For some Newark residents, driving around trucks on roads and highways instills fear in them due to the devastating capability of these huge vehicles. Motorists traveling along with trucks may exercise extreme caution out of fear of getting involved in truck accidents that can lead to catastrophic injuries or worse. However, even the most defensive motorists may not be able to avoid accidents. This may happen because of an inattentive truck driver, speeding and negligent truck maintenance. These factors can be used to file a personal injury claim if the victim sustains serious injuries following the crash.
In Jersey City, a truck accident involving a bicyclist recently occurred. According to witnesses’ accounts, the 54-year-old truck driver attempted to turn left onto Summit Avenue and struck a girl who was riding a bicycle at around 11:30 p.m. Instead of remaining at the scene of the crash and assisting the victim, the truck driver chose to flee.
The teenage girl sustained leg injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. Two vehicles tried to follow the fleeing truck but their efforts were futile. The police managed to arrest the truck driver and charged him with failure to exhibit an insurance document, failure to report an accident, reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident.
This key in cases like this is to gather enough of the right evidence to show the driver’s responsibility both criminally and civilly. Victims can file a civil lawsuit against a negligent driver and use investigation results, witness testimony and other evidence to prove their case.
In filing a personal injury lawsuit, a truck accident victim will need to prove the negligence of the responsible party. This can be settled through negotiation or through litigation. The path of the case depends on how the accident victim wishes to proceed.
Source: Nj.com, “Jersey City police charge truck driver with hitting teen on bike, fleeing scene,” Terrence T. McDonald, Sept. 19, 2013