Plainfield Truck Accident Lawyer
New Jersey’s trucking industry continues to expand at a rate faster than most states, making it a robust contributor to the state’s gross domestic product. National safety regulations reassure the populace that sharing the road with a big rig is safe. Truckers must carry special driver’s licenses, a minimum of insurance, and follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules.
The downside is that commercial trucks, at 80,000 pounds, cause catastrophic injuries when they are involved in accidents. If your car, which is 20 times lighter than a commercial truck, is hit by one because the driver or trucking company is negligent, you are entitled to compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional losses. Call a Plainfield truck accident lawyer now to learn how we can advocate for your rights with a personal injury claim.
Gathering Evidence in Truck Accidents
Because crucial evidence can be lost in a catastrophic truck wreck, a Plainfield lawyer must move forcefully to preserve it. Commercial trucks are equipped with black boxes that record critical information concerning functionality. Truckers are required to keep detailed logs about the hours driven and the mileage clocked. Onboard cameras begin filming when there is an irregularity, such as a sudden stop.
Our attorneys prepare every case for trial, unlike many attorneys who do not like to litigate and will often under-settle with insurance companies to avoid the courtroom. With concrete evidence, we show how trucking companies circumvent New Jersey and federal rules to maximize profits and how truckers perform their duties below the acceptable standard. A Plainfield truck accident attorney meticulously builds negligent acts into financially successful cases.
FMCSA Safety Rules
As part of our investigation into negligent truck wrecks in Plainfield, our attorneys delve into whether the trucker violated FMCSA safety rules. Some areas to investigate include:
- Trucker logs that reveal driving more than 11 hours at a time, failing to take a 30-minute break after eight hours on the road, and working more than 70 hours across eight days
- Scrutinizing maintenance logs to ensure systems inspections are accurate
- Determining if the trucker reduced speed by one-third of the posted speed limit if an accident occurred in inclement weather,
- Reviewing law enforcement accident reports to learn whether the trucker was tested for drugs and alcohol
Truck accidents are often deadly and almost always devastating to the injured parties. When a trucker, trucking company, or manufacturer has a duty to act responsibly, breaches that duty, and causes an accident with injuries, negligence is established, and the perpetrator should be held accountable for compensating those they harm. Our job as Plainfield truck accident attorneys is to get clients the most money possible. But first, we welcome them as family, giving our time and attention to their well-being.
Minimum Liability Insurance
The US Code of Federal Regulations § 387.9 requires interstate commercial trucking companies to carry $5 million in liability insurance if their cargo is hazardous and at least $750,000 if it is not because truck accidents cause costly and substantial injuries. This might sound like a lot, but it could be inadequate if injuries are severe. We fight for the largest settlements possible and confidently head to court if an insurance settlement is not enough.
Contact a Plainfield Truck Accident Attorney for Tenacious Representation
Federal and state laws work to keep instate and interstate roads safe to share with commercial trucks. Most truckers are diligent professionals, but accidents happen, and when they do, they almost always cause horrific injuries. To be compensated for your medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage, call us now.
We take pride in giving you the attention you deserve when your life is upended by the negligence of others. We will not accept lowball insurance settlement offers but will take your case to court to maximize an award. Call a Plainfield truck accident lawyer now for a free consultation. You are under no obligation to pay attorney fees unless we win.