A standard passenger vehicle is no match compared to an 18-wheeler truck. This is because these trucks, if fully loaded, can weigh approximately 80,000 pounds. This is generally 20 to 30 times heavier than a passenger vehicle, so when a collision occurs, the aftermath can be devastating. Read on to discover what you should do in the unfortunate event of an 18-wheeler accident and how a seasoned Morris County, New Jersey truck accident lawyer at Macri Law Firm can assist you in filing a claim.
What types of 18-wheeler accidents occur in the state of New Jersey?
Notably, the types of 18-wheeler accidents are not typically seen with standard passenger vehicles. In fact, they have more of a chance of being fatal. They read as follows:
- Rollover or tip-over accidents: this occurs when a truck driver makes a turn too sharply, is unevenly loaded, or encounters severe weather conditions (i.e., icy roads).
- Jackknife accidents: this occurs when a truck driver brakes suddenly, which causes its trailer to drastically swing and swipe another vehicle.
- Underride accidents: this occurs when another driver rear-ends a truck and gets stuck under its trailer.
- Head-on collisions: this occurs when a truck driver is driving the wrong way on a one-way road or driving on the wrong side of the road.
- Rear-end accidents: this occurs when a truck driver crashes into the back of another vehicle.
What if I am involved in an 18-wheeler accident?
In the unfortunate event that you are made a victim of an 18-wheeler accident, then you must do everything in your power to fight for the financial compensation that you rightfully deserve and, overall, hold the negligent truck driver accountable. This can be accomplished by filing a personal injury claim. But before you file, it is best if you follow the below steps immediately after your accident occurs:
- Call 911: a law enforcement officer will arrive on the scene, dispatch an ambulance, and conduct an official police report. You should get a copy of the report afterward.
- Document the scene: capture photos and videos of your injuries, your damages, and any hazards that had a hand in your accident. You should collect photos and videos taken by witnesses afterward.
- Collect contact information: request that the truck driver share their name, phone number, commercial driver’s license number, employer’s name, etc. You should collect the information of witnesses afterward.
- Seek medical treatment: attend the ambulance on the scene, along with follow-up appointments with your physician. You should collect the medical documents that include the date, time, and type of injuries you received, along with your medical bills.
- Hire a competent Parsippany, New Jersey personal injury lawyer: you should get started on your case before New Jersey’s statute of limitations, which is generally two years from the date of your accident. Call us today.
