Personal Injury Blog

Runaway Trailer Accident Lawyer Morristown NJ

Runaway trailers cause serious, often deadly, accidents

The United States depends on tractor-trailers to move tremendous amounts of freight every day—therefore, we must all share the road with these massive vehicles. Tragically, thousands of individuals are seriously injured or even killed in big truck accidents every year. Many of these accidents are entirely preventable. In many truck accident cases, cargo is improperly loaded, or a trailer is not properly attached to the tractor—which is a recipe for disaster. At Leonard Legal Group, LLC, our New Jersey truck accident attorneys hold truck drivers, trucking companies, and other responsible entities accountable when these tragic accidents occur.

Truck drivers, trucking companies, and other parties have a responsibility to ensure their trucks are safe to use in transportation

Before a truck driver gets behind the wheel to deliver or retrieve cargo, the truck should be carefully examined to ensure it is safe. However, if there are issues with the cargo, how do you determine who is liable for a subsequent accident?

In some cases, the shipper is responsible for loading cargo onto a truck and securing the trailer. However, a number of other individuals may also be responsible—the individuals who were tasked with supervising or overseeing the process, for example. Failing to take simple precautions is often to blame in runaway trailer accidents.

The following, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, must be secured on trucks:

  • Doors
  • Spare Tires
  • Tarp
  • Tailgate
  • Cargo securing devices

Improperly securing these components may lead to a serious accident.

With the assistance of our skilled attorneys, responsible entities in truck accident claims are properly identified so legal action may be pursued against them. Our truck accident attorneys carefully study a number of documents, such as bills of lading, inspection reports, and driving records, to uncover the responsible parties in a claim.

What causes runaway trailer accidents?

There are a number of circumstances that lead to a runaway trailer accident, including:

  • Using safety chains improperly
  • Rusted components
  • Too much cargo
  • Speeding
  • Dangerous road conditions
  • Brake failure
  • Using the wrong size safety chains

These circumstances are avoidable. If you have been injured in an accident because of a runaway trailer, you may be entitled to compensation.

What types of damages are available in an accident claim?

Depending on the specific facts of the case, a number of damages may be available. These damages include:

  • Medical bills
  • The cost of future medical care
  • Lost wages
  • The cost of altering a home to accommodate an injury (such as installing wheelchair ramps)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium

Other types of damages may also be available. Our experienced New Jersey truck accident attorneys identify all available damages and present evidence to support claims for all damages. Without an attorney, many claimants are unaware as to how much compensation they are actually entitled to.

To learn about your legal options after a tractor-trailer accident, contact our skilled New Jersey accident lawyers

At Leonard Legal Group, our New Jersey personal injury attorneys are experienced in all types of accident claims, including tractor-trailer accident claims. We aggressively pursue all avenues of recovery to ensure you and your loved ones receive the compensation you deserve. To schedule your free consultation with our team, call (973) 984-1414 or visit us online.