Truck accidents are some of the most devastating collisions on the road in the United States. Large commercial eighteen-wheelers often weigh more than 80,000 pounds, which decreases their maneuverability and increases the time it takes them to come to a full stop. This excessive weight and size frequently contributes to the severe injuries sustained by the drivers and passengers of smaller vehicles involved in a wreck.
If you live in the Newark or Jersey City areas of New Jersey and you’ve been hurt in a wreck with a semi or other truck, please contact Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC today by completing the form on this page or calling (732) 617-8050 to discuss your case with our experienced truck accident attorneys. Your initial consultation is completely free, and we work on a contingency basis, which means that we don’t get paid unless you do.
Causes of Truck Accidents
Not all auto accidents are the result of driver carelessness. Some collisions are caused by factors beyond our control, such as severe weather or road conditions. However, many devastating truck accidents occur due to negligence on the part of truck operators, trucking companies and manufacturers.
Common negligent actions that contribute to truck accidents include:
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Alcohol and drug use
- Poorly maintained trucks
- Unbalanced truck loads
- Overloaded trucks
- Improperly secured cargo
- Unrealistic schedules
- Inadequate truck driver training
Determining Liability in a Truck Accident Case
Unlike typical car wreck cases, determining liability in a truck accident claim can be significantly complex, involving many factors beyond the scene of the crash. State and federal regulations govern these large vehicles, and it is essential that you work with attorneys who are familiar with these laws and how they apply to your situation.
There are a number of parties that could have potentially contributed to your injuries, including the:
- Truck driver
- Truck driver’s employer
- Mechanic responsible for servicing the truck
- Company that owns the truck
- Company that leases out the truck
- Company that owns the truck trailer
- Company that manufactured the truck or trailer’s components
At Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC, we will leave no stone unturned when investigating the cause of your crash and determining who is responsible for your injuries. This may include investigating details such as:
- The driver
- Previous violations
- Past criminal convictions
- Driving logs
- History of truck and trailer
- Possible manufacturing defects
- Police reports
- Accident scene
- Eyewitness accounts
Contact Our Skilled New Jersey Truck Accident Attorneys Today
If you were injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering. Contact our truck accident attorneys today online or at (732) 617-8050 to schedule your free consultation. Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC helps injury victims from throughout New Jersey, including Newark and Jersey City.
