What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in New Jersey
Accidents involving tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and other commercial vehicles can result in devastating injuries and complex legal claims. The actions you take following a trucking accident can have a major impact on your ability to recover compensation.
Seek Emergency Medical Care
Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, injuries are often severe. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, seek immediate medical attention and follow all treatment recommendations.
Contact Law Enforcement
Truck accidents should always be reported to the police. The responding officers may document important evidence regarding the collision, including witness statements, roadway conditions, and potential traffic violations.
Preserve Evidence
If possible, take photographs of the vehicles involved, roadway conditions, skid marks, cargo spills, and visible injuries. Obtain contact information for witnesses and note the trucking company name and any identifying numbers displayed on the truck.
Be Careful When Speaking with Insurance Companies
Shortly after the accident, trucking company representatives or insurance adjusters may contact you. Before providing recorded statements or accepting any settlement offer, consider consulting with an attorney.
Contact a New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer
Trucking companies often begin investigating accidents immediately. Having experienced legal representation early in the process can help preserve critical evidence and protect your rights.
Why 18-Wheeler Accident Cases Are More Complex
Unlike ordinary car accidents, trucking accident claims often involve federal regulations, commercial insurance policies, and multiple potentially liable parties.
An experienced truck accident attorney can investigate:
Driver qualification records
Hours-of-service violations
Driver logbooks
Truck maintenance records
Electronic logging devices (ELDs)
Black box data
Cargo loading records
Company safety policies
Identifying these issues early can play a critical role in establishing liability and maximizing compensation.
Common Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
Because commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, collisions frequently result in catastrophic injuries.
Common truck accident injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Paralysis
Broken bones and fractures
Internal organ damage
Severe burns
Amputations
Neck and back injuries
Permanent disability
Wrongful death
Many victims require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care following a trucking accident.
Compensation Available to Truck Accident Victims
If you were injured in an 18-wheeler accident, compensation may be available for:
Medical expenses
Future medical treatment
Rehabilitation costs
Lost wages
Reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful death damages
Because truck accident injuries are often severe, these claims can involve substantial financial losses and future damages.
Who Is Liable for an 18-Wheeler Accident?
One of the most important aspects of a trucking accident claim is identifying every party that may share responsibility.
The Truck Driver
Truck drivers may be liable for:
Distracted driving
Speeding
Fatigued driving
Drunk or impaired driving
Unsafe lane changes
Failure to obey traffic laws
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies may be responsible for:
Negligent hiring practices
Inadequate driver training
Failure to maintain vehicles
Encouraging hours-of-service violations
Failure to follow federal safety regulations
Cargo Loading Companies
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can cause rollovers, jackknife accidents, and loss-of-control crashes.
Truck Manufacturers
Defective brakes, tires, steering systems, or other mechanical failures may contribute to an accident and create a product liability claim.
Maintenance Providers
Companies responsible for inspecting and maintaining commercial vehicles may be liable when negligent repairs or maintenance contribute to a crash.
Critical Evidence in Truck Accident Cases
Trucking companies often have access to evidence that is unavailable in ordinary car accident cases.
Important evidence may include:
Black Box Data
Many commercial trucks contain event data recorders that capture information such as speed, braking activity, and vehicle operation before a crash.
Driver Logs
Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate without rest. Driver logs can help determine whether fatigue played a role in the accident.
Maintenance Records
Maintenance and inspection records may reveal whether the truck was properly maintained before the collision.
Company Safety Records
A trucking company's history of safety violations may provide valuable information regarding negligence and regulatory compliance.
Because this evidence can sometimes be altered, lost, or destroyed, early investigation is often essential.
Why Choose Our New Jersey Injury Attorneys?
Truck accident cases require substantial resources, detailed investigations, and a thorough understanding of both New Jersey law and federal trucking regulations.
Our firm represents victims of 18-wheeler accidents throughout New Jersey and is prepared to aggressively pursue compensation from trucking companies, commercial insurers, and other responsible parties.
You pay no attorney's fees unless we win your case.
Contact a New Jersey 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck accident, contact our office today for a free consultation. We are ready to review your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
