Big Rig Truck Accident Lawyer

Big rig trucks go by many names, but they’re among the largest trucks on the roads today. If you’re involved in a traffic accident with one of these trucks, you can expect massive damage and significant injuries. That’s when you need a big rig accident attorney on your side. These lawyers, like the lawyers at RAM Law in New Jersey, know the questions to ask and the investigation to undertake to build a strong case and get you the compensation you deserve. Call RAM Law as soon as possible after your accident.

What Are Big Rig Trucks?

Large commercial vehicles used for long-distance cargo transportation are called big rig trucks, sometimes referred to as 18-wheelers, semi-trucks or tractor-trailers. In a big rig, the tractor, which houses the engine and the driver’s cab, pulls the trailer, which is connected to the tractor and carries the load. In the transportation sector, big rig trucks are frequently used to convey everything from food and clothing to industrial machinery.

When these big trucks get into traffic accidents, they’re known as big rig truck accidents. Due to the size and weight of these vehicles, incidents often cause severe injuries for those involved, along with substantial property damage. The injuries may cause long-term medical issues or even wrongful deaths.

If you’ve been in a big rig truck accident, first take care of your medical needs. Then search for an experienced big rig accident attorney. For the best results, contact a big rig truck accident lawyer at RAM Law in New Jersey. These compassionate professionals help you get the compensation you deserve.

What Are Some Statistics of Big Rig Truck Accidents?

Accidents involving big rig trucks are frequently the focus of considerable scrutiny and investigation. Statistics indicate the seriousness of big rig truck accidents and the necessity of ongoing efforts to increase road safety.

Some informative stats include:

• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large truck accidents caused an estimated 119,000 injuries in 2019.
• There were 4,119 fatalities in the accidents involving heavy trucks nationwide in 2019.
• Large truck crashes that resulted in fatalities were more common on weekdays (78 percent) and during the day (72 percent).
• The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration determined that 32 percent of large truck crashes in 2019 pointed to drivers as the primary cause.
• 17 percent of collisions involving heavy trucks in 2019 involved speeding.
• 56 percent of fatal collisions involving heavy trucks in 2019 happened on rural roads, while 26 percent occurred on interstates.

Accidents are already perilous, but when they involve trucks that weigh up to 80,000 pounds, the danger increases significantly. The NHTSA reported that the frequency of fatal crashes involving heavy trucks rose from 2009 to 2019 by 48 percent.

Big rig trucks on the road can cause a variety of accidents, including:

• Rear-end collisions. When a truck slams into the car in front of it, it’s frequently because the driver followed too closely or didn’t provide enough space to stop.
• Truck rollovers. When a truck rolls over, it usually happens as a result of speeding, making a turn too quickly or a shift in the load.
• Jackknife accidents. A truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming an L-shape with the tractor. It’s frequently a result of abruptly braking or turning.
• Wide turns. Trucks need more room to turn than smaller vehicles. Turning improperly increases the risk of hitting other vehicles, pedestrians or property.
• Tire blowouts. When a truck’s tire blows, the truck may become uncontrollable and collide with another vehicle. The tire itself can cause damage.
• Underride accidents. When a smaller vehicle collides with the side or back of a truck and becomes jammed underneath it, it can cause major injuries or fatalities.
• Blind spot collisions. Due to their large blind areas, trucks are more likely to collide with nearby cars that the driver can’t see.

While it may be impossible to completely eliminate big rig truck accidents, following the rules and guidelines may lessen the likelihood that they’ll occur. Preventive measures for truck drivers and trucking companies include common sense approaches to driver training, maintenance, inspections and infrastructure improvements.

What Causes Big Rig Truck Accidents?

The actions of the truck drivers, the state of the vehicles, the road and weather conditions and other variables all play a role in determining the fault in a big rig accident.

When determining who is at fault, your New Jersey big rig truck accident attorney has investigators to examine variables that include:

• Traffic law violations. If one of the drivers involved in the accident was breaking the law at the time of the accident, that driver’s held accountable.
• Negligence. If one or more of the drivers acted negligently by speeding or driving while distracted, they’ll be held accountable.
• Road conditions. The government agency in charge of maintaining the road may be held accountable if the accident was brought on by substandard road conditions, such as a badly maintained road or poor signage.
• Vehicle flaws. If one or more of the vehicles involved in the accident had a defect, such as worn brakes, the vehicle’s manufacturer or the company in charge of its maintenance may be held accountable.
• Comparative fault. In some situations, both drivers engaged in the accident may bear some of the blame, such as when one was driving too fast while the other was distracted.

Big rig trucks often cause substantial damage to other cars. Big truck accidents frequently result in more fatalities than accidents involving smaller vehicles.

They’re deadly for a variety of reasons including their:

• Size and weight
• Longer stopping distance
• Limited visibility and large blind spots
• Cargo issues, including hazardous materials
• Improper driver training

What Types of Driver Mistakes Cause Big Rig Truck Accidents?

Whenever there’s a big rig truck accident, someone made a mistake, and it’s usually the driver, either by mistake or through negligence. It’s also possible the trucking company showed negligence for failing to keep the vehicle in good working order or for allowing the cargo to be improperly loaded. Your big rig accident attorney at RAM Law knows how to investigate to find the cause of the accident. All big truck accidents have the potential to cause significant injuries and even fatalities.

The four most common mistakes made by big rig drivers that lead to dangerous accidents involve:

• Distracted driving. Cell phones, GPS systems and other electronic gadgets cause big rig drivers to become distracted. Eating, drinking or just conversing with a co-driver can distract the driver long enough to cause a collision.
• Fatigue. Being on the road for long periods of time without required rest makes it difficult for a driver to react to hazards or changing road conditions.
• Driving under the influence. Whether drunk or drugged, the influence of these substances keeps drivers from being their best. Failing a sobriety test after an accident means extra penalties.
• Aggressive driving. Reckless or aggressive driving by a big rig driver is known to cause accidents, putting the driver at fault.

Big rig drivers must maintain their vehicles properly, adhere to traffic regulations and steer clear of distractions to prevent accidents. The driver often has the responsibility to ensure the truck isn’t overloaded, which can directly or indirectly cause an accident along the route. Your big rig truck accident attorney knows where to look to discover the state of the driver and of the truck before the accident occurred.

How Can a Big Rig Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me?

After a big rig truck accident, find a lawyer who can navigate the complicated legal system for you. A big rig accident lawyer at RAM Law safeguards your rights and interests and fights to get you the compensation you’re due.

Hire a big rig truck accident attorney for experience in the:

• Investigation. To find out who was at fault, a big rig accident attorney carries out an investigation into the accident by compiling evidence and speaking with witnesses.
• Legal representation. An attorney represents you in court or in negotiations with insurance companies.
• Knowledge. An attorney understands the rules and legislation relevant to the trucking industry. Big rig accident lawyers use this information to effectively advocate on your behalf.
• Advocacy. To ensure just compensation for your injuries, lost wages and other expenses, your lawyer calculates every present and future expense related to your losses.
• Guidelines. Throughout the legal process, your big rig accident attorney from RAM Law offers advice and support, responding to your inquiries and assisting you in making well-informed decisions about your case.

You may be eligible for compensation for your injuries and losses, as well as your pain and suffering, if you were hurt in a big rig truck accident.

Your lawyer knows what to ask for and what you should keep track of to add up the amount of compensation you’re eligible to receive, which may include:

• Repayment for your medical expenses
• Financial assistance to make up for your lost income and wages
• The cost of repairs or replacement if the accident damaged your car or other property
• Your pain and suffering from physical discomfort or emotional distress
• Punitive damages in specific circumstances, such as if the truck driver acted recklessly or broke the law

How Does My Big Rig Accident Lawyer Prove Liability?

After a big rig accident, proving liability is essential to developing a strong case. Your big rig accident lawyer must show that the at-fault party failed to take reasonable care.

The common steps your lawyer may take to prove that the truck driver or trucking company was at fault for the big rig accident include:

• Expert testimony. Your attorney may request subject matter expert witnesses who specialize in accident reconstruction or medicine to bolster your case.
• Maintenance records. To determine if the truck was properly maintained and in operable condition at the time of the accident, your attorney may examine the maintenance records of the vehicle.
• Possible lawbreaking. The trucking company and its drivers must adhere to federal and state laws governing the operation of commercial vehicles. Your attorney investigates all practices, including hiring practices, of the trucking company.

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.