Cape May County Truck Accident Lawyers

FIGHTING FOR CAPE MAY COUNTY TRUCK ACCIDENT VICTIMS

A large semi-truck can weigh up to 30 times as much as a small passenger car, and their sheer size and weight can make an accident involving one catastrophic. Trucks can take 20-40 percent farther than cars to stop, yet many large trucks are driven faster than 75mph – the upper limit of the speed their tires are designed to handle. So it’s no surprise that between 2009 and 2013, there were over 14,000 fatal crashes in the United States involving large trucks, accidents which took the lives of nearly 16,000 people. In  2018 alone, over five thousand large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes, a 1% increase from the previous year.

If you or your loved one were involved in a trucking accident in Cape May county, you should know that you have legal rights. Drivers, as well as the trucking companies that employ them, can and should be held liable when their negligence poses a danger to others on the road. The team at Richard Hollawell can represent your interests and make sure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Contact our Atlantic County lawyers today at 1-800-681-3550 or using the form below for a free consultation.

Trucking Is on the Rise in Cape May County New Jersey

New Jersey freight shipments are some of the highest in the United States already, and they are expected to increase rapidly over the next few years. A report by TRIP (National Transportation Research Nonprofit) states that the value of freight moved by trucks in the state of New Jersey will increase by 93% by 2045. This means a sizable increase in the number of trucks on New Jersey’s already heavily congested highways. 

In a report from the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Cape May County was slated to see an 86-percent increase in large trucks on its roads by 2020, the third highest increase in all the counties in New Jersey, just behind Sussex and Passaic Counties. 

What Causes Trucking Accidents in Cape May County?

Trucking accidents can occur for numerous reasons. Like any vehicle, driver errors, especially distracted driving, can be particularly dangerous. But truckers have to deal with additional pressures and situations specific to driving a large semi truck. Some of the most common causes of trucking accidents are:

• Driver fatigue: Driver fatigue is one of the major risk factors for commercial motor vehicle crashes, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. 
• Drivers on a tight schedule: Although they are required by law to rest and take breaks, many truckers are expected to work 70 hours a week, sometimes for eight days at a stretch.
• Inappropriate driver training: Trucking companies are responsible for hiring drivers that meet all certifications and training requirements. If the driver involved in your accident was not properly certified or trained, the company may be liable for damages.
• Mechanical breakdowns: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Fatal Causation Study found that in 55% of truck accidents the truck had at least one mechanical failure.
• Tire defects: About 30% of all trucking accidents stem from tire defects, making them the most common cause of a trucking accident. 

Recent Trucking Accidents in Cape May County

In June of 2020, a truck driver crashed his big rig into a private residence near the intersection of Route 147 and Massachusetts Avenue in the Burleigh section of Middle Township. The truck’s hydraulic lift hit an overpass, causing the vehicle to veer off the road, crashing into a house before coming to a stop. Miraculously, the inhabitant of the home was not injured. The driver was unfortunately killed by the impact.

How To File a Trucking Accident Claim in Cape May County

The numbers of large trucks involved in fatal crashes has been increasing in recent years, and as more of these vehicles take to the road, more accidents will inevitably occur. If you or your loved one were injured in a trucking accident in Cape May County, do not hesitate to reach out to our skilled legal team for assistance.

Richard Hollawell is a seasoned car and truck accident lawyer, and has helped his clients win six-figure settlements from negligent drivers. Trucking accidents are often devastating, and can result in life-long disabilities and even death. Richard Hollawell will help you negotiate a fair settlement that makes sure you receive the compensation you need to cover the enormous costs incurred after a trucking accident in Cape May county. Contact our team today at 1-800-681-3550 or by using our online form.