According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), 75% of the 600 million tons of goods transported across the state each year are moved by trucks. As you can imagine, this means that there are many large trucks occupying roads and interstates across New Jersey. Because of this, there is an increased risk of truck accidents with passenger vehicles.
Trucks are far larger and heavier than typical passenger vehicles, which could spell disaster when accidents occur. If you or a loved one has been involved in a Hoboken truck accident, contact Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. Our lawyers have over 45 years of experience in personal injury litigation, including a focus in truck accidents.
Causes of Truck Accidents
There are many potential causes of truck accidents that can all be tied back to a driver’s negligence, which is key when proving fault in a truck accident injury claim. Driver error is a common cause of truck accidents, which can include:
- Distracted driving (texting, phone calls, etc.)
- Speeding
- Careless driving
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
All of these driver errors are connected with negligence. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also has their own regulations for truck drivers related to their hours of service. According to the FMCSA, truck drivers can drive no more than 11 hours per day.
Aside from driver error, truck accidents can also potentially occur from defects within the vehicle. For instance, trucks that have worn breaks or haul overweight trailers can potentially lead to accidents. When there is equipment failure that causes a truck accident, the truck’s manufacturer could be the party that is liable for the accident.
Avoiding Accidents With Trucks
There are a handful of ways you can work to prevent accidents with trucks, such as never cutting one off. It is also helpful to stay visible with trucks so your vehicle does not stay in their blind spot.
Another tip to avoid accidents with trucks is to recognize when they are making wide turns. Large trucks, especially 18-wheelers, need space to make safe turns when driving on busy roadways. You can do your part by not blocking intersections and by patiently waiting for the truck to complete its turn.
Just like with any vehicle in front of you, it is important not to tailgate, according to the National Safety Council. With trucks, tailgating means the truck driver cannot see your vehicle, which could lead to an accident. Tailgating also can lead to accidents when trucks need to promptly hit their brakes. Trucks can take longer to come to a complete stop compared to passenger vehicles, which further makes tailgating dangerous.
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We hope that this message helps you make the right decision during what is probably a difficult and trying time by speaking with Mike Maggiano.
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Legal Recourse Following a Truck Accident
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Hoboken, the personal injury and Hoboken truck accident lawyers of Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. may be able to help build your case against the trucking company or truck driver for damages you have experienced. Truck accidents can be extremely dangerous for passenger vehicle drivers involved with them, and they can lead to expensive hospital visits.
Some of the damages you may be entitled to for compensation following a truck accident in Hoboken include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Current medical bills
- Future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damages
- Emotional damages
If you need help proving liability and negligence after a truck accident, contact Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. today. We will begin serving you with a free case consultation that can allow our Hoboken truck accident lawyers to further understand your unique case and accident.
From there, we can begin by conducting our own investigation into the accident to uncover fault. Throughout our investigation, we can rely on documentation you provide us, or we can research other information that can be used to prove fault, such as police reports, surveillance video, witness testimonies, and more.
Call Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. today at (201) 585-9111. Our team of lawyers will stand by you every step of the legal process to help you potentially earn a maximum settlement for your damages. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C., we look to bring you justice for your truck accident when negligence is at play, and we can do so by reaching a settlement with the trucking company and their insurance providers.
Verdicts and Settlements
$1,061,392 - Tow Truck Crash
A 42-year old truck operator and auto mechanic suffered ulnar neuropathy, bulging lumbar disc, torn meniscus right knee, and post traumatic stress disorder when he was struck by a tow truck backing up during a job thereby ending his two occupational careers.
$5,000,000 - Family SUV Struck by Truck
Recovery secured for a husband, wife, and four children as a result of a tractor trailer making an improper turn into the right of way of the family SUV in which the husband was driving with wife in the front passenger seat and four children secured in the rear seat compartment area.
$6,200,000 - Truck Struck by Truck
A commercial truck driver was struck by another truck driver while pulled off on the side of the road, resulting in a disabling brain injury.
New Jersey Trucking Laws
Under NJDOT’s operating requirements, commercial trucks must display:
- Corporate identification numbers
- Gross vehicle weight rating
- Primary place of business
NJDOT also mandates that truck drivers must receive entry-level training along with a physical before they can begin driving. There are also specific licensing and registration requirements for New Jersey commercial trucks. For instance, you must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) if you are driving a commercial truck that weighs over 26,000 pounds. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission lists other steps required for truckers to receive a CDL, such as being over the age of 18.
You May Be Able to Recover Damages for Your Hoboken Truck Accident With Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C.
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C., we have earned many successful truck accident verdicts across New Jersey and New York, and we can potentially do the same for you. Call us today at (201) 585-9111 to schedule a free consultation and to learn how a Hoboken truck accident lawyer can help. The quicker we can start to understand your accident and begin to conduct an investigation, the better prepared we will be to serve your claim.
