According to Dave Hickson of the North Branch Fire Company, the accident occurred when a dump truck collided with another vehicle on Route 22 West. As a result, the dump truck overturned close to the Jersey Pike, and started leaking fuel. The truck contained 125 gallons of fuel, and when it crashed, the fuel began streaming towards a sewer gate. Firefighters, however, according to Hickson,were able to make a blockade:

“Firefighters were able to create a dam using sand from the roadway until Green Knoll’s specialized rescue truck arrived with Speedy Dry to complete the containment process.”

The clean up took approximately 90 minutes, and the Bridgewater Police were on location to investigate. One person, who has not been identified yet, has been taken to a local hospital with injuries. Police are continuing the investigation to determine the exact cause.

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, an experienced truck accident attorney may be able to help you. Fill out our contact form or give us a call to have the leading truck accident law firm of Ledger & Associates help you recover all the money you’re entitled to.

Source: http://bridgewater.patch.com/articles/fuel-spill-shuts-down-section-of-route-22-west#photo-12451122

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According to police reports, 78-year-old Francis Wilkens Gibson Jr. was driving his pickup truck the wrong way on Interstate 10 in Casa Grande when he smashed into a charter bus carrying 15 passengers. Upon impact, the pickup truck caught on fire and went into flames. Nine of the passengers on the charter bus were injured, but none suffered from life-threatening injuries. Gibson, however, died after his truck burst into flames. Yet, police are unable to determine if he died because of the impact of the collision or because of the fire.

The crash is still under investigation, and alcohol and drug use has not been ruled out. According to Department of Public Safety Captain, Brian Preston, at this point, nothing has been ruled out or eliminated in regards to the cause of the accident.

As a result of the wreck, the charter bus remained on the side of the highway for days. An 18-wheeler tractor trailer truck jackknifed in an attempt to move around the bus shortly after the accident, but ended up hitting into the side of it. No injuries were reported.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, a truck accident attorney can help you. At Ledger & Associates, our truck accident lawyers have helped countless clients win their cases. Contact us today and let us help you win the financial compensation that you deserve.

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/1-dead-several-injured-in-head-on-crash-involving-charter-bus-truck-on-arizona-freeway/2012/11/20/1790a328-3370-11e2-92f0-496af208bf23_story.html

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It is a recourse, therefore, of the truck accident victim to make the law listen to his outcry for just compensation of injuries and damages. In this case, the loquacious and explicit contentions should be utilized so the court of law will neither become deaf nor impotent to give a due trial and verdict to the given case.

Nonetheless, the aggrieved person, while seeking what is due to him, should still not totally depend on what the court tells; it is always favorable to remember the things that could bind together the safety and the due process of law, and could guide the conscience with what is right even if not under the law. Hence, to effectuate such thought, the following guides in pursuing the truck accident case are as follows:

Legal Consultation – if one is involved in a truck accident, this is the first legal step that should be taken. Specifically, this should be done with a competent accident attorney who can explicitly discuss the pros and cons of the case, and can advise the victim with matters relevant to the proper disposition of the case. Yet,in this case, the lawyer could likewise determine the liability of the driver and the truck company, and the just compensation of the victim for the injuries and damages incurred from the accident.

Complaint Stage – when a victim already has a lawyer, the next phase is to formally file the claim for compensation to the court. The counsel, in this stage, may also respond to the possible counterclaim against his client.

Phase of Discovery – this has been said as the threatening part for the victim of a truck accident.It may be so because the lawyer here investigates the probable causes of the case, and the possible resolution thereof. The counsel may also gather necessary evidences such as the testimonial and documentary for the proving of guilt of the accused party.

Resolution – prior to the trial, the alternate resolution for the dispute is executed for the early settlement of the case. This is deemed as an effective preclusion of the case to be brought up to the court, hence, reducing the number of lawsuits filed therewith. Primarily, in resorting to this move, there is a private mediator between the two parties. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy for any of the parties to have a counsel during the mediation so as to ensure that the procedure is followed properly and that their rights are fairly protected.

Trial – if the resolution fails, it is then necessary for the victim to file the claim to the court.This is,apparently, the last legal move a party could initiate to make sure that the just compensation would be given. Hence, having an attorney is gravely a need that should not be compromised with anything else.

Indisputably, a truck accident is both disastrous to one’s work and budget; it can be a cause of “flood of tears” for the victim and a “river of failures” for the accused. Anyhow, if you’re involved in the said accident, have no doubt to celebrate your victory with us… We can win the case. Contact us!

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Distracted driving is considered as one of the common causes of truck accidents these days. In fact, it is just as risky as drunk driving. When involved, it is best to consult a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.

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As especially noted, the tractor trailers are the most dangerous. But contrary to the common belief, beyond half of truck accidents are resulted from, not the negligence of the truck driver, but because a driver’s error on the part of a smaller vehicle.

Meanwhile, it was generally recorded in 2003 that there were more than 58,000 fatal road accidents, and out of which, over 4,600 were truck accidents. Furthermore, the data also showed that the said accidents are common in rural regions than in urban areas, and with the weekends as the usual time of most accidents.

To elucidate other important facts, the following are the statistics of truck accidents for individual states:

• The state of California has the highest number of traffic accidents in 2003, and has more than 5,700 car accidents in the same year.
• In Florida, there were over 4,400 fatal accidents in 2003, and from which, at least 340 involved trucks.
• Texas, in 2003, had over 5,000 traffic accidents, with more than 400 are truck accidents in the said year.
• In Pennsylvania, on the other hand, there were more than 200 truck accidents from over 2,200 road accidents in 2003.

Worthy of mentioning is that there are notable causes of truck accidents as recorded by the traffic authorities, among the many are the following:

• Driver’s Fatigue – this is common especially when the driver had no enough rest before he traveled. It usually causes “wrong manipulation” or he gets out of control. Hence, the condition of a driver should also be checked equally with the machine.
• Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs – when under the influence of any of the said substances, the driver would certainly commit an  error along the way that might lead to accident.
• Overloading – an overload truck is said to be very prone in accident, especially crashes and collisions with other vehicles. Thus, it is safe that the truck would only carry a normal load.
• Defective Machine or other mechanical parts of the truck – when one essential part of the truck malfunctions along the way (e.g., the break), there’s a big possibility of an accident to happen. Hence, checking the vehicle before traveling is always necessary.

As the truck accident can be avoided, the legal consequences can also be eliminated. Whether you’re a plaintiff or a defendant in a truck accident case, it is still our duty to protect you. Call us!

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It is often an alleged issue in truck accidents that victims suffer legal consequences when, after the accident, they are left only with the “marks” of blood and vain. The evidences sometimes are not properly secured, hence it becomes a reason for the offender to lessen the penalty for the crime he committed. Because, either by means of false confession or truthful lies, the accused, if just given opportunity, would dare too deny the facts of the crime when evidences are less counted and seem to quash the legal contentions.

The reason why, if you are a victim of a truck accident, it is a “must-to-do” act to secure and/or compile the evidences for criminal suits or civil cases you might wish to file against the driver or the company. There are three kinds of evidence which are usually admitted in court: (1) Real, (2) Circumstantial, and (3) Testimonial. The real evidence is an object or a thing that can be examined or inspected by the court in relation to the crime committed; the second is the one which indirectly attests facts based on circumstances, and; the last is the testimonies from the eye witnesses. These evidences are very necessary to prove in court the injuries or damages of the victim, and eventually get the fair compensation.

Although it is the responsibility of police officers to investigate and preserve the evidence at the place of accident, it is still essential for the victim to have his own record of the event. At this point, taking of photographs and transcribing information from witnesses and authorities are certainly helpful.

The following are some helpful guidelines in gathering and/or preserving evidences:

• Take note of the information about the place of the accident such as the name of street, distance, road conditions, and other observable facts;

• Secure and compile photos, videos, or written information from the investigating officer;

• Collect crash debris and other materials which may be used as evidence;

• Take photographs of the accident scene and if possible, the people involved;
• Talk to witnesses and transcribe their statements;
• Seek assistance from expert to examine the condition of the truck.

In case you are seriously injured and can hardly move, then it is best to seek first for medical and legal assistance to secure both your health and the legal evidences.

If you have been involved in a truck accident and is hoping for a favorable verdict of the court, you would really think it so vital to have a truck accident attorney who is well-experienced in presenting evidences and defending your rights. Contact us, and we’ll make the offender pay for your injuries or damages.

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You are ultimately guilty beyond “alcoholic” doubts. It is not only the law, but also your conscience that will take cognizance of your case. For the benefit of drunk drivers, drunk driving has been tagged as one of the causes of car accidents. This fact technically implies serious legal, psychological, and emotional burdens to the victims. Some of them are really unfortunate that they live the life of disability until their last breath.

The law provides legal rights to the victims of drunk driving.  Under the law of Florida, the victims have the right to just compensation for the damages caused by the accident provided, however, that the case must be proven first in court. The determination of penalties is dependent on some circumstances considered by the court. The penalties can be very serious for the defendant especially when the victim/s died and properties were seriously damaged.

In the case of death, the relatives are allowed by law to file a lawsuit. The role of a personal injury or wrongful death attorney takes important part at this point. To win the case, you and your lawyer must prove that the driver was drunk while driving his car, he violated his duty to drive safely, you or your loved one has physical injuries or died as a result of the accident, and there is reasonable connection between the drunk-driving accident and the injuries or damages you have.

If you’re a victim of drunk-driving accident, you may also file a case against the seller of alcohol to the driver. The law covering this case considers this as liability for damages or injuries resulting from intoxication. It further states that a seller of alcohol who sold to minors is liable for the resulting damages or consequences of the drunkenness of the buyers.

You may also be compensated for hospital expenses, damages of private property, loss of income and work, and psychological or emotional suffering. But take note that there are guidelines set by law as to when drunk-driving victims can ask for compensation. And another statute specifies the length of time in which you need to file the case. If your injuries are resulted from negligence, the statute limits the filing of lawsuit in four years.

The following are some important facts about drunk-driving accidents: (1) The estimated expenses in car accidents is not less than $130 billion a year, (2) The average expense in every drunk-driving survivor is more than $60,000, and (3) Most of the surviving victims have undergone and still undergoing medical therapies to learn how to walk and talk again. These facts are significantly disturbing, but you can still make a difference. Be responsible and sensitive to your surrounding; care for yourself and for others.

If you are involved in the accident case, do not suppress your right to counsel. The accident attorneys are always available to extend legal assistance for you.

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In choosing the right attorney to win a truck accident case, one best criterion is the legal experience and court record. The best is he who has won a number of cases related to your own. You might find it favorable to ask a friend to refer you to someone who is fit to your need and budget. In reality, it is undeniable that the eminent the lawyer, the higher the pay in his legal service or assistance.

However, in practice, what weighs more is not what you will lose in expense, but what you will gain from damages. You should always remember that the law does not always favor to what is right.

If you think you are in a difficult situation like you do not know your right or what is legal and illegal, it would be better to remain silent and call the right authorities including your counsel before any evidence becomes twisted.

While it seems abrupt to call a lawyer, you must still try to waste no time. Always expect that case investigators will immediately show up and determine the matter therein. And pause for a moment and ask yourself: Who will secure the due process for me? Definitely, trucking accident cases need careful and wise strategies,hence, it is a critical act to have your counsel before the sun finally sets.

Your next concern is to know the kind of evidences that could make you win the case. The investigators usually gather physical evidences: radiator fluid residue, accident debris, and off-road tire marks, and testimonial evidences from people who have seen or have knowledge about how and when the accident happened. Photographs are also taken as an admissible evidence.

Finally, what you should always put not only in mind, but also in heart, in dealing with your truck cases are the consequences of your acts which might not be in favor to you. Just prepare yourself for the outcome of your own fight. Accept when you failed, but never give up until you get justice and success.

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A study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that in 2009, there were 3,263 fatalities in large truck accidents with about 70 percent of the victims occupants of motor vehicles.

Trucking accidents are commonly the result of the following causes:

Driver fatigue

Drugs

Alcohol

Unsafe loads

Not securing loads properly

Inadequate training

Speeding–heavy trucks cannot drive over 55 miles per hour

Failure to perform a pre-trip and during trip inspection of the cargo and equipment

Also, motor vehicles are responsible for truck accidents. Some of these causes are as follows:

Driving too close

Trying to overtake truck and being blown off by turbulence

Cutting lanes

Driving in truck driver’s blind spot

Driving between large trucks

Lawsuits in trucking accidents can involve different standards for the driver. Truck drivers, like any other motorist, is held to a certain standard of care. Since most truckers are commercial drivers, they are held to higher standards of care that are measured by the rules and regulations pertaining to a professional truck driver.

Attorneys who handle truck accidents must be knowledgeable of the state and federal standards governing truck drivers and trucking companies. Should a truck company or its driver fail to adhere to certain state or federal rules or regulations, this may constitute a basis for holding them liable if there is an injury accident.

Truck drivers and trucking companies are required to keep detailed records and logs. Many trucks also have a black box onboard, similar to the black box found in airplanes that monitor and keep data of the truck’s speed and other operating details.

A trucking company can be held liable for failing to maintain required records or for not administering drug tests or adhering to drug policies. Some companies fail to do background checks on their drivers or hire them regardless of their lack of qualifications.

In other instances, drivers are forced to drive long distances without the federally mandated rest requirements.  As a result, drivers are too fatigued or take amphetamines to keep them going, which can impair their judgment.

Victims of truck accidents are entitled to damages for their injuries. Most truck companies have insurance policies of at least $1 million, since an accident is much more likely to cause serious injuries than a car accident.

An injury victim can collect special damages, which includes medical costs, past and future wage losses, loss of earning capacity if the victim is unable to return to his or her usual occupation, and other out-of-pocket losses.

Noneconomic losses, or general damages, can also be awarded. This is for pain and suffering and is based on the nature and extent of one’s injuries, any permanent disability, and the effect on the victim’s quality of life.

In some cases and states, punitive or exemplary damages can be awarded if the driver’s or company’s conduct was so egregious as to demonstrate a wanton disregard for the safety of others. Allowing a drunk or drugged driver to operate a truck, or completely disregarding a driver’s criminal record or lack of qualifications may qualify as such conduct.

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Think about all the times you have been driving down the interstate and come across an auto accident.  You see the ambulance lights flashing.  You see the rescue team battling to break open the car to pull a victim out.  You see the battered remains of a pickup truck which rolled down an embankment.  In those moments nothing looks glamorous.  In those moments of real life truck accidents and auto wrecks look painfully real.

The Real Drama in Auto and Truck Accidents

In the television cop shows we are excited by the thrill of the chase.  We forget about the fact those hard collisions are life altering for someone.  The real drama begins when the cop shows are finished.  They quit showing us the details after the chase is over.  The real drama happens when the ambulance pulls up along with a rescue vehicle to try to save lives.

They rush to get victims to the hospital in those few critical minutes which can spell the difference between life and death.  Those same few moments can sometimes spell the difference between losing a limb, permanent brain damage, or years of rehabilitation.

The Drama Continues for Months after the Accident

For the victims of those car wrecks the drama just begins at the hospital.  They are facing possible surgery, loss of wages, months of recovery, and massive medical bills.  The decision of another driver has destroyed their life.

It is somewhat humorous when a police show proclaims the people in the car survived and sustained no life threatening injuries.   They are probably right.  A broken leg, fractured arm, or cracked ribs are not usually life threatening.  They can result in lost work, expensive physical therapy, the need for medical equipment and long term pain.  This does not even include the cost of replacing their damaged vehicle.

To recover from their losses these victims may need the assistance of a skilled auto accident lawyer to guide them through negotiations with insurance companies and to make claims with other liable parties.

What looks so exciting on television has a horrible reality behind it.  Too often high-speed chases end in high-speed collisions with other vehicles, homes, or other private property.  You cannot fault the police for their efforts to bring the person to justice, but the cost to the injured parties is too commonly overlooked.

It might give the public a much better understanding of the dangers of the road if the stories continued by doing a follow-up story about the victims and the drama which unfolds in their lives.  Those hidden stories are often filled with more tears, heartache, and pain than any television show we see.

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