Three Things You Need To Know About Truck Accident Claims

As a New Jersey resident, chances are you’re no stranger to driving around commercial trucks. We frequently encounter these massive vehicles on our commute to work, while running errands and any other time we take a drive on one of our state’s many highways. While New Jersey drivers are accustomed to driving beside these large vehicles, they aren’t familiar with what their options are if they’re involved in an accident with one of them. Continue reading for the top three things you need to know about truck accident claims in New Jersey.

Trucking Companies Are Regulated

Trucking companies are regulated on both a state and federal level. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is responsible for regulating and providing safety oversight for their drivers. Under this regulation:

Drivers must take an off-duty 30-minute break after driving for 8 consecutive hours
Drivers can “restart” their 60-70 hour work weeks by taking off at least 34 consecutive hours
Drivers must take at least 10 consecutive hours off after working for 11 consecutive hours.

In addition to this, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration subjects all drivers to routine workplace alcohol and drug testing. Furthermore, drivers are not permitted to text while they drive and must use an electronic logging device to help keep track of their hours.

Your Insurance Only Covers So Much

New Jersey is a “no fault” auto insurance state which means everyone is required to have personal injury protection insurance. Your policy will pay out for your medical costs up to your policy’s limits. Depending on your policy, you may be compensated for other costs such as loss of wages. Unfortunately, because of the severity of a truck accident, medical expenses can cost much more than what your policy is able to cover. Because of this, you may be able to sue for additional compensation that includes economic loss and even for pain, suffering, and other non-economic losses.

Insurance companies have been known to spy on your social media accounts, looking for reasons to either reduce or flat out deny your claim. You don’t know who’s watching and while you can be careful with what you say and post, it’s highly recommended that you don’t post anything about your accident until your case has been resolved. Posting photos or even posting updates about your recovery can be used against you. Even mundane, unrelated things can be interpreted as you being fine, when you’re actually not. You’re better off updating friends and family in private rather than posting for everyone, including insurance companies, to see.

Can a Lawyer Help Me?

Being in a truck accident can be a devastating experience that can leave you with a mountain of costs. While your insurance may help, you may still need assistance in getting the compensation you deserve. When you hire a personal injury lawyer, not only will you get help with navigating the ins and outs of a claim such as this, but they can help you with getting the compensation you deserve in your time of need.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Near You to Discuss Your Truck Accident Case in New Jersey

Were you or a loved one injured due to a truck accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Drazin and Warshaw, P.C. represent clients injured because of truck accidents in Lowell, Edison, Woodbridge, Somerville, Old Bridge and throughout Middlesex County, New Jersey. Call (732) 576-8860 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3315 Route 35, Hazlet, NJ 07730 as well as offices in Red Bank and Brick.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.