Trucking accidents are a serious problem in the United States. Every year, there are thousands of trucking accidents on our nation’s roads, and these accidents often result in serious injuries or death. According to the Institute for Safer Trucking, trucking accident fatalities increased 50% between 2010 and 2019 in New Jersey alone.

Trucks are large and heavy, and they can cause a great deal of damage when they crash. Truck drivers are often under pressure to deliver their cargo on time, which can lead to dangerous driving habits. And many trucks are not well-maintained, which can lead to mechanical problems on the road.

If you or someone you know has ever been a victim of a trucking accident, you know how serious they can be. Our Camden truck accident lawyers are here to help. We have represented many trucking accident victims, and we know how to get you the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

A truck accident is a very serious matter. If you or a loved one have been involved in such an accident, it is crucial that you know what steps to take next in order to ensure your safety and protect your rights. Here is a rundown of what to do after a truck accident:

1. Seek medical attention immediately

Even if you think you are uninjured, it’s important to be seen by a medical professional.

Often, injuries sustained in accidents are not immediately apparent. Getting checked out by a doctor will ensure that you do not have any hidden injuries that could become more serious later on.

2. Gather information from the scene of the accident

This includes taking photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, getting the contact information of all drivers and witnesses, and acquiring a copy of the police report (if one was filed). This evidence will be crucial later on if you decide to file a personal injury claim.

3. Contact your insurance company or employer as soon as possible to file a claim.

Depending on if you were on the job during your truck accident and whether or not you own the tractor and/or trailer, you’ll need to contact your insurance company to file a claim.

Be sure not to give them any recorded statements until you have consulted with an attorney, as anything you say could be used against you later on.

4. Contact a truck accident lawyer

Last but not least, contact a Camden trucking accident lawyer who can help you navigate this situation and protect your rights every step of the way. An experienced attorney will know how to deal with insurance companies and seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

Trucking accidents are also unique in that they may involve both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims. In this case, you’ll need an attorney who specializes in both types of legal matters, which are few and far between. However, you may be able to find a firm like Kotlar, Hernandez & Cohen, which has multiple Board-Certified attorneys in both workers’ compensation and civil trial on their team.

A truck accident is a very serious matter with potentially lifelong repercussions. If you or someone you love has been involved in such an accident, it is crucial that you take the proper steps in order to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. By following the steps outlined above, you can give yourself the best possible chance of coming out of this situation with a positive outcome.

Do Truck Drivers Get Fired for Accidents?

The short answer is no, truck drivers do not always get fired for accidents. However, whether or not a driver keeps their job after an accident depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the accident, the company’s policies, and the driver’s record.

Severity of the Accident

One of the most important factors that will determine whether or not a truck driver gets fired for an accident is the severity of the accident. If a driver causes a minor fender-bender, they are less likely to be fired than if they cause a multi-car pileup. This is because minor accidents are generally seen as being more within the realm of human error than major accidents. 

Company Policies

As we mentioned before, another factor that will determine whether or not a truck driver gets fired after an accident is the company’s policies. Some companies have very strict policies regarding accidents, while others are more lenient. It’s important to check with your company to see what their policies are so that you know what to expect if you do get into an accident. 

Driving Record

Another factor that will come into play if you get into an accident as a truck driver is your previous driving record. If you have a clean driving record with no prior accidents, you are more likely to keep your job after an accident than if you have had multiple accidents in the past. This is because having a clean driving record shows that you are generally a safe and cautious driver. 

If you were fired by your employer after a trucking accident, it’s in your best interest to speak with a Camden trucking accident lawyer as soon as possible, as you may be entitled to certain benefits that you’re not receiving.

Who Is Liable in a Trucking Accident?

Liability in a trucking accident can be complex, as there are many potential parties who could be held responsible. In most cases, the liable party will be either the truck driver or the trucking company.

However, there are some circumstances where another party may be held liable, such as if the truck was defective or if the roadway was not properly maintained.

Truck Driver

In most cases, the truck driver will be held liable for an accident. This is because it is the driver’s responsibility to operate their vehicle safely and to obey all traffic laws. If a driver fails to do this and causes an accident, they will likely be held liable. 

Trucking Company

The trucking company may also be held liable in an accident if it is found that they were negligent in hiring or training the driver. Additionally, if the company failed to properly maintain the truck or violated any safety regulations, they could be held liable. 

Other Parties

In some cases, other parties may be held liable for a trucking accident. For example, if the accident was caused by a defective truck part, the manufacturer of that part could be held liable. Additionally, if the accident was caused by poor road conditions, the party responsible for maintaining those roads could be held liable. 

Determining who is liable in a trucking accident can be complicated, as there are many potential parties who could be held responsible. If you have been involved in an accident, it’s important to speak with a Camden trucking accident lawyer who can help you determine who is liable and what your next steps should be.

Kotlar, Hernandez & Cohen: Camden Truck Accident Lawyers

Kotlar, Hernandez & Cohen – The People First Lawyers have been helping trucking accident victims in the Camden community since 1995. We work tirelessly for our clients to ensure they receive medical care, financial compensation, and justice. With multiple board-certified civil trial and workers’ compensation attorneys on our team, we are well-equipped to handle your truck accident lawsuit.

If you’re in need of a Camden truck accident lawyer, don’t hesitate to schedule a free initial consultation with our team or call us 24/7 at (856) 751-7676.