When people are injured in car accidents in New Jersey, they may be able to hold drivers accountable for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitative costs and other related expenses. This is generally done through a personal injury lawsuit, or wrongful death lawsuit in the case of a fatality, against a negligent driver. When the negligent driver was behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle, it also may be possible to hold the owner of the vehicle or the driver’s employer accountable. This is often the case in truck accidents.
A very serious truck accident took place just this morning in Teterboro, New Jersey. According to NJ.com, a FedEx tractor-trailer struck a 44-year-old pedestrian in an intersection today. The pedestrian is reportedly in critical condition, having suffered serious head injuries in the accident.
The 62-year-old driver of the tractor-trailer has not been arrested but police are continuing to investigate the accident. The driver has said that it was dark outside and there was a morning glare causing him to fail to see the pedestrian.
Accidents involving commercial trucks often involve in-depth investigations. Not only is it necessary to ensure the truck driver was properly licensed and did not violate any traffic laws, but it is also necessary to review logbooks of the driver’s history and make sure that the truck and the truck company are in compliance with all applicable regulations. Regulations violations often lead to serious truck accidents, putting pedestrians and other drivers at risk.
Truck companies and insurers will often try to settle with victims of truck accidents as soon as possible to put the accident behind them. In order to avoid being shortchanged and see that justice is done, victims are wise to seek legal counsel before agreeing to any offers. Car accident victims endure many damages, in addition to pain and suffering and possible disabilities, victims often incur steep medical expenses and lost income. It is important that they are able to obtain the appropriate amount of compensation for their losses.
Source: NJ.com, “NYC man in critical condition after being struck by tractor-trailer in Teterboro,” Dan Ivers, Jan. 18, 2013
- To learn more about recovering full compensation after a car or truck accident, please visit our New Jersey civil litigation and appeals law firm’s Personal Injury and Wrongful Death page.
