Truck accidents are among the most catastrophic events on the road, often resulting in significant injuries and damages. At Galarza & Etwaroo, our dedicated legal team specializes in representing victims of truck accidents, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

How Truck Accidents Differ From Car Accidents

Truck accidents are markedly different from car accidents in several key aspects, which significantly impact the approach to legal claims and compensation. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone involved in a truck accident.

Severity of Injuries and Damages

Due to their massive size and weight, trucks can cause far more severe injuries and damages compared to typical car accidents. Victims of truck accidents often face long-term recovery challenges, including catastrophic injuries that can alter their lives permanently.

Complexity of Liability

Truck accidents often involve multiple parties that could be held liable, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and vehicle or parts manufacturers. This complexity requires a thorough investigation to accurately identify all potentially liable parties and understand their role in the incident.

Regulatory Environment

The trucking industry is governed by a complex set of federal and state regulations that dictate everything from driving hours to maintenance and cargo loading standards. Violations of these regulations can be critical in establishing negligence in truck accident cases.

Insurance and Compensation Issues

Trucking companies typically carry insurance policies with much higher limits than those for personal vehicles. While this can mean potentially higher compensation for victims, it also means navigating a more challenging and aggressive defense from insurance carriers determined to minimize payouts.

Accident Reconstruction and Evidence

Effectively proving fault in truck accidents often requires sophisticated accident reconstruction techniques and the preservation of evidence unique to commercial trucking, such as logbooks, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and cargo records. Immediate and strategic action is necessary to secure this evidence before it is lost or destroyed.

Possible Compensation in a Truck Accident Claim

Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to a wide range of compensation to cover both economic and non-economic damages, including:

Medical Expenses

Coverage for current and future medical treatment related to the accident injuries.

Lost Wages

Compensation for lost income and diminished earning capacity due to the injuries sustained.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.

Property Damage

Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident.

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

Understanding the full scope of possible compensation is crucial in ensuring that truck accident victims are fully supported in their recovery.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, often involving negligence by one or more parties. Common causes include:

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers working long hours without adequate rest can make critical errors on the road.

Equipment Failure

Poorly maintained trucks or defective parts can lead to catastrophic failures.

Improper Loading

Unsecured or imbalanced loads can cause trucks to overturn or lose cargo.

Distracted Driving

Like all motorists, truck drivers can be distracted by mobile devices or other in-cab activities.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

The pressure to meet delivery deadlines can lead truck drivers to take dangerous risks.

Identifying the cause of a truck accident is essential for establishing liability and pursuing compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Truck Accidents?

Liability in truck accidents can be complex, with multiple parties potentially at fault. Responsible parties may include:

The Truck Driver

For negligent behavior leading to the accident.

The Trucking Company

For failure to maintain vehicles, improper loading, or violating safety regulations.

Manufacturers

For producing defective truck parts or equipment.

Government Entities

For failing to maintain safe road conditions.

Determining all liable parties is a critical step in securing comprehensive compensation for truck accident victims.

Why Hire Us for Your Truck Accident Claim?

Our firm brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success in handling truck accident claims. With Galarza & Etwaroo, you benefit from:

• Expert Legal Knowledge: Our deep understanding of the complexities involved in truck accident claims ensures that no detail is overlooked.
• Personalized Attention: We prioritize your needs and goals, offering tailored legal strategies and compassionate support throughout your case.
• Aggressive Advocacy: Our team is committed to holding all responsible parties accountable, and maximizing your compensation through negotiation or litigation.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in New Jersey, don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact Galarza & Etwaroo today for a consultation, and let us help you navigate the path to recovery and justice.