If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a commercial truck, such as a 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer or semi, the process for obtaining compensation for all your losses will look similar to a car accident claim, but may also have substantial differences.
THE INJURIES SUSTAINED
A big rig can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, fully loaded, without violating state and federal trucking regulations. Accordingly, when you are involved in a collision with a commercial truck, even at fairly low speeds, the injuries can be serious and catastrophic. As a consequence, trucking companies generally must have significantly higher limits of liability on their insurance policies, creating a deeper pocket from which to recover for your losses.
STATE AND FEDERAL TRUCKING REGULATIONS
Because of the greater risk of serious and catastrophic injury when a commercial truck is involved in a traffic accident, there are state and federal laws and regulations that mandate regular maintenance and inspection of vehicles, and that put strict limits on the amount of time a driver or a rig may be on the road. Furthermore, before getting behind the wheel of a semi, a driver must successfully complete specialized training and must obtain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL). The unfortunate reality is that a substantial percentage of trucking accidents result from driver fatigue or from failure to comply with safety or maintenance requirements.
THE USE OF EXPERT TESTIMONY
Though accident reconstruction experts are used in all types of motor vehicle accident cases, they can be especially helpful in truck accidents claims, where they can help jurors understand when drivers or their companies have been negligent. For example, an expert can clearly explain how the violation of weight restrictions contributed to or caused a motor vehicle accident.
CONTACT NEW JERSEY COMMERCIAL TRUCKING ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS MALLON & TRANGER TODAY
If you or a family member has been seriously injury in a trucking accident, please contact the Law Office of Mallon and Tranger at any of our Ocean County or Monmouth County offices. Our lawyers can be reached by phone at 732-702-0333 or by filling out our online intake form.