Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney in Woodbridge

Representation in Woodbridge Auto Collisions

Have you been involved in an accident caused by a commercial vehicle? If you suspect or know for certain that a negligent driver or improper vehicle maintenance may have been involved, you should have high-caliber representation on your side.

Any commercial vehicle accident resulting in serious injury or fatality should be evaluated by an experienced Woodbridge personal injury lawyer from Palmisano & Goodman, P.A. as soon as possible. Business entities that are responsible for the operation of commercial vehicles are likely to employ aggressive defense attorneys to deny legitimate claims.

Commercial Vehicle Accident Cases We Handle

We fight for the rights of people who have suffered injuries or lost loved ones in accidents involving commercial vehicles, including:

• Commercial trucks
• Aggregate haulers
• Taxis and limousines
• School buses
• Commercial trailers
• Farm trucks
• Tow trucks
• Garbage trucks
• Construction vehicles
• Pickup trucks used for business

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Commercial vehicle accidents can result from various factors, some of which are unique to the operation of large trucks, buses, delivery vans, and other commercial vehicles. Here are some common causes:

• Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, impairing reaction times and decision-making abilities. Regulations limit driving hours for commercial drivers, but violations still occur.
• Distracted Driving: Just like with regular vehicles, distractions such as cell phones, eating, adjusting radio, or navigation systems can divert a commercial driver's attention from the road, leading to accidents.
• Improper Training: Inadequate training on handling large vehicles, navigating through traffic, and adhering to safety protocols can contribute to accidents. Proper training ensures drivers are equipped to handle the challenges of operating commercial vehicles safely.
• Speeding: Commercial drivers may feel pressured to meet tight delivery schedules, leading to speeding, which reduces their ability to react to unexpected situations and increases the severity of accidents.
• Vehicle Maintenance Issues: Failure to maintain commercial vehicles properly can lead to equipment malfunctions like brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering problems, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Commercial vehicles are particularly susceptible to adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, ice, and high winds, which can affect handling and braking, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Unsafe Loading Practices: Improperly loaded cargo can cause commercial vehicles to become unstable, leading to rollovers or spills, especially during sudden maneuvers or braking.
• Drug or Alcohol Use: Substance abuse by commercial drivers impairs judgment and coordination, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, sudden lane changes, or ignoring traffic signals increase the likelihood of accidents involving commercial vehicles.
• Inadequate Visibility: Blind spots in large commercial vehicles can make it challenging for drivers to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists, leading to collisions during lane changes or turns.
• Traffic Violations: Ignoring traffic laws, such as running red lights, failing to yield, or illegal passing, can lead to accidents involving commercial vehicles.
• Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, or debris on the road can pose hazards to commercial vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Mechanical Failures: Despite regular maintenance, mechanical failures can still occur due to manufacturing defects or wear and tear, leading to accidents on the road.

Who is Liable for a Commercial Vehicle Accident?

In the event of a commercial vehicle accident, liability can extend to various parties depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Here are some of the parties that might be held liable:

• Driver: The driver of the commercial vehicle could be held liable if their actions, such as negligence, recklessness, or violation of traffic laws, contributed to the accident. This includes cases where the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, distracted while driving, or fatigued.
• Employer/Company: The company that owns the commercial vehicle and employs the driver could be held liable under the legal principle of vicarious liability. This means that the employer can be held responsible for the actions of their employees while they are performing their job duties. Additionally, if the employer failed to properly train or supervise the driver, or if they knowingly allowed an unqualified or unsafe driver to operate the vehicle, they could be held directly liable.
• Vehicle Owner: If the commercial vehicle is owned by a separate entity from the employer or if it's leased, the owner of the vehicle might also bear liability for the accident, especially if there were maintenance issues or defects with the vehicle that contributed to the crash.
• Manufacturers: If the accident was caused by a defect in the vehicle or one of its components, such as faulty brakes or tires, the manufacturer of the vehicle or the defective part could be held liable under product liability laws.
• Government Entities: In some cases, if the accident was caused by hazardous road conditions, inadequate signage, or other factors related to the maintenance or design of the roadway, government entities responsible for road maintenance or design could be held liable.
• Third Parties: Depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, liability could extend to other third parties such as contractors responsible for loading or securing cargo, maintenance companies, or other drivers involved in the accident.

Determining liability in a commercial vehicle accident can be complex and may require a thorough investigation by legal and insurance professionals to identify all responsible parties and assess their respective degrees of fault. It's important to consult with an experienced attorney if you're involved in or affected by such an accident.

Recovering Fair Compensation in Woodbridge, NJ

After a commercial vehicle versus auto accident, the law firm representing any injured occupant of the private vehicle is a critical piece of the recovery process. 

Our firm is here to help whether you have suffered minor injuries like broken bones or serious injuries like a:

• Head injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Or amputation

Hiring qualified legal representation is the most effective way to ensure you get the compensation and medical care you need.

What Compensation Is Available in a Commercial Vehicle Accident Claim?

Depending on the nature of the injury, the accident victim(s) may require:

• Emergency care
• Surgery
• Rehabilitation
• Therapy
• Home care

Caring & Experienced Legal Team

Our Woodbridge auto accident law firm has abundant experience representing clients injured in commercial vehicle accidents. We have even handled many cases involving complex insurance issues. You can depend on our firm to provide you with quality legal representation and compassionate care.

Call (732) 709-4400 or contact us online now to speak directly to an experienced commercial vehicle accident lawyer in Woodbridge, NJ at Palmisano & Goodman, P.A.