Twin Trailer Accident Lawyers in New Jersey
Attorneys Representing Twin Trailer Accident Victims in Robbinsville, Titusville, West Windsor, Woodbridge, and Across New Jersey
Tractor-trailer (semi-truck) accidents can result in devastating, sometimes fatal, injuries. Their size and weight make them inherently hazardous. When a semi-truck is hauling two trailers, the risk of an accident escalates. With their higher cargo capacity and weight, twin trailers require more space on the road and when maneuvering curves or corners, posing additional challenges and risks. This has sparked much controversy regarding road safety, as some suggest they are too dangerous to be on the roads.
Have you been hurt in a Twin Trailer Truck accident in New Jersey? Our experienced personal injury lawyers at Cohen & Riechelson offer free case reviews. We fight for clients to obtain maximum compensation for twin-trailer injuries throughout Edison, Trenton, Hopewell, Lawrence, Mount Holly, Pennington, New Brunswick, Mercer County, and across New Jersey. Call (609) 528-2596 today. Our compassionate legal team can answer your questions and fight for the compensation you deserve to get back on your feet.
Why Twin Trailer Trucks Are More Prone to Fatal Crashes
All semi trucks can be dangerous when not properly handled. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, twin trailer trucks are 11% more likely to cause a fatal accident than regular semis. Because they weigh significantly more than regular semis, maneuverability and braking distance can be factored in deadly accidents. The sheer size of a twin trailer augments the mental and physical energy required. There are safeguards in the trucking industry to provide adequate rest for drivers, but not all trucking companies follow the regulations. Driver fatigue and drowsy driving are a significant factor in twin-trailer accidents.
Dangers of Twin Trailer Accidents on NJ Roads
Twin trailers are longer and heavier than standard semi-trucks, and as the law of physics indicates, an object with greater mass will have greater momentum. This means that the usual 400 meters of braking distance to come to a complete stop with a standard semi becomes 600 meters with a twin trailer. When driving in inclement weather, both distances should be greater.
Speeding and distracted driving are also dangers. A larger trailer truck has more blind spots, making safe lane changes or exiting the highway more challenging. Their massive size requires additional time and road space to move safely from one lane to another. Twin trailers are more likely to jackknife. This occurs when the trailer cab brakes, but the trailer does not slow down, causing the cab to be pushed to one side. When the connecting mechanisms between the trailer and the cab or the two trailers malfunction, this can cause a jackknife.
Additionally, faulty hook-ups or hook-up equipment can cause the trailer to become unattached, rolling out of control. Taking a turn too closely or quickly is another issue. Shredded or bald tires can also cause an accident. A twin trailer’s brakes, axles, and steering column are under more physical stress and require extra vigilance and maintenance, underlining the complexity and multiple factors contributing to twin-trailer accidents.
Life-Altering Injuries Caused by Twin-Trailer Truck Accidents in New Jersey
Unfortunately, about 3% of truck accidents result in a fatality. Trucks drive at speeds that can cause an impact compared to that of a metro train. Injuries include broken extremities, compound (exposed fractures), internal organ damage, internal hemorrhaging, deep lacerations, and burns. Crushed hands, feet, legs, or arms can require amputation. Back and neck injuries can cause paralysis and nerve problems. Crushed or broken ribs can puncture the lungs and cause them to collapse or fill with blood. Another severe injury is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), which can be a penetrating or non-penetrating injury. A severe TBI can cause a permanent loss of consciousness, slurred speech, balance issues, mental fog, and memory loss.
Safety Precautions for Twin Trailer Truck Drivers and Companies
Safety precautions and proper maintenance of a twin trailer can reduce the risk of a serious crash. Truck companies can ensure that their rigs are maintained regularly and use original parts. Checking the braking system (pads and lines), replacing burned-out lights, and identifying the cause of any leaks can go a long way in ensuring the truck is in good condition. It is also essential to check the gear used on the trailer, such as chains, locks, and ratchet straps when securing the cargo. Correct tire pressure is vital for maintaining the rig’s balance, and tire inspections are another way to stay safe.
Drivers who handle twin trailers require special training, and the trucking company is responsible for training their drivers. Knowing how to back up safely and avoid rollovers by loading the truck properly. Hooking up all joint areas and learning how to spot a faulty connection is essential. Once on the road, drivers should go at a safe speed based on the road and traffic conditions. They must be aware of all state and federal rules, including required rest times and weight limits. Twin trailers take much longer to stop than a standard semi, so drivers must be able to accurately calculate how much brake time they will need to stop.
Prioritizing Medical Care After a Twin Trailer Accident
Getting medical treatment should be a priority after an accident. A twin-trailer crash can cause severe, even life-threatening, injuries. Even if you feel fine after the accident, you should still seek medical attention, as some injuries don’t manifest themselves right away due to the adrenaline pumping through your body at the time of the accident. When you can, make a record of your version of the accident. This can be by recording yourself on your phone or writing it down. You want to be as detailed as possible while the incident is still fresh in your mind. If you can take pictures of the accident scene and get witness information, that would be helpful. Above all, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Compensation for Pain, Suffering, and Long-Term Effects of a Twin-Trailer Crash in NJ
The compensation factors taken into consideration are past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, loss of consortium, partial or permanent disability, disfigurement and scarring, pain and suffering, and emotional distress such as PTSD. In the unfortunate case of a wrongful death, the family can seek compensation for loss of future earnings, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and funeral costs.
Contact NJ Twin-Trailer Accident Lawyers at Cohen & Rielchelson to Discuss Your Case
Our attorneys at Cohen & Rielchelson understand how frightening an accident with a twin trailer can be. The first step in learning about what you can do to receive compensation for your injuries and lost wages is to speak with an experienced, knowledgeable lawyer who is prepared to ensure your rights are protected.
Our firm has extended resources that allow us to investigate the circumstances of your accident in Hamilton, West Windsor, Ewing, South Brunswick, East Windsor, Woodbridge, Princeton, Mercer County, and Middlesex County. Our experienced investigators will review the evidence to provide the strongest case possible and ensure your settlement is fair. We will negotiate with the trucking company’s insurers and be ready to go to court if necessary. You deserve to be made whole.
If you or someone you love has been a victim of a twin truck accident, now is the time to act. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for these types of cases is two years from the date of the accident. Call us today at (609) 528-2596 or contact us on our page by following this link.
