Top New Jersey Truck Accident Attorneys

There are many factors that can contribute to serious truck accidents. Here are five common ones:

• Driver fatigue
• Distracted driving
• Improper vehicle maintenance
• Overloaded or unsecured cargo
• Driving under the influence (DUI/DWI)

Where do truck accidents happen in New Jersey?

Truck accidents can happen anywhere in New Jersey, whether on busy highways, country roads, along shorelines, or in congested city streets. However, certain locations may experience more accidents than others. In New Jersey, there have been multiple fatal truck accidents on these roadways:

• Newark – McCarter Highway
• Elizabeth – Spring Street (US-1)
• New Brunswick and Hightstown – NJ Turnpike (I-95)
• Camden – I-676 at I-76, I-295
• Deptford – NJ-42

When an accident involves a commercial truck in New Jersey, pursuing compensation may involve additional considerations, such as whether the trucking company or driver was in compliance with relevant regulations. There are several ways in which truck accidents differ from car accidents:

• Severity of injuries. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving these vehicles are more likely to cause serious injuries or fatalities than accidents involving passenger cars.
• Liability. Liability in truck accidents can be more complex than in car accidents, as there may be multiple parties involved.
• Regulations. There are numerous regulations and laws that apply specifically to commercial trucks, including rules governing driver hours of service, truck maintenance, and cargo securement. These regulations may impact liability and compensation in truck accident cases.

Who is at fault in a New Jersey truck accident?

Typically, there are more potentially at-fault entities in a commercial truck accident compared to a private-vehicle crash. Liable parties in a truck accident may include:

• Trucker
• Truck owner (if not the driver)
• Trucking company (employer)
• Cargo owner
• Cargo loaders
• Maintenance crews
• Defective truck parts manufacturers
• Defective tire manufacturers (tire blowouts)

An experienced New Jersey truck accident attorney can investigate the crash and determine who is at fault. In cases where insurance and trucking companies may attempt to shift blame onto the victim to minimize their own liability, a skilled lawyer can aggressively counter with compelling evidence that cannot be disregarded.

It all depends on the circumstances of the case. In general, the more severe the injury, the more compensation a victim may be able to collect. Serious injuries that could result from a truck accident include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, multiple bone fractures, limb amputations, and internal organ damage. New Jersey truck accident settlements, verdicts, and decisions can average anywhere from tens of thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some even result in multi-million dollar payouts. In general, truck accident victims may qualify to collect damages for:

• Past, present, and future injury-related medical expenses
• Long-term rehabilitation therapy as well as the purchase and installation of disability equipment
• Lost wages and diminished earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

After a fatal truck accident, the victim’s family may also be eligible to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of consortium, loss of guidance, and loss of financial and physical contributions to the household. Only an experienced lawyer with a victim’s best interests at heart can calculate a compensation package that places the highest value on their health and comfort.

How long do I have to file a claim or lawsuit after a New Jersey truck accident?

With some exceptions, New Jersey truck accident victims typically have 2 years to file a truck accident injury lawsuit. There are conditions that can make this window of opportunity much shorter. To determine which legal deadlines apply in a specific truck wreck, it is important to consult an experienced truck accident attorney.

In New Jersey, the trucking industry is regulated by both the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state-specific laws. New Jersey truck accident laws that apply may involve:

• New Jersey “clean truck” rules
• Hours of Service (HOS)
• Trucker fitness standards and qualifications
• Motor vehicle inspection, repair, safety, and maintenance requirements
• Truck logging and data collection mandates
• State overweight truck limits and permits
• New Jersey truck travel route designations

How a New Jersey truck accident lawyer can help

New Jersey truck accidents can be complicated, and insurance and trucking companies may try to evade responsibility. Hiring an experienced lawyer can make a significant difference in building a solid case. A skilled attorney can investigate the accident, collect evidence, and take legal action to preserve vital records such as the truck driver's logs and event data recorder data. They can also identify any violations of state or federal trucking laws that could strengthen your case.

Delaying action could have negative consequences. That’s why it's important to act quickly. Contact a New Jersey truck accident attorney today for a free consultation on your legal options for financial compensation.