Flatbed Truck Accident

Flatbed trucks are a common sight on New Jersey roads and highways. And they’re responsible for many accidents in the state. A flatbed truck accident can cause consequences that are just as devastating as getting into an accident with a big rig. If you do get into a flatbed truck accident in New Jersey, look for the best flatbed truck accident lawyer. Call RAM Law to get exceptional representation. Don’t hesitate; call as soon as you can after the accident.

What Happens After a Flatbed Truck Accident?

Large or oversized loads that can’t easily be transported in a tractor trailer  or a box truck can be moved on a flatbed truck, which is a large truck with a trailer that has no sides or roof around its bed. These trucks are ideal for hauling items such as vehicles, machinery, equipment or modular homes. Flatbed trucks play an important role in the transportation industry, but when a flatbed truck collides with another vehicle, it often causes irreparable damage and catastrophic injuries.

If you’ve been in a flatbed truck accident in New Jersey — or any accident with any large commercial truck,  such as a delivery truck,  semi-truck or garbage truck — consult a lawyer with extensive experience in representing victims of these accidents. Contact the best-flatbed truck accident lawyers in New Jersey at RAM Law.

Why Are Flatbed Trucks So Dangerous?

The size and weight of flatbed trucks are significantly larger than the average vehicle. Due to this difference, other vehicles are likely to sustain much more damage than the flatbed truck if there’s a wreck. Other reasons these trucks are dangerous include:

• Oversize loads may hang over the side of the bed, obstructing the view of other drivers.
• If the cargo is lost, it can lead to a chain reaction and a multi-car pileup.
• If the weight of the load causes the coupling to break, the truck may jackknife, swinging the trailer around until it’s perpendicular to the cab.

Drivers must receive extensive training to handle this type of vehicle. They’re especially difficult to handle if the driver is confronted with bad weather or poor road conditions. An inexperienced truck driver that loses control of a vehicle of this size puts many lives in danger.

What Should I Do after a Flatbed Truck Accident?

After an accident with a large truck such as a flatbed truck, the first thing to do is call 911. Immediate medical attention is needed for anyone who’s been injured. Other actions to take include:

• Talk to the police. The information in the police report may help you with your claim and final settlement.
• Gather evidence. The more evidence you have to support your claim, the more smoothly it’s likely to go. Take pictures or videos of the scene, which help investigators recreate exactly what happened. Try to capture road and weather conditions, as well as the damage to both vehicles.
• Talk to witnesses. Witness statements are valuable forms of evidence. If you’re able to talk to witnesses, write down what they say and get their contact information.

Even if you believe you aren’t hurt, see a doctor as soon as possible for an examination. Signs of injury aren’t always immediately apparent. Get in touch with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer with proven experience handling flatbed truck accident claims. Even if you’re not sure you’re entitled to compensation, talk to a lawyer to find out for sure. At RAM Law, the initial consultation is free.

What Are the Common Causes of Flatbed Truck Accidents?

Lack of experience driving a large truck is one of the most common reasons for flatbed truck accidents. Other causes of these accidents include:

• Driver fatigue
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances
• Speeding
• Mechanical failure, such as bad brakes

Drivers who are overworked may feel road rage and drive recklessly or aggressively. Serious bodily harm can happen to other drivers when a flatbed truck fails to stop quickly or when the driver changes lanes without signaling and doesn’t see a vehicle in the blind spot.

How Can I Determine Who’s Liable for Damages in a Flatbed Truck Accident?

Multiple parties may be responsible for a flatbed truck accident, including the driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers and cargo loaders. All available evidence must be reviewed carefully. Evidence that can help determine who is liable may include:

• Skid marks
• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Road conditions

An experienced flatbed truck accident attorney knows how to uncover additional information by reviewing the truck’s black box and the driver’s activity logs. The trucking company’s employment and training records show whether a driver was hired who didn’t have the necessary skills or experience to safely operate a flatbed truck, which may indicate trucking company negligence. Your lawyer knows how to obtain a court order to access these records.

An accident that’s caused by mechanical issues may be the fault of the trucking company if regular maintenance and inspections weren’t performed. Some accidents can be prevented by doing a pre-trip inspection. Manufacturers of specific components of the truck may also be partially liable if an accident happens because of product defects.

What Type of Injuries Are Caused by Flatbed Truck Accidents?

Cars are no match for flatbed trucks. They can be completely crushed or driven off the road if there’s a collision. Devastating injuries are caused in this type of accident, the most common of which include:

• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Head injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Burns
• Disfigurement

The severity of injuries caused by a flatbed truck crash may require surgeries, extensive rehabilitation and time out of work. Mangled or crushed limbs may have to be amputated. Some accidents can lead to permanent disability and a greatly reduced quality of life.

What Compensation Can I Get for Injuries Sustained in a Flatbed Truck Accident?

There are many factors that affect how much you can get in a flatbed truck accident settlement. Your total compensation is determined by looking at factors such as:

• The severity of your injuries and whether they’re permanent
• The cost of current medical treatments, as well as medical care that’s likely to be required in the future
• How much income you’ve lost and whether there’s a long-term impact on your earning capacity
• The extent of pain and suffering the accident has caused

Truck drivers have a duty to operate vehicles in a safe and responsible manner. When a truck driver is negligent, the driver has breached that tacit agreement. Because of the complexity of this type of case, claims should always be handled by an experienced and reputable flatbed truck attorney who knows how to investigate and prove driver negligence or the liability of other parties.

Can’t I File a Claim without a Lawyer?

When you’re in a minor car accident, there’s nothing wrong with directly filing an insurance claim without the help of an attorney. But there’s much more involved when you’ve been in an accident with a flatbed truck. Without the help of an attorney, you’d have to research evidence, study laws that apply to your case, negotiate with insurance companies and represent yourself in court.

When You Are Injured, Our Truck Accident Lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Will Help

An accident can be life-changing and saddle you with mounting medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our seasoned truck accident lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. can help. Call 732-247-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We are located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, and we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.