Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Newark, NJ

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Newark, New Jersey?

  Report non-emergency matters to 973-733-6000, Newark Police Division's phone number.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Newark, New Jersey?

  Completed police reports can be picked up after three business days at the City Annex building located between 31 Green Street and City Hall. Only the accident victim can purchase police reports. Bring a valid photo ID and cash because debit and credit cards and cheques are not accepted.

• What are some common causes of truck accidents in Newark?

  Distracted driving, snowy or rainy weather, and negligence-caused dangerous road conditions are some of the reasons why truck accidents happen in Newark. Driver actions such as improper lane change, traffic law violations, and improper backing also contribute to accidents. There are also cases of drug and alcohol DUI that can cause injuries and fatalities in accidents.

• Is it possible to name multiple parties in a Newark truck accident claim?

  Yes. It is possible to identify every party liable for a truck accident claim in Newark, considering that the trucking industry is complex. The party may include the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, and faulty part manufacturer. In addition, the government agency responsible for maintaining road conditions safe can also be held liable for a truck accident.

• What should you do when a family member dies in a truck accident in Newark?

  If a truck crash victim in Newark dies while a personal injury claim is ongoing, family members can pursue a wrongful death claim for burial and funeral costs under NJ's law. A recent 2022 change to this law allows the next-of-kin and estates to seek compensation called a survival claim for economic and noneconomic losses brought about by the tragic death.

• What should you look for in a truck accident lawyer in Newark?

  It is important to consider a lawyer's communication approach, credentials, references, contingency fee arrangements, and location. The lawyer must be interested in solving your problem and have handled cases similar to yours for many years. They must also provide references; not having or giving any is a good ground to rule them out.

• Which highways have many truck accidents run through Newark?

  The I-280 and Route 21, considered some of the most dangerous highways in the state, run through Newark. According to the NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System, the state highway Route 21 has 24.4 yearly fatalities per 100 miles. The I-280, a federal interstate highway, has 23.8 fatalities per 100 miles. Truck accidents that happen on I-280 and Route 21 include multi-vehicle pile-ups, fiery crashes, and single-vehicle accidents.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.