Trucking/Bus Accidents

Exceptional Service, Even Better Results

If you have been involved in a truck accident and suffered damages for which you deserve compensation, an attorney from the law offices of Vlasac & Cassidy can help. Our lawyers sympathize with your situation, yet have the persistence and determination to fight for your rights. The legal system can be complex, especially when powerful insurance companies are involved. That is why you need a knowledgeable and competent attorney on your side. We specialize in cases involving truck accidents, serving clients throughout New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. We have connections to leading medical and technical experts who will diligently research and gather the appropriate information to present a compelling argument in your favor. To learn more about truck accidents and your rights, contact us today at any of our offices in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.

Causes of Truck Accidents

It is estimated that over 10% of all fatalities in motor vehicle accidents involve trucks. Every year thousands of motorists and truck drivers are killed or injured in truck accidents caused by:

• Driver error
• Trucking company negligence
• Mechanical failures
• Reckless driving
• Inadequate driver training
• Driver fatigue – the most common cause

Determining the cause of a truck accident may seem daunting. However, our injury lawyers will gather evidence and any necessary information to establish what factors caused the accident to occur. We will tap into our many resources, talk to experts, and investigate whether trucking regulations or other state laws had been violated.

Trucking companies and their truck drivers legally have accountability to operate their trucks in a safe and responsible manner. Truck companies are also required to have extensive insurance. However, navigating the insurance company’s policies and procedures can be very challenging. Our attorneys, however, have an in-depth understanding of all legal and insurance details that exist throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Our experienced injury lawyers will be able to ascertain who the responsible parties are and file claims against such parties. Not only may the commercial truck driver be liable, but also the:

• Truck owner
• Trucking company
• Trucking contractor

If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure, or a defective part, component, or system, the possible parties may also include the:

• Manufacturer
• Seller
• Installer
• Mechanic who made repairs

Statistics on Truck Accidents

There are more than 15 million trucks operating in the United States, about 2 million of which are tractor-trailers. There are more than 500,000 accidents involving a truck each year. In 2008 there were more than 4,000 fatalities in truck accidents, with more than 3,500 of those being occupants of other vehicles or pedestrians.

While the majority of accidents involving commercial trucks are caused by drivers of passenger vehicles, many are the fault of truck drivers. In addition, due to the size, weight, and length of time needed to stop a truck, the results of accidents involving these large vehicles are more likely to be more severe than those involving two passenger cars.

In New Jersey 69 people were killed in 2009 in accidents involving large trucks. Accidents involving large trucks accounted for more than 7 percent of accident fatalities.

In Pennsylvania – which is fifth in the nation in truck accidents – 134 people were killed in 2009 in accidents involving large trucks. Large truck accidents accounted for more than 10 percent of accident fatalities yet only about 4 percent of non-fatal injuries.

Learn More about Truck Accidents

If a truck accident has resulted in serious injury or the death of a loved one, it may be necessary to take legal action. Our lawyers have the experience, skill, and resources to successfully protect your legal rights. Truck accident cases are taken very seriously at the law offices of Vlasac & Cassidy. To learn more about truck accidents and your rights, contact any our offices today in New Jersey, New York or Pennslyvania.