Many of the worst automobile accidents on the road involve semitrailer trucks. At the law offices of Ginsberg & O’Connor, we have seen these accidents firsthand and understand the serious challenges facing catastrophic injury victims.
Our Mount Laurel truck accident lawyers have more than 30 years of experience helping New Jersey personal injury victims get the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and disabilities. They understand all the legal ramifications of motor vehicle accident cases. Let them help you today.
The Dangers of Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers are easily the largest vehicles on the road, which is why truck drivers are held to such a high standard. They need a special license and thorough training. They are also supposed to follow hours-of-service rules and regulations to prevent them from operating such large vehicles when it may be unsafe to do so.
As seen in many tragic cases, truck driver fatigue can cause serious accidents that may result in severe injuries, disabilities, and even death to other motorists. Our attorneys understand how emotional you may be after you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident.
Where Are Truck Blind Spots?
Large commercial trucks have extensive blind spots that make it difficult for the operator to see surrounding vehicles. Known as “blind zones” or “no zones,” they surround the truck on all four sides and vary in size depending on the truck’s dimensions and configuration.
Knowing where these blind spots are (and how to avoid them) can help you stay safer from trucking accidents on New Jersey roads and highways.
Key blind spot locations include:
- Front of the truck: Drivers should stay at least 20 feet ahead of a commercial truck to remain visible.
- Rear of the truck: Vehicles following a large truck should maintain a minimum distance of 30 feet to ensure they are clearly visible.
- Left side of the truck: The blind spot here extends across one lane on the driver’s side, making it crucial to avoid lingering in this area.
- Right side of the truck: Considered the largest and most dangerous blind zone, this area spans two lanes on the passenger side.
These blind spots are called no zones because they are areas where truck drivers cannot see other vehicles, even with mirrors. If you cannot see the truck’s mirrors, its driver likely cannot see you. Staying out of these zones is critical for your safety.
In addition to blind spots, trucks require significantly more space to turn. A typical commercial truck has a turning radius of approximately 55 feet. This means trucks often swing wide or start turns from the middle lane to complete a maneuver.
At intersections, cars should never attempt to squeeze beside a turning truck or cut across its path. Doing so can result in devastating underride accidents or side-impact collisions.
Remember these simple steps to improve safety around large trucks:
- Avoid driving in blind spots whenever possible
- Give trucks extra room to turn at intersections
- Do not cut in front of trucks abruptly
- Stay alert and anticipate wide turns and long stopping distances
Respecting the blind spots and turning limitations of a commercial truck can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing a serious accident. However, if negligence rather than unavoidable conditions caused the collision, speak with a New Jersey truck accident attorney to explore your legal options.
What We Do and Common Questions We Receive
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a truck accident, then you want an attorney on your side who can conduct a thorough investigation to protect your rights. At Ginsberg and O’Connor, our injury lawyers will obtain the trucking company’s driving logs and research the drivers’ backgrounds, including their traffic records. They have extensive experience helping victims of truck accidents get fair compensation for their injuries. Below are a few questions our team regularly receives; reach out to us if you have others.
What causes truck accidents?
There are many factors that can come into play in these accidents, including:
- Speeding
- Driver inattention
- Intoxicated driving involving alcohol and drugs
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted drivers
- Defective products on vehicles
- Unsecured loads
Our lawyers are skilled at reviewing the evidence to pinpoint the causes of the crash and the parties who may be liable.
What should I do after a truck accident?
After your truck accident in Burlington County or Camden County, make sure you get proper medical attention as soon as possible. In addition to taking care of your health, it is important to document your injuries for your case. Our attorneys work with medical experts across New Jersey to ensure you have access to the care you need.
Who is liable for truck accidents?
Both truck drivers and truck companies can be held liable for accidents. For example, suppose a truck driver was too tired to operate their vehicle safely but still chose to drive. In that case, the driver and the company can be named in a lawsuit to recover damages for your injuries and pain and suffering.
Other parties, such as shipping companies, dispatchers, and even vehicle manufacturers, may also be at fault. These cases are often extremely complex because multiple parties are involved. Our lawyers know how to handle these cases and can ensure your best interests are protected at all times.
What kinds of compensation can I get for a truck accident?
You may be entitled to significant damages for a truck accident, including compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages for missed work due to the accident
- Property damage
- Permanent impairments, including scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
In fatal truck accident cases, surviving loved ones can pursue additional compensation for things like the loss of their loved one’s financial support and companionship.
How does a lawyer prove fault in a truck accident case?
Your attorney will first need to identify who was at fault and gather strong evidence, such as:
- Black box records and other electronic data from the truck
- Witness testimonies
- Police reports
- Accident reconstruction evidence from the appropriate experts
- Trucking dispatcher records
Our lawyers know how to uncover all the evidence that can help prove a strong claim for compensation in a truck accident case.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been in an accident with a semi truck, you deserve skilled legal help. Let us handle your legal concerns so you can focus on your recovery. We handle all truck accident claims on a contingency basis, so there is no risk to you. Call our Cherry Hill Township office at 856-727-1991 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys.