Recovering Compensation for Injuries in a Truck Accident in New Jersey
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be challenging and overwhelming. At Petrillo and Goldberg, our experienced Woodbury truck accident attorneys are here to support you every step of the way. We understand the intricacies of New Jersey trucking laws and are committed to helping you secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to court, we will advocate tirelessly on your behalf. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Understanding Truck Accidents in Woodbury
The number of large trucks involved in injury-causing collisions rose 11 percent from 2020 to 2021. Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, often resulting in serious injuries or deaths due to the large size and heavy weight of commercial trucks. Of around 494,000 reported truck accidents nationwide in 2021, 22 percent resulted in injuries.
Large trucks were involved in 9 percent of all fatal traffic accidents in New Jersey in 2021. The state had 108 fatalities involving large trucks in 2022, marking an increase from 88 the year before. Given the busy highways and substantial commercial traffic in and around the area, these incidents are not uncommon in Woodbury. Woodbury is located in Gloucester County, which was one of three New Jersey counties that had higher fatality rates, ranging from 2.4 to 6.91 deaths in accidents involving a large truck.
Multiple parties could be held accountable in a truck accident, including the truck driver, the trucking company, or even the vehicle manufacturer. Each case is unique and requires a tailored approach for a successful outcome. We conduct a thorough investigation to determine liability, considering factors such as driver fatigue, mechanical failure, and road conditions.
Our Woodbury truck accident lawyers have a deep understanding of New Jersey’s specific laws and regulations governing commercial trucking. For example, strict adherence to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules is mandatory for trucking companies, and violations can significantly impact liability.
Pursuing Compensation After a Truck Accident
Of the people injured in truck accidents in 2021, 71 percent were occupants of other vehicles besides trucks. Woodbury truck accident victims have the right to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages refer to tangible losses, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. Non-economic damages cover intangible losses such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of life enjoyment, and loss of consortium. Punitive damages may also be awarded in collisions that involve egregious misconduct or negligence to penalize the at-fault party and deter future violations.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Understanding the common causes of truck accidents can be crucial to building a solid legal case. Our Woodbury truck accident lawyers are well-versed in identifying these factors, which can often include:
- Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to severe fatigue, impacting a driver’s reaction time and decision-making abilities. Regulations like the Hours of Service are designed to prevent drowsy driving, but violations are not uncommon.
- Mechanical failures: Inadequate truck maintenance and inspection can lead to catastrophic mechanical failures. Our attorneys investigate maintenance records to uncover any negligence.
- Distracted driving: With the increasing use of technology, distracted driving is a growing concern. We examine logs and digital records to determine if distraction played a role in the crash.
- Improper loading: Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can cause a truck to become imbalanced, leading to accidents. Our team scrutinizes loading procedures to identify liability.
According to the FMCSA, at least one driver-related factor was present in 32 percent of fatal truck accidents in 2021. Speeding was the most common factor, while distraction was the second most common factor for large truck drivers.
Recognizing these truck accident causes helps Petrillo and Goldberg construct a compelling argument to support your claim, ensuring all responsible parties are held accountable. You deserve full compensation for your injuries and other crash-related costs.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Your health and safety are paramount immediately after a Woodbury truck accident. Make sure you are no longer in danger and ask someone to assist you with the steps below if you cannot carry them out yourself. Taking these actions can significantly influence the outcome of your case:
- Get medical attention: Prioritize your health by seeking medical care for your injuries right away. This ensures your well-being and creates medical records that can be crucial for your claim.
- Document the crash: If you can, take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact details from witnesses and note any information about the truck and driver.
- Report the accident: File a police report to have an official record of the truck accident. Be sure to obtain a copy for your records.
- Contact a truck accident attorney: Consult a Woodbury truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Early legal consultation helps protect your rights and ensures evidence is preserved.
Woodbury Truck Accident FAQs
How much time do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for bringing a truck accident lawsuit is two years from the accident date. However, there are exceptions, and acting promptly ensures your case remains eligible. Our legal team can help you navigate these timelines to preserve your right to seek compensation.
What should I do if an insurance adjuster contacts me after a truck accident?
If an insurance company contacts you, it is advisable to consult with your truck accident attorney before providing any statements. Insurance companies often seek to minimize payouts. Anything you say could be used against your claim.
The lawyers at Petrillo and Goldberg can help you handle these communications effectively. We will ensure you do not inadvertently harm your claim for compensation.
Can I still obtain compensation if I was partly at fault for the truck accident?
Yes, you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault, thanks to New Jersey’s modified comparative negligence rule. Under the rule, your compensation decreases according to your percentage of fault. Our attorneys will work to minimize any fault attributed to you to maximize your recovery.
Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
You might wonder why you need a truck accident attorney rather than a general personal injury lawyer. The answer lies in the complexity of truck accident cases. Our Woodbury truck accident attorneys bring experience that goes beyond typical personal injury claims.
Firstly, truck accident cases often involve federal regulations and multiple layers of insurance policies. Understanding these intricacies requires focused legal knowledge. For instance, commercial trucks must adhere to stringent maintenance and operation standards, and a violation of these can be critical in a legal claim.
Secondly, trucking companies and their insurers are well-equipped with legal resources. They often deploy aggressive tactics to minimize their liability and financial payouts. A skilled truck accident lawyer can effectively counter these strategies. By leveraging our extensive experience, we ensure our clients are not outmatched and receive fair compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Finally, injury claims from truck accidents can be substantial due to the severe impact these collisions tend to have. Calculating a fair settlement requires understanding both immediate and long-term medical expenses, which our attorneys are adept at assessing.
How Our Woodbury Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help
At Petrillo and Goldberg, our commitment to our clients extends beyond mere legal representation. We aim to be your advocate and ally throughout the entire process. Our Woodbury truck accident lawyers are here to offer personalized support to ensure every aspect of your case is effectively managed. Here is how we can assist you:
- Comprehensive case evaluation: We start by thoroughly examining your case and gathering all necessary documentation and evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness testimonies.
- Negotiation skills: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators, dealing directly with insurance companies to secure the best possible settlement. We strive to ensure they do not pressure you into accepting a lowball amount.
- Litigation support: If a satisfactory settlement is not possible, we are prepared to go to court. Our litigation experience and understanding of New Jersey’s legal landscape empower us to fight for your interests effectively.
- Ongoing communication: We prioritize keeping you informed at every stage, explaining complex legal terms in a way that makes sense, and ensuring you feel supported and confident in the decisions being made on your behalf.
Contact Petrillo and Goldberg Today to Speak with an Experienced Woodbury Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a Woodbury truck accident, Petrillo and Goldberg is here to help. Call 856-486-4343 today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Woodbury truck accident lawyers. Because our firm takes all cases on a contingency basis, there is no fee for our services unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
