Why Do Truck Accidents Increase During the Holidays?
The holiday season isn’t just a time for increased shopping or family gatherings. It’s also one of the busiest times on the road for delivery trucks. Many retailers hire seasonal employees to meet the demand for shipping products all over the country. Understanding why truck accidents occur more during the holiday season and taking certain safety steps can help you stay safe while traveling.
Most Common Causes for Trucking Accidents During the Holidays
Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents during the holiday season:
- Winter weather: Much of the country experiences cold winter weather during the holiday season, but especially here, in New Jersey. Slippery roads and freezing temperatures can make roads difficult to manage safely. Since trucks are much larger than passenger vehicles, they already have a harder time coming to a stop, let alone in winter weather.
- Fatigued driving: Truck drivers are under a lot of pressure during the holiday season to get packages delivered in a timely manner. This may lead to more fatigued drivers on the road. Many experts agree that driving while fatigued is just as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol.
- Lack of training: Many retailers hire seasonal employees to meet the holiday shopping demand, which may lead to faster training. As a result, some commercial truck drivers may not have the training they need to stay safe on the road.
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving from either the truck driver or other drivers on the road can be dangerous. Truck drivers may engage in distracted driving as they try to keep in touch with family while they’re away from home. Other drivers may use their phones to read or write text messages.
The holiday season results in busy roads and a mix of winter weather. People are often in a rush as they try to check items off their holiday to-do lists. Some people may even drink and drive, especially when leaving holiday parties. When you combine each of these contributors, it’s not as surprising that there’s an increase in truck accidents.
Steps to Take If You’re Involved in a Truck Accident
Some of the steps you’ll take following a truck accident are similar to that of any accident. You should always receive immediate medical care following a truck crash. You should also take note of any important details related to the accident or the scene of the accident. This includes both photos and videos. It also includes the contact information of any witnesses.
One thing that differs is the need for a personal injury lawyer. Depending on the severity of the car accident, hiring a lawyer may not always be necessary, especially if there are no damages or injuries. The same can’t be said, however, for truck accidents. Truck accidents are often severe and commonly lead to expensive medical bills and lost wages. It’s usually a good idea to contact a personal injury lawyer following a truck accident to recover the compensation you need to move forward.
This is especially true if you believe the truck accident was caused by negligence. Whether the trucking company failed to train the truck driver properly or the truck driver was negligent, filing a personal injury claim may help you recover the funds you need. You may be able to recover costs like medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact a Cherry Hill Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Truck Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Gelman Law, LLC represent clients injured because of an accident in Cherry Hill, Marlton, Pennsauken, Mt. Laurel, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 861-4236 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 850 Rt 70 West
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
