How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Commercial vehicle accidents in New Hampshire, as in any state, can have devastating consequences. Understanding their scope is crucial for both prevention and effective legal representation. From bustling urban centers to winding rural roads, New Hampshire’s diverse geography creates complex traffic conditions that pose distinct risks for large trucks and other commercial vehicles.

At Sabbeth Law, we bring extensive experience and a national network of professionals to bear on each case, ensuring every client receives dedicated representation. Studying commercial vehicle accidents is more than analyzing numbers; it involves recognizing patterns, identifying risk factors, and fighting for the rights of those affected. 

Driver Error: The Leading Cause of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Driver error often plays a critical role in commercial vehicle accidents. We have handled numerous cases at Sabbeth Law where driver negligence or inattention directly led to severe injuries. Here are the primary types of driver errors we frequently identify:

  • Distracted Driving: Common distractions include texting, using mobile devices, eating, drinking, or even adjusting in-vehicle technologies. These incidents can be investigated by reviewing cell phone records, dashcam footage, and other evidence that can prove driver distraction.
  • Driver Fatigue: Commercial drivers often contend with long hours and tight schedules. Fatigue can be evident in drifting between lanes, missing exits, or sudden braking. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations set hours of service and routinely examine logbooks and electronic logging devices to root out violations.
  • Improper Vehicle Handling: Large trucks require focused skills to operate safely. Improper handling can lead to jackknifing, rollovers, or collisions triggered by wide turns. Accident reconstructionists and trucking industry professionals can help determine whether driver handling contributed to an accident.
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Poor Vehicle Maintenance: A Critical Factor in Truck Accidents

Poor vehicle maintenance is another leading contributor to catastrophic truck accidents. Inadequate or delayed upkeep can result in dangerous mechanical failures. Several vehicle components are especially susceptible, including:

  • Brakes: Worn brake pads, faulty brake lines, or improperly adjusted air brakes can leave large trucks unable to stop in time. Negligent trucking companies can be held accountable when they fail to follow guidelines provided by agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
  • Tires: Underinflated tires, excessive wear, or improper tire selection can cause blowouts or loss of control. Truck drivers may conduct pre-trip inspections to ensure tire safety. We pursue compensation on behalf of those injured when these essential checks are overlooked.
  • Other Essential Systems: Steering, suspension, lighting, and engine components require regular inspections and repairs. Any neglect in these areas can increase the likelihood of serious accidents.

Trucking companies and drivers have a legal obligation to maintain safe vehicles. It is important to obtain maintenance records, inspect vehicles with professional mechanics, and analyze data from electronic logging devices to prove fault. To pursue the maximum compensation, it must be proven that negligence in vehicle upkeep directly caused or worsened a collision.

Adverse Weather Conditions

New Hampshire experiences harsh winter conditions, sudden ice storms, and torrential rain—all of which impact commercial vehicle operations. These weather-related risks are quite common:

  • Snow: Heavy snowfall reduces visibility and increases stopping distances for commercial vehicles. Blowing snow and black ice can catch drivers off guard, leading to serious accidents, especially when combined with driver error.
  • Ice: Ice formation is not limited to winter; it can occur in early spring or late fall. Thin, nearly invisible layers of ice can cause a sudden loss of control. Commercial vehicles should be more diligent in doing tire selection, conducting vehicle checks, and reducing speeds to mitigate these risks.
  • Rain: While often underestimated, rain can result in hydroplaning or reduced friction, compromising tire grip. For large trucks, tire condition, speed management, and safe driving protocols are essential. Aggressive driving in wet conditions can have tragic consequences.
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Road Conditions and Infrastructure Issues

Even the most conscientious drivers can become victims of poor road conditions and failing infrastructure. Inadequate road maintenance, construction zone mismanagement, and insufficient signage can drastically increase accident risks.

  • Poorly Maintained Roads: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and crumbling shoulders cause commercial trucks to lose control, especially under heavy loads.
  • Construction Zones: Sudden lane changes, narrow passages, and confusing temporary signage in construction areas create perilous driving conditions. If safety protocols are not followed, collisions become more likely.
  • Lack of Proper Signage: Missing or obscure warnings about sharp turns, steep grades, or weight restrictions leave drivers with insufficient time to adjust, resulting in serious accidents.

An experienced New Hampshire accident lawyer will investigate infrastructure issues thoroughly, consult with road safety engineers, and determine whether negligence on the part of local or state agencies contributed to a crash. They will act quickly to preserve evidence, knowing that construction zones and road conditions can change rapidly.

Taking Action After an Accident

The moments following a commercial vehicle accident can feel chaotic. Protect yourself and your rights by following these steps after you’ve been injured:

  1. Call 911: Report the accident, request medical assistance, and ensure first responders are on the scene.
  2. Document the Scene: Photograph damage, road conditions, and any obvious injuries before conditions change.
  3. Gather Information: Exchange contact and insurance details with other parties and obtain witness statements if possible.
  4. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, a thorough medical evaluation is critical for your health and for creating accurate records.

After these steps, contacting an experienced legal team like Sabbeth Law can be pivotal. There is a need to swiftly preserve evidence, prevent potentially harmful statements to insurance companies, and connect you with the right medical and accident reconstruction professionals. More importantly, filing personal injury claims in New Hampshire or neighboring regions can have strict deadlines called the statute of limitations, so acting quickly helps protect your case.

Our goal is to secure full compensation for all losses stemming from your accident. This can include:

  • Medical expenses (current and future)
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Physical and emotional pain and suffering

If you have been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, you do not have to face the legal aftermath alone. 

A Path to Justice with Sabbeth Law

At Sabbeth Law, we rely on our deep knowledge of federal regulations, our relationships with national professionals, and our hands-on trucking industry experience to build compelling cases for our clients. By thoroughly analyzing maintenance records, electronic logging data, and witness statements—and by working with accident reconstruction professionals where necessary—we craft legal strategies that seek the compensation you deserve.

Remember that time is critical. Evidence can fade, witnesses can forget details, and legal statutes limit how long you have to file a claim. That is why we encourage you to reach out to us as soon as possible. We may protect your rights, pursue justice on your behalf, and keep your long-term well-being at the forefront of everything we do.

At Sabbeth Law, we stand firm in our commitment to guide you through every step of your legal journey. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us put our experience, our resources, and our passion for justice to work for you.

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