New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer

Experiencing a truck accident in New Jersey can leave you facing severe physical, emotional, and financial challenges. A New Jersey truck accident lawyer can be the key to unlocking the compensation you need to meet these challenges. 

• New Jersey truck accident laws are comprehensive, including Hours of Service Regulations, Weight and Size Restrictions, and Licensing Requirements, aiming to ensure road safety and hold responsible parties accountable for accidents.
• Victims of truck accidents should consider hiring an experienced New Jersey truck accident lawyer due to the complexity of determining liability, negotiating with insurance companies, and potentially preparing for trial.
• Compensation after a truck accident may include economic damages for financial losses, non-economic damages for non-financial harm, and punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence or recklessness.

Understanding New Jersey Truck Accident Laws

Navigating the multi-faceted maze of New Jersey truck accident laws can be challenging for victims. Grasping these laws is a stepping stone towards seeking justice. They are broken down into three main areas: Hours of Service Regulations, Weight and Size Restrictions, and Licensing Requirements.

These laws aim to promote road safety and hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies responsible for their actions. Being familiar with these laws can equip you with the knowledge and confidence to pursue compensation for your losses and injuries.

Hours of Service Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established Hours of Service Regulations to prevent commercial drivers from operating vehicles while fatigued. These regulations stipulate the maximum number of hours a truck driver can work before taking a break. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, including fines and suspension of the commercial driver’s license.

Despite these regulations, some truck drivers, under pressure to meet deadlines, choose to flout these rules, putting themselves and others at risk. If a truck driver’s non-compliance with these regulations leads to an accident, the negligent truck driver and possibly the trucking company can be held liable for the resulting damages.

Weight and Size Restrictions

Trucks, especially commercial trucks, are massive vehicles. When fully loaded, they can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. In contrast to large trucks, passenger vehicles are significantly lighter. New Jersey enforces specific weight and size limits on commercial vehicles to maintain road safety and prevent excessive strain on infrastructure.

These regulations are enforced by the New Jersey Police Officers, who regularly see commercial truck accidents and check for violations. Noncompliance can lead to hefty fines, ranging from $100 to $1,000 per violation, depending on the extent of the violation. Therefore, if an accident occurs due to a violation of these regulations, the driver and the trucking company can be held liable.

Licensing Requirements

Driving a commercial truck is not the same as driving a personal vehicle. It requires special skills and a higher degree of responsibility. As a result, commercial truck drivers in New Jersey are required to obtain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

This license is obtained after passing various tests, including a vision test, a knowledge test, and a road test. Failure to maintain an active CDL status can lead to suspension or revocation of the license. Therefore, if an accident occurs due to a truck driver’s failure to maintain an active CDL status, the driver and any passenger vehicle drivers and possibly the trucking company can be held liable.

Why You Need a New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer

Remember Sarah? She was a victim of a serious truck accident lawsuit. But she’s not alone. Every year, many people in New Jersey find themselves in similar situations. You may wonder why they need a New Jersey truck accident lawyer? The complexity of truck accident claims provides the answer.

Truck accident claims encapsulate establishing liability, negotiating with insurance companies, and occasionally, preparing for trial. All these stages are riddled with complexities and legal peculiarities that necessitate the expertise of an experienced truck accident claim lawyer.

Establishing Liability

The process of establishing liability in a truck accident case can be intricate. It requires thorough investigation and evidence gathering to determine fault. It involves collecting evidence and truck accident attorneys identifying the responsible party and demonstrating that they breached a duty of care.

This is where a skilled lawyer comes in. They are law firms that will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather crucial evidence, and use it to prove the other party’s negligence. This could include police reports, eyewitness accounts, accident reconstruction, and expert testimony.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Once liability is established, the subsequent step involves negotiating with insurance companies. This is often a challenging process, as insurance companies usually offer less than what victims deserve. An experienced lawyer can negotiate effectively with the insurance company on your behalf. They understand the tactics insurance companies use and how to counter them to ensure you get a fair settlement. They will also ensure that your rights are protected throughout the negotiation process.

Preparing for Trial

Sometimes, negotiations might not result in a fair settlement. In such scenarios, your lawyer will gear up your case for trial.

Preparing for trial is a meticulous process that involves filing a lawsuit, gathering evidence, and constructing a persuasive argument. This can take months or even years, but with a skilled lawyer on your side, you can be confident that your case will be handled professionally and effectively.

Types of Compensation in Truck Accident Cases

As a victim of a truck accident in New Jersey, you could potentially be eligible for compensation. Compensation in truck accident cases often falls into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.

Each damage type fulfills a unique purpose. While economic and non-economic damages aim to compensate the victim for their losses, punitive damages aim to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover financial losses, medical expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. These are costs that you have incurred as a direct result of the accident.

To claim these damages, you will need to provide evidence such as medical records, income tax returns, financial documents, a personal injury journal, photos of injuries, and paystubs for your personal injury claim.

Non-Economic Damages

While economic damages cover financial losses, non-economic damages cover non-financial harm. This can include:

• physical pain
• emotional distress
• mental anguish
• depression
• anxiety
• inconvenience
• lost enjoyment of activities
• loss of consortium
• loss of companionship

The amount awarded for non-economic damages often depends on:

• The severity of the accident
• The extent and permanence of the injuries
• The time it takes to heal
• The level of pain experienced
• The mental harm suffered

Punitive Damages

In cases of extreme negligence or recklessness, punitive damages may be awarded. These are designed to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.

The court will consider the defendant’s actions in determining whether to award punitive damages. If the behavior is found to be exceptionally reckless or negligent, punitive damages may be awarded.

Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents, a type of motor vehicle accident, are serious accidents that can inflict severe injuries on truck accident victims, causing a significant impact on their lives. These injuries can range from traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries to broken bones and fractures.

Understanding these common injuries can help you appreciate the severity of truck accidents and the importance of seeking compensation for your losses and suffering from commercial truck accidents.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury is one of the gravest injuries you can endure in a truck accident. These range from mild to severe and can lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in a truck accident, you may be facing a lengthy recovery period, extensive medical treatment, and rehabilitation. These injuries can significantly impact your quality of life and may require lifelong care.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are another common injury that can result from truck accidents. These injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Spinal cord injuries can have severe and lasting effects. They can cause temporary or permanent paralysis, persistent pain, emotional distress, and, unfortunately, premature mortality.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Truck accidents often cause fractures and broken bones. These injuries can be extremely painful and require lengthy recovery periods. Treatment for these injuries may involve:

• Immobilization with casts or braces
• Physical therapy to regain strength and mobility
• Pain management techniques
• In severe cases, surgical intervention

You may also need physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

If you find yourself involved in a truck accident, it’s vital to be aware of the steps to take. These can include:

1. Seeking medical attention
2. Reporting the accident
3. Documenting evidence
4. Consulting with a lawyer

Adhering to these steps will safeguard your well-being, uphold your rights, and bolster your compensation claim.

Seek Medical Attention

The first step after a truck accident is to seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional as some injuries may not be apparent immediately after the truck accident statistics.

Delaying medical attention can lead to worse health outcomes and complicate your legal claim. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately after an accident, no matter how minor the injuries seem.

Report the Accident

The next step is to report the accident. You should call the police immediately after the accident and file an accident report. This report can be crucial in establishing fault in truck accident lawsuits and your claim for compensation.

When reporting the accident, it’s essential to provide all the necessary information, such as the owner information for all the motor vehicles involved, as per their registration certificates.

Document Evidence

In addition to reporting the accident, it’s important to document evidence. This can include taking photographs of the accident scene, gathering witness statements, and keeping a record of your medical treatment.

Consult with Truck Accident Lawyers

Lastly, seek consultation with a Jersey truck accident attorney. A New Jersey truck accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer’s role will be instrumental in establishing liability, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing your case for trial if required.

They will also ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.

Truck accidents can be devastating, but with the help of a skilled Jersey truck accident lawyer and a clear understanding of New Jersey truck accident laws, victims can successfully navigate the legal process and seek the compensation they deserve. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone; experienced legal help is just a phone call away.