When an 80,000-pound commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the devastating consequences can alter lives in an instant. The sheer size and weight difference between these massive vehicles and standard cars means that truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and long-term disabilities that affect victims and their entire families.

At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our experienced personal injury attorneys understand the complex nature of truck accident cases in Roseland, New Jersey. With decades of experience handling personal injury claims throughout New Jersey, we have the knowledge and resources necessary to take on large trucking companies and their insurance carriers to secure the compensation you deserve. Our personalized approach and comprehensive services allow you to focus on recovery with peace of mind that our trusted team fights for your rights.

How Does Liability Work in Truck Accidents?

Truck accident cases often involve multiple potential defendants, making it crucial to identify all responsible parties. Unlike typical car accidents, where only two drivers may be involved, numerous entities throughout the transportation chain may contribute to your truck accident injuries.

Multiple Parties May Be Responsible

The truck driver may bear responsibility for violations such as driving under the influence, exceeding hours of service limits, or engaging in distracted driving. However, liability often extends beyond the individual behind the wheel. Trucking companies face potential liability for inadequate driver training, pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations, or failing to properly maintain their fleet. Cargo loading companies may also be at fault when improperly secured or overloaded freight contributes to an accident.

How to Prove Fault

Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to determine fault and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable. We work with accident reconstruction experts who analyze skid marks, vehicle damage patterns, and electronic logging device data to piece together exactly what happened. We closely review driver logs and maintenance records, examine federal compliance documentation, and interview witnesses to build a strong case.

New Jersey Truck Accident Laws That May Impact Your Claim

Truck laws can be complex, but it’s essential to understand how they may affect your claim. At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our knowledgeable lawyers clearly and carefully explain these legal challenges, including the following:

Comparative Negligence

New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident as long as your fault is less than 50%. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault if you’re found partially responsible for the accident. 

Statute of Limitations

New Jersey’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident, making it essential to act promptly. We work hard to build a strong claim efficiently so you don’t lose your right to seek compensation entirely.

State and Federal Regulations

New Jersey requires commercial vehicles to carry higher insurance coverage limits than passenger vehicles, reflecting the increased potential for catastrophic damage. Federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also apply to commercial trucks operating in New Jersey. When trucking companies or drivers violate these regulations, it establishes a foundation for proving negligence in your case.

Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims

If you suffered injuries in a Roseland truck accident, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages that reflect the full scope of your losses. The severity of injuries commonly associated with truck accidents often results in substantial compensation awards, including the following types of damages:

Economic Damages

Economic damages include objective monetary losses, such as current and future medical expenses, which can be substantial given the severity of truck accident injuries. These may encompass emergency room treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation therapy, and ongoing medical care that may be required for years. You may also recover lost wages, including income lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity, if injuries prevent you from returning to your previous employment.

Non-Economic and Punitive Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, such as drunk driving or deliberate safety violations, you may also recover punitive damages. Our attorneys work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to accurately project the long-term costs of your injuries.

How a Lawyer Can Help with Your Truck Accident Case

Navigating a truck accident claim requires extensive knowledge of federal and state regulations, industry standards, and the complex insurance structures that govern commercial transportation. Our experienced attorneys provide invaluable assistance throughout every stage of your case.

Comprehensive Investigation and Evidence Preservation

We immediately work to preserve electronic logging device data, which trucking companies are only required to maintain for six months. Our dedicated team also secures driver qualification files, maintenance records, and dispatch communications that can reveal violations of safety regulations or company policies that contributed to your accident.

Insurance Negotiations and Legal Representation

Insurance negotiations in truck accident cases are particularly complex because multiple insurance policies may apply. Key ways our legal team supports your truck accident case include the following:

When settlement negotiations fail to produce fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to trial with our Certified Civil Trial Attorneys.

Contact Mandelbaum Barrett PC for Exceptional Truck Accident Representation in Roseland, NJ

With decades of experience handling personal injury claims, our experienced attorneys include Certified Civil Trial Attorney Andrew Bronsnick and Co-Chair Joseph J. Peters. We understand the tactics trucking companies and their insurers use to minimize payouts, and we’re prepared to fight aggressively for your rights. Our firm provides personalized attention to each case, keeping clients informed throughout the legal process and ensuring they understand their options at every step.

We also offer Spanish-language services to better serve the diverse Roseland community and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we secure a successful outcome for your case. Contact us today at (973) 585-5100 or through our contact form to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.