Roseland, NJ Truck Accident Lawyer
When an 80,000-pound commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the consequences can be life-altering. The size and weight of commercial trucks mean that collisions frequently cause catastrophic injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and long-term disabilities that affect victims and their entire families.
At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our Roseland personal injury attorneys understand the complexity of truck accident cases throughout New Jersey. We have the knowledge and resources to take on large trucking companies and their insurers, and we fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.
How Liability Works in Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident cases often involve multiple responsible parties. Unlike a standard car accident between two drivers, numerous parties throughout the commercial transportation chain may share liability for your injuries.
Truck Driver
The driver may be liable for speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating federal hours-of-service rules that limit how long commercial drivers can operate a vehicle before resting.
Trucking Company
Trucking companies have a duty to hire qualified drivers, maintain their fleet, and ensure compliance with federal and state safety regulations. Failing to conduct background checks, pressuring drivers to violate service-hour rules, or neglecting maintenance can make the company liable for resulting accidents.
Cargo Loading Company
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can cause a truck to become unstable, leading to rollovers or cargo spills. Third-party loading companies may share liability when their negligence contributes to an accident.
Truck or Parts Manufacturer
When a defective brake system, tire, or steering component contributes to a crash, the manufacturer may be held liable under product liability law.
New Jersey Truck Accident Laws That May Affect Your Claim
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you may still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of responsibility is less than 50%. Your compensation would be reduced proportionally by your percentage of fault. Federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also govern commercial trucks operating in New Jersey. When trucking companies or drivers violate these regulations, it provides a strong foundation for proving negligence. New Jersey’s statute of limitations generally requires truck accident claims to be filed within two years of the crash date, so taking prompt legal action is essential.
Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims
Truck accident injuries are often severe, and the compensation available reflects that. Economic damages include current and future medical expenses such as emergency treatment, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation; lost wages during recovery; reduced earning capacity if injuries cause permanent limitations; and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving especially egregious conduct, such as a driver operating under the influence or a company deliberately ignoring safety violations, punitive damages may also be available. Our attorneys work with medical professionals and economists to project the true long-term cost of your injuries.
How Our Attorneys Build Your Truck Accident Case
Truck accident cases require immediate action to preserve critical evidence. Electronic logging device data, which documents a driver’s hours and movements, is only required to be kept for six months. Our attorneys move quickly to preserve this data along with driver qualification files, maintenance records, dispatch communications, and surveillance footage. We work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the crash, identify all liable parties, and build a comprehensive case. Key services we provide include:
- Thorough accident scene investigation and evidence preservation
- Consultation with accident reconstruction and medical professionals
- Negotiation with multiple insurance companies and their legal teams
- Litigation and trial representation when necessary
- Coordination with medical providers to ensure proper documentation of your injuries
Why Choose Mandelbaum Barrett PC for Your Roseland Truck Accident Case?
Our firm serves clients throughout Roseland and Essex County with a commitment to personalized attention and aggressive advocacy. We handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we secure a successful outcome. We also offer services in Spanish to better serve our diverse community.
With decades of experience handling personal injury claims, our experienced attorneys include Certified Civil Trial Attorney Andrew Bronsnick and Co-Chair Joseph J. Peters. Contact us today at (973) 585-5100 or through our contact form to schedule your free consultation.
