Determining Fault in Truck Accidents

Determining who is at Fault in Truck Accidents Monmouth County NJ

Being in an accident or collision where a truck is involved is one of the most serious situations that you can find yourself in on the road.

Discovering who is at Fault in New Jersey Truck AccidentsGiven that New Jersey is a major thoroughfare between several major cities such as Philadelphia and New York City, the roadways here support a large number of trucks and are critical to east coast trucking. For this reason, serious and even fatal accidents on New Jersey roadways are all too common. This fact is proven by The U.S. Department of Transportation in a recent report on large truck and bus crashes. However, placing blame for these accidents is often far from an easy task.

In the regrettable instance that you or a loved one find themselves involved in a crash with a truck or any cargo carried by truck, whether it be minor or major, it is highly recommended that you immediately take the following steps:

  • Check to see if either you or any of your passengers have sustained an injury.
  • Remain at the scene of the crash or collision
  • Call 9-1-1 For Help
  • If possible Snap Photos, Capture Videos & Record Audio

After checking for injured parties and calling the proper authorities, you should exchange information with any drivers or witnesses that may have been involved, including:

  • Name
  • Phone Number
  • Driver’s License Number
  • License Plate Number
  • Insurance Carrier & Name of Agent
  • Insurance Policy Number
  • Refrain from making any statements about the crash

What to do if involved in an accident with a truckKeeping one’s head and having a fresh record of the facts can often be critical, as details can change or be forgotten over time. In some cases, truck accident lawsuits can take far longer than accidents involving smaller non-commercial vehicles. Damage to your property and health resulting in medical expenses and missed time from work is not uncommon in truck accidents. Having an experienced attorney skilled in personal injury involved in vehicle accidents can be one of the most important factors toward getting the compensation you deserve.

What to do if involved in an accident with a truck

Usually, trucking companies are large corporations that employ attorneys who are very experienced in dealing with accidents. Don’t go at this alone. You must have a law firm with equal or even more experience and knowledge concerning truck accident cases.

In these types of accidents, several parties could be potentially liable. An effective case will target the correct parties, which may include:

  • The actual driver of the truck– Mistakes by truck drivers are often the cause of many truck accidents. Violations of traffic laws, such as speeding or unsafe lane changes, can make large trucks dangerous for other motorists.
  • The owner of the truck, whether it be an individual or a company– In cases where the trucking company provides the vehicle for a trucker, the owner may hold liability in a trucking incident. In most cases, the owner has the responsibility of inspecting the machine, checking the engine, upkeep with tires, and the truck’s internal workings. The truck owner is required to maintain the brakes, fluids inside the vehicle, and even the tires and electronic system. Failure of these systems due to lack of maintenance can open the truck owner up to liability in any accidents involving that vehicle.
  • Whether it be an individual or a company, the leaser of the truck– Many long term lease contracts can transfer responsibility for maintenance to the leaser. As with the owner, if the leaser fails to maintain the vehicle leading to an accident properly, the leaser can be held liable.
  • The manufacturer of the truck, its tires, parts, or equipment– When parts malfunction and lead to accidents such as a tire blowout, mechanical failure, or faulty brakes, the parts’ manufacturer retains liability and may be held responsible for paying damages to any victims.
  • Experienced Attorneys at the Jersey Shore Ready To Protect Your Rights After a Truck AccidentThe shipping freight loader or shipping company– Many accidents involve the cargo being carried by truck. Rapidly shifting loads can cause a driver to lose control of the truck or objects falling off or out of a truck and cause injury or damage to other vehicles. If the loader did not properly inspect the cargo and secure it properly, the loader might become liable when the boxes or equipment falls off and damages another vehicle or causes injury.

An experienced attorney may be the key factor in winning your case and receiving the compensation you need and deserve.

Experienced Attorneys at the Jersey Shore Ready To Protect Your Rights After a Truck Accident

At Chamlin, Uliano & Walsh, our skilled team of personal injury attorneys represents clients across Old Bridge, Perth Amboy, Red Bank, Long Branch, and across Monmouth, Ocean Middlesex Counties in cases involving all types of vehicle accidents.

Our unique approach ensures that our clients can focus on their own physical and psychological recovery and get on with a healthy life as soon as possible.  We have the skill and experience to fight effectively on your behalf.

To schedule a consultation with a team member today, please feel free to fill out our online contact form or by calling at 732-440-3950 for a confidential consultation.