Trucking Accident Attorneys in Nashua, New Hampshire

Accidents involving commercial trucks can be devastating. Due to the large size of semi trucks, trailer trucks, and other large commercial vehicles, motorists often suffer life-threatening injuries when these types of accidents occur.

At Gottesman & Hollis, P.A., we understand the impact that commercial trucking accidents can have on New Hampshire families. If you or a loved one was injured in a trucking accident, we are here to help.

Trucking Laws and Regulation

Because large trucks can cause catastrophic injuries to other motorists on the road if in accident occurs, truck drivers are required to follow more laws than other motor vehicles on and off the road. One of the most well-known rules truck drivers must follow is called the hours of service regulation. This set of rules primarily targets fatigued driving, thus the laws are aimed at ensuring that truck drivers are not overworked and that they get an adequate amount of sleep and rest each workday. According to this law:

• Truck drivers can work a maximum of14 hours in a single day. Of these 14 hours, however, truckers can only drive for 11 hours, with the remaining time spent on rest or meal breaks
• Truck drivers must rest for at least 10 consecutive hours before beginning a new day
• Truck drivers are required to take days off work at regular intervals

Our experienced truck accident attorney can help you determine who is liable in your case and whether or not any of the above laws were broken. Call today to discuss the details of your case during a free personal injury consultation.

To schedule a free and confidential consultation with an experienced New Hampshire trucking accident lawyer, call Gottesman & Hollis, P.A. at (603) 506-4600. We work with victims of commercial trucking accidents and other types of traffic accidents to seek justice through the New Hampshire courts.

Is Filing a Lawsuit Right for You?

Many people are unfamiliar with the legal system and are overwhelmed by the prospect of filing a lawsuit. At Gottesman & Hollis, P.A., we are committed to keeping our trucking accident clients informed about the progress that is made in their cases. We are here to answer any questions about the legal process that you may have.

It can be difficult to know whether filing a lawsuit after a trucking accident is necessary. But if you are struggling to keep up with medical bills and other expenses as a result of your injuries, you should consult with a truck accident lawyer right away. Filing a lawsuit can help you regain control of your finances, and presents victims of accidents with an opportunity for closure with respect to a traumatic event.

Trucking Accidents: Who is Legally Responsible?

If you were hurt due to the carelessness of a commercial truck driver, you may be wondering who is legally responsible for your injuries and other losses. Under the law, legal responsibility is also known as liability. There are several different parties who may be liable for a commercial trucking accident, including:

• THE TRUCKING COMPANY. An employer is liable for the wrongful acts committed by its employees so long as the acts were unintentional and were committed within the scope of employment. This means that in many cases, trucking companies can be held liable for the negligent acts of their truck driver employees.
• THE DRIVER. Where a truck driver intentionally causes an accident, the driver himself (or herself) may be liable for the harms caused in the accident. Suing an individual truck driver under other circumstances can be difficult, and you should consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer to determine whether doing so is appropriate in your case.
• THE TRUCK MANUFACTURER. Sometimes, commercial trucking accidents are not the fault of the driver. When a defective truck or truck part causes an accident, the manufacturer may be liable for any injuries that occurred as a result.

There may be other people or parties who are legally responsible for your injures. A trucking accident lawyer can identify potential defendants.

Truck Accidents vs. Car Accidents

When it comes to road accidents, the disparity in size and weight between trucks and cars plays a pivotal role in determining their respective levels of danger. While both types of accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities, truck accidents tend to be more perilous due to several key factors.

Mass and Momentum:

Trucks, especially commercial ones, outweigh cars by a significant margin. This substantial mass translates to greater momentum, meaning that when a truck collides with a car, the force exerted is considerably higher. The sheer physics of this impact often leads to catastrophic consequences for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.

Limited Maneuverability:

Trucks have inherently limited maneuverability compared to cars. Their size and weight make it challenging for truck drivers to react swiftly in emergency situations or to navigate through tight spaces. This limitation increases the likelihood of accidents, as trucks may struggle to avoid collisions or obstacles on the road.

Longer Stopping Distances:

Due to their mass, trucks require significantly longer distances to come to a complete stop compared to cars. Even with advanced braking systems, the sheer weight of a fully loaded truck means that it takes more time and distance to decelerate safely. This factor contributes to rear-end collisions and makes it difficult for truck drivers to avoid accidents, especially in congested traffic conditions.

Height Disparity:

Trucks often have a higher ground clearance than cars, which can exacerbate the severity of collisions. In the event of a crash, the point of impact on a car is typically higher, increasing the risk of intrusion into the passenger compartment and causing severe injuries to the occupants.

To speak with a trusted trucking accident lawyer, call Gottesman & Hollis, P.A. at (603) 506-4600 today.