Underride Accidents in New Jersey
Commercial truck accidents are often major disasters. Unfortunately, hundreds of 18-wheeler accidents occur in New Jersey every year. One particularly serious type of truck accident is an underride accident. If you get involved in this type of crash in New Jersey, discuss your legal rights with an experienced truck accident lawyer in New Jersey. You may be entitled to compensation.
What Is an Underride Accident?
An underride accident is a type of crash that can occur when there is a size disparity between the two vehicles involved, such as a car and a commercial truck. It is a crash where the smaller car gets wedged or trapped beneath the truck or trailer.
Underride accidents often occur in rear-end collisions, when a truck stops suddenly or the driver following does not see the truck. An underride accident can also describe a car crashing into or sliding underneath the side of a truck or trailer, such as when a truck is making a turn.
What Causes Truck Underride Accidents in New Jersey?
Underride accidents in New Jersey can result in severe or catastrophic injuries. A small car sliding beneath a truck could shear off the top of the automobile and inflict severe to fatal head or brain injuries on occupants. These accidents also pose a risk of spinal cord injuries, severe facial trauma and limb amputations.
Truck underride accidents are generally preventable. They can occur in the following ways:
- A truck making a wide turn
- A truck making an unsafe lane change or merge
- A truck failing to have the proper lights and reflectors
- A lack of required rear-end protection on a trailer
- A truck driver abruptly slamming on the brakes
- A trucker failing to use hazard signs when pulled over on the side of the road
- A motor vehicle driver following behind a truck too closely
- An inattentive driver or texting while driving
- A vehicle involved in a chain reaction crash getting pushed beneath a truck
- Poor visibility, such as at night or in bad weather
These truck accidents can often be prevented with proper truck maintenance and underride protection equipment, enhanced lighting and reflectors, and awareness by both drivers. Negligence, or the failure to exercise proper care, is behind most underride accidents in New Jersey.
Who Pays for an Underride Accident in New Jersey
Determining liability, or financial responsibility, can be difficult in an underride accident case in New Jersey. New Jersey’s no-fault law requires those involved in an accident to file claims with their own insurance providers for medical coverage, regardless of fault. However, there are exceptions for serious accidents and if the driver has a “Standard” policy, which includes liability insurance.
If you have the right to sue someone else for your underride accident, you or your attorney must prove that party is at fault. A personal injury lawyer in New Jersey can investigate the truck accident to determine fault and gather evidence to prove your claim, such as a police report, trucking company records and the truck’s black box. A law firm will have the resources and knowledge to build a case against a trucking company for an underride crash on your behalf
For personalized advice about an underride accident that recently took place in New Jersey, contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C. to request a free consultation.