Tractor Trailer Accidents: Part I
If you live in New Jersey, you know that it’s crowded here. We have many highways with lots of traffic. One reason for that is New Jersey sits at a crossroads of the most developed area of America. As a result, goods are traveling our roadways to and from ports, warehouses, factories, farms and markets.
One downside to all of this is that where there are trucks, there will be accidents. It’s incredibly rare to be in an accident with a tractor-trailer and only suffer minor injuries. While there are many personal injury lawyers around, not all of them have experience with truck accident cases. At CourtLaw, our lawyers know how to handle a tractor trailer accident case.
Tractor-trailers have obvious differences in size and weight when compared to passenger cars, and these differences contribute to the severity of harm inflicted upon those who have the misfortune of being in a tractor-trailer accident.
Tractor Trailers Are Dangerous!
A tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, or roughly 16 times more than the average passenger car. The impact of a collision with a commercial truck of this size can be catastrophic. Also, the average tractor-trailer needs approximately 350 feet to come to a stop from traveling at 60 miles per hour. This is more than the length of a football field.
Truckers have a harder time avoiding hazards on the road such as accidents, debris and out-of-control vehicles because a semi-truck needs more time and space to alter its course in case of an emergency. In addition, many large trucks on New Jersey’s roads are carrying hazardous cargo, which can turn a minor accident into a tragic event.
Leading Reasons for Tractor Trailer Accidents
While the specifics of each tractor-trailer accident are different, crashes involving big trucks can generally be separated into six categories:
- Shifting Cargo. An improperly loaded or overloaded trailer can cause the truck to jackknife or overturn.
- Improper Maneuvers. A truck driver who fails to maintain his driving lane or stop at a stop sign may cause a terrible accident.
- Rear-end Collisions. Because large trucks need more time to stop, a slowed or suddenly stalled passenger cars are frequently rear-ended by the larger vehicle.
- Stopped Trucks. Any time a tractor-trailer is stopped on the side of the road is potential for a collision with a passenger car.
- Left Turns. If the truck does not have ample time or space to complete the turn, it could collide with a vehicle.
- Driver Fatigue. Many studies have demonstrated the role of driver fatigue in tractor trailer accidents. While technology seems to be reducing this factor, it has not, by any means, eliminated it.
If you’re involved in an accident with a tractor trailer, seek immediate medical attention. Of course, you’re health is most important but it is also critical that you consult with a Truck Accident Lawyer without delay.
You must act promptly because a Truck Accident Attorney must obtain critical data and information from the truck company before it is destroyed or lost. The lawyers at CourtLaw know what to do. The truck accident case is different from the car accident case. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident make sure you see an experienced truck accident attorney. At CourtLaw, we’ve handled dozens of truck accident cases.
The skilled attorneys at CourtLaw represent clients injured because of truck accidents and tractor trailer crashes in Paterson, Bayonne, Clifton, Hoboken, Jersey City and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 442-5900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market St, Perth Amboy, New Jersey 08861, as well as offices in New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Linden, Newark, Paterson, South Amboy, and Trenton.
In our next blog, we’ll take an overview of some of the differences between truck accidents and automobile accidents.
The articles on this blog are for informational purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
