There are many forms of negligence that can lead to truck accidents. For example, a crash may occur because a driver was distracted behind the wheel. Further, an accident may happen because a trucking company failed to properly secure cargo on their vehicle.
Thankfully, at-fault parties may be sued for the trucking accidents they cause. There are multiple forms of damages that plaintiffs can recover. During a free case evaluation, then team at our law firm can explain which damages may be available to you.
After suffering a trucking accident in Paterson, NJ, get help from our truck accident lawyers by calling Legal Care New Jersey at (732) 838-9769.
Common Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents in Paterson, NJ
There is a wide array of injuries that can result from truck accidents. Some injuries may heal quickly while others can be life-threatening. The following are examples of common injuries caused by truck accidents in Paterson:
Spinal Cord Injuries
Truck accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, which may result in partial or complete paralysis. The forceful impact of a truck collision can cause damage to the spinal cord, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Spinal cord injuries often result from severe whiplash, compression, or direct trauma to the spine.
Plaintiffs with spinal cord injuries can incur a wide range of economic and non-economic damages. If you suffered a spinal cord injury as the result of your collision, then our truck accident attorneys will help recover payment for the many damages you incurred.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Truck accidents can also cause traumatic brain injuries. These types of injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. When the head strikes a hard surface or experiences a significant jolt during an accident, it can result in brain tissue damage, bleeding, or swelling. Traumatic brain injuries can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, mood changes, and motor function problems.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Furthermore, many truck accidents lead to soft tissue injuries. These injuries usually involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Such injuries can be highly painful and debilitating. If you suffered soft tissue injuries as a result of your truck accident, then you may recover financial compensation for the various damages you incurred.
Bone Fractures
The impact of a truck accident can cause victims to suffer bone fractures in various parts of their bodies, including their arms, legs, ribs, and pelvises. The tremendous force involved in a truck collision can cause bones to fracture when they impact the steering wheel, dashboard, or other hard surface. Fractures can range from minor fractures requiring casting to severe breaks that necessitate surgery for realignment and stabilization.
Internal Injuries
Finally, internal injuries are a common type of harm caused by truck accidents. These injuries usually occur in the form of organ damage, internal bleeding, and damage to blood vessels. The forceful impact of a crash may result in organs being compressed, crushed, or punctured. Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent, but symptoms such as abdominal pain, dizziness, or internal bleeding can arise in the hours or days following the accident.
Therefore, if you suspect that you may have sustained an internal injury because of your truck accident, then you should see a doctor as soon as possible. The team at our firm can help locate the right doctor for you.
What if You Are Partially at Fault for Your Truck Accident in Paterson, NJ?
If you share fault for your truck accident, then you can still recover financial compensation. However, the amount of damages you are awarded can be limited.
New Jersey courts abide by the rules of “modified comparative fault” when awarding damages in truck accident lawsuits. This means that payment is apportioned based on each party’s percentage of fault. As an example, if you are 20% to blame for your crash while the defendant is 80% responsible, then they will have to pay for 80% of the damages related to your accident while you must account for the leftover 20%.
It is important to note that if you are over 50% at fault for your collision, then you will be unable to recover payment in a truck accident lawsuit.
Common Locations Where Truck Accidents Happen in Paterson, NJ
There are specific locations where truck accidents happen more regularly than others. The following are examples of common locations where such accidents happen in Paterson:
Intersections
Intersections are frequent sites of truck accidents because of the convergence of different vehicles and traffic flow patterns. Truck accidents at intersections often happen when a truck driver fails to yield the right-of-way, runs a red light, or makes a wide turn, colliding with other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists.
Highways
Highways are also a common location where truck accidents happen. Truck accidents on highways often occur as a result of factors such as tailgating, improper lane changes, tired drivers, or speeding. Collisions on highways are likely to occur at high speeds and may result in catastrophic injuries.
Construction Zones
Construction zones present challenges for trucks because of narrowed lanes, changing traffic patterns, and the presence of construction equipment. Truck accidents in construction zones can happen when a truck driver fails to navigate safely through the area, colliding with other vehicles, construction workers, or stationary objects.
Rural Roads
Truck accidents can occur on rural roads, which may have narrow lanes, limited visibility, and challenging terrain. These accidents can happen when a truck driver loses control on curves, encounters wildlife on the road, or attempts to overtake slower vehicles, leading to collisions or running off the road.
Residential Areas
Truck accidents can happen in residential neighborhoods when trucks are making deliveries, conducting waste collection, or navigating narrow streets. Accidents in residential areas may occur when a truck driver fails to navigate tight spaces, ignores speed limits, or encounters pedestrians and parked vehicles.
If You Were Hurt Because of a Truck Accident in Paterson, NJ, Our Law Firm Can Help
Seek support from our experienced truck accident attorneys at Legal Care New Jersey by dialing (732) 838-9769.
