CALL NOW

Call 24/7 for a FREE case evaluation

Call now (866) 393-4334

$100,000,000

in California case results

$20,000,000

in California jury verdicts

14

award-winning attorneys in network

Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney in New Jersey

You may have many questions when you are involved in a truck collision, we are here to help! We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions by truck accident victims in the state of New Jersey.

Why Should I Work with a Truck Accident Lawyer Instead of Filing a Claim on My Own?

Truck crashes in New Jersey can occur for a great number of reasons. Semi trucks and other big rigs are so large and heavy that just being on the roadway makes them a hazard. Truckers must drive with caution, paying close attention to the road conditions, their surroundings, and road situations at all times.

When they don’t, or when unforeseen circumstances intervene, it can lead to a collision. Here are some of the more common causes of truck accidents:

  • Driver fatigue (driving tired)
  • Truck jackknifing
  • Inadequate trucker training
  • Distracted driving, such as texting or making phone calls
  • Speeding
  • Passenger vehicles traveling in the heavy truck’s blind spots
  • Faulty brakes
  • Tailgating
  • Poor road conditions
  • Dangerous weather conditions
  • Lack of truck maintenance
Why Do Truck Crashes Often Lead to Such Serious Injuries?

Semi-trailers and other commercial trucks are much bigger than the passenger vehicles they share roadways with. This puts truck accident victims at an unfortunate disadvantage. Truck accident injuries are often catastrophic, ranging from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries to wrongful death.

What Kind of Damages Can I List on a Personal Injury Claim?

Typically, for a personal injury claim you will list economic damages, or those damages (expenses) which have a number value. This could include your medical expenses, property damage to your vehicle, lost wages while you were in recovery, and more.

Sometimes, though, damages can also include other things which don’t have a dollar value. For example, if you and your family members have been devastated by losing your loved one in a truck accident, you may be able to file for pain and suffering or emotional anguish.

In any case, a truck accident lawyer can help you determine what to cite on your claim, from your medical bills, to your vehicle damage costs, and beyond.

Will I Need a Personal Injury Claim or a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Whether you will need to file a personal injury claim or start a personal injury lawsuit may depend on a few different factors. First, claims are just that — claims for compensation, such as with your insurance company, for damages incurred after an accident.

You may file a claim with your own insurance company or with that of the truck driver, following a truck accident, depending on whether you live in an at-fault or no-fault state. On the other hand, a lawsuit occurs in court, with one person pursuing the other party for damages.

For example, if your insurance or the trucker’s insurance policy does not cover your damages, you may be able to sue them to cover the accident-related costs. A NJ truck accident lawyer can help you determine the right legal course of action for your situation, and will also guide you in the steps to take to get started.

Who Do I Sue in a Semi-trailer Accident: The Truck Driver, Trucking Company, or Another Party?

The liable party in a truck accident claim depends on different factors, such as:

  • How the truck accident occurred: Was the driver negligent? Were the road conditions poor? Was the road improperly maintained?
  • Whether your actions contributed to the accident: Were you speeding, following too closely, or traveling in the big rig’s blind spots at the time the accident occurred?
  • Training level of the truck driver: If a trucking company does not properly vet or train its truckers, it could be held liable for any accidents the truck driver causes.
  • Maintenance of the commercial vehicle: If the trucking company or trucker fails to maintain the semi truck, they may be liable for any accidents this oversight causes.

There are many details to consider when determining who will be held liable for your injuries, but the truck driver, trucking company, or another party could be listed on your claim. A New Jersey truck accident attorney will look at all the evidence and help you understand who to bring your claim against.

Do I Still Have a Claim If I Was Partially At-fault for the Truck Crash?

New Jersey is a no-fault state for auto insurance. However, this does not mean fault is not assigned following a truck accident. Instead, it means you and the trucker will each file claims with your own insurance policy.

Yet if your medical bills, property damage, and other accident-related expenses exceed your insurance coverage, you may be able to pursue the truck driver or other responsible party in a personal injury lawsuit.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim after a New Jersey Truck Accident?

The typical time limit for filing a personal injury claim after a truck accident in New Jersey is two years, according to the New Jersey State Legislature. The statute begins on the day of your accident.

Legal proceedings can be quite lengthy, which is why it helps to work with a personal injury attorney who knows traffic laws, laws that affect truck accident cases, and has other experience to apply to your case.

That way, your claim is not held up by insurance adjusters who want to waste your time with low settlement offers or have your claim thrown out altogether to protect their own interests.

Why Should I Work with a Truck Accident Lawyer Instead of Filing a Claim on My Own?

Collaborating with personal injury lawyers for your case is not only smart, it could be crucial to securing fair compensation for your injuries. Truck accident lawyers have experience working on cases just like yours. They know the possible outcomes, verdicts, and factors that may affect your claim and can advise you on the best route to take.

Moreover, a lawyer will manage all communication with insurance companies, the defendant and their lawyers, and will gather all the evidence necessary to support your case.

When it’s time to begin settlement negotiations, they won’t back down from the insurance company until you have an offer for the maximum compensation worthy of your injuries.

Were you, a loved one, or other family member hurt in a New Jersey truck accident? Look no further than LegalFinders to be connected with the legal aid you need to begin your personal injury case. Our highly rated law firms aren’t afraid to take on trucking companies, insurance companies, or other responsible parties to help you get the compensation you deserve. The experienced and capable truck accident lawyers we work with will stop at nothing to build a strong case for you. Learn more by calling LegalFinders now for a free consultation.

Learn about Top-Rated Truck Accident Attorneys in Your Area

Commercial trucks — whether big rigs, semi trailers, or other large trucks — are some of the biggest motor vehicles to travel roadways today. It’s no surprise that they lead to truck accidents resulting in some of the most catastrophic injuries possible. However, these serious injuries can and often do leave families devastated. Wrongful death and debilitating injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and paralysis, can change life’s course for accident victims and their family members forever.

That’s why personal injury claims exist: to allow truck accident victims, car accident victims, and victims of other preventable accidents to seek compensation from the person whose negligence led to their injuries. If you were harmed in a tractor-trailer accident in New Jersey, there are legal steps you can take to seek compensation for accident-related expenses.

Filing a personal injury claim on your own while trying to heal from your injuries may seem daunting, but having a trusted lawyer by your side can ease the strain. This is where LegalFinders can help. We are in the business of putting accident victims in touch with the attorneys who understand personal injury law, who work solely for highly rated law firms, and who are eager and willing to fight for maximum compensation for your case.

After a commercial vehicle accident, you want to know you’re in good legal hands, since your chance at receiving a fair settlement offer could depend on it. When you work with LegalFinders, we will always have you covered when it comes to seeking high-end legal representation.

Our truck accident attorneys will begin by providing a full case evaluation. This could include going over your medical records, poring over the police report from the accident, contacting eyewitnesses, reviewing photos from the accident scene, and more. You will never have to worry that any details are left uncovered for your claim, no stone left unturned. From the moment you connect with your personal injury attorney, they’ll begin the hard work of building a solid case.

Tackling negotiations with insurance companies, going head to head with the defendant’s lawyers, and preparing your case for trial (if it goes that way) are just a few ways your lawyer can assure you that your case is in good hands. You don’t have to take on your personal injury claim alone, and you do have legal options for the hurt you were caused.

Find out about all the ways a New Jersey truck accident lawyer can help you with your truck accident claim today. Call us now, or fill out the contact form to start the process for your free case evaluation.

 

New Jersey Truck Accident Statistics

New Jersey motorists experienced 549 fatal collisions in 2020, a number which includes commercial truck accidents, according to the New Jersey State Police.

Like other areas of the United States, New Jersey saw an increase in the number of car accidents and fatal accidents overall in 2020 — a 13.2% increase from the previous year. Statistics for New Jersey truck accidents include:

Semi-trailer accidents that led to fatalities

25

the lowest number in five years in 2020

Tractor-trailer accident fatalities

3

an increase from the one fatality the previous year in 2020

No fatal accidents involving heavy trucks

in New Jersey

in 2020

Top three road condition factors

intersections, curves, and road grades

involved in vehicle accidents in 2020

Age group which saw the most fatal passenger vehicle crash rates

50-64-year age group

including truck wrecks every year between 2016 and 2020

Top contributing factors to fatal motor vehicle accidents

speeding, driver distraction, failure to yield the right of way, and failure to keep right

in 2020

Rear-end collisions

21

accounted for the highest number of fatal types of accidents

Common types of tractor-trailer accidents

sideswipes, angle collisions, and pedestrian accidents

in 2020

 

Most Dangerous New Jersey Highways

Truck collisions can be devastating regardless of where they take place, especially when 18-wheelers or other big rigs collide with smaller vehicles. Still, there are some roadways which are considered more dangerous than others.

That is, certain highways and freeways may see higher incidents of truck accidents and resulting truck accident injuries. Some of the most dangerous highways in New Jersey include:

Highways Accident Statistics
I-95 Which saw 25 fatal accidents in 2020 alone.
I-78 Which saw 10 fatal accidents in 2020.
I-80, I-287, and I-295 Which all saw seven fatal accidents in 2020.
I-194 Four fatal accidents in 2020.
I-280 Three fatal accidents in 2020.
I-76 and I-676 1 fatal accident each.

LegalFinders Can Connect You with Top Truck Accident Attorneys near You

Whether you’re looking for a truck accident lawyer in Passaic, Newark, Union County, or elsewhere in New Jersey, look no further than LegalFinders. The legal teams in our network have ample experience backed by both the track record to prove it and numerous testimonials from satisfied clients.

From the moment you begin working with one of the personal injury lawyers in our legal circles, you can rest assured that your case will be managed with nothing short of precision. Our legal professionals are ready and willing to begin work on your case, leaving you to do the important work of healing from your injuries.

Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Call LegalFinders now for a free case evaluation and get in touch with the best lawyers in your area.

WE’RE OPEN NOW

Our staff are standing by to help you find the perfect attorney for your case.

Image of the lawyer

Published: 14 May 2022

ARTICLE SOURCES

New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance — Everything You Wanted to Know About Auto Insurance

New Jersey State Police — Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash: Comparative Data Report for the State of New Jersey

ON THIS PAGE