Semi trucks, tractor trailers, big rigs, and 18-wheelers are the most frequent terms connected to commercial trucks in New Jersey. Whatever you call it, the consequences of a truck crash involving a passenger car can be horrifying because such catastrophic collisions frequently result in fatalities or severe injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in New Jersey, or if you’ve lost a loved one in a truck collision, get legal help from Grossman Law. For over 27 years now, we have helped New Jerseyans obtain their rightful compensation after serious crashes, even when faced with trucking companies and insurers. Our legal guidance and representation has resulted in deca-millions of dollars in recoveries for our clients.
Talk to us in a free consultation about your big rig accident. Call Grossman Law at (877) 996-5529 today.
What Are Big Rig Trucks?
There are various types of commercial trucks capable of causing significant damage in accidents. A big rig typically refers to a large 18-wheeler truck. These trucks consist of a tractor unit, also known as a tractor cab, connected to one or more semi-trailers designed for transporting cargo. They are also referred to as semi trucks or tractor-trailers.
These heavy-duty vehicles are responsible for transporting tens of thousands of pounds of cargo across the country. Their loads can include anything from fresh produce and electronic devices to hazardous materials.
What Makes Big Rig Accidents So Dangerous?
Big rig accidents are not your typical fender benders. These massive vehicles, often weighing up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, can cause devastating damage during a collision. Smaller vehicles simply don’t stand a chance against their size and force.
The danger is amplified by the long stopping distances required for trucks, blind spots that obscure smaller vehicles, and the heavy cargo they carry, which can shift during transit and cause rollovers or jackknifing.
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
A serious truck accident can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may be life-threatening. Some of the most frequently sustained injuries in truck collisions are:
- Back and neck injuries
- Burn injuries
- Fractured or broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal injuries, such as internal bleeding
- Deep lacerations and cuts
- Rib and torso injuries
- Amputation of limbs.
Truck accidents have the potential to cause devastating injuries, and in some cases, they can be fatal. Some injuries may require lifelong medical care and rehabilitation. For example, back and neck injuries sustained in a truck crash could result in paralysis. Victims suffering from traumatic brain injuries may need ongoing medical attention for months, years, or even the rest of their lives. These injuries are severe and should be taken seriously.
Beyond physical harm, truck accident victims may also experience psychological and emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Every accident victim deserves proper medical care, emotional support, and fair compensation for their injuries. Consulting an experienced truck accident attorney can help ensure that victims receive the medical treatment and financial compensation they need for their recovery.
Common Causes of Semi Truck or Big Rig Accidents in New Jersey
Vehicle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. In some cases, unpredictable events or uncontrollable factors may lead to a crash. However, many collisions result from negligence by one or more parties involved. When it comes to big rig accidents, several negligent behaviors can play a role, including:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving encompasses any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road. This distraction can be:
- Cognitive – when a driver’s mind is not focused on driving
- Visual – when a driver takes their eyes off the road
- Physical – when a driver removes their hands from the wheel.
Common examples include texting, eating, making phone calls, or adjusting vehicle controls while driving.
Driving Under the Influence
Commercial truck drivers are subject to stricter regulations regarding intoxication than regular drivers. In New Jersey, while non-commercial drivers can have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of up to 0.08%, commercial truck drivers are considered legally impaired if their BAC exceeds 0.04%. Violating this limit can result in a DUI charge.
Drowsy Driving
Truck drivers often travel long distances with limited breaks, leading to fatigue. Driving while drowsy can impair reaction time and judgment, making an exhausted truck driver nearly as dangerous as an intoxicated one.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving by truckers includes behaviors that endanger others on the road, such as speeding, unsafe lane changes, reckless passing, tailgating, and sudden swerving. Such actions significantly increase the risk of a collision.
Mechanical Failure
Some big rig accidents occur due to mechanical issues. In certain cases, the cause traces back to negligence — whether by the truck manufacturer for producing a defective part or by others responsible for maintaining the vehicle.
Failure to Maintain Trucks
Trucking companies must keep their vehicles in roadworthy condition. If a truck is not properly inspected, maintained, or repaired, vehicle failures can lead to catastrophic accidents.
Improperly Trained Drivers
Commercial trucking companies have a responsibility to train their drivers thoroughly. Inadequate training can lead to poor decision-making, mishandling of vehicles, and an increased risk of accidents.
Road Conditions
Hazardous road conditions, such as icy highways, potholes, or poorly maintained roads, can make it difficult for truck drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. It’s crucial for truckers to travel at safe speeds. In some cases, even speeds lower than the posted limit may be considered too fast for adverse conditions.
Cargo Issues
Improperly loaded cargo can destabilize a truck, making it more prone to tipping over or jackknifing. Unsecured cargo can also spill onto the roadway, creating additional hazards for other motorists.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
Commercial truck accidents can be complex, with multiple parties potentially responsible for the crash. Liability may fall on one or more individuals or entities, depending on the circumstances. Some of the parties that may be at fault include:
The Commercial Truck Driver
Truck drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely. If a trucker engages in negligent behavior such as speeding, texting while driving, or driving while fatigued, they may be held accountable for causing an accident.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies must comply with safety regulations and ensure their drivers are properly trained. If a company fails to enforce safety standards, pressures drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, or neglects to perform background checks, they could be held liable for accidents involving their vehicles.
The Truck Manufacturer
Manufacturers have a duty to produce safe and reliable trucks. If a mechanical failure occurs due to a defective part or design flaw, the manufacturer may be responsible for any accidents caused by the failure.
A Third-Party Driver
Not all truck accidents are caused by the truck itself. Another driver on the road may be at fault if their reckless or negligent actions, such as swerving into a truck’s lane or making sudden, unsafe maneuvers, lead to a collision.
The Maintenance Crew
Commercial trucks require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they are in safe operating condition. If a maintenance team fails to repair faulty brakes, replace worn tires, or address mechanical issues, they may be held responsible for an accident resulting from poor upkeep.
The Cargo Loaders
Properly securing cargo is essential for safe truck operation. If cargo is improperly loaded, unevenly distributed, or not secured correctly, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to tip over or become difficult to control. In such cases, the cargo loading team may be held accountable.
Shared Liability in Truck Accidents
In some cases, multiple parties share responsibility for a truck accident. For example, if a passenger vehicle runs a red light and crashes into a big rig, but the truck driver was also texting while driving and failed to react in time, both drivers could be found partially at fault. In such situations, liability may be divided based on the degree of negligence of each party.
Compensation for Truck Accident Victims
Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for various losses such as:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages due to inability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if gross negligence is proven.
Steps to Take After a Big Rig Accident
If you’ve been involved in a semi-truck accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and strengthen your case:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Call law enforcement and file an accident report.
- Take photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
- Collect contact information from witnesses and other drivers involved.
- Contact an experienced NJ truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
These actions can make a significant difference in building a strong claim.
Why You Need a New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer
Navigating the legal landscape after a truck accident is no easy task. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and trucking companies have teams of lawyers ready to defend them.
A skilled truck accident attorney will:
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Gather evidence like truck logs, maintenance records, and witness statements
- Fight for maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
With an experienced lawyer by your side, you’re able to focus on recovery while they handle the legal battle.
How Do Truck Accident Laws Differ in NJ?
New Jersey has specific laws governing truck accidents:
- The state follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you’re partially at fault.
- There’s a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits, meaning you may have only two years to sue.
- Commercial trucks must follow strict federal regulations set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Understanding these laws is crucial for building a successful case.
What Evidence Is Crucial for Your Case?
To win your case, you’ll need solid evidence such as:
- Police reports detailing the crash
- Photos or videos from the accident scene
- Black box data from the truck
- Witness statements
- Medical records documenting your injuries.
Your attorney will know how to gather this evidence effectively.
Contact a Trusted New Jersey Big Rig Truck Accident Lawyer Today
A truck accident can leave you facing devastating injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about the future. You’ll need strong legal representation to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. At Grossman Law, we understand the complexities of truck accident cases and are well-equipped to fight for your rights.
Don’t let insurance companies undervalue your claim or trucking companies evade responsibility. Our experienced legal team is ready to help you navigate the legal process, gather critical evidence, and maximize your compensation.
Grossman Law’s lead attorney Scott D. Grossman has spent nearly three decades fighting for truck accident victims throughout New Jersey. Our team understands the complexities of these cases and has successfully recovered millions for our clients. Here’s why you should choose us:
- We offer free consultations to evaluate your case.
- Our attorneys are proficient in dealing with insurance companies and trucking firms.
- We operate on a contingency fee, which means you don’t pay us any upfront costs. We only get paid when you are compensated.
Contact Grossman Law today for a free consultation. Call us at (877) 996-5529 to schedule your case review. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on your recovery.