Middlesex County Truck Accident Lawyers
Key Takeaways:
- Several parties can share fault for a truck crash, including the driver, the motor carrier, the freight broker, the cargo loader, and the parts manufacturer.
- Federal trucking rules, electronic driver logs, and higher insurance limits make truck claims different from typical car accident claims.
- New Jersey generally allows two years to file an injury lawsuit, and acting early helps preserve evidence that trucking companies control.
Middlesex County truck accident lawyers help injured people hold drivers, trucking companies, and other responsible parties accountable after commercial vehicle crashes. These claims work differently than car accident claims because federal safety rules, electronic driver records, and larger insurance policies come into play. Fault also tends to spread across several parties, from the person behind the wheel to the company that loaded the cargo.
These collisions injure far more people than many drivers realize: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 153,452 people were injured in traffic crashes involving large trucks in 2023. Our experienced Middlesex County truck accident lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. help injured claimants build cases that hold every potential party responsible for crashes like those.
Do I Need a Middlesex County Truck Accident Lawyer?
In most serious truck crashes, legal help makes a real difference, especially when the injuries require ongoing treatment or keep someone out of work. Also, trucking companies often send response teams to the scene quickly, while their insurers look for ways to lower payouts. A lawyer can preserve evidence before it disappears, calculate long-term losses, and file suit at the Middlesex County Courthouse in New Brunswick if settlement talks stall.
Why Choose Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. for Your Truck Accident Case?
Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. has represented injured New Jersey residents since 1975 and has recovered more than $1 billion for clients through settlements and verdicts; our team includes lawyers certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Each case we work on starts with a close look at the facts, and our clients receive personal attention and clear guidance from the first meeting through the final result.
Why Are Truck Accidents So Common in Middlesex County?
Middlesex County sees heavy truck traffic because of its central role in the region’s freight network. Between Turnpike Exits 8A and 12, warehouses and distribution centers line the corridor through Cranbury, Monroe, Edison, and Carteret. As trucks leave these sites, they merge with commuters on Route 1, I-287, and Route 18. Tight ramps, sudden lane changes, and stop-and-go traffic then raise the odds of rear-end and sideswipe crashes.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?
Several parties can share the blame for a truck crash, so we investigate every possible source of liability, including:
- The truck driver, for speeding, fatigue, or distracted driving
- The motor carrier, for poor hiring, training, or maintenance
- The freight broker, for hiring a carrier with a weak safety record
- The cargo loader, for overloaded or poorly balanced freight
- The manufacturer, for defective brakes, tires, or steering parts
How Are Truck Accident Claims Different From Car Accident Claims?
Truck claims are more complex for several reasons. First, federal safety rules that ordinary drivers never deal with apply: the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) limits driving hours, requires most carriers to use electronic logging devices, and sets maintenance standards. When a carrier breaks those rules, the violation can help prove fault. Interstate for-hire carriers must also carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage, which is why Middlesex County truck accident lawyers often face large, aggressive defense teams.
What Kinds of Compensation Can People Hurt in Truck Accidents Obtain?
People hurt in truck crashes may seek both “economic” and “non-economic” damages, such as:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Vehicle and property damage
However, New Jersey’s “comparative negligence” rule reduces an award by the injured person’s share of fault and bars recovery above 50%. For example, a driver found 20% at fault for $100,000 in losses would recover $80,000; a claimant who is 51% liable will not receive any compensation.
What Fees Does Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Charge?
Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. handles truck accident cases on a “contingency fee” basis, so clients pay no lawyer fee unless our firm recovers money. The fee comes out of the settlement or verdict as a percentage, although New Jersey court rules cap how high that percentage can go. We also provide free initial consultations, so you can learn about your legal options without taking on any upfront costs.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Middlesex County?
The first step is calling 911 and getting medical care, even when injuries seem minor. For serious injuries, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick runs a Level I trauma center. If possible, ask about obtaining a copy of the police report and take photos of evidence before leaving the scene; shots of the truck’s U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number can be helpful. You can contact our Middlesex County truck accident lawyers right after the crash.
New Jersey generally allows two years from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit. “Wrongful death” claims usually carry the same two-year deadline.
A driver’s own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage usually pays medical bills regardless of fault. A claim against the trucking company can then seek other losses, although a lawsuit threshold may limit pain and suffering claims.
Many claims settle within several months to a year. Cases that go to trial in Middlesex County Superior Court can take two years or longer.
Move Forward With Our Experienced Middlesex County Truck Accident Lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. on Your Side
To explore your legal options after a truck crash, contact our Middlesex County truck accident lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Call today at 732-906-1500 or complete our online form for a free consultation. With office locations in Brick, Freehold, Edison, and Toms River, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.