New Jersey roads, like most American highways, can be treacherous because of the various types of trucks traveling the roads, all in a hurry to meet certain deadlines. When a truck on the road causes an accident, however, you want to get proper representation as soon as possible. In NJ, the most experienced truck accident lawyers are at RAM Law. Call them as soon as you receive medical care so they can get on your case right away and protect valuable evidence, no matter who owns the truck or what types of trucks have been involved.
What Are the Most Common Truck Types on the Roads?
There are many different types of trucks on the road, and all of them can be very dangerous to other drivers. The size and weight of trucks is often significantly more than a car or SUV, which means it’s crucial for truck drivers to be as careful as possible at all times. Unfortunately, accidents with trucks happen every day, and many of them cause serious and sometimes permanent injuries or even death.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by any type of commercial truck, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the best truck accident attorney with details about the accident and what type of truck on the road was involved. For the best legal representation after a NJ truck accident, there’s no better choice than Ram Law.
How Do I Know What Type of Truck on the Road Caused My Accident?
There are many types of commercial vehicles on NJ roads. The majority of the trucks are dangerous when reckless or inexperienced drivers get behind the wheel.
Some of the most common truck types on the road include:
Tractor-trailers. Also called semi-trucks, 18-wheelers and big rigs, these trucks spend a lot of time on the road. The tractor portion is the engine and cab, and it’s designed to pull a large trailer that’s carrying freight attached to the back of it.
Dump and garbage trucks . Commercial vehicles that transport trash, dirt, sand or gravel can be hazardous to vehicles or pedestrians nearby in a crash. Their size makes these trucks hard to maneuver on narrow streets and if garbage or other materials drop on the road, it can be dangerous to other drivers.
Box trucks. These are medium-sized trucks with a box-shaped cargo area connected to the truck cabin. It’s different from a semi-truck because it’s a single unit rather than having the box shape containing cargo separate from the cab.
Delivery trucks. Online shopping is becoming more and more common, which means there are more delivery trucks than ever before. The drivers of delivery trucks are often less skilled than drivers of tractor-trailers or other large commercial vehicles.
Tanker trucks. These are large trucks that transport hazardous liquids and gases that may be flammable or toxic, such as natural gas or gasoline. If there’s a spill, it may create dangers from inhaling toxic fumes and difficulty maneuvering past slippery areas. Impact with these trucks has the potential to cause an explosion.
Flatbed trucks. These large trucks are easily recognizable since their beds have no roof or sides. They sometimes carry wide loads that may take up more than one lane, causing traffic problems and hazards for other drivers.
Tow trucks. These trucks come in different sizes and are used to pull disabled vehicles. If the vehicle being towed isn’t secured correctly, it can be dangerous for other drivers.
Fire trucks. Drivers of fire trucks and other emergency vehicles need plenty of space on the road. They’re usually traveling at a high speed in an effort to get where they’re going quickly, which can endanger vehicles that happen to be in the way.
Cement trucks. These trucks, also known as concrete mixers, carry a drum that holds wet concrete, making these trucks extremely heavy. Drivers of cement trucks are under pressure to make deliveries before the concrete dries, which means they may be tempted to speed. These are top heavy vehicles that can tip over when not handled carefully. If a collision makes the cement spill onto a highway or local road, it can cause an accident with devastating results.
Logging trucks. These are heavy-duty trucks used to transport logs. Improperly secured logs can be extremely dangerous to other drivers.
After an accident with a truck on the road, you must be able to describe the type of truck that caused your accident. Thousands of accidents involving trucks happen each year and when smaller vehicles collide with a big truck, it can result in irreparable damage and catastrophic injuries. Even small trucks can cause much more damage than other types of vehicles.
What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?
Operating large commercial vehicles requires specialized training and practice. Truck drivers are legally responsible for driving safely at all times. They must always keep in mind that the potential for causing devastating injuries to other drivers is always present because of the size and weight of their vehicle.
Jackknife accidents. Improper braking, inclement weather, malfunctioning parts and traveling at unsafe speeds all have the potential to cause a truck to jackknife, which means the trailer swings toward the cab.
Rollover accidents. Large trucks have a higher center of gravity than other vehicles, and if a turn is taken too quickly, the truck could land on its side or flip.
T-bone accidents. A truck that runs through a red light or stop sign can collide with the side of another vehicle, creating the shape of a T.
Sideswipe accidents. These accidents often happen because of blind spots, driver fatigue, tire blowouts or high wind conditions.
Head-on collisions. A truck driver that loses control of the truck may drift across the center line and hit another vehicle head on.
Rear-end collisions. Big rigs take more time to stop than a car, and if there’s not enough time, a large truck can crush or severely damage a vehicle when it hits from behind.
Wide turn accidents. Drivers of tractor trailers may swerve to the left when they’re turning right, which endangers vehicles in the opposite lane.
With any of these truck accidents, another vehicle or pedestrian that’s in the way can be crushed. Cars may be forced out of the way of a truck and cause a multi-car pile-up. Victims of these accidents are often catastrophically injured and some don’t survive.
What Causes Wrecks That Involve Trucks?
Drivers of semi-trucks, delivery trucks and other commercial vehicles often spend long hours on the road. Sometimes, they become fatigued, negligent or careless.
Some accident causes that are common for drivers of all types of vehicles include:
Specialized training is required to handle driving large trucks, especially tractor trailers. These vehicles can be much more difficult to control and almost always take longer to come to a stop than a more compact vehicle.
A truck driver who hasn’t been properly trained may have difficulty handling this type of vehicle, and may end up causing wrecks because of:
Bad weather. Driving a truck that’s carrying heavy weight can be challenging in bad weather such as fog, high winds, snow, ice or heavy rain.
Road construction. It can be hard for commercial truck drivers to maneuver large vehicles around road construction.
Poor road conditions. Potholes, unpaved roads and roads that are curvy, narrow or poorly marked can be challenging for all drivers but can be especially challenging for drivers of large trucks.
Incorrectly loaded cargo. When cargo isn’t correctly loaded onto a truck, the truck is at risk of tipping over or having debris flying off the truck and into the path of other vehicles. Trucks carrying hazardous materials that leak from the truck can pose a danger to other vehicles.
Mechanical problems. A truck on the road that’s not consistently maintained may end up causing an accident because of mechanical problems such as bad brakes, tire blowouts or wheels rolling off the vehicle.
Drivers of tractor trailers and other large vehicles often have huge blind spots that can make it impossible for them to see all nearby vehicles. Inexperienced truck drivers may not have the skills needed to react quickly if something unexpected happens.
Who’s Liable for an Accident Caused by a Truck on the Road?
Truck accident liability frequently goes beyond just the driver of the truck. While an aggressive or negligent driver is at least partially responsible for an accident caused by a truck, there are other parties who may also share in the liability, such as:
Trucking companies. When a truck driver is employed by a trucking company, the driver’s employer may emphasize meeting deadlines over safety, which may cause drivers to be overworked and exhausted. A trucking company is legally responsible for employing trained drivers. They may be partly liable for an accident caused by a truck if they don’t follow regulations, such as those that limit the number of hours drivers can work without a break or if they hire drivers who aren’t qualified or properly trained.
Maintenance team. Individuals or companies responsible for providing maintenance and regular inspections of commercial trucks may be partially liable if an accident is caused by a mechanical failure that could have been prevented.
Loading facility. An accident caused by cargo that was loaded incorrectly may lead to the loading facility being considered partially responsible for injuries.
Accidents that are caused by faulty traffic signals or improperly maintained roads may be partly the fault of the city or state government. You need the expertise of a New Jersey personal injury attorney with extensive experience in truck accidents to gather evidence and determine liability.
What Types of Injuries Can Be Caused by Commercial Trucks?
Because of their size and weight, the injuries caused by commercial trucks can be catastrophic or even fatal. Victims of truck accidents sometimes require long-term medical care or rehabilitation. Those who become disfigured or disabled may permanently have a reduced quality of life.
Some of the most common types of injuries include:
Not all injuries are obvious right away, so even if you think you’re not injured, you and any passengers must be evaluated by your doctor or another medical professional as soon as possible after a truck accident. Don’t refuse any medical treatment or tests.
Why Do I Need a Truck Accident Attorney?
When you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, you’re dealing with much more than a minor annoyance. Insurance companies and trucking companies may try to rush you into accepting a settlement that’s much lower than you deserve. There are several reasons to hire a knowledgeable, experienced truck accident lawyer from RAM Law, including:
Experience standing up to a legal team. Many truck companies have a big budget that they spend on legal representation in an effort to avoid paying claims or reduce the amount they pay as compensation. An experienced trucking accident attorney knows how to stand up to them.
Understanding your rights. With an experienced truck crash attorney on your side, you have a better understanding of your rights, and you have someone on your side to fight for fair compensation.
Multiple parties may be at fault. Your NJ personal injury lawyer conducts a thorough investigation so that all parties who may be partially at fault are identified and held accountable.
Knowledge of the law. Don’t file a lawsuit without an attorney. You’d spend a considerable amount of time researching state and federal laws. A NJ personal injury lawyer knows how to present your case in court if it goes to trial.
A personal injury attorney with extensive experience representing victims of truck accidents has the expertise needed to fight for both economic and non-economic damages that may include:
Current and future medical expenses
Lost wages
Lost earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Reduced quality of life
Regardless of the types of trucks that caused your injuries, don’t fight for compensation on your own. Enlist the help of an experienced NJ truck accident lawyer. Consult a lawyer even if you’re not sure you’re entitled to any compensation. In New Jersey, claims must be filed within two years after an accident or they may be dismissed. For the best truck crash representation in NJ, contact RAM Law for a free consultation.
