Princeton Truck Accident Lawyers
State Trucking Accident Laws
For the most part, the laws of New Jersey with regard to truck accidents are the same as those that apply to passenger vehicle accidents. However, because trucks are heavy commercial vehicles with great potential to do damage in an accident, they're subject to many state and federal regulations that don't apply to ordinary cars. In an accident, trucks that have violated any of these requirements will likely be subject to regulatory or even criminal penalties -- along with increased liability in a New Jersey truck accident lawsuit.
Like ordinary drivers, truckers are subject to licensing, registration and emissions requirements. However, all of these laws that apply to large trucks are much stricter than those applied to cars and smaller trucks. For example, holders of New Jersey commercial driver's licenses are subject to a legal blood-alcohol content limit of 0.04% -- half of the normal BAC limit -- while driving commercial trucks. The weight, emissions and safety equipment on trucks are all subject to regular inspections. In addition, truckers are also subject to state or federal:
- Physical fitness requirements
- Limitations on how long they may drive without sleeping
- Requirements that certain information be visible on the truck
- Limitations on which roads and highways they may use
- Special state and federal regulations on transporting hazardous materials
- Size and weight limitations
- Much higher minimum requirements for liability insurance
In New Jersey, any accident involving a death, an injury or more than $500 worth of damage must be reported to the Motor Vehicle Commission. Because of trucks' size and weight, this means almost every trucking accident in New Jersey should be reported. Any violations of the strict regulations that apply to truckers should be included in this accident report.
Insurance is another area where truck accidents are much more complicated than ordinary New Jersey auto accidents. Both independent truckers and their trucking companies are required to carry liability insurance, and they may carry several different types. Because trucking accidents are most likely to be multi-vehicle accidents, there are likely to be several noncommercial drivers involved as well, each with his or her own insurance company. Even if it's clear who caused the accident, it may take some time to decide who is legally liable for the damage the accident caused.
Adding to this confusion is the sad fact that accidents are just a part of doing business for trucking companies. They're much more experienced with handling accidents than the average noncommercial driver, and they understand how much money they can lose if they're legally liable for an accident. Because of this, trucking companies often move very quickly right after an accident to limit their liability. When victims and family members are still in shock or hospitalized, representatives may ask them to accept small payments, sign papers or give recorded statements. If this happens to you, you should politely decline to speak with the insurer, because you may be giving away your right to sue the trucking company for the full value of your case.
Instead, you should call Lependorf & Silverstein as soon as practical for help protecting your rights. We are an experienced, aggressive Princeton-based law firm with extensive experience in New Jersey accident lawsuits. Our goal is to get our clients the best possible financial compensation for the wrongful deaths and serious injuries a trucking accident can cause. That's money that can compensate you for pain and suffering, ongoing medical bills, the cost of a repair or replacement vehicle, funeral costs and the costs of therapy and other care for a permanently disabled victim. And we offer free initial consultations, so there's no risk in calling our Princeton truck accident lawyers for an assessment of your case.
If you or someone you love was seriously hurt in a New Jersey truck accident, contact Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free consultation.