Truck driving is one of the most difficult full-time jobs in the country. Truck drivers work long hours–sometimes up to 70 hours per week. Additionally, truck drivers are very often under pressure to make each and every one of their stops on time. Unsurprisingly, this leads fatigued truck drivers to take certain risks to get their job done as quickly as possible and preserve their livelihood. Unfortunately, this very often results in accidents, which, given a truck’s large size, are very often severe. If you have been injured in a truck accident, here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the most frequently-occurring types of truck accidents?
- Head-on collisions: This is generally the most fatal of all truck accidents, and for obvious reasons. If a truck driver was driving on the wrong side of the road and you were injured as a result, you will most likely qualify for financial compensation.
- Blindspot accidents: Trucks generally have more blind spots than any other vehicle on the road, which is why truck drivers sometimes do not see other cars when they go to change lanes. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe injuries.
- Rollover accidents: These generally occur when a truck is making a turn at too quick a speed, causing the truck to roll over on its side.
- Rear-end crashes: Trucks require a great deal of preemptive braking. Given their massive size, a truck driver must have excellent driving judgment, as he or she will have to plan for otherwise split-second judgment calls.
- Wide-turn accidents: Wide-turn accidents generally happen when a truck driver swings left to make a right turn, colliding with cars around it, especially to its right.
- Jackknife collisions: This is when the trailer is swinging independently of the cab, as both sections of the tractor-trailer move in opposite directions.
How do I know if I am entitled to financial compensation?
If you were injured due to another party’s negligence, you will most likely qualify for compensation. However, you must first satisfy the burden of proof. To do so, you may wish to recover security camera footage documenting your accident as it happened, Additionally, you may receive medical documentation depicting the extent of your injuries. Lastly, you should never hesitate to ask any witnesses for their name and phone number so they can help verify your case in court, if need be.
Contact our New Jersey firm
If you or someone you know was involved in a personal injury truck accident and wishes to speak with an attorney, contact the Law Office of Christopher T. Howell, Esq.today. The injuries you’ve sustained are most likely severe, so do yourself a favor and do not wait.
