Dump & Garbage Trucks Accident Lawyer

Garbage trucks and many dump trucks are huge compared to the average passenger car. When you have an accident with a dump truck in New Jersey, you want to get right on the phone with a dump truck accident attorney who knows how to deal with trucking accidents. The team at RAM Law understands the nuances involved in commercial truck accidents. They work tirelessly on your behalf. Don’t let a garbage truck accident totally mess up your life. Get compensation for all your damages. Call RAM Law as soon as you’re able.

What Should I Do if I’m Injured in a Garbage Truck Accident?

Dump and garbage trucks provide an essential service, transporting recyclables or collecting waste and bringing it to landfills. Dump trucks vary in size, but they’re much bigger than cars, making them a real danger to people in smaller vehicles. If one of these trucks hits your vehicle, very serious injuries can result.

If you’ve been injured in an accident with a dump truck or garbage truck, speak to a garbage truck accident lawyer with a proven record of success. For a New Jersey accident attorney with the experience needed to handle complex cases involving dump trucks and garbage trucks, contact the truck accident experts in New Jersey laws and regulations at RAM Law.

Why Is the Average Car No Match for a Garbage Truck?

Car drivers aren’t usually intimidated by the sight of a garbage truck since they’re so frequently in residential areas, but if an accident occurs, the average car or SUV is no match for a garbage truck.

Reasons include:

• Dump trucks are significantly larger in size than the average car.
• They weigh much more than the average vehicle.
• They may contain hazardous materials.
• Their drivers may not have the same level of experience as other truck drivers.

A car is likely to sustain much more damage than a dump truck in a collision because of the size difference. Most drivers are aware that their vehicle can be completely crushed by a semi-truck, but not everyone realizes that an accident involving a dump truck can be just as deadly.

What Are Some Common Causes of Garbage Truck Crashes?

Drivers of commercial trucks who spend long hours on the road are at a high risk of causing some type of trucking accident. They often work long hours and have to maneuver large trucks through narrow roads in residential neighborhoods.

Some of the most common causes of garbage truck crashes include:

• Blind spots that make it difficult to see other vehicles
• Inclement weather
• Poor road conditions
• Driving while drowsy
• Distracted driving
• Overloaded trucks that are at high risk of having a rollover accident
• Defective truck parts
• Failure to keep the vehicles well maintained
• Pressure by employers to meet deadlines

Like the drivers of other vehicles, the drivers of garbage trucks can be reckless or negligent. Driving violations like speeding, not using turn signals or ignoring a traffic signal can have catastrophic results. Dump trucks can be difficult to operate, so accidents are often caused by driver inexperience rather than negligence. Whatever the cause, when you’ve been in a wreck caused by a garbage truck driver, you need expert assistance from an experienced garbage truck accident attorney.

What Are Common Injuries after a Garbage Truck Accident?

The injuries caused by a collision with a garbage truck are often serious and sometimes fatal.

Some of the most common injuries after an accident involving a garbage truck include:

• Head injuries
• Broken bones
• Injuries to your spinal cord
• Burns
• Organ damage

The severity of injuries after a vehicle accident isn’t always apparent right away. Make sure you get thoroughly evaluated as soon as possible after you’ve been in an accident, especially one with a larger vehicle.

Who’s Liable in an Accident with a Dump Truck?

If the dump truck driver has been negligent, it may be clear that the truck driver is liable for the accident. Other parties may also be liable whenever an accident is caused by a dump truck or another commercial vehicle, such as a tow truck, cement truck, fire truck, logging truck or delivery truck.

Parties that may also be liable include:

• Truck manufacturer. If part of the truck is found to be defective, the manufacturer of the garbage truck may be liable.
• Employer. The company that employs the dump truck driver is expected to hire and train qualified employees. Failing to thoroughly screen and train their drivers may make them partially liable for a dump truck accident.
• Local or state governments. A local or state government may be partially to blame for an accident that’s caused by poor road conditions or problems such as faulty traffic signals and potholes.
• Maintenance providers. A company that was contracted to keep garbage trucks well-maintained may be considered partly to blame if an accident is caused by bad brakes, rolling tires or other maintenance-related problems.

It can be tricky to determine who’s liable for a dump truck accident. A dump truck accident lawyer has the knowledge and skills needed to identify all the parties that may be considered partly liable for an accident involving a dump truck or garbage truck.

What Should I Do if I’m Hurt after a Dump Truck Accident?

After getting in an accident of any kind, it’s normal to feel stunned and overwhelmed, but follow these instructions right away to protect yourself:

• Get medical attention. The most important thing to do after a garbage truck accident if you or a loved one has sustained injuries is to get medical attention.
• Call 911. The information gathered by the police at the accident scene and documented in a police report will help your claim.
• Take photos. Try to take photos or videos of anything that can help you document what happened, such as vehicle damage and the nearby area.
• Get statements from witnesses. Statements from people who witnessed the accident helps your case. Gather statements and contact information from witnesses.

Don’t give statements to the truck driver’s insurance company without consulting a skilled dump truck accident attorney. Claims against commercial trucks aren’t as simple as accidents with other cars, so let an attorney experienced in the truck accident settlement process handle yours.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit after a Dump Truck Accident in NJ?

Whenever you or a loved one has been injured in a garbage truck accident, find an experienced dump truck accident attorney.

 A statute of limitations applies to vehicle collisions, and a delay may mean:

• You can no longer file a lawsuit.
• The defendant can file a motion to dismiss your lawsuit because too much time has passed.

In the state of New Jersey, the statute of limitations on filing a lawsuit after a truck accident is two years. Even if you’re not sure if you’re entitled to compensation, consult an experienced garbage truck accident lawyer at RAM Law as soon as possible after the accident to evaluate your case.

Why Should I Seek Help with My Personal Injury Claim?

You may think you can file your own claim for injuries, so there’s no reason to hire a personal injury lawyer. While it’s true that you can file a claim and represent yourself in court, the complexity of a collision with a large truck such as a dump truck or an 18-wheeler is best handled by a knowledgeable and experienced truck accident attorney.

Some reasons to seek help with your personal injury claim include:

• A personal injury attorney with specific trucking knowledge helps you understand your legal rights.
• A truck crash attorney knows how to conduct a thorough investigation that includes identifying all the responsible parties.
• A personal injury attorney has the knowledge needed to review all state and federal laws that apply to your case.
• If your case happens to go to court, a skilled attorney knows how to present your case for you to obtain maximum compensation.
• If you end up having to sue a trucking company, your dump truck accident lawyer knows how to navigate and negotiate within the system.

Don’t let concerns about the cost of hiring a dump truck lawyer hold you back from making an appointment. There’s no charge for an initial consultation. If you’ve been injured in a dump truck accident in NJ through no fault of your own, you deserve compensation. If you’re looking for the best truck accident lawyers in New Jersey, contact RAM Law today to schedule a free consultation.