Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer
One of the most terrifying experiences you can go through is to be driving along as normal one moment, and in the next, have a massive semi truck bearing down on you.
Commercial truck accidents are a much bigger issue than your run-of-the-mill car accidents. Not only do the size and weight of these vehicles make the outcomes much worse, but the regulations and liability can get complicated quickly. That’s why you need a truck accident lawyer with the expertise and commitment to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
At Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq, our truck accident attorneys understand the complex legal process surrounding these cases. We’ll guide you through every step, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing litigation if necessary.
With over $1 billion recovered for our clients in our 30+ years of practice, you can trust our proven track record of success in truck accident claims involving injuries, wrongful death, pain and suffering, and more.
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What Is Considered a Reckless Driving Accident?
Reckless driving truck accidents occur when commercial truck drivers operate their vehicles with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others on the road. This means the truck driver is aware of the substantial risk their actions pose but consciously ignores that risk.
THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF RECKLESS DRIVING
Under New Jersey law, a person is guilty of reckless driving if they drive a vehicle in a manner that willfully or wantonly disregards the rights or safety of others. In the context of truck accident claims, this means the truck driver engaged in conduct that created a high risk of harm to other motorists, pedestrians, or property.
Reckless driving by truckers often involves a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable truck driver would exercise in similar circumstances. It goes beyond mere negligence or carelessness and demonstrates an indifference to the consequences of their actions.
EXAMPLES OF RECKLESS DRIVING
Some common examples of reckless driving behaviors by truck drivers include:
- Excessive speeding well above posted limits
- Aggressive maneuvers like sudden lane changes or tailgating
- Distracted driving, such as texting or eating while behind the wheel
- Fatigued driving and violating hours-of-service regulations
- Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Ignoring traffic control devices like stop signs or red lights
- Failing to adjust driving for adverse weather or road conditions
These reckless actions dramatically increase the risk of catastrophic truck accidents, given the massive size and weight of commercial vehicles compared to passenger cars. Trucking companies may also bear responsibility if they encourage or turn a blind eye to reckless driving by their employees in the interest of faster deliveries and higher profits.
Legal Assistance in Reckless Truck Accident Cases
In New Jersey, handling truck accidents involving reckless drivers demands a specialized approach due to the serious legal and safety implications. Our seasoned truck accident attorneys provide comprehensive support that covers all aspects of these complex cases, ensuring that victims receive the expert guidance they need from start to finish.
THE CORE LEGAL SERVICES WE PROVIDE
- Case Evaluation and Strategy Development. Right from the start, our attorneys assess the specifics of your accident to determine the best legal strategy. This includes a detailed analysis of the accident’s circumstances and the truck driver’s condition, ensuring a strong foundation for your case.
- Evidence Collection and Case Building. We gather critical evidence such as police reports, eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, and toxicology reports. This thorough collection is crucial to establish the liability of the reckless driver and, if applicable, the negligence of their employer.
- Negotiations with Insurers. Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. Our attorneys excel in negotiating with insurers to ensure that victims are not short-changed but receive full compensation that covers all medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Litigation Preparedness and Representation. While we strive to settle cases favorably outside of court, our team is always prepared to take cases to trial if necessary. We develop a compelling argument, backed by solid evidence and expert testimonies, to present your case effectively in court.
CONSOLIDATED LEGAL PROCESS OVERVIEW
Although every case is unique, they all follow a similar structure. Yours will include:
- An Initial Consultation. Understand your rights and the scope of your claim during a detailed consultation that sets the stage for legal actions to follow.
- Investigation and Filing. A meticulous investigation is followed by the careful filing of the lawsuit, adhering to New Jersey’s stringent legal requirements.
- Settlement or Trial. We handle all aspects of the settlement negotiations, and if these do not result in a fair outcome, we proceed to trial with a robust representation strategy.
This approach not only ensures that every legal angle is covered but also streamlines the communication about our services, making it easier for clients to understand what to expect from our legal representation. By focusing on a holistic approach to legal aid, we avoid unnecessary repetition and improve the impact of our guidance.
Recovering Damages
There are several types of damages recoverable in reckless driving cases, but distinguishing between economic and non-economic losses is crucial in assessing the full extent of damages you’ve suffered. We’ll go through them first.
ECONOMIC LOSSES
Economic losses are tangible, measurable financial losses that can be directly attributed to the truck accident. They typically include:
- Medical Expenses. This encompasses hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other medical treatments necessitated by the injuries sustained in the accident. For instance, if a person suffers a spinal injury in a truck collision, their medical expenses could be substantial and ongoing.
- Lost Earnings. These are wages or income lost due to the inability to work as a result of the injuries. For example, if a truck accident victim is unable to return to their job for several months while recovering, the lost wages during that period would be considered an economic loss.
- Property Damage. This includes the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property, such as vehicles or personal belongings destroyed in the accident.
NON-ECONOMIC LOSSES
Non-economic losses are more abstract and subjective, relating to the intangible impacts of the accident on the individual’s quality of life and well-being. Examples include:
- Pain and Suffering. This refers to physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injuries sustained in the accident. For instance, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression resulting from the trauma of the accident fall under this category.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life. If the injuries significantly impair the injured person’s ability to participate in activities they once enjoyed, such as hobbies, sports, or social events, they may be entitled to compensation for the diminished quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium. This refers to the impact the injuries have on the injured person’s relationships with their spouse or family members. For example, if the injuries lead to the inability to maintain a normal marital relationship or provide parental care, it can be considered a loss of consortium.
Economic losses in a truck accident case are straightforward and quantifiable, focusing on financial costs directly incurred as a result of the accident. Non-economic losses, on the other hand, are more subjective and aim to compensate for the less tangible aspects of the injured person’s suffering and diminished quality of life. Both types of losses play a critical role in determining the total compensation deserved by the injured party in a personal injury claim.
There is a third type of damage, though, available in a reckless driving case, specifically.
PUNITIVE DAMAGES
Punitive damages in a reckless driving case serve as a legal remedy aimed at punishing the defendant rather than compensating the plaintiff for their losses. Unlike compensatory damages, which are intended to reimburse the plaintiff for specific harms suffered, punitive damages are awarded when the defendant’s conduct is deemed particularly egregious, malicious, or reckless.
In the context of reckless driving, punitive damages may be sought if the defendant’s actions demonstrate a willful disregard for the safety of others on the road. This could include behaviors such as excessive speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or aggressive driving. Courts consider punitive damages necessary to deter similar conduct in the future and to send a strong message that such reckless behavior will not be tolerated.
Injured in a Reckless Driving Truck Accident? GGL Can Help
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a reckless truck accident in the New Jersey area, the dedicated attorneys at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq are here to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. With over $1 billion recovered for clients in our 30+ years of practice, we have a proven track record of success in holding negligent parties accountable and winning for truck accident victims.
At GGL, we understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll a catastrophic truck accident can take on you and your family. Our compassionate team will guide you through every step of the complex legal process while tenaciously advocating for your rights. Contact us online or give us a call at 1-800-923-3456 for a free consultation. And remember, there’s no fee unless GGL wins.
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