Truck Accidents

New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyers

When truckers drive unsafely, then other drivers and their passengers are at great risk for bodily harm with sometimes fatal results.

It goes without saying that in a collision with an automobile, the truck always wins. The weight, size, and bulk of a truck always make it a deadly force to other drivers who fall victim to truck driver negligence.

At O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble, our top-rated New Jersey truck accident lawyer is a strong and compassionate advocate for injured victims. We fight for our clients to ensure that trucking companies are held responsible for their negligence. If you or your loved one was hurt in a commercial truck crash in New Jersey, please call us today for a free, no obligation consultation.

New Jersey Truck Accident Statute of Limitations

Under New Jersey law (N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-2(a)), a two-year statute of limitations governs truck accident injury claims. If you were hurt in a collision, you must file your truck accident claim within two years of the wreck. Failure to do so will result in your claim being dismissed.

The sooner you take action after a commercial truck crash, the better off you will be. Remember, the truck company and its insurance provider will begin building their defense in the minutes and hours immediately after the crash. Do not fall behind in the claims process — get professional legal guidance.

Common Types of New Jersey Truck Accidents

Truck accidents differ from passenger vehicle collisions due to the truck’s large size and weight. The way trucks handle on the road makes them prone to certain types of accidents more so than other vehicles. Some of the most common types of truck accidents we see include:

• Jackknife: Occurs when sudden braking causes the trailer to swing around;
• Blowout: Tire blowouts can be deadly when the tire is on a large truck;
• Rollovers: Not uncommon when a driver loses control and truck starts to slide sideways;
• Freight: Cargo shifting or dislodging can cause a driver to lose control;
• Underride: When a vehicle is forced under the truck or trailer; and
• Head-on: Commonly occurs when a truck driver falls asleep and heads into oncoming traffic.

Any of these types of accidents can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. To receive reimbursement for your injuries, you must be able to prove the truck driver was negligent.

How to Hold Negligent Trucking Companies Liable

To keep all drivers and passengers safe, the trucking industry is heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). While most trucking companies, and the drivers they employ, follow FMCSA rules, there are some who ignore Federal regulations in order to increase profit margins. Some hazardous factors restricted by Federal Regulation which may increase the risk of an accident include:

• Speeding (especially in certain road conditions);
• Overloading trailers or unsecured loads;
• Skipping drive rest breaks or driving more hours in a shift than permitted by law (driver fatigue);
• Distracted drivers; and
• Alcohol and drugs; 

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a truck accident, you want truck accident lawyers on your side who can conduct a thorough investigation to protect your rights. Due to a large number of involved parties, truck accidents are more complex to litigate than standard car-on-car accident cases. This isn’t something you can try to handle entirely on your own.

It is crucial that you identify all parties that might bear liability for your truck accident. In some circumstances, more than one defendant can be held at fault for a single crash. Defendants that may be held liable in New Jersey truck accident claims include:

• The truck driver;
• The trucker’s employer;
• The company that owned the truck;
• The company that leased the truck;
• The truck manufacturer;
• The trailer manufacturer;
• Third-party motorists; and
• Road designers or highway maintenance companies.

Truck accident claims can be complicated to resolve, especially when you are dealing with multiple liable parties. You shouldn’t attempt to pursue a claim for damages on your own. Let a skilled New Jersey truck accident lawyer assist you.

It’s not uncommon for trucking companies to deny liability or extend lowball offers in hopes you will walk away or settle for a fraction of your claim’s value.

Common Injuries in New Jersey Truck Accidents

Numerous types of injuries are possible in large truck accidents. However, some injuries we see more often in truck accidents. These injuries include:

• Head: Concussion, traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures;
• Neck: Whiplash, herniated discs;
• Spinal Cord: Temporary to permanent paralysis;
• Back: Herniated discs, broken vertebrae, nerve impingement; and
• Internal: Organ damage, internal bleeding.

Burn injuries are also commonly seen in large truck accidents, primarily because of their fuel loads. Sometimes a gas tank will be damaged or explode, causing a huge fire. If a victim can escape, they are often left with third-degree burns, followed by massive scarring and possible disfigurement.

If you are not transported from the scene to the hospital via ambulance, it’s imperative you seek medical treatment right away. You could have internal injuries that are not immediately visible. Also, seeking medical treatment right away is important to preserve your claim’s value.

Insurance companies are quick to want to poke holes in your case to avoid paying out. If you wait two or three weeks before seeking medical treatment, they will argue that your injuries weren’t serious or that you were injured sometime after the truck accident. Don’t give them any reason to doubt your injuries; get checked out by a doctor right away.  

Truck Accident Victims Deserve Maximum Financial Compensation

Under New Jersey law, truck accident victims are entitled to compensation for the complete value of their losses — including economic losses and non-economic damages. Trucking companies are almost universally defended by large commercial insurers.

These insurance companies fight hard to protect their own profit margins — they will attempt to resolve yours for the lowest dollar value possible. At O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble, our New Jersey truck accident injury attorneys are committed to helping our clients maximize their financial recovery. If you were hurt in a collision, financial relief might be available for:

• Emergency room care;
• Medical bills;
• Physical therapy;
• Psychological counseling;
• Lost wages;
• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress;
• Disfigurement;
• Permanent impairments; and
• Wrongful death of a loved one. 

Commercial insurers have large defense departments and typically big budgets. They aren’t afraid to take a case to trial hoping it will save them paying out your claim. You need a law firm on your side with the experience and resources to expertly go up against them in court.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a Lawyer Required to File a Truck Accident Claim?

Truck accident injury claims are among the most complex type of personal injury lawsuit. Not only are there many different state and federal regulations that could affect your case, but many different parties may bear some liability for your crash. In addition, insurance companies will fight aggressively to settle your personal injury case for the lowest amount possible.

The truck accident attorneys at O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble have the expertise and knowledge in this area of the law to determine who is responsible and the appropriation of fault. Our legal advocates will obtain the trucking company’s driving logs and research the drivers’ backgrounds, including their traffic records. In addition, our team will help you find your way through the labyrinth of insurance claims and official evidence.

What Should I Do if I've Been Involved in a Truck Accident in New Jersey?

If you've been in a truck accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, it's essential to get checked out by a doctor. Then, contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. They can help you navigate the legal process, deal with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Can I Still Recover Damages if I Was Partially at Fault for the Truck Accident?

New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.

Do I need to go to court to resolve my truck accident case in New Jersey?

Not necessarily. Many truck accident cases in New Jersey are settled outside of court through negotiations between the parties involved. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to court.

Discuss Your Case with OPLN Today

Contact our truck accident attorneys online for a free no obligation consultation. By teaming up with our highly experienced trucking accident lawyers, you or your loved ones stand a better chance of winning a case.

At the same time, you are contributing to the overall safety of New Jersey roads and all drivers. Together, we will make sure that a compensation claim covers all medical bills and eases the suffering of your loved ones. What’s even more important to know is that with your lawsuit you’re helping get the dangerous and reckless truck drivers off the New Jersey road.