18-wheeler truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. Victims of such an accident may suffer permanent incapacities that rob them of their ability to work. These individuals may lack the means to earn a decent living for themselves and family members after such an accident.
Tragically, accidents involving 18-wheelers are sometimes fatal for the victims.
If you sustained injuries in an accident with an 18-wheeler, or if your loved one passed away in such an accident, a Jersey City 18-wheeler lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to represent you. We may be able to investigate your case, identify the liable party, and pursue compensation on your behalf.
For a free, no-obligation consultation on your case, call us at (212) 751-9800.
Injuries in an Accident With an 18-Wheeler
A truck accident can produce a variety of injuries, including:
- Internal injuries
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Whiplashes
- Rib and torso injuries
- Spinal cord
- Lacerations
- Paralysis
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- And more
Back and neck injuries may prevent victims from returning to work. This is because the victim experiences constant pain, and therefore cannot perform their duties normally. Victims with such injuries may be able to recover compensation for reduced earning capacity.
Spinal cord injuries often lead to paralysis, causing the person to lose their ability to support their upper body. Disability damages may be available to victims of this type of injury.
In the worst-case scenario, a victim may lose their life in an accident caused by an 18-wheeler. If your family member passed away in such an accident, Morelli Law Firm may be able to help you pursue damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Seeking Medical Care After an 18-Wheeler Accident
After an accident, your first step should be to get treatment for all of the injuries sustained. It does not matter if the injuries are minute; you should still seek treatment. Some symptoms may be subtle or delayed. A doctor can fully diagnose your injuries and begin any treatments you may need.
Seeing a doctor soon after your accident can also create a link between the accident and your injuries in your medical record. This may be become useful evidence of your case for compensation, in addition to the documentation that you complied with the doctor’s recommended treatments.
Jersey City 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Hiring A Jersey City 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer in Your Case
Victims who want to work with a lawyer on their case often wonder how soon after an accident they should hire legal services. At Morelli Law Firm, we encourage prospective clients to contact us as soon as possible.
A Jersey City 18-wheeler lawyer from our firm may be able to handle all communications on your behalf as soon as we represent you. This means that we can communicate with the trucking companies, their insurance agents, and their lawyers, who may try to use aggressive tactics to reduce their liability.
While you concentrate on your recovery, your lawyer can also help in the following ways:
- Investigating your 18-wheeler accident case
- Gathering evidence of the responsible party’s liability
- Gathering evidence of the extent of your injuries
- Hiring accident reconstruction experts to testify in your defense
- Taking care of the insurance claim procedures
- Protecting your legal rights
You do not have to fight a personal injury lawsuit on your own. For a free consultation on your case, and to learn more about our legal services, call Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800.
Establishing Responsibility in 18-Wheeler Accident Cases
Determination of liability forms an integral part of accident cases. However, this process is not always straightforward.
In some instances, the parties may share in liability. In other cases, it is unclear who the liable party is. Sometimes, both insurance companies may deny responsibility or even limit their coverage. A Jersey City 18-wheeler lawyer from Morelli Law Firm can defend you in situations of contested liability.
Once it is clear who caused the accident, the principles of negligence apply. The court decides on whether the at-fault party owed the victim a duty of care. Where the answer is in the affirmative, the court, in turn, determines whether there was a breach of duty of care. Where it is clear that the other party did not act in a manner reasonable enough to avoid the accident, they then bear responsibility, and their insurance company may have to pay for the victim’s injuries and damages.
Recoverable Damages in an 18-Wheeler Accident
Victims of an 18-wheeler accident may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical costs, both current and future
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- And more
After a fatal truck accident, a different set of damages may be available for surviving family in a wrongful death lawsuit. Call Morelli Law Firm to learn more about this type of case.
The Statute of Limitations in Your Case
According to New Jersey Revised Statute- 2A:14-2, a plaintiff can only file a personal injury lawsuit within two years after the injury in most cases.
If you wait too long and allow the statute of limitations to expire before you take legal action, it could prevent you from recovering compensation in a personal injury lawsuit, even if you have strong evidence in your defense.
Call Morelli Law Firm Today
If you or your family member suffered injuries in an 18-wheeler accident, a Jersey City 18-wheeler lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to coordinate your case on your behalf.
Call us today to get started. A member of our team can discuss your case and your legal options when you call us for a free consultation at (212) 751-9800.