New Brunswick Truck Accident Lawyer
Trucks specifically manufactured for commercial transportation must be larger and heavier than regular passenger cars because they need to carry cargo for hours a day. This means the bigger semi-trailer will cause significant damage if it collides with a smaller car, and serious injuries to the occupants are almost inevitable.
Truck accidents are typically caused by someone else’s negligence, and they could be held liable for damages. If you or a loved one has been hurt by a truck, talk to a New Brunswick truck accident lawyer to discuss your case. An experienced personal injury attorney at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq could help you pursue a claim for compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes of Truck Crashes
Unlike car drivers, truckers must have a higher level of skill and awareness to operate their vehicles safely because they are harder to control than a car. Even a slight mistake could result in the driver losing control of the big rig and putting other drivers at risk. This is why a common cause of truck accidents is driver error, which can encompass several actions and inactions.
Failing to drive safely is one form of driver error that could cause a collision. Speeding, improper lane changes, driving while intoxicated, or other violations of traffic laws are examples of unsafe driving and put others at risk.
Using a cell phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or other distractions that take the truck driver’s attention away from the road could result in driver error, such as drifting into another lane. In fact, federal rules prohibit commercial drivers from using their mobile devices while operating their vehicles because of this danger.
Regardless of the reason, driver error could be summarized as negligence. Like other drivers, truck drivers owe a duty of care to those they share the road with, and violating this duty constitutes negligence. Generally speaking, truck drivers must act reasonably, which means driving safely and avoiding distractions, and failing to do so could violate the duty of care to other drivers.
Proving a driver was negligent greatly depends on the specific facts leading up to a collision. A skilled attorney experienced with truck accidents in New Brunswick could review the situation and help determine if the driver was negligent.
Possible Compensation from a Truck Crash
The laws of physics say that when a larger truck slams into a smaller car, the larger object sustains less damage, and injuries from the crash tend to be more severe because of the massive size difference. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage are all likely to occur in a truck collision.
Victims of a truck accident may be able to pursue compensation for their injuries if the accident was caused by diver negligence. This includes monetary compensation for hospital bills, medical care, lost wages, and property damage. A person may also be eligible for non-monetary damages from mental anguish, pain and suffering, or loss of enjoyment of life.
The extent and severity of the injuries determine what compensation may be available. A knowledgeable truck crash lawyer in New Brunswick could help assess a person’s injuries and pursue all possible forms of compensation.
Time Limit for Filing a Truck Crash Claim
New Jersey has a time limit on when a truck accident claim must be filed. The New Jersey Statutes 2A § 14-2 sets this time as two years after the accident occurs.
If a claim is filed after this two-year period, it could be difficult to recover compensation. Anyone involved in a truck collision in New Brunswick should contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Talk to a Truck Accident Attorney in New Brunswick
Injuries from a truck crash could be severe and life-altering. If you have been hit by a big rig, consult with a New Brunswick truck accident lawyer to learn more about your legal options.
A seasoned attorney at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq could help you pursue a claim against the responsible party. Call today to get started on your suit.