Box Truck Accidents

You may see box trucks on the road all the time, but that doesn’t make them any safer than big rigs. Adding to the danger is that they may be driven by amateurs trying to move their belongings. Box trucks, also called straight trucks, can get into accidents as easily as larger vehicles. If you’ve been involved in a box truck accident, seek the best trucking lawyers in New Jersey at RAM Law. Their box truck accident attorneys navigate the legal system to get you the most for your injuries, damages, pain and suffering. Call RAM Law as soon as possible after your accident to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

What Is a Box Truck?

A box truck is a type of commercial vehicle that has a single large, enclosed cargo area. The cargo area is typically a rectangular box made of metal or fiberglass, which is mounted on the chassis of the truck. Box trucks are often used by moving companies, delivery services and other businesses that need to transport their own goods or materials because they’re easy to load and unload by hand. They’re commonly used for transporting goods, such as equipment and furniture.

Box trucks, also called straight trucks, come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small, compact vehicles to large, heavy-duty trucks. Some box trucks have a lift gate on the back, a hydraulic platform to lift heavy items up into the cargo area or down to street level, making it easier to load and unload the truck. Box trucks are commonly used by movers, both professional and amateur.

While box trucks are popular, if you’ve been in a box truck accident, you know it can cause significant damages and injuries. Contact a box truck accident lawyer like those at RAM Law in New Jersey to assist you get the compensation you deserve. Once you’ve taken care of any medical care you need, search for an experienced box truck accident attorney.

What Types of Accidents Do Box Trucks Cause?

The accidents that box trucks are involved in depend on several factors, including the size and weight of the vehicle, the type of cargo being transported and the driving conditions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 4,500 large trucks involved in fatal crashes in 2019, which includes box trucks, as well as other trucks on the road. This number represents a one percent increase from the previous year.

Another factor is that not all box truck drivers, especially self-movers, know how to control such a large vehicle and aren’t well-trained to follow all safety regulations.

Some common types of accidents that box trucks cause include:

• Rear-end collisions. Box trucks can cause a rear-end collision if the driver isn’t paying attention or following too closely.
• Side collisions. Box trucks can sideswipe another vehicle, especially in intersections or when changing lanes.
• Rollover accidents. Box trucks are prone to rollover accidents, especially if they are loaded unevenly or if the driver takes a wide turn too quickly.
• T-bone accidents. Box trucks create a dangerous situation for other drivers on the road if the driver brakes suddenly and the back skids out to the side.

Determining liability for a box truck accident is a complex process that depends on the specific circumstances of your accident. In general, the box truck driver may be held liable if found negligent, such as by violating traffic laws or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The employer or trucking company may also be held liable if they were negligent in their hiring practices, failed to properly maintain the vehicle or allowed an unqualified or inexperienced driver to operate the truck.

What Are Common Reasons for Box Truck Accidents?

Businesses and individuals often drive box trucks on every type of road, but that doesn’t mean they’re any safer than other trucks. Understanding the causes of box truck accidents helps you prevent them. For instance, regular vehicle maintenance, including checking for tire and brake wear or defects, can prevent accidents.

Some of the most common reasons why box truck accidents occur include:

• Driver error. Driver error is one of the most common causes of box truck accidents. Examples of driver error can include speeding, distracted driving, reckless driving or failing to yield to other vehicles.
• Overloading or uneven loading. When a box truck is overloaded or the cargo isn’t distributed evenly, it can cause the vehicle to become unstable and increase the risk of a rollover or another type of accident.
• Poor vehicle maintenance. If a box truck isn’t properly maintained, the risk of an accident increases. Poor maintenance includes worn tires, faulty brakes, a cracked windshield, broken or inoperable side mirrors or mechanical problems.
• Adverse weather conditions. Poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow or fog, make driving a box truck more difficult, making an accident more likely to happen.
• Road conditions. Poor road conditions, such as potholes or debris on the road, also increases the risk of an accident.
• Inexperienced drivers. Inexperienced or foreign drivers may not be familiar with the handling characteristics of a box truck, which increases the risk of an accident.
• Fatigue. Driving a box truck can be physically and mentally exhausting over long distances. Fatigue impairs a driver’s ability to react to changing road conditions or hazards.

Box truck drivers and their employers must take steps to minimize the risk of accidents. Employers and trucking companies must provide adequate training, ensure proper maintenance of the vehicle and monitor driving hours to prevent fatigue. A box truck accident can result in serious damages, causing both property damage and bodily injuries. If you’re in a box truck accident, search for an expert box truck accident lawyer to obtain recompense for those damages and your pain, suffering and loss of income in a fair settlement process from the liable party.

Why Do I Need a Box Truck Accident Attorney?

Box truck accidents can have serious consequences for both the truck driver and the accident victims. By taking steps to mitigate the risks involved, accidents can be prevented, improving the safety of everyone on the road. It’s not enough to drive safely, you have to watch out for the other drivers and remember that trucking accidents cause worse damage than an accident with another car.

To determine liability in the event of an accident — which may involve the driver, the employer, the owner of the box truck or other parties, depending on the specific circumstances — you need an experienced box truck lawyer on your side. If you’ve been in a box truck accident, protect your rights and increase your odds of being paid a fair settlement, contact the box truck accident attorneys at RAM Law. They’re the best in New Jersey.