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Trucking accident fatalities and injuries have steadily increased over the last ten years, despite the numerous advancements in safety and technology. To combat this rise in trucking crashes, the FMCSA has increased trucking safety regulations, but it hasn’t seemed to help. This is due, in some part, to truck drivers and trucking companies breaking those rules and regulations in an attempt to increase profits.
Parties that May Be Liable for a Truck Crash
If you are injured in a trucking accident in New Jersey, it is important to know that there may be multiple parties to blame for your accident and your injuries. The aftermath of a trucking accident is often confusing, with multiple parties all pointing fingers and assigning blame. They may even try to pin some of the blame for the accident back on you.
When this occurs, you need an experienced and skilled NJ trucking accident lawyer on your side to help you through this difficult time. Your lawyer will be able to investigate all aspects of the accident to determine who is truly to blame for your crash. In some cases, multiple parties may share liability for the accident and your injuries, including:
- Truck driver – truck drivers are often to blame after a serious truck crash. It is possible that the driver was breaking FMCSA rules and regulations by driving longer hours or that they were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In some cases, truck drivers exhibit reckless or irresponsible behavior behind the wheel, and this can cause serious injury to those around them.
- Truck maintenance company – if a truck was improperly maintained or if the maintenance company cut corners when maintaining and servicing their commercial vehicles, they can be liable for the accident. For example, trucking maintenance companies may fail to change worn brakes or tires in an attempt to save money. This can have deadly consequences.
- Trucking company – the trucking company has a responsibility to ensure that their drivers are adequately trained and are obeying all rules and regulations. If they fail to do this, they can be held accountable for their actions.
- Shipping or loading company – when errors occur during the shipping or loading of goods onto the truck, this can cause serious accidents. Improperly loaded or secured freight can shift around while trucks are in motion, which causes trucks to lose their balance. This can result in trucks jackknifing on the freeway and inhibits a trucker’s ability to stop the truck in time.
- Truck manufacturer – in some cases, the truck or a truck part may have been manufactured defectively. If a truck defect is found, you may be able to hold the manufacturer accountable for the accident and the damages that you suffered.
Have You Been Injured in a New Jersey Truck Accident?
If you or someone you love has been injured in a trucking accident, there may be multiple parties to blame for your accident and your injuries.
To learn more about your legal rights, call the Vineland, New Jersey trucking accident attorneys at Rosner Law Offices, P.C. today for a free initial consultation and review of your potential case. Contact us at (856) 502-1655 or fill out our confidential contact form. Our office is conveniently located in Vineland, New Jersey, and we are ready to help you through this difficult time. Call today!