Semi Trucks Accident

Semi-trucks — also called big rigs, 18-wheelers and tractor trailers — are often the largest and heaviest vehicles on the road. If you’re involved in a semi-truck accident, you can expect to suffer injuries and lots of damage. After you get medical attention, call the best semi-truck accident attorneys in New Jersey at RAM Law. You’ll speak to an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer who listens to you and then handles all the details and negotiations to win you a full and fair settlement from whoever caused the accident. Don’t rely on your insurance company for fair compensation. Protect your rights and your financial interests. Call RAM Law as soon after your accident as possible.

What Are Semi-Trucks?

A semi-truck, also known as a tractor trailer Tractor Trailers> or big rig, is a large vehicle used to transport products over long distances. Semi-trucks sometimes are called 18-wheelers since they have 18 wheels: 10 wheels on the trailer and eight on the cab. A semi-truck consists of a cab, the tractor that holds the engine and driver’s compartment, and a trailer that’s attached to the back of the cab. The trailer is designed to carry cargo. It can be a flatbed, a refrigerated unit or an enclosed box.

These commercial trucks are typically used by freight and shipping companies to transport goods from one location to another. Due to their size and weight, semi-trucks are subject to specific regulations for driving, parking and maintenance. They also do lots of damage to smaller vehicles in a crash. For this reason, you should seek out the best semi-truck accident attorneys in New Jersey, like those at RAM Law, to assist you if you’ve been in a semi-truck accident. Contact them as soon as possible after your accident.

Why Are Semi-Trucks Dangerous?

Semi-trucks are a common sight on highways and city streets throughout New Jersey. These massive vehicles play a vital role in the transportation industry, but they can also pose a significant threat to other drivers on the road. Due to their size, weight and unique characteristics, semi-trucks have the potential to be dangerous in certain situations.

The reasons semi-trucks can be dangerous include:

• Their size and weight. Semi-trucks are larger and heavier than cars on the road, making them more difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. In the event of a collision, the size and weight of a semi-truck cause significant damage to other vehicles and their occupants.
• Blind spots. Semi-trucks have larger blind spots than other vehicles, so it’s challenging for truck drivers to see certain areas around the truck. This may result in an accident when the truck driver changes lanes or makes a turn.
• Fatigue. Truck drivers often work long hours, but there are rules for rest periods. If a driver works without taking a break, it can lead to fatigue, which impairs their ability to react quickly to unexpected situations.
• Maintenance. Semi-trucks require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. Any issues with brakes, tires or other vehicle components may lead to accidents.
• Weather. Semi-trucks are difficult to control in bad weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, which increases the risk of accidents.

Not all semi-trucks are dangerous, and many professional truck drivers take safety seriously. Most truck drivers follow strict regulations and protocols to minimize risks on the road. But you should drive carefully around these big trucks to stay safe while sharing the road and take appropriate precautions to avoid accidents.

What Causes Semi-Truck Accidents?

Semi-truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, controllable and uncontrollable, avoidable and unavoidable. Even good drivers may get into semi-truck traffic accidents.

The most common causes of accidents involving semi-trucks include:

• Driver error. Just like any other type of vehicle, driver mistakes are most often the cause of a semi-truck crash. These errors can include actions like driving while distracted, speeding, driving under the influence, and failing to follow traffic laws.
• Equipment failure. Semi-trucks are complex machines that require regular maintenance to ensure they’re in good working order. Equipment issues — such as brake failure, tire blowouts or steering malfunctions — can cause devastating accidents.
• Bad road conditions. Poorly maintained roads or construction zones make it difficult for semi-trucks to maneuver, which can lead to accidents. Confusing signage and obstacles on the road can also cause accidents.
• Improperly loaded cargo. Improper cargo loading can cause semi-trucks to become unbalanced and unsteady, which can lead to accidents.

Not all semi-truck accidents are caused by the truck driver or the trucking company. Other drivers on the road can also contribute to an accident by driving recklessly, especially around big rig trucks. To minimize the risk of accidents, you must follow traffic laws, practice safe driving habits and remain aware of your surroundings at all times, so you’re able to react when a truck makes an unexpected move.

How Is the Cause Determined in a Semi-Truck Accident?

Negligence in a semi-truck accident is typically determined based on a legal concept called duty of care. Under this concept, all drivers, including truck drivers, have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and to avoid causing harm to others on the road. If a truck driver fails to uphold this duty of care, it may be determined that the driver was considered negligent and therefore responsible.

To establish liability in a semi-truck accident, your semi-truck attorney asks a series of questions to the truck driver, such as:

1. Duty? The truck driver had a duty to operate their vehicle safely and avoid causing harm to others on the road.
2. Breach? The truck driver breached this duty of care by acting in a manner that was below the standard of care that a reasonable person would have exercised under similar circumstances.
3. Causation? The truck driver’s breach of duty caused or contributed to the accident.
4. Damages? The accident resulted in damages, such as property damage, medical expenses, lost wages or pain and suffering.

In a truck accident, your semi-truck accident lawyer investigates the facts to attribute negligence or at least partial liability to the truck driver, the trucking company or other parties involved, even indirectly, in the accident. The trucking company may be held liable for negligence if it fails to properly maintain its vehicles or if it puts undue pressure on drivers to meet delivery deadlines. Company negligence can lead to fatigued driving and other dangerous behaviors.

Determining negligence in a semi-truck accident can be a complex process, so it requires the assistance of an experienced semi-truck accident attorney. The best semi-truck accident attorneys know how to gather evidence, assess liability and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

What Should I Do if I’m in a Semi-Truck Accident?

Being involved in a semi-truck accident can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. These accidents can be catastrophic, causing significant property damage, serious injuries and even fatalities. Following specific steps after a truck accident to ensure that you receive the care and compensation you need to recover fully from your injuries and move forward with your life.

The steps you should take to protect your safety and legal rights include:

1. Seek medical attention. If you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured, seek medical care immediately. Even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, get checked out by a medical professional so you know that there aren’t any underlying or hidden injuries that aren’t immediately apparent. In other words, don’t refuse any medical treatment or tests.
2. Call the police. Contact the police as soon as possible to report the accident. The police create a report detailing the accident, which you or your semi-truck accident attorney can use as evidence in any legal proceedings.
3. Exchange information. Exchange information with the other drivers involved in the accident, including their name, contact information, insurance information and license plate number.
4. Gather evidence. Take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to the vehicles and any injuries. Get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident, and make note of any road or weather conditions that may have contributed to the accident.
5. Contact your insurance company. Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, providing them with all the relevant details.
6. Consult with a semi-truck attorney. If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney, like those at RAM Law. An attorney explains your legal rights and options, negotiates with insurance companies and fights to get you fair compensation for your damages.

Being involved in a semi-truck accident is often a terrible experience, but by taking the appropriate steps, you can protect your safety, legal rights and financial interests. By following the steps outlined here, you get the medical care and compensation you need to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life. A semi-truck accident lawyer works toward a settlement that covers all of your losses related to the accident, present and future.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive If I’m in a Semi-Truck Accident?

The compensation you may receive for a semi-truck accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of the property damage and the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Some types of compensation you may be eligible to receive include:

• Medical expenses. Your settlement includes compensation for all your medical bills related to the diagnosis and treatment of the injuries you suffered in the accident. It may also include compensation for future medical expenses, such as ongoing therapy, rehabilitation or medical equipment needed to help you fully recover. Make sure you keep a record of all your expenses, from the cost of driving to doctor’s appointments to medications.
• Lost wages. If you missed any work as a result of the accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for lost wages. This may include compensation for both past and future lost income, depending on the extent of your injuries. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your job, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss of livelihood.
• Property damages. You are eligible for compensation for the damage to your vehicle and other property damaged in the accident. Ask the best semi-truck accident attorneys for help calculating these losses.
• Pain and suffering. This non-economic compensation accounts for the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident. You may be entitled to compensation for ongoing physical pain, emotional distress or loss of your relationship.
• Punitive damages. In some cases, punitive damages are awarded as a way to punish the liable party for egregious behavior. Punitive damages are typically only awarded in cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct.

The specific amount of compensation you’re eligible to receive depends on the details of your case. Speak with an experienced semi-truck attorney at RAM Law to understand your legal rights and options. Your attorney evaluates your damages, negotiates with at-fault parties and fights for you to receive fair compensation for your losses. If an insurance adjustor contacts you, get their information, but don’t admit fault or sign anything. Tell your attorney about the conversation as soon as possible.

Why Should I Hire an Attorney for a Minor Semi-Truck Accident?

Traffic accidents are stressful, no matter how minor they seem. While you may be tempted to handle a minor accident on your own, consider the benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney. Even seemingly minor semi-truck accidents can result in unexpected complications, such as hidden injuries or property damage, that can impact your life in the long term.

Factors to consider when deciding whether to hire an attorney for a minor car accident — and the potential benefits an attorney can provide in these situations — include:

• The severity of your injuries. If you or anyone else involved in the accident suffered serious injuries, hire a semi-truck accident lawyer. Serious injuries lead to significant medical expenses, lost wages and long-term pain. Your attorney files a claim for you to receive fair compensation.
• Liability issues. If there are disputes about who was at fault for the accident, hire an attorney. A lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence and help determine liability.
• Insurance company disputes. If you’re having difficulty negotiating with insurance companies or if the insurance company is disputing your claim, it may be necessary to hire an attorney. An attorney handles the communication with the insurance company and files the claims to get you fair compensation, taking the case to court, if necessary.
• The complexity of your case. If your case is complicated, such as involving multiple at-fault parties or other issues, hire an attorney. An attorney navigates the legal settlement process to the end.

In general, a semi-truck accident attorney provides advice on your legal rights and options, while helping you understand the potential value of your claim. Most personal injury attorneys, like those at RAM Law, offer free consultations, so there’s no cost in seeking legal advice.

Can a Semi-Truck Attorney Get Me More Compensation?

Semi-truck accidents are often devastating, as they result in serious injuries, significant property damage and even fatalities. Because a semi-truck accident can be caused by a number of factors, you require the best semi-truck accident attorneys to obtain a full comprehension for all your losses and suffering. The impact of your semi-truck accident can have long-lasting repercussions, as you may need ongoing medical care, rehabilitation and support.

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.