driver’s contact and insurance details, as well as witness information.
• Document the scene. Take pictures and video of the accident scene, the damage and any injuries, if you’re able.
• Don’t admit fault. Even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident, resist offering an apology or admitting fault.

If the truck driver’s actions were particularly careless or deliberate, you may be entitled to punitive damages. Speak with a knowledgeable, experienced truck accident attorney regarding punitive damages in your aggressive trucking accident case. To ensure you receive the fair settlement you deserve, your lawyer handles the investigation, negotiations and litigation. Contact RAM Law in New Jersey after any aggressive trucking accident.