Personal Injury Blog

Accident from Truck Driver Errors

Helping accident victims recover full and fair compensation for injuries after a truck accident

New Jersey is known for its busy and often dangerous roadways. Accidents involving large trucks, tractor-trailers and semi-trucks are particularly hazardous and cause thousands of serious injuries each year. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in 2015 alone there were more than 4,000 fatal crashes involving large trucks (trucks with a vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds). Unfortunately, preventable truck driver errors are often attributed to many of these accidents. At the Leonard Legal Group, our experienced New Jersey truck accident attorneys help accident victims hold responsible parties accountable. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident caused by a truck driver, you need a staunch advocate on your side to protect your best interests and your financial future.

There are a myriad of truck driver errors that often have devastating consequences

By their very nature, large trucks are heavy-duty pieces of machinery that require significant skill and focus to safely operate. When truck drivers fail to properly concentrate on driving, tragic accidents happen in an instant. The FMCSA reports 33% of fatal large truck accidents are related to a truck driver-related error. The causes of such negligence are widely varied. The most common driver-related errors include:

  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol
  • Falling asleep at the wheel
  • Texting or talking on the phone
  • Failure to yield
  • Improper lane changes
  • Taking sharp turns too fast
  • Following vehicles too closely

Regardless of the error that causes an accident, negligent drivers must be held accountable for their actions. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be able to recover substantial compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Truck drivers are required to obtain additional training and are subject to enhanced restrictions

Commercial truck drivers are required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License prior to operating a truck. This licensing requirement requires additional skills testing through a written examination and road test. Additionally, truck drivers are required to adhere to specific regulations that dictate what type of and how much cargo they are allowed to transport. Truck drivers are also require to accurately log their driving hours and follow strict limits on how long they can drive without taking an extended break. Failing to follow these regulations leads to hefty fines and disciplinary action while also increasing the likelihood of driving errors that can cause serious accidents.

Turn to leading Morristown New Jersey truck accident attorneys for reliable legal advice and staunch representation

Unfortunately, Truck accidents are a common experience and accidents caused by negligent errors are even more disturbing. At the Leonard Legal Group, our dedicated Morristown, New Jersey truck accident attorneys understand the stress you and your loved ones experience after a serious accident. We work hard to help you recover rightful compensation and move on with your life in the best possible position. To schedule a free initial consultation, call our 24-hour call center at 973-984-1414 or contact us online.