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Every year, hundreds of serious crashes occur in New Jersey involving commercial trucks, semi-trucks, and big rigs. These accidents often result in devastating injuries and fatalities, and determining who is legally responsible isn’t always straightforward.
If you’ve been injured in a commercial truck accident in New Jersey, your first step after receiving medical attention should be to contact an experienced New Jersey commercial truck accident attorney. At Nagel Rice LLP, we help injury victims pursue full compensation from truck drivers, trucking companies, and other responsible parties.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Attorney in New Jersey
A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer will take immediate action to investigate the crash, identify the liable parties, and advise you on whether you have a valid claim. If your case is viable, your attorney will build a strategy to pursue the maximum compensation available, either through settlement or trial.
Injured victims who work with experienced counsel are often in a stronger position to recover damages, particularly when large trucking companies and insurers are involved.
Determining Fault in a New Jersey Truck Crash
Determining fault in commercial truck accidents is often more complex than in standard car accidents. Multiple parties may have played a role in causing the crash, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company or employer
- A third-party maintenance provider
- The company that loaded the cargo
- The manufacturer of a defective truck part
Your attorney will conduct a detailed investigation and gather evidence such as:
- Police reports and crash scene photos
- Truck driver logs and qualifications
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Witness statements
- Black box (ECM) data from the truck
- Vehicle damage reports
- Employment and training documents
This evidence helps uncover whether the crash resulted from fatigue, improper maintenance, speeding, overloading, or another preventable cause.
Will the Trucking Company’s Insurance Cover the Damages?
Truck accident claims almost always involve commercial insurance companies that have significant resources and legal teams. These companies often:
- Try to minimize payouts by shifting blame
- Ask you for a recorded statement that may be used against you
- Offer fast settlements for much less than your case is worth
That’s why it’s essential to let your New Jersey truck accident attorney handle all communication with insurers. Once liability is established, your lawyer may pursue compensation from one or more insurance policies, depending on who is at fault.
How to Prove Liability in a Commercial Truck Accident
In New Jersey, proving liability requires establishing that a party (or multiple parties) acted negligently and caused your injuries. A successful claim typically includes proof of:
- A duty of care (e.g., truck drivers must drive safely)
- A breach of that duty (e.g., driver fatigue, violation of FMCSA rules)
- A direct link between the breach and your injuries
- Measurable damages (e.g., medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering)
Your attorney may work with accident reconstruction experts, trucking safety specialists, and medical professionals to present a strong, evidence-based case.
What Is My Commercial Truck Injury Claim Worth?
Every truck accident case is different, and the value of your claim depends on several factors, such as:
- The severity and permanence of your injuries
- Your medical expenses and projected future care
- Time missed from work and impact on future income
- Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
- The strength of evidence against the at-fault party
- Insurance coverage limits
Your attorney will help calculate a fair damages amount and fight to recover it through aggressive settlement negotiations or litigation if needed.
Speak With a New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you were seriously injured in a New Jersey truck accident, turn to Nagel Rice, LLP. We’ll handle your case from start to finish—and you won’t pay a fee unless we recover compensation for you. Contact our office today for a free consultation.