Americans depend on trucking. Millions of large trucks are readily available and constantly entering and exiting public roadways. As consumers, this makes a lot of our day-to-day activities possible. But as drivers, sharing the road with large commercial trucks can be tricky.
There is no typical accident with a large truck. When they happen, they are unexpected, unwanted, and unpredictable. According to a 2017 report from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 4,657 crashes with large trucks throughout the country. If you get into an accident with a truck, a Teaneck truck accident lawyer can be an asset during your recovery. Call the legal team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. at (201) 585-9111 for a free case review.
New Jersey Large Truck Regulations
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) enforces federal, state, and local regulations to keep all drivers safe on the state’s roads.
In the New Jersey statutes, Title 39, Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation, large trucks are subject to legal requirements concerning licensing, weight, truck routes, distinctive marking requirements, and more. These measures are one way to control potentially dangerous accidents.
With Teaneck situated at the intersection of major tristate area roadways, combined traffic remains plentiful. The risk of driver error and negligence, despite the laws, remains high.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Teaneck, call (201) 585-9111
Legal Options If You Were Involved in a Truck Crash
Truck accidents happen because of some of the same unpredictable factors that cause accidents with regular cars, plus the added risks that driving a large truck brings. If you get into an accident with a commercial truck, do not automatically assume fault. Once you are safe from the immediate impact and harm of the wreck, call us at (201) 585-9111 for a free case review. Our truck accident attorneys can advise you on your next steps.
Proving Liability in an Accident with a Truck
There are many things that can cause a trucking accident, including negligent behavior from the trucker, whether intentional or unintentional. Here are some reasons a truck driver might get into a wreck:
- Blind spots and visibility issues
- Lack of safe driving distance
- Failure of brakes
- Impaired, drowsy, or distracted driving
- Mechanical failure or failure to maintain vehicle inspection
- Lack of legally required safety markings
- Overloaded trailer or truck weight
- Unevenly distributed weight in the truckload
- And more
Speak with a truck accident attorney about your crash, so we can determine if there is a case for negligent behavior from the driver. Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. will help determine liability for the causes in your personal injury claim.
Building Your Truck Accident Case
Most truck cases will be serious enough to warrant police reporting. Plus, commercial vehicles must report all accidents. All statutes of limitations are generally set from the date of the accident that caused the damage or injury.
When you file a police report for the accident, make sure to note any damage to your vehicle, what happened at the time of the accident, and any other potential factors you might recognize from the scene. Although our truck accident lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation into all involved at the scene, any information or evidence you can contribute is valuable.
The following are the typical types of claims to pursue for compensation.
- Personal Injury Claims: covers all costs of bodily injury as a result of the accident. The statute of limitations is two years, according to N.J.S. §2A:14-2.
- Property Damage Claims: covers all costs of non-bodily damage, from exterior and mechanical damage to your car to anything inside of it at the time of the accident. The statute of limitations is six years, according to N.J.S. §2A:14-1
- Wrongful Death: you can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a deceased loved one, especially if you were dependent on them. The statute of limitations is two years, according to N.J.S. §2A:31-3.
This list is not exhaustive of claim types you might want to file. Remember that every case is unique and will need a thorough evaluation before making any legal filings. However, our accident lawyers can begin working on your personal injury case when you call our offices with details about your situation.
New Jersey Insurance Rules for Motorists
No-fault insurance states like New Jersey theoretically protect all drivers, who are required to carry insurance. With no-fault insurance, you must file a claim through your own policy after an accident with a truck. However, this does not mean that you cannot pursue additional compensation from the at-fault party.
Due to New Jersey’s policy of no-fault for auto insurance, you may face some limits to the monetary threshold of your personal injury claim. However, commercially licensed vehicles are likely to carry additional auto insurance policies. Regardless, the no-fault rules of New Jersey insurance should not deter you from seeking a legal settlement.
If negligent behavior caused your accident with a truck, you will want to seek damages. The New Jersey Punitive Damages Act, §2A:15-5.9, stipulates that legal claims specify that you are seeking punitive damages, with a compensation limit of $350,000, §2A:15-5.14.
Teaneck Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (201) 585-9111
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney Today to Learn More
After a truck accident, you may be seriously injured, with personal injuries that could last for the rest of your life. Do not let negligent behavior from truckers and business owners stop you from making a full recovery.
Pursue your truck accident case today with the help of a Teaneck truck accident lawyer. Call Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. at (201) 585-9111 for a free case evaluation. Get compensation for your recovery. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we do not get paid until you do.
Call or text (201) 585-9111 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form