When large amounts of liquid need hauling, companies turn to a tanker truck. This type of truck can haul huge amounts of liquid, which creates a large weight for the truck. Should a fully loaded truck strike a passenger car, it could cause significant damage to the vehicle and injuries to those inside the car.
Tanker truck operators or companies may be liable for the damages they cause when their negligence leads to an accident.
If you were injured in a tanker truck accident, a Jersey City tanker truck lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to help you pursue compensation. Recoverable damages could include your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
For a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800.
How a Tanker Truck Works
A tanker truck can have a few different configurations. Some will consist of a tank that is small enough to fit on a flatbed truck. Others have an extremely long trailer, attaching to the cab like a traditional trailer on a semi-truck cab. Occasionally, you may see a tanker truck that consists of a double trailer.
Every tanker truck must follow the laws in the state regarding the maximum gross weight of the truck, which is 80,000 pounds in New Jersey, according to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC).
If a tanker truck strikes your car, and law enforcement finds afterward that the tanker was overweight, this indicates a sign of negligence on the part of the truck owner or driver, which could help you establish their liability in a personal injury lawsuit.
Have You Been Injured In An Accident? Contact Morelli Law
877-751-9800Liability for Tanker Truck Accidents
In addition to overloading, a variety of factors could establish another party’s liability in a tanker truck crash. These include:
Driver Negligence
A negligent tanker truck driver could cause an accident by:
- Violating a traffic rule
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Other negligent actions
Depending on the specifics of the accident, the trucking company may be liable for the negligent actions of its driver.
Trucking Company Liability
A trucking company could have liability for the accident if they:
- Failed to screen and hire drivers with the correct license and training
- Pressured drivers to work beyond the legal limits for driving hours
- Failed to safely load or maintain their vehicles
Mechanic Liability
If a mechanic was responsible for maintaining a tanker truck and was negligent in their duties, they could be liable for the damages an accident caused. An example of this would be failing to safely install or maintain a brake or steering system.
A Jersey City tanker truck lawyer from Morelli Law Firm can investigate your case and identify the liable party when we represent you.
If you believe another party’s negligence caused your tanker truck accident, call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800.
Types of Injuries in a Tanker Truck Accident
Because of the weight of a tanker truck, if it should strike a passenger car, an SUV, or a pickup truck, the resulting damage to these smaller vehicles can be catastrophic.
Anyone riding inside this damaged vehicle could suffer significant injuries, including:
- Back and neck injuries that could result in paralysis
- Head injuries, including concussion or traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Deep cuts and bruises
- Damage to limbs, including the potential for amputation
- Internal bleeding
- Muscle and ligament tears
- Skin burns from a fire
- Skin burns from chemicals
- Shrapnel injuries from an explosion
After you have suffered injuries in this type of crash, you could be facing large medical bills, long hospitalization, and months of rehabilitation. You may never be able to return to your normal hours at work or quality of life. If another party was responsible for your accident, they may be liable for these damages.
Contact our Jersey City Truck Accidents Lawyers today
877-751-9800Recoverable Damages in a Tanker Truck Accident
The following damages may be recoverable in a tanker truck accident:
- Costs of all medical treatment
- Estimated future costs of medical care
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Other non-economic damages
- And more
If your loved one passed away in a Jersey City tanker truck accident, you may be able to recover a different set of damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.
A Jersey City tanker truck lawyer from Morelli Law Firm can gather evidence of the value of your damages when we represent you. We will present this evidence to the responsible party’s insurance company in settlement negotiations. If they are not willing to make you a fair offer, we can take your case to trial.
Morelli Law Firm May Be Able to Represent You
Morelli Law Firm takes pride in defending the rights of those who have suffered a personal injury at the hands of a negligent party.
A Jersey City tanker truck lawyer from Morelli Law Firm can handle all aspects of your case when we represent you, including:
- Communicating with all parties on your behalf
- Managing all legal deadlines and paperwork in your case
- Identifying the liable party
- Gathering evidence of their liability and the extent of your damages
- Representing you in settlement negotiations or on trial
In a personal injury case after an auto accident, you have a limited amount of time to start the process of filing the lawsuit. The general statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in New Jersey is two years, per New Jersey Statute (NJ Stat) §2A:14-2. If you do not take legal action within this time frame, it could prevent you from recovering compensation in a lawsuit.
To discuss what specific deadlines pertain to your case, call Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800 today. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to Jersey City tanker truck accident victims.
Call or text 877-751-9800 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form