If you or someone you love was the victim of a truck accident caused by a third party in Palisades Park, New Jersey, the Palisades Park truck accident team from Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. may be able to help answer your questions about the complex legal process.
Being the victim of a truck accident may ruin your life through health challenges and financial difficulties resulting from your accident. In some cases, there may be financial compensation available for victims with eligible cases.
Injuries Suffered in Truck Accidents
Trucks are large vehicles that have the potential to cause a tremendous amount of damage. Injuries from truck accidents may be minor or severe. In some cases, you may walk away from a truck accident with superficial injuries and a short recovery time, but more serious injuries may require immediate medical care. In severe cases, truck accidents may be fatal. Some common injuries from truck accidents include but are not limited to:
- Whiplash due to sudden movements in the head and neck area
- Superficial injuries such as minor scrapes, cuts, or bruising
- Broken bones, fractures, and dislocations
- PTSD or other forms of mental effects related to the experience
- Internal injuries to various organs
- Sprains, strains, tears, and injuries to the joints of the body
- Death
Statistics
Truck accidents are the cause of thousands of injuries and deaths in the United States annually, and thus are tracked by a number of federal agencies to try and develop preventative measures. In 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported over 4,500 fatalities due to large truck accidents, with the vehicles defined as those weighing 10,000 pounds or more. In the state of New Jersey alone, nearly 600 people lost their lives due to traffic accidents in 2018 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
While even a single fatal accident is tragic and may ruin several lives, this data does not incorporate the injuries, property damage, and other data further emphasizing how dangerous truck accidents may be.
Large truck drivers are specially trained, but sometimes things go wrong, which may increase the chance of an accident.
Verdicts and Settlements
To a 41 year old police officer injured off duty in his own parked car when a tractor trailer hit the officer’s open driver’s side door, forcing the car up onto the sidewalk.
A mother and her 3 sons traveling to NY with a car rental from Hertz, the car began to act up and loose power. The mother called Hertz for help and was told they didn’t provide road side assistance but that she should head to their nearest location for further help, that was about 25 miles from her location. She couldn’t go more than 25-30 miles per…
To a 42-year old truck operator and auto mechanic who 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.
Risk Factors for Truck Accidents
Even if you are a safe driver, you cannot control the vehicles around you. Below are factors that contribute to some accidents, including those involving large trucks:
- Driving in hazardous weather
- Fatigue
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other mind-altering substances
- Speeding
- Distracted driving, such as looking at a cell phone, playing with the radio or console, or a driver diverting attention away from the road
- Failure to obey traffic signs and other laws
- Mechanical failure
- Improper lane changes
- Lack of a safe distance between vehicles
Understanding the risk factors of accidents may help you become a safer driver and take active measures to avoid future accidents.
How to Avoid an Accident
Whether you are running an errand or embarking on a long journey, driving is always a threat to your safety. While most Americans rely on vehicles on a daily basis for transportation, few stop to think about the dangers every time they take to the road. Some basic precautions you can take the next time you drive include:
- Always wear a seat belt
- Do not use a cell phone, engage in an unsafe manner with passengers, play with the radio, or allow yourself to lose focus while driving
- Avoid driving in bad weather if at all possible
- Have your vehicle inspected regularly by a professional to minimize the chance of mechanical failure
- Fill your vehicle up with gas before a long trip and try to plan out your route to avoid needing directions while on the road
- Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and other cars, motorcycles, and trucks
- Do not drive if you have consumed alcohol or any other substance that may alter your judgement and ability to operate a vehicle
- Always obey traffic signs and laws specific to the area you are in
- Never speed, speeding decreases your ability to react and is a threat to everyone on the road
If you incorporate these techniques and other guidelines for safe driving, you may be better prepared to protect the safety of yourself and loved ones on the road. However, if you are still in a truck accident there are steps you may take in the aftermath to help you focus on your recovery.
What You may Do Next
If you were in a car accident, the most important thing you can do is focus on your health and recovery. In the aftermath of your accident, you may be wondering how you may make up for your medical bills, lost vehicle or personal property, and other related expenses. In some cases, you may take legal action against a third party responsible for your accident. If you would like to learn more about your legal options, you may be able to contact the Palisades Park truck accident team from Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. at (201) 585-9111 for a free consultation.
We hired Chris DiGirolamo as our attorney after Mike suffered a life changing injury at work. From the time we met Chris we felt we can trust him to work in the best interest for Mike’s needs. Chris is very down to earth and we felt comfortable whenever we met with him. He spoke to us so we always understood what was going on. He never threw around legal jargon that we would not be able to understand. He was always willing to ensure we knew exactly how our case was proceeding. Chris showed humanity in dealing with Mike’s Injuries and understanding of Mike’s unwillingness to accept some of the changes in his life.
Chris’s high level of energy and desire to bring a case to the best possible results were evident from day one. Our case was settled but of court with the help of a mediator and Chris was by our side explaining what was going on every step of the way. His preparation throughout the case was evident as he spoke before the mediator. It was a pleasure to watch. Chris at work and know he was working for us. He is tough and stubborn when necessary. We were also impressed by the respect shown to Chris by the retired judge we worked with as well as other lawyers. Chris was only happy with this case when he knew we had a settlement that we were very impressed with.
In my Book Chris gets 10+ stars. An Incredibly Talented Attorney. I cannot begin to express my sincere appreciation for all that Chris DiGirolamo has done for me. He took on a most challenging Title59 Immunity Case, against all odds. He always leveled with me as to the complex nature of the case, but with a positive and professional attitude. He was aided in this case, by a fantastic Paralegal, Marisol Suarez. Marisol made a difficult time much easier with her courtesy, humor, and always being responsive. Chris made you feel at all times that he was fighting for you as he would fight for a member of his family. It would not be a trite statement to say that watching him prepare my case was like watching a Maestro conduct a Philharmonic Orchestra. He always kept you informed as to the latest developments in a case that took 3 1/2 years to settle. Chris was able to achieve a settlement that both of us were happy with especially considering the very complex set of circumstances. Simply put, Chris is an Incredible Attorney who is empathetic yet tough and most important ” A Good Guy.”
Choosing Michael Maggiano and his firm was the best decision my husband and I made at a most horrific time in our lives. Multiple doctors, with whom we had trusting relationships, were confidently telling me that nothing was wrong when, in fact, that was not the case; allowing a cancer to grow over several years to an advanced stage.
Michael Maggiano and his incredible colleagues took our case, even though extremely complex. They patiently answered our endless questions, diligently pursued every aspect of our case, handled our anxieties; especially during trial preparation and settlement discussions. Due to their experience and skill, the final outcome was a sizable settlement.
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.
Contact Us
You may be feeling overwhelmed after your truck accident and do not know where to turn for help. The team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. may be able to assist with cases like yours, and may be available to answer your questions. Call (201) 585-9111 to schedule a free consultation. Start taking action today so you can focus on getting back to your normal way of life.
