Lane changes by trucks can be intentional, such as when a driver merges, passes, or attempts to turn, or unintentional, like when a trucker drifts out of their lane into the paths of other vehicles. Particularly in the latter case, these lane change maneuvers are often not performed safely by truck drivers, potentially resulting in Camden County truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes.
Due to the sheer size and weight of a truck, the injuries sustained by the driver of a passenger vehicle in a crash can be severe. If you are hurt in a truck accident caused by an unsafe lane change, a qualified truck accident attorney could help you recover damages for your losses.
Common Causes of Unsafe Lane Change Accidents
Various factors can affect the likelihood of a lane change/merge (LCM) crash. However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the top contributing factor is driver distraction. In fact, not only did the subject vehicle driver did not see the other vehicle before impact in most cases studied, but a majority of the time no avoidance maneuver was initiated.
Other causes of Camden County truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes include aggressive driving, failure to yield, fatigue, and speeding. Often, truck drivers are on tight schedules, and these time pressures may cause them to drive more aggressively to reach their destination sooner. In the same vein, many truck accidents stem from a truck driver failing to yield to other traffic before a lane change. Sometimes, the error is caused because they did not check their blind spot.
As with other types of truck accidents, fatigue can impact a driver’s abilities. Specifically, it can result in slower reaction times and decreased concentration, which can contribute to unsafe lane change. Finally, changing lanes when traveling at a high rate of speed can be especially dangerous.
Determining Fault
In an accident involving a truck, many parties could be liable for injuries sustained by victims, including the driver, company they work for, and the vehicle manufacturer. In order to have a claim, a plaintiff must establish fault on the part of the defendant or defendants.
Most truck accident cases involve a claim of negligence. Truck drivers on the roads have a duty to operate their vehicles in a safe manner to avoid injuries, and when they do not, a plaintiff may have a cause of action for negligence.
To establish that a driver is negligent in a truck crash, a plaintiff must prove four elements:
- The defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff
- The defendant breached the duty
- The defendant’s breach of their duty caused the accident
- The plaintiff suffered monetary damages
Like many states, New Jersey follows the doctrine of comparative negligence, which means that if a plaintiff’s own negligence also contributed to the damages incurred, they can still recover as long as they are not found to be more than 50 percent at fault. The amount of damage recoverable, however, will be reduced proportionately by the percentage of the plaintiff’s negligence.
Recoverable Damages in Truck Accident Cases
Victims of Camden County truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes may seek compensatory damages, which are intended to make the plaintiff whole following an accident. These types of damages include medical expenses, property damage, loss of income, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
In addition, a court may assign punitive damages under New Jersey’s Punitive Damages Act in order to punish a defendant found to have behaved in a particularly egregious manner. Punitive damages in New Jersey are limited to $350,000 or five times the amount of compensatory damages awarded, whichever is greater.
Consulting a Camden County Truck Accident Attorney
Camden County truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes can have fatal consequences. If you suffer an injury in an accident caused by a truck driver’s unsafe lane change, you should not have to pay for someone else’s careless behavior. An experienced Camden County truck accident attorney could help you understand your rights—and fight for them. Call today.
Testimonials
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This team is incredible. They are friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate everything they have done for me and would recommend them to anyone. Overall great experience
Testimonial from Paul D. -
My case settled recently after lasting 4 years. Grungo and Colarulo’s law firm were able to secure a large settlement award for my slip and fall accident. This money will help secure my future for the permanent injury I received as a result of the slip and fall. Everyone was very caring, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Christine Lafferty is an excellent litigation lawyer. I highly recommend using them if you have been injured or in an accident. I hope I am never in a situation again to need their services, but I know who to go to if I, or any of my family members are ever injured. Thanks Grungo and Colarulo and staff for your compassionate service!
Testimonial from Pamela A. -
Thank you so much Grungo and Colarulo for helping me with my case. Special thanks to Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team. Erica Domingo and her team was very nice and helped me tremendously throughout my case like more than one year and half. They gave me the right advice and guided me through every step of my case. They gave me prompt and clear responses to all my questions. In addition, Erica and her team provided me with all the what if scenarios so that I can have a clear vison of the steps ahead.
I would definitely recommend Grungo and Colarulo.
Thanks again Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team
Testimonial from Ahmed A. -
My wife and I reached out to Grungo Colarulo in 2020 for advise on a legal matter. After a meeting with the Attorney and Paralegal, we decided to go forward with a case. This case required a lot of documentation, and expert review of the documentation which was aquired. Throughout the process, we were kept up to date monthly, and Grungo Colarulo was always responsive to any questions that we had. The entire staff at Grungo Colarulo are very professional, caring, and willing to go the extra mile. This firm is a definite recommend!
Testimonial from Patrick G. -
I left five (5) stars only because that’s as many as I could leave. If I could, I would have left 100 stars. Bob & Christine are the absolute best! My settlement far exceeded what I ever imagined. They are professional, friendly, and really listened to what I had to say. They kept me up to date with the progress of my case every step of the way. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Testimonial from Sheila L. -
Very professional, communicates well, makes me feel like they have my best interest at heart, and overall just a great company. Christine and the whole team has been on top of everything. Would definitely recommend!! 10/10
Testimonial from Michael M. -
First and foremost I would like to thank the whole team at Grungo Colarulo!! In addition to that, Stephanie & Riley & Drenna have done such an outstanding job taking care of me in such a difficult and low point of my life. I was in a bad car accident & did not know how to move forward with what to do and how to process. Those ladies were there every step, every inch, every mile & beyond with helping me when I had no idea how to navigate. I will forever be thankful for them and for the outcome of my case! If you ever need assistance I highly recommend this practice!!! Beyond professional, helpful, precise, caring, knowledgeable & humble!!!
Testimonial from Rachel F. -
From my first phone call to the end of my case this firm was on the ball!! Always responsive and professional and kept me up to date and informed. This is my firm for any future needs!
Testimonial from Jeffrey F. -
This was my first time ever having to have a lawyer for an automobile accident. From the beginning they took care of everything. They put me at ease so I could concentrate on my medical needs. Everyone I spoke to during the process were always extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.
Thank you to Grungo Colarulo for representing me and getting the settlement you did to help me move forward. I would highly recommend Grungo Colarulo to anyone who wants outstanding legal representation.Testimonial from Pat G. -
This team has been nothing but gentle an generous. Being as this was my first time dealing with a worker’s compensation case I was lost and nervous. But the Grungo Colarulo team has made me feel as comfortable as possible. My needs were addressed with care in a timely fashion. I knew what was going on every step of the way.
Oh, did I mention, WE WON …This teams knowledge of the industry is TOP NOTCH!
Testimonial from Aminah M. -
A dear family friend referred us to a young attorney named Rich Grungo, Jr. We wanted answers and if necessary, justice for our father. From day one of a five-year journey, Mr. Rich Grungo, Jr. made our family and our pain his own. The man never stopped working for us. He kept us informed every step of the way. Questions were answered quickly and with great compassion and expertise. Even though Rich was always busy, he was never too busy for us. We always felt like we were his only clients
Testimonial from Mickey -
I had the opportunity to observe Mr. Grungo work in this case, both in the courtroom on the technical matters of the motions and also as his presentation to the jury in opening and presenting witnesses as well as utilizing animations… and drawings and films that were necessary for a proper understanding of the case…At all times during the presentation, Mr. Grungo operated mostly without notes and questioned the witnesses in a conversational manner which made it most effective. **
New Jersey Superior Court Judge Testimonial -
Thank you for everything. I honestly felt like you treated my son like he was your own son, for that I am grateful. I would recommend your services to anyone. Thanks for being so awesome to both of us.
Testimonial from HD -
It was a pleasure working with Bill. He constantly kept me informed. I would recommend Bill and his firm to anybody I know. They’ll be in good hands.
Testimonial from Gregory -
I had the opportunity to retain Mr. Colarulo for a vehicle accident I encountered. I give him my highest recommendation for anyone in need of an excellent Personal Injury Attorney. Not only does he have an in depth knowledge of the legal field, but he emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel secure during the entire process. Mr. Colarulo has the knowledge, drive and enthusiasm that will get the job done for you. He comes highly recommended.
Testimonial from Denise -
Hi Rich, Well I’m on my way up to college to finish packing my son’s stuff up and to go to his Graduation tomorrow. It’s hard to believe how fast and how slow, at the same time 5 years can go by. I was just thinking of you as I am getting ready to leave and wanted to thank you once again for everything you have done for my son’s future. You are a good and just man. God Bless to you and your family.
Be Well,
Testimonial from Bob
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