Types Of Truck Accidents In New Jersey
Helping Victims Of Different Types Of Truck Crashes Recover For Their Losses In Freehold
Large trucks, including big rigs and tractor-trailers, are many times larger than passenger automobiles and even SUVs. Consequently, when a large truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the injuries to a person and property have the potential to be catastrophic. There are many different types of truck accidents that can occur on New Jersey roads, including jackknife accidents, truck rollovers and runaway trailer accidents. These accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, including driver negligence, improper maintenance and poor repair work.
If you have suffered one or more injuries in a truck accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to legal compensation. The Freehold, New Jersey, truck accident lawyers at Lomurro Law can fight for your right to recover compensation for the injuries you suffered in your truck accident.
Accidents Caused By Blind Spots
Because of their immense size, trucks have large stretches of blind spots along each side. When another vehicle rides in one of these blind spots, the truck driver may not recognize that the other motorist is there, and dangerous accidents can ensue. While you are well-advised to spend as little time as possible in any of a semi’s blind spots, the truck driver is responsible for maneuvering safely through traffic, which includes accurately accounting for his or her blind spots.
Jackknife Accidents
A truck jackknife accident occurs when the tractor and trailer portions of a truck fold in on themselves, resembling the shape of a jackknife and subsequently collide with another motor vehicle. Improper adjustment or maintenance could result in a truck jackknife accident, and the accident victim could file a claim or lawsuit against the trucking company or a truck maintenance/repair facility.
A semi truck’s cab is attached to its trailer by a coupling device that allows the two parts to move separately but in unison. When immense pressure – or a jerking motion – is exerted on the coupling mechanism, it can lead to a jackknife accident in which the two parts fold in on one another in one terrifying motion (much like a jackknife closing shut). All of the following trucker/truck company errors can contribute to dangerous jackknife accidents:
- Taking curves in the road or taking exits too quickly
- Failing to accommodate for the effects of bad weather
- Failing to maintain safely working braking systems
- Failing to maintain safe, roadworthy tires
Regardless of the cause, when a massive semi folds in half on the road, it endangers everyone traveling on that road.
Tire Blowouts
The tires that a big rig travels on obviously play a critical role in the trucker’s ability to navigate his or her truck safely, and this is why regular maintenance and safety checks are so critical. When a tire blows out at highway speeds on an 18-wheeler, all of the following apply:
- The truck driver can lose control of the rig or have a difficult time maneuvering it safely.
- Vehicles in the direct vicinity are in danger of being hit by the flying debris, which can have a significant impact.
- The debris that lands on the road endangers unsuspecting motorists traveling in the direction of the blowout.
Truck accidents can come in these – and many other – forms. Whatever type of accident, however, the potential for life-threatening injuries is always very real.
Runaway Trailer Accidents
A runaway trailer accident occurs when the trailer is not properly secured to the tractor. This can cause the trailer to dislodge from the tractor and collide with another motor vehicle. Truck drivers and trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that their tractors and trailers are properly secured and will not come apart when they are in motion. When they fail to take the necessary precautions and an accident occurs, they could be deemed responsible for any injuries suffered by an accident victim.
Truck Rollover Accidents
Truck rollovers often occur because of driver error. For example, the truck driver may be operating the vehicle too fast around a curve, causing the tractor and/or trailer to roll over. When a rollover occurs in the middle of the road at highway speed, other motor vehicle drivers could collide with the overturned vehicle and suffer serious injuries.
Improper Loads
Sometimes, truck accidents occur when trailers are overloaded or not loaded properly. An accident could also occur if the load is not properly secured to the trailer and the load falls off the vehicle, causing another vehicle to collide with it. Truck drivers and trucking companies must comply with federal and state motor carrier regulations, which regulate trailer load limits and types.
Speak With A Freehold, New Jersey, Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a truck accident that a negligent driver, trucking company or repair facility caused, you may be able to take legal action. At Lomurro Law, our experienced legal team can pursue damages on your behalf and work toward a favorable settlement or verdict.
To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with an experienced Freehold truck accident attorney, please call us today at 732-482-9285 or contact us online for more information.