Edison Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck accidents can cause catastrophic consequences for its victims: the sheer size and mass of a truck exacerbates any possible injuries and property damage that you might face from a traditional car accident. In 2023, truck accidents accounted for more than a third of all collisions on the road in Middlesex County.

If a truck collided with you while you were driving the streets of Edison township, you know the physical, emotional, and financial toll all too well. Navigating the post-accident legal process to seek justice for your accident can feel equally as overwhelming; thankfully, you have a team of seasoned attorneys ready to take your side. Let our Edison truck accident lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. tell you what you need to know.

Why Are Truck Accidents More Complicated Than Car Accidents?

Because commercial trucks both dwarf and outweigh passenger vehicles, collisions with trucks carry an increased likelihood of severe injuries and extensive property damage—these accidents can also legally implicate multiple parties, including the trucking company and manufacturers.

Additionally, commercial truckers and their overseeing company must follow federal and state regulations regarding maintenance, hours of service, and cargo limits. If they violate these regulations, they may bear liability if they get into an accident with a pedestrian or another vehicle.

How Can Truck Driver Negligence Lead to Accidents?

While most truck drivers operate their vehicles responsibly, it only takes one driver to cause a life-threatening accident. For instance, if a driver fails to take mandatory rest times or drives hours beyond what the law allows, they could succumb to fatigue and exhaustion that slows their reaction times and increases their risk of a collision.

If the driver decides to check their phone, text, adjust their GPS, eat a meal, or otherwise engage in behavior that takes their attention away from the road, that split second of distraction can lead to a fatal accident for which they could bear liability. If a driver engages in reckless driving behavior, such as speeding, running a red light, or merging dangerously, they could cause catastrophic accidents and endanger the lives of those around them.

What Role Do Trucking Companies Play in These Accidents?

In some cases, a company might fail to conduct proper background checks on drivers, hire unqualified or dangerous individuals, or force their drivers to drive for longer periods than federal regulations allow. They might also slack on regular truck maintenance, overload cargo, or otherwise prioritize profits over their drivers’ safety.

Can Poor Road Conditions Be a Factor in Truck Accidents?

Areas with crumbling infrastructure, narrow lanes, or inadequate signage can significantly increase the risk of an accident, especially when hazards like potholes and uneven road surfaces make it difficult for truck drivers to maintain control. Additionally, sharp curves and poorly marked construction zones can catch even the most attentive drivers off guard. If an unsafe or poorly maintained public roadway caused your accident, you may be able to hold your local or state governments liable.

How Can Black Box Data Strengthen Your Case?

Commercial trucks often come equipped with event data recorders. Commonly known as black boxes, these devices capture crucial information about the truck’s operations, including speed, brake usage, and engine performance.

In a truck accident case, the black box can provide you with critical information about the truck’s operation prior to your accident: for example, if the data shows that the driver broke the speed limit or failed to brake before the collision, you can use this information to prove negligence. Similarly, the maintenance logs stored in the black box can indicate the presence of mechanical failures that may have played a role in the crash.

What Should You Expect During the Legal Process?

When you report the accident to the authorities and start a claim for coverage, the insurance companies and all involved attorneys will investigate the accident, collect evidence, and consult with their respective experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals.

If you filed an insurance claim, you will need to enter into negotiations with the company’s adjusters: they will often try to minimize your payout and lowball you on your first offer. We strongly recommend consulting with an experienced lawyer to protect your rights and interests when talking with insurance companies, and to improve your chance of receiving a fair settlement.

If you and your lawyer cannot reach a reasonable payout offer, you may need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit to cover your associated costs.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?

If you file and succeed in a personal injury lawsuit, the court will typically award you with two types of compensation: economic and non-economic. ‘Economic’ damages usually include compensation for damages that carry a specific dollar amount, such as hospital stays, medication, and rehabilitation. ‘Non-economic’ damages, on the other hand, attempt to make up for damages that do not have specific dollar amounts. These typically include pain, suffering, and a degraded quality of life.

In some rare cases, the judge may award punitive damages if the at-fault party acted particularly recklessly or egregiously as a way of disincentivizing future-like behavior.

Why Is It Important to Act Quickly After a Truck Accident?

Some evidence, such as surveillance footage and truck maintenance records, can quickly disappear as companies clear their archives. Additionally, the memories of the involved parties and any eyewitnesses can fade with time.

Plus, if you wait any extended period of time after an accident where you have a valid claim, the at-fault trucking companies will likely deploy their legal teams to avoid liability and protect their interests. Delaying your claim may give them an advantage and make it harder for you to secure the evidence you need to prove your case.

An experienced attorney can help you gather all the necessary evidence that you need for a solid case, guide you through the legal process, meet all relevant deadlines, build your strongest case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, AND let you demand the compensation that you need to make up for your injuries.

Justice After Your Truck Accident with the Edison Truck Accident Lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A.

If you want a seasoned legal team to advocate for you, protect your rights, and help you claim the compensation you deserve, trust our Edison truck accident lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. to pursue all possible payout avenues. Call us at 732-906-1500 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Our office locations in Brick, Freehold, and Edison, New Jersey, enable us to serve clients throughout New Jersey, including Point Pleasant.