Holding Trucking Companies Accountable For Fatal Burlington Accidents
While truck drivers typically walk away from accidents, the same is not true for those in the other vehicle. Tractor-trailers cause a disproportionate share of fatal accidents in New Jersey.
At Smith Magram Michaud Colonna, P.C., in Burlington, our lawyers handle cases of wrongful death in truck accidents. We hold truck drivers and trucking companies accountable when their negligence results in a devastating loss for others. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
Protecting The Interests Of Family Members
In the aftermath of a truck accident, it is important to act swiftly to collect and preserve evidence such as the driver logbook, truck maintenance records, drug test records and the truck’s GPS system if equipped. Without prompt action, evidence that you need to prove liability for the accident could literally drive away.
Driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents resulting in fatalities. In many cases, the driver has pushed himself or herself to stay on the road without taking rest breaks as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Other causes include unqualified or unsafe drivers, negligent maintenance and carrying too much weight. Our lawyers will investigate the driver and the trucking company to determine if their negligence was factor in your loved one’s death.
Trucking companies carry large insurance policies to pay for the losses they cause in accidents. However, insurance companies do not pay large damage claims willingly, even when the truck driver was clearly at fault. It usually takes the help of an experienced attorney to hold the insurance company accountable.
While no amount of compensation can make up for what your family has lost, it can provide financial security for your family in the years ahead. It can also provide an economic motivation for trucking companies to drive safely.
Common Questions About Tractor-Trailer Collisions
Accidents involving large trucks are often complicated, and these complexities can be particularly difficult for families already grieving the loss of a loved one. At Smith Magram Michaud Colonna, P.C., we use our experience to help New Jersey families make informed decisions and to answer their questions at every stage of the legal process.
What regulations do semi-truck drivers have to follow?
In addition to following the same rules of the road as other drivers, truck drivers and carrier companies must follow a number of federal trucking regulations. For example, the law requires drivers to take regular rest breaks. They cannot drive more than 11 hours when on duty, and they cannot drive more than 60 hours in a seven-day span.
Drivers and carrier companies also have a responsibility to ensure that their vehicles are safe to drive. Drivers cannot continue their trip if they become aware of a maintenance issue that is likely to cause an accident except to take their vehicle in for service. Trucks must be regularly inspected and maintained.
How are damages determined in a personal injury claim for a tractor-trailer accident?
The death of a loved one impacts many aspects of a family’s daily life, and loved ones may receive compensation for these losses. The damages families may recover include:
- Medical expenses related to the fatal accident
- Funeral and burial costs
- The loss of future financial support
- The loss of nonmonetary contributions to the household
- The loss of companionship for the spouse or child of the person who passed away
Every claim is different, and an attorney can help you determine how much support a claim could offer your family.
How common are semi accidents?
Accidents involving large trucks are more common than people may believe. There are hundreds of thousands of trucking accidents across the United States each year, and thousands of people lose their lives annually.
Do I need a lawyer after a fatal trucking accident?
Calling an attorney in the aftermath of a fatal truck accident can be a key step toward seeking justice for your loved one. Semi-truck accidents are often more complex than other vehicle claims and can involve many different people and companies. An experienced lawyer can help families understand their legal options, navigate these challenges and pursue the compensation they deserve.
Surviving loved ones should also know that time matters after a tractor-trailer collision. An attorney can take steps to preserve evidence as they build your claim, and they can help you understand the statute of limitations for your case.
For More Information About Wrongful Death In Truck Accidents
Call our Burlington fatal truck accident lawyers at 609-589-0649 or complete our contact form for a free initial consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to you and no attorney fees unless we secure a settlement or verdict.