Highway Truck Accidents in New Jersey
Highway truck accidents often result in major, catastrophic injuries. Deaths are also common. This is due to two factors: 1. the relative size of trucks compared to passenger cars and SUVs, and 2. Speeds on highways which often exceed 65 or 75 mph. NJ state highways such as the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway and Interstate 295 are common areas where truck accidents occur. It’s important to note that truck accidents don’t just occur on highways. They also occur on smaller roadways, such as Route 38 in South NJ.
Truck Driver At Fault – Injuries to Other Drivers, Passengers & Pedestrians
Oftentimes, truck accidents occur due to negligence of the truck driver. This is certainly true in commercial truck accident situations such as box truck accidents, semi-truck accidents, etc. Commercial truck drivers often cause accidents due to inattention and fatigue. For instance, the driver of a big box truck dozes off at the wheel and veers into oncoming traffic in the opposite lane. The head-on collision results in the other driver’s death. This scenario is actually very common whether it’s a box truck or a large semi-truck.
More: NJ Truck Accidents Caused by Fatigue
Is the Truck Company Liable?
In cases where a truck driver causes a crash, the truck company or employer may be liable if the driver was “on the clock” at the time of the accident. In other words, if the truck driver was operating the truck in the course and scope of the employment, the employer is on the hook or may be held liable. This is known as the doctrine of vicarious liability.
An individual injured in a truck accident that occurs due to the truck driver’s negligence may be able to obtain financial compensation for medical bills/expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering (depending on the circumstances). Learn more about financial compensation claims in NJ auto accident lawsuits.
Truck Driver Not At Fault – Truck Driver Injuries
When truck accidents occur, truck drivers aren’t always at fault. For instance, a major truck accident might occur when the driver of a small car runs a red light and crashes into a truck in a busy intersection. The impact causes the truck to overturn, causing serious injuries to the truck driver. Here, the truck accident was not the truck driver’s fault, but the fault of another driver. Can the truck driver recover for his injuries and financial losses?
In most cases, truck drivers injured due to the negligence of another party may be able to make 2 types of claims. So long as the truck driver was on duty at the time of the accident, he may be able to make a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. In addition, the truck driver may be able to make a claim against the at-fault driver and receive financial compensation for financial losses (medical bills/lost wages) and pain and suffering, if the circumstances allow it.
Protect Your Legal Rights to Compensation After a Truck Accident in NJ
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