When a large commercial truck collides with your vehicle, the devastating impact can forever change your life in an instant. These collisions involve vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds, creating forces that can cause catastrophic injuries, extensive property damage, and emotional trauma you never expected to face.
At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, we understand the overwhelming challenges you’re confronting after a truck collision in Roseland. Our experienced attorneys know how to take on the insurance companies and trucking corporations that will try to minimize your claim, and we’re prepared to fight endlessly for the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Truck Collisions
Personal injury cases involving commercial trucks require a different approach than typical car collisions. Roseland’s location along major transportation routes means heavy truck traffic regularly travels through our community, increasing the risk of serious collisions.
Truck drivers face unique pressures, including tight delivery schedules, long hours on the road, and demanding employer expectations. When these factors combine with driver fatigue, distracted driving, or inadequate vehicle maintenance, dangerous situations develop quickly. Commercial trucks need much longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles, and their massive size creates significant blind spots around the entire vehicle.
The weight difference between a fully loaded truck and a passenger car means even relatively low-speed collisions can result in severe injuries. Over 4,000 people died in truck accidents in 2023, with the vast majority being from other vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists. When truck drivers fail to maintain proper following distances, ignore traffic signals, or drive recklessly, innocent motorists or pedestrians pay the price.
Common Causes of Truck Collisions
Multiple factors contribute to truck collisions in the Roseland area. Driver fatigue continues to be one of the leading causes, as truckers often push beyond safe driving limits to meet delivery deadlines. Federal regulations limit driving hours, but violations occur frequently when companies pressure drivers to ignore safety rules.
Distracted driving presents another serious risk. Truck drivers using cell phones, GPS devices, or eating while driving cannot react quickly enough when traffic conditions change suddenly. The scale and weight of commercial vehicles make split-second decisions critical for avoiding collisions.
Poor vehicle maintenance also contributes to many truck crashes. Trucking companies have legal obligations to maintain their fleets properly, including regular brake inspections, tire replacements, and engine maintenance. When companies cut corners to save money, mechanical failures can cause devastating collisions.
Weather and Road Conditions
New Jersey weather conditions can make truck driving particularly hazardous. Rain, snow, and ice affect large trucks differently from passenger vehicles. Trucks require longer distances to stop safely, and their higher centers of gravity make them more susceptible to jackknifing or rolling over in adverse conditions.
Some truck drivers fail to adjust their driving habits for weather conditions, maintaining unsafe speeds when visibility is poor or roads are slippery. This negligent behavior puts everyone on the road at risk.
Types of Injuries from Truck Collisions
Due to the sheer magnitude and weight of commercial trucks, collision injuries often require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation.
Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are some of the most serious consequences of truck collisions. The violent forces involved can cause TBIs ranging from concussions to severe cognitive impairment. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can affect your ability to work, sustain relationships, and enjoy daily activities.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are another devastating consequence of truck collisions. Damage to the spinal cord can induce partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifetime medical care and significant modifications to your living situation. The financial impact of these injuries extends far beyond initial medical bills.
Fighting Insurance Companies
Insurance companies that represent trucking companies employ teams of lawyers and investigators whose primary goal is to protect their bottom line. They may contact you immediately after your collision, hoping to secure a recorded statement or a quick settlement agreement before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
These companies are aware that most people don’t understand the complex laws governing commercial trucking, and they exploit this knowledge to their advantage, minimizing payouts. They may argue you were partially at fault, claim your injuries were pre-existing, or dispute the severity of your medical condition.
Our attorneys understand these tactics because we’ve been taking on insurance companies for decades. We know how to extensively investigate truck collisions, identify all accountable parties, and build compelling cases that demand fair compensation for our clients.
Preserving Critical Evidence
Trucking companies are required to keep meticulous records, including driver logs, maintenance records, and electronic data from onboard systems. This evidence can prove crucial in establishing liability, but companies often attempt to destroy or hide damaging information.
We act quickly to preserve this evidence through legal preservation notices and, when necessary, emergency court orders. The sooner you contact us after your collision, the better we can protect the evidence needed to build your case.
Mandelbaum Barrett PC: Your Trusted Legal Partners
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’ve built our reputation by taking on the most challenging cases and securing meaningful results for families throughout New Jersey.
Our team approaches each truck collision case with the resources and determination necessary to achieve justice. We team up with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and industry specialists to build comprehensive cases that address both your immediate needs and long-lasting consequences. When you select our firm, you’re choosing lawyers who understand the devastating impact these collisions can have on your life and who will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today at (973) 585-5100 or through our contact form for your free consultation.