As the seasons change and the sun sets earlier in the fall, the potential dangers on the road increase, particularly for truck drivers and other motorists. Diminished daylight hours can make navigating highways and intersections more challenging, leading to a higher risk of accidents.
For those who have been involved in a truck accident in New Jersey, understanding how these seasonal factors contribute to truck accidents is essential when filing a truck accident claim.
Below, we explore why truck accidents may become more dangerous during the fall and how a truck accident lawyer can help you seek compensation.
The Impact of Earlier Sunsets on Road Safety
In the fall, daylight hours shorten, leading to earlier sunsets. As a result, truck drivers who may have been used to driving in daylight suddenly find themselves on the road at dusk or in darkness. Driving at night presents unique challenges that can increase the likelihood of a truck accident in New Jersey, including:
- Reduced visibility: Darkness makes it harder for truck drivers to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and potential road hazards. This reduced visibility can lead to delayed reaction times, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Glare from headlights: As drivers adjust to the earlier sunset, they also have to deal with the glare from headlights, which can temporarily blind them, making it difficult to maintain control.
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often have long shifts, and the change in daylight hours can disrupt their body’s natural rhythms. Driver fatigue is a common cause of truck accidents, and it can become more pronounced in the fall as drivers’ schedules adjust.
These factors can make an already dangerous situation even worse, particularly for those involved in a truck accident in New Jersey. Filing a truck accident claim becomes even more critical for victims who are facing serious injuries and mounting medical bills.
Increased Risk Factors for Truck Accidents During Fall
While reduced daylight is a significant concern, other factors unique to fall also contribute to the heightened risk of truck accidents. These include:
- Wet and slippery roads: Fall often brings rain, making roads more slippery and dangerous, especially for large trucks that are harder to stop and maneuver.
- Falling leaves: Leaves on the road can create slippery conditions, particularly when they’re wet. Large trucks may struggle to maintain traction on roads covered in leaves, making accidents more likely.
- Deer collisions: Fall is mating season for deer, and they’re more likely to wander onto roads during this time. Collisions between trucks and deer can cause significant damage and injury, particularly to other motorists who might be nearby.
- Daylight Saving Time adjustment: The shift to Standard Time in the fall means truck drivers must adjust to driving in darkness earlier in the day. This sudden change can impact a driver’s alertness and concentration, leading to an increased risk of accidents.
Victims of these accidents should not delay in filing a truck accident claim. Given the complex nature of truck accident cases, it's vital to have an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in New Jersey
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, it's crucial to take the right steps to protect your rights and maximize your chance of recovering compensation:
- Seek medical attention immediately: Even if you feel fine after an accident, some injuries may not show symptoms right away. It’s essential to get checked by a healthcare professional.
- Document the scene: If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be crucial in proving fault and supporting your truck accident claim.
- Get contact information: Collect contact details from the truck driver, witnesses, and any other parties involved in the accident. This includes obtaining the truck driver's insurance and company information.
- Contact a truck accident lawyer: Truck accidents involve multiple parties, including trucking companies, insurance providers, and sometimes government entities. A personal injury lawyer can help navigate the complexities of your case, ensuring that your claim is filed correctly and that you’re fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need a New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer
Filing a truck accident claim is not as simple as it may seem. Trucking companies and their insurers often have significant resources dedicated to minimizing their liability. If you attempt to handle the case on your own, you risk receiving less compensation than you’re entitled to or having your claim denied altogether.
Here’s why working with a truck accident lawyer is essential:
- Investigating the accident: A truck accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, including analyzing the truck’s maintenance records, driver logs, and potential violations of federal trucking regulations.
- Determining liability: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties who may share responsibility for the accident. Your lawyer will identify all liable parties and hold them accountable.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies are notorious for offering lowball settlements. An experienced personal injury lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
The Process of Filing a Truck Accident Claim in New Jersey
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in New Jersey, here’s an overview of the steps involved in filing a truck accident claim:
- Consultation with a lawyer: During your initial consultation, a personal injury lawyer will evaluate your case and discuss your options for pursuing compensation.
- Gathering evidence: Your lawyer will gather all necessary evidence, including police reports, medical records, eyewitness testimony, and any relevant trucking company documents.
- Filing the claim: Your lawyer will submit a claim to the insurance company or file a lawsuit in court if necessary. Throughout the process, your lawyer will keep you informed and handle all legal aspects of your case.
- Negotiating a settlement: Many truck accident cases are settled out of court. Your lawyer will negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may take the case to trial.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at Corradino & Papa, LLC for Help with Your Truck Accident Claim in New Jersey
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in New Jersey, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights. The earlier sunsets in fall can create dangerous conditions on the road, but you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Let the experienced personal injury lawyers at Corradino & Papa, LLC guide you through the process of filing a truck accident claim and securing the compensation you deserve.
To get started, call us at 973-574-1200 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation today. We’re here to help you every step of the way!