Collisions involving commercial trucks are among the most devastating vehicle crashes on New Jersey roads. When a tractor-trailer collides with a much smaller passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. You may face life-altering injuries, staggering medical bills, and profound changes to your quality of life. While financial compensation cannot erase the trauma of such an accident, understanding the damages available under New Jersey law can help you pursue the resources needed for recovery.
At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our personal injury attorneys have decades of experience representing truck accident victims throughout New Jersey. We understand the complex nature of commercial truck accidents and work diligently to secure maximum compensation while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life. With this unwavering support and high-quality representation, you can better understand your rights and the value of your claim.
Types of Damages Available in New Jersey Truck Accident Cases
New Jersey law recognizes several categories of damages in truck accident cases. Understanding these different types of compensation can help victims appreciate the full scope of compensation that may be available.
Economic Damages
Economic damages represent tangible, calculable financial losses resulting from the accident. Common economic damages after a truck accident include the following:
- Medical expenses: Recoverable medical expenses may include emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation therapy, medications, medical equipment, and future medical needs related to the accident.
- Lost income and earning capacity: Compensation may cover wages lost during recovery, missed bonuses and benefits, reduction in future earning capacity, and vocational rehabilitation costs.
- Property damage: You may recover costs for vehicle repair or replacement, personal property damaged in the crash, rental car expenses, and diminished value of repaired vehicles.
- Household services: If your injuries prevent you from performing household duties, you may be entitled to compensation for cleaning services, property maintenance, childcare expenses, and other household tasks you previously handled.
We typically calculate and prove these economic damages with documentation such as bills, receipts, and expert testimony, considering every detail to help make you whole again after your truck accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address intangible losses that significantly impact a victim’s life beyond financial expenditures. These often include the following:
Pain and Suffering
Physical pain and discomfort often include both acute pain experienced immediately after the accident and chronic pain that may persist indefinitely.
Emotional Distress
Truck accidents can cause profound psychological impacts, including PTSD, anxiety about driving, depression, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. Mental health treatment records and expert testimony can substantiate these claims.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
When injuries prevent participation in activities that previously brought joy and fulfillment, you may recover damages for the inability to engage in hobbies, limited participation in family events, reduced social interactions, and diminished quality of relationships.
Physical Impairment and Disfigurement
Permanent physical changes, including visible scarring, amputation, mobility restrictions, and sensory impairments, deserve specific recognition in damage calculations.
These abstract losses are more challenging to calculate, so having a lawyer’s experience and understanding is essential to prevent accepting lowball offers from insurance companies.
Factors Affecting Truck Accident Damage Awards
Several elements can significantly influence the final compensation amount in your truck accident case. Understanding the following factors can help set realistic expectations and better prepare you for the claims process:
Comparative Negligence
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Therefore, if you were partially responsible for the accident, your damage award may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover damages. For example, if your total damages are $100,000 but you’re found 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
Insurance Coverage and Corporate Policies
Commercial trucks typically carry higher insurance limits than passenger vehicles due to federal and state requirements. Additionally, trucking companies may have substantial corporate assets.
Our skilled attorneys will identify all potential sources of compensation, including the truck driver’s insurance, the trucking company’s coverage, trailer owner insurance, cargo loading companies, and manufacturer liability for defective parts.
Schedule a Free Consultation With the Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers at Mandelbaum Barrett PC Today
Navigating the complexities of a commercial truck accident claim requires knowledge of both personal injury law and trucking regulations. Our attorneys at Mandelbaum Barrett PC have the experience to thoroughly investigate your accident, identify all responsible parties, and build a compelling case for maximum compensation. We handle all aspects of your claim, from gathering evidence and consulting with experts to negotiating with insurance companies and preparing for trial if necessary.
With decades of experience handling personal injury claims, our experienced attorneys include Certified Civil Trial Attorney Andrew Bronsnick and Co-Chair Joseph J. Peters. If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck accident, contact Mandelbaum Barrett PC today at (973) 585-5100 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options for recovery.