A collision with a semi-truck or an 18-wheeler is devastating. It can cause severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. Your immediate focus at this point should be on securing emergency services and getting the necessary care to recover. However, the complexity of determining how you will get compensated for hospital bills, lost income, and other damages can be overwhelming. This is where an experienced team of New Jersey truck accident lawyers becomes crucial.

At Lee Law Firm, our Union County personal injury attorneys understand the challenges you face and are committed to helping you receive fair compensation for sustained injuries and losses incurred. If you have questions about your case or would like to speak to an attorney, please don’t hesitate to contact Lee Law Firm today.

Causes of NJ Truck Accidents

Numerous truck accidents occur because of negligent truck drivers. Prolonged hours on the road, tight deadlines, busy highways, and stringent schedules all collectively contribute to instances where the driver prioritizes other factors over safety. And this further results in reckless driving, tailgating, speeding, and non-compliance with traffic laws. All this increases the risk of truck accidents. Besides this, other causes of truck accidents include insecure load handling and inadequately maintained trucks or trailers, or driving under the influence of drugs.

Who Is Liable for Commercial Truck Accidents?

While truck driver negligence is frequently a primary factor in accidents, accountability may extend to the truck or trailer owner, the truck driver’s employer, or the trucking company, leading to severe accidents. Additionally, product manufacturers and cargo-loading companies could share liability for a truck crash.

Trucking companies carry the responsibility of hiring conscientious drivers and equipping them with the necessary training and skills to ensure road safety. Liability for an accident may be assigned to trucking companies and other entities if you or your legal representative can establish that they:

Negligently hired, trained, or supervised their employees
Failed to conduct adequate background checks
Employed drivers with a history of traffic violations
Neglected to inspect, maintain, or repair the truck or trailer
Overloaded the trailer
Neglected to replace faulty parts or equipment

Proving Liability: Holding the Negligent Party Responsible

Uncovering the truth in a truck accident investigation is a challenge, but crucial to protect the victim’s rights. Unfortunately, when faced with the prospect of substantial damage claims, trucking companies and their insurers go aggressive, seeking to destroy evidence and lower their liability. These tactics never work when you have our lawyer for case representation.

Our team of experienced truck accident lawyers works relentlessly to collect evidence. We investigate, gather, and preserve all evidence related to truck driver and trucking company negligence, including:

Operating an overloaded or inadequately maintained truck
Employing drivers with a history of violating traffic rules
Truck driver fatigue resulting from prolonged driving without mandated rest breaks
Speeding by the truck
Use of substances to combat fatigue

Furthermore, many trucks are equipped with black boxes and GPS systems that document the actions and incidents leading up to the accident. They also maintain logbooks demonstrating compliance with legally required rest breaks. However, obtaining this evidence is often challenging, as trucking companies are typically unwilling to provide it. Our truck accident attorneys, however, take all the necessary legal steps to ensure that we get them for the preservation of this critical evidence.

We possess the necessary resources to:

Examine police and accident reports thoroughly.
Gather and assess medical records comprehensively.
Conduct a comprehensive investigation into the truck driver’s background and driving history, examining prior arrests, violations of state or federal laws, and involvement in other accidents.
Seek guidance from experts in relevant fields.
Reconstruct the scene of the accident
Conduct interviews with witnesses.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Union County

Rest assured, at Lee Law Firm, our truck accident lawyers make sure that the responsible party is held liable and that justice is served. We can provide you with a stress-free litigation process. A truck accident attorney at Lee Law Firm will handle each and every aspect associated with your case while you focus on recovering. We aim to get our clients the best outcome and offer legal services on a non-contingency basis. You don’t have to pay a dime until we get you fairly compensated. So, contact our firm to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer today.

New Jersey Truck Accident FAQ

What are common causes of truck accidents in New Jersey, and how can an attorney help?

Truck accidents in New Jersey can occur due to various reasons, including driver fatigue, speeding, or improper maintenance of the vehicle. Our truck accident attorneys at Lee Law Firm, LLC have the expertise to identify the underlying causes and hold the responsible parties accountable, providing you with the legal support necessary to pursue a successful claim.

How does Lee Law Firm, LLC approach truck accident cases in New Jersey?

At Lee Law Firm, LLC, we approach each truck accident case with a thorough understanding of New Jersey laws and a commitment to personalized legal representation. Our experienced truck accident attorneys delve into the specifics of each case, from investigating the accident scene to negotiating with insurance companies, ensuring that your rights are vigorously defended.

What special regulations for commercial trucks can help strengthen a truck accident case?

Commercial trucks must adhere to strict federal and state regulations—such as maximum driving hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo weight limits. If the driver was exceeding hours-of-service limits, that may demonstrate fatigue and liability. Maintenance logs showing overdue inspections or faulty brakes can underscore negligence. Improper cargo loading or overweight violations also point to unsafe operations. Your attorney can subpoena these logs and violation records to build a robust claim. Violations of these regulations often translate into strong evidence to support your case.

How does determining liability differ between the truck driver, trucking company, and truck owner?

Liability in truck accidents can involve multiple parties—sometimes more than in typical vehicle collisions. The truck driver is directly responsible for negligent actions like speeding or distracted driving. Meanwhile, the trucking company may be liable under “respondeat superior” if the driver was on duty and operating within their employment scope. If the truck is leased or the driver is independent, the leaseholder may bear responsibility. Additionally, the truck owner—separate from the operating company—might be held liable for vehicle defects or improper maintenance. Identifying and pursuing all potentially liable parties ensures a more comprehensive path to compensation.

What is the role of the Black Box (ECM) data in a trucking accident investigation?

Many commercial trucks are equipped with an Electronic Control Module (ECM) or “black box” that logs critical data like speed, braking, and engine performance moments before a crash. This data can provide an objective timeline of events, indicating speeding, hard braking, or engine issues immediately preceding the accident. Your attorney can secure this data through preservation letters and expert analysis. ECM evidence can strengthen your case by challenging false claims or reconstructing the cause accurately. It also discourages insurers from denying liability without examining these impartial records. Properly leveraging black box data often leads to faster and fairer settlements.

Why should I choose Lee Law Firm, LLC for my truck accident case in New Jersey?

Choosing the right truck accident attorney is critical. At Lee Law Firm, LLC, we pride ourselves on our dedicated approach to each case, our deep understanding of New Jersey laws regarding truck accidents, and our commitment to securing the best possible outcome for our clients. If you require legal assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Additional Information & Resources

FMCSA’s Regulations Page offers comprehensive details on safety regulations and compliance guidelines for commercial vehicles, crucial for understanding legal frameworks governing truck operations.
IIHS’s Vehicle Ratings include safety ratings for trucks, offering insights into how different truck models perform in safety tests. This information is valuable for understanding vehicle safety features and their impact on accident risks.