Truck accidents are among the most devastating events that occur on New Jersey and New York roadways. The size and weight of commercial vehicles mean that collisions frequently cause catastrophic injuries, and the legal landscape surrounding these accidents is far more complex than a typical car crash claim. Without an attorney who handles truck accident cases regularly, injured parties often struggle to identify all liable parties, obtain critical evidence before it disappears, and navigate the federal and state regulations that govern the trucking industry.
The personal injury attorneys at Mandelbaum Barrett PC handle commercial truck accident cases throughout New Jersey and New York. Here is why the nature of these cases makes experienced legal representation particularly important.
Multiple Parties May Be Liable
A car accident often involves two drivers. A commercial truck accident can involve the truck driver, the trucking company, the company that loaded the cargo (if improper loading contributed to the crash), the manufacturer of a defective truck component, a maintenance contractor responsible for the vehicle, and others. Identifying every potentially liable party requires an investigation that goes well beyond reviewing the police report.
Trucking companies and their insurers typically deploy accident response teams immediately after a serious crash to protect their interests. Injured parties who do not have legal counsel often face sophisticated opponents who have already begun building a defense before the victim has spoken with an attorney.
Federal Regulations Apply to Commercial Trucking
Commercial trucking in the United States is heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Regulations govern driver hours of service, truck maintenance, cargo securement, driver licensing requirements, and drug and alcohol testing, among other requirements.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, violations of these regulations can constitute evidence of negligence in a truck accident case. An attorney with experience in trucking accidents knows what records to request, how to read them, and what violations to look for, including whether the driver exceeded hours-of-service limits or whether the truck had documented maintenance deficiencies.
Evidence Preservation Is Time-Sensitive
Commercial trucks typically carry electronic logging devices (ELDs) that record hours of service data, and many trucks have event data recorders that capture pre-crash speed, braking, and other information. This data is valuable evidence, but it can be overwritten or lost if not preserved quickly through a formal legal hold.
The trucking company’s own records, maintenance logs, driver qualification files, and internal communications may also contain relevant information. Obtaining these through a discovery process requires prompt action, particularly in cases where the trucking company is actively managing the claim from the outset.
Truck Accident Cases Involve Larger Claims and Greater Resistance
The catastrophic nature of many truck accident injuries means that the damages at stake are typically higher than in ordinary car accident cases. Trucking companies and their insurers have significant experience defending these claims and often employ aggressive tactics to minimize payouts. An attorney who has handled these cases understands what to expect and how to counter these approaches throughout negotiation and, if necessary, at trial.
Contact Mandelbaum Barrett PC for Truck Accident Guidance
If you or a family member has been injured in a commercial truck accident, the personal injury team at Mandelbaum Barrett PC is available to help. We handle truck accident cases across New Jersey and New York, from initial investigation through resolution.
Reach out through our contact page to speak with our team. We are here to help you through a complex legal process at what is already a difficult time.