New Jersey Truck Accidents Lawyers
You and your loved ones may be forced to bear the risks of all the commerce that travels on New Jersey roads. Trucking companies and their customers make money while you are left to deal with the fallout of the actions of careless truck drivers. If you have been hurt in a truck accident, you may be entitled to a large settlement check for your injuries. An experienced New Jersey truck accident lawyer at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC can help determine how much you are owed.
Commercial Truck Traffic on New Jersey Roads
Truck traffic in New Jersey is extremely heavy. Motorists know what it is like to travel down the New Jersey Turnpike, avoiding large trucks every step of the way. The state’s location near the vital ports of New York means that there are a large number of tractor-trailers on the road. One estimate places the number of trucking companies in New Jersey at over 43,000. One of every fifteen jobs in New Jersey is in the trucking industry.
Trucks are not only found on the interstates in New Jersey but also on state routes and other roads. Drivers trying to reach their destination must contend with extremely large trucks that are not always safely driven.
What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Truck drivers may cause accidents by making one of several mistakes. They may also have been pressured by the trucking company to cut corners.
Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Defective truck parts
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Impaired driving
- Inexperienced truck drivers
- Poorly maintained trucks
- Speeding
You need to prove that the truck driver was negligent in the events leading up to the accident. An experienced New Jersey truck accident lawyer will perform a complete investigation of the accident and gather evidence that you need to demonstrate the cause. If you prove negligence, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of money.
What Are Possible Truck Accident Damages?
How much money you get depends on how badly you have been hurt and how your injuries have affected your life. A New Jersey truck accident lawyer will work with experts to determine the impact of your injuries on you and how much money you may deserve.
Your truck accident damages may include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
You are paid for both your past and future damages, so it is vital to know your prognosis before you file a lawsuit. Plaintiffs may wait until the point of maximum medical improvement to estimate their damages and file their claim or lawsuit.
Families may file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek damages when a loved one has died in a trucking accident.
Who Is Liable for a New Jersey Truck Accident?
Truck accident cases may differ somewhat from other types of motor vehicle accidents. In other cases, you would be suing an individual driver for what they did. Since truck accidents are commercial vehicles, there is a high possibility that the truck driver was on the job at the time of the accident. Then, you would be able to sue the trucking company as the employer because they are legally responsible for the actions of their employees. The trucking company has the money to pay your damages.
There may be other possible defendants whom you can sue in a truck accident lawsuit, including:
- The manufacturer of a defective truck part.
- The government that was supposed to maintain the road.
- A cargo loader that improperly loaded something onto the truck.
- A third party that was hired to maintain the truck.
Why Are Truck Accident Cases More Complex Than Car Accident Cases?
Truck accident cases present the challenges that you must navigate. If you can successfully handle the additional complexities, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Some additional complexities that you must deal with in a truck accident lawsuit include:
- There are more sources of evidence for your attorney to gather, including potential corporate records, data from the truck’s black box, and truck parts.
- Much of this evidence may be in the hands of the defendant, and you need to obtain it through the litigation process.
- There are more potential causes for a truck accident that you need to learn.
- Since more money is at stake, the insurance and trucking companies may vigorously defend against your claim.
- Since your injuries may be more severe, you need to precisely estimate the amount of damages that you are seeking.
- The amount of money at stake may also mean your case takes longer.
- These challenges make hiring an attorney with experience handling complex truck accident lawsuits more crucial.
Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?
A truck accident lawsuit is not as simple as filing a claim with the insurance company right after the crash. You need a complete investigation and compelling evidence that shows that someone else was to blame for your injuries. In addition, there is little that you can do to address your legal situation when you are dealing with serious injuries.
You can hand all of the details of your case over to a truck accident lawyer who will fight for you every step of the way. Your New Jersey truck accident lawyer will begin by preparing the claim or lawsuit to file on your behalf and will then work to secure compensation. They may negotiate a settlement with the insurance company or take your case to trial.
The New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC Will Help You Today
The New Jersey truck accident lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC have earned a stellar reputation for attentive client service. You can schedule a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys by calling us today at 732-920-8383 or contacting us online. We have offices in Manasquan and Brick, New Jersey, and we serve clients in Middlesex County, Atlantic County, Mercer County, Monmouth County, and Ocean County.