New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyers

Committed to Helping Victims of Truck Accident in NJ

At Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, we understand the severe impact a truck accident can have on your life. As experienced New Jersey truck accident lawyers, we are dedicated to providing you with comprehensive legal support to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Our team has the expertise to navigate the complexities of truck accident cases and fight for your rights.

Contact us today at (800) 817-5029 to schedule a free consultation with our team.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can occur in various forms, each presenting unique challenges and potential dangers. Understanding these common types can help you better grasp the severity of your situation and the necessary legal steps to take.

• Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions involving trucks are often caused by inadequate stopping distances or distracted driving. Due to the size and weight of trucks, these accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and significant damage to vehicles.
• Jackknife Accidents: Jackknife accidents occur when a truck's trailer swings out and folds into itself like a folding knife. This can happen when a truck driver brakes suddenly or loses control, and it often leads to multi-vehicle collisions.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollovers are common with trucks due to their high center of gravity. Sharp turns, uneven road surfaces, or improper loading can cause a truck to overturn, resulting in severe injuries and property damage.
• Underride Accidents: In underride accidents, smaller vehicles slide underneath a truck's trailer during a collision. This type of accident is particularly dangerous as it often results in significant injury or death.
• Wide-Turn Accidents: Trucks require more space to make turns, and wide-turn accidents occur when a truck makes a turn too sharply or fails to account for the vehicle's length. These accidents can involve pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Understanding the causes of truck accidents is crucial for determining liability and pursuing compensation. Here are some common causes:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and may push themselves beyond safe driving limits. Fatigue impairs judgment, reaction time, and concentration, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
• Distracted Driving: Distractions, such as using a cell phone, adjusting the radio, or eating, can divert a truck driver's attention from the road, leading to serious accidents.
• Speeding: Exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions can reduce a truck driver's ability to react in emergencies, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Poor Maintenance: Trucks require regular maintenance to ensure safe operation. Neglecting maintenance can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, which contribute to accidents.
• Overloading: Trucks are designed to carry specific loads, and exceeding these limits can affect a truck's stability and braking performance, making it more prone to accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can reduce visibility and road traction. Trucks require longer stopping distances and greater caution under these conditions.

Who is Liable for a Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a truck accident involves assessing various parties who may be responsible for the accident. Here’s a breakdown of potential liable parties:

• Truck Driver: If the truck driver was negligent, distracted, or fatigued, they may be held liable for the accident. However, proving driver negligence requires thorough investigation and evidence.
• Trucking Company: The trucking company may be liable if they failed to enforce safety regulations, conducted inadequate training, or pressured drivers to work beyond legal limits. Companies are also responsible for ensuring their vehicles are properly maintained.
• Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defect in the truck or its components caused the accident, the vehicle manufacturer might be held liable. This could involve issues such as faulty brakes or defective tires.
• Cargo Loader: Improper loading of cargo can lead to accidents. If the cargo was not secured correctly, causing the truck to become unstable or difficult to control, the cargo loader or shipping company might be liable.
• Road Maintenance Authorities: In some cases, poor road conditions or inadequate signage can contribute to accidents. Road maintenance authorities or local governments may be held accountable if their negligence led to hazardous driving conditions.

Legal Process for Truck Accident Claims

Navigating the legal process for a truck accident claim requires expertise and diligence. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:

1. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, collecting evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and truck data from the event data recorder (EDR). This helps establish fault and the extent of damages.
2. Medical Evaluation: Seeking prompt medical evaluation is crucial for documenting injuries and treatment. We will work with medical professionals to assess the long-term impact of your injuries and their effect on your quality of life.
3. Negotiation and Settlement: We will negotiate with insurance companies and other parties to secure a fair settlement for your damages. Our goal is to ensure you receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
4. Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our attorneys are skilled in presenting compelling arguments and evidence to advocate for your rights and achieve a favorable outcome.

Why Choose Simonson Goodman Platzer PC?

At Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, we are committed to providing personalized legal representation for truck accident victims in New Jersey. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of truck accident cases and are dedicated to fighting for justice on your behalf. With a proven track record of successful outcomes and a compassionate approach to client care, we are here to guide you through every step of the legal process.

Call (800) 817-5029 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our New Jersey truck accident attorneys today.