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What Damages Can Be Sought Following a Truck Accident?
In New Jersey and elsewhere, it is common to hear of auto accidents involving commercial vehicles. When a truck accident happens, those who have been injured or lost loved ones are left dealing with a number of losses — some of which may be absolutely devastating. Thankfully, according to state laws, those who have experienced damages in such incidents may be able to seek compensation.
Trucking companies are highly regulated at both the state and federal levels. The Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have set strict guidelines to which companies and their employees are to adhere. If a truck accident occurs, the driver and his or her employee will be investigated in order to see if any regulation violations contributed to the incident. Common violations include:
- Issues with a driver’s license
- Drivers failing to abide by hours of service guidelines
- Trucks carrying too much weight
- Cargo not being secured properly
- Truck maintenance issues
- Improper storage and transportation of hazardous waste
If negligence on the part of a truck driver or his or her employer is suspected in contributing to a trucking accident, the victim or — in the event of fatality — his or her surviving family members may pursue claims for damages in civil court. Those damages that may be recovered include medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and loss of consortium — among numerous others. As every case is different, one’s legal counsel will work to seek compensation for the losses specific to one’s individual circumstances.
The damages associated with a truck accident are rarely minor. Those in New Jersey who have suffered injuries or lost loved ones in such incidents do not have to shoulder their losses alone. An experienced attorney can help them recoup any monetary losses experienced and seek compensation for any non-economic damages sustained as well.
Source: FindLaw, “Truck Accident Law: What You Need to Know“, Accessed on Dec. 16, 2016