Kearny Truck Crashes Caused by Impaired Truckers

Truck drivers carry a big responsibility because of the size and strength of their vehicles. When a trucker is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or even extreme fatigue, the consequences can be tragic. Accidents caused by an impaired driver often lead to severe injuries or loss of life, leaving families with overwhelming emotional and financial burdens. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck crash, it’s essential to learn about your rights and options for seeking compensation. Our truck accident attorney in Kearny, NJ is prepared to assist you and your loved ones in your time of need.

Common Types of Impaired Truck Accidents

Impaired truck drivers can make dangerous errors on the road, and the size of these commercial vehicles often turns small mistakes into life-threatening crashes. Below are a few types of collisions that commonly result from driver impairment:

Rear-End Collisions: Impaired drivers may fail to stop or misjudge the distance to the vehicles in front, causing severe rear-end accidents.
Lane Departure: Swerving between lanes or drifting into oncoming traffic can lead to catastrophic head-on or side-impact wrecks.
Rollovers: When under the influence, a trucker’s reduced coordination or slow reaction can cause them to lose control, leading to a rollover.
T-Bone Crashes: Running red lights or not yielding the right of way at intersections can result in a T-bone crash, which is often deadly or life-altering.

Knowing these risks may help victims and their families recognize that impaired driving is a serious threat that demands a strong legal response.

Types of Impaired Driving

Impaired driving is a serious concern in truck accidents, since even slight delays in a driver’s response can endanger everyone on the road. It can also refer to more than just drunk driving. Below are some of the most common types of impairment in these crashes:

Alcohol and Illegal Drugs: Consuming drugs or alcohol can dramatically reduce motor skills, distort judgment, and slow reaction times. Even a small amount may lead to reckless decisions behind the wheel.
Prescription Medications: Certain prescription medications can cause drowsiness or confusion, impacting a driver’s ability to safely control a truck. While these drugs can be necessary for health reasons, drivers must follow the recommended dosages and know how the medications affect them. Some prescription medications should not be taken if a person is going to drive.
Fatigue or Lack of Sleep: Drivers who work long hours often experience extreme tiredness, which can lead to drifting lanes or delayed braking. Fatigue is one of the most common and dangerous forms of impairment.
Distractions: Although not always thought of as an “impairment,” texting, checking a GPS device, or adjusting the radio can put the driver’s focus on something other than the road. When attention is diverted, accidents become far more likely.

If you believe an impaired truck driver caused your injuries, speaking to a lawyer can give you clarity on your rights and next steps to seek compensation.

Compensation You Can Claim in an Impaired Driving Truck Accident Claim

Impaired truck crashes often result in life-changing injuries, financial burdens, and emotional trauma for victims. Understanding the different forms of compensation available in New Jersey can help ease some of the pressure and provide resources for recovery. Below are some types of compensation victims can typically claim:

Medical Costs: This includes emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any necessary long-term medical support.
Lost Wages: Compensation covers the money you would have earned if you hadn’t been forced to miss work or change careers because of the injuries.
Property Damage: Reimbursement can help repair or replace your vehicle and any other damaged property.
Pain and Suffering: Victims may also receive financial support to offset the physical and emotional toll of the crash and the loss of a normal life.
Funeral Expenses: If a loved one passes away, families can file a wrongful death claim and seek help with funeral and burial costs.
Punitive Damages: In certain cases, victims may also seek punitive damages if the defendant’s actions are especially severe. New Jersey law allows for punitive damages only when there is malicious conduct or a willful and wanton disregard for someone else’s rights. Malicious conduct means purposeful wrongdoing with harmful intent, while willful or wanton behavior involves knowingly taking significant risks and ignoring the likelihood of causing serious harm.

To learn more about what you could be entitled to, contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.