Understanding Trucking Accidents: Causes, Consequences, & Prevention

Why Clients Choose Nagel Rice LLP

At Nagel Rice LLP, we’ve been helping people across New Jersey hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable for over 40 years. Our firm has recovered more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements, and we’re ready to fight for you.

With a long-standing reputation for excellence in personal injury litigation, Nagel Rice has been repeatedly recognized by peers and national legal organizations. We’ve earned accolades from Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and The National Law Journal’s 50 Elite Trial Lawyers.

We don’t handle high-volume, low-value cases. We focus on complex, high-damage claims, and we’ve built a legacy of results across New Jersey, including in Essex, Bergen, Morris, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Passaic Counties.

Understanding Truck Accidents in New Jersey

When a large commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the consequences can be catastrophic. Victims are often left facing life-changing injuries, financial hardship, and a long road to recovery.

Our attorneys handle these complex cases from start to finish, and you won’t owe us anything unless we win compensation on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are often the result of preventable negligence. These are not minor fender-benders; most involve massive vehicles traveling at high speeds. Our legal team regularly investigates accidents caused by:

  • Driver fatigue or Hours of Service violations
  • Speeding or aggressive driving
  • Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo
  • Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance
  • Inadequate training or supervision of drivers
  • Driving under the influence

Trucking companies and their insurers often act quickly to protect their interests. We act even faster to defend yours.

Types of Truck Accidents We Handle

There are many ways a truck accident can occur, each with its own legal and technical challenges. At Nagel Rice, we have successfully represented clients injured in:

These accidents often involve multiple liable parties and require detailed investigation. We possess the necessary resources and litigation experience to pursue each claim thoroughly.

What are Common Injuries From Truck Accidents?

The force of a collision with a large truck can cause devastating physical harm. Victims may face months—or even years—of recovery. Our firm routinely handles cases involving:

We work closely with medical professionals, life care planners, and financial experts to build a complete picture of the harm suffered and to pursue full and fair compensation.

Who is Liable After a Truck Accident?

Liability may rest with the truck driver, the trucking company, a maintenance contractor, a cargo loading team, or even a vehicle manufacturer.

At Nagel Rice, we don’t rely on guesswork. We bring in accident reconstruction experts and conduct detailed investigations to gather and preserve critical evidence, such as black box data, driver logs, inspection records, and surveillance footage.

Types of Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

You may be entitled to recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
  • Wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses and loss of companionship

Every case is different. We take the time to understand the full impact of the accident on your life, and we fight to recover just compensation.

Speak With a New Jersey Truck Accident Attorney Today

Time matters after a truck accident. Let our team at Nagel Rice LLP help you understand your legal rights and take immediate steps to protect your claim. We offer free consultations and take cases on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no risk in reaching out. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let our experience and commitment work for you.

FAQs

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in New Jersey?

You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey. Acting sooner helps preserve evidence like black box data and driver logs.

Who investigates a truck accident in New Jersey?

Local police, the New Jersey State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, and federal agencies like the FMCSA may review the crash. Attorneys also conduct independent investigations to secure proof.

Can I sue the trucking company if the driver was at fault?

Yes. In many cases, the trucking company is also liable for hiring, training, supervision, maintenance issues, or Hours-of-Service violations.

What evidence is most important in a truck accident case?

Black box data, driver logs, GPS records, dashcam video, maintenance reports, cargo loading documents, and scene photographs are key to proving fault.

Do New Jersey’s no-fault rules affect truck accident claims?

Your PIP coverage pays your initial medical bills, but truck accidents often cause serious injuries that meet the threshold to pursue a claim against the driver or company for full compensation.