Trucking and Bus Accident Attorneys Strategic Representation After Serious Commercial Vehicle Crashes

Trucking Accident Claims

Understanding New Jersey Trucking Accident Cases

Trucking accident claims may involve tractor-trailers, delivery vehicles, box trucks, tankers and other commercial freight vehicles. These cases can require investigation beyond the conduct of the driver at the scene.

The motor carrier, vehicle owner, freight company, maintenance contractor, cargo-loading business or another organization may have responsibilities that affected the collision.

ASK Law Firm examines the commercial relationships, driver records, vehicle condition, cargo, dispatch information and available electronic evidence when evaluating a potential trucking accident claim.

Trucking Evidence That May Require Review

• Driver qualification and employment records, including training, licensing and prior safety issues.
• Hours-of-service and electronic log information that may help evaluate driving time, rest periods and possible fatigue.
• Electronic control module or onboard data, including speed, braking and other vehicle information when available.
• Dispatch and communication records between the driver, carrier and other commercial parties.
• Inspection, repair and maintenance records for brakes, tires, lights and other vehicle systems.
• Cargo and loading information, including weight, securement and whether shifting cargo contributed to the crash.
• Company safety policies and supervision, including hiring, training, scheduling and compliance practices.

Important Claim Information

What Injured Drivers, Passengers and Families Should Know

A truck or bus accident claim should not be evaluated in the same way as an ordinary passenger-vehicle collision. Large commercial vehicles may involve multiple companies, insurance policies, regulatory duties and records that are not immediately available to the injured person.

The driver may not be the only responsible party.

Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may extend to a motor carrier, transportation company, vehicle owner, employer, maintenance contractor, cargo-loading company, manufacturer, school, municipality or public transit entity.

Factors that may affect a trucking accident claim include:

• Driver fatigue and hours of service, including electronic logs, driving time and required rest periods.
• Driver qualification and training, including licensing, employment history and safety records.
• Vehicle maintenance and inspection, including brakes, tires, lights and other safety systems.
• Cargo loading and securement, including excessive weight, improper balance or shifting cargo.
• Carrier policies and supervision, including scheduling, dispatch, hiring and compliance practices.
• Electronic and onboard evidence, including event data, cameras, GPS information and communication records.

Factors that may affect a bus accident claim include:

• The type of bus, including public transit, school, charter, shuttle or private passenger transportation.
• The operator and vehicle owner, which may be different entities with separate legal duties.
• Passenger safety practices, including boarding, seating, sudden stops and vehicle operation.
• Vehicle condition, including steps, doors, handrails, seating, brakes and maintenance.
• Public-entity involvement, which may trigger special notice procedures and shorter deadlines.
• Multiple injured passengers, which can create complex insurance and coverage issues.

Public bus and government claims require immediate attention.

A claim involving a municipality, school district, public authority or government-operated bus may require formal notice much earlier than the ordinary deadline for filing a personal-injury lawsuit. Waiting can jeopardize otherwise valid legal rights.

Do not rush into a final settlement.

Serious truck and bus accident injuries may require surgery, rehabilitation, future treatment or extended time away from work. An early settlement may not account for permanent limitations, future medical care or reduced earning ability.

Keep important evidence and records together.

• Police and crash investigation reports
• Photographs and videos of the scene and vehicles
• Commercial vehicle numbers and company information
• Passenger tickets, receipts or route information
• Witness names and contact details
• Medical bills and treatment records
• Employment and wage-loss documentation
• Insurance letters, emails and settlement offers

A legal consultation allows the vehicle, commercial parties, public entities, evidence, insurance coverage, injuries and financial losses to be reviewed together before important decisions are made.