New Jersey Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorneys

If a truck driver or another negligent party’s actions caused your injury in a tractor-trailer accident, do not hesitate to contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers. You might be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other incurred costs.

The New Jersey truck accident lawyers of Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers understand the complexities of handling a tractor-trailer accident case. Multiple parties could be at fault, and determining who to hold liable can be challenging. It requires a thorough knowledge of state laws and procedures. If you don’t know the steps you need to take, you will likely end up without the money you’re entitled to.

You shouldn’t go through this devastating experience alone. Our New Jersey tractor-trailer accident lawyers are ready to take on the responsibility of your case so you can focus on recovering from your injury. We can investigate the cause of the crash and gather the available evidence to prove what happened. You can depend on your New Jersey personal injury attorneys to protect your rights and fight by your side until the end.

For a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about the available legal options, call (973) 364-8300 at (973) 364-8300 today.

Why Tractor-Trailers Are Hazardous to Other Drivers

A tractor-trailer is a combination vehicle containing two separate parts. The tractor is the front cab where the driver operates the vehicle. The trailer is a large compartment that holds the cargo. These commercial trucks commonly contain consumer goods truckers transport to retail stores, warehouses, and other locations.

Tractor trailers are massive. They sit high off the ground and weigh as much as 80,000 pounds with a full cargo trailer. Passenger cars often can’t withstand the extreme forces placed on them during a collision with a commercial truck. The smaller vehicle’s occupants typically sustain more severe injuries than those in the truck’s cab.

The most common factors contributing to the dangers of tractor-trailers include:

• Hazardous cargo – Tractor-trailers can store and transport various materials. If cargo falls out of the back of the truck, it can become an obstacle for other drivers.
• Long stopping distance – Commercial trucks require more distance than passenger cars. If a truck driver travels 65 miles per hour, it will take 200 yards to bring the tractor-trailer to a complete stop.
• More blind spots – Tractor-trailers have more blind spots than smaller vehicles. Instead of two blind spots, there are four. There’s one in front of the tractor, one behind the trailer, and one on either side of the truck. Truckers must pay close attention to the cars around them and adequately check their blind spots before turning or merging.

Inexperienced and inattentive truck drivers might not operate their tractor-trailers safely. Human error or distraction can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and collide with another motorist.

The trucker could be at fault for their carelessness. However, the motor carrier might be liable for hiring an unlicensed employee or failing to provide necessary training. Either party could become financially responsible for causing someone else’s injuries in a crash.

Common Causes of Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Various scenarios can lead to a collision with a tractor-trailer. This type of accident is often the result of driver error. The truck driver could become distracted, run a red light, or maneuver the vehicle improperly. The most common causes of tractor-trailer accidents include:

• Turning left without looking for approaching cars
• Failing to check blind spots
• Driver fatigue
• Running a stop sign or red light
• Unsafe lane changes
• Distracted driving
• Tailgating
• Speeding
• Failing to yield to other drivers and pedestrians
• Driving under the influence

At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, our tractor-trailer accident lawyers in New Jersey have the skills and resources to hold the truck driver, trucking company, or someone else responsible for the crash. We know how to investigate accidents to determine their cause and who should accept liability for another person’s injury. We understand how much you have suffered and want to help you put this traumatic experience behind you.

Compensation You Can Recover After a Tractor-Trailer Accident

New Jersey follows a traditional no-fault car insurance law. That means when someone gets hurt in an accident, they must file a claim with their auto insurance carrier before pursuing compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurer.

State law requires every motorist to purchase personal injury protection (PIP). This type of insurance covers various losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages, depending on whether you choose the Basic or Standard policy.

Your choice will also determine whether you can file a claim with the at-fault motorist’s liability insurance company. With a Basic policy, the “limited right to sue” clause prevents an accident victim from filing a liability claim unless the crash caused:

• Permanent injury;
• Significant scarring;
• Displaced fracture,
• Loss of a body part;
• Significant disfigurement;
• Loss of a fetus

You have an “unlimited right to sue” option if you carry a Standard policy. You can go after the at-fault driver’s liability insurance once you exhaust the limit on your PIP policy.

Motor carriers must meet federal regulations for liability coverage. The policy limit requirement depends on the type of cargo in the trailer and the overall weight of the commercial vehicle.

The compensation you receive from a liability claim could cover losses, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Medical bills
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional distress
• Property damage

Deadline to File a Lawsuit

If someone else is responsible for the tractor-trailer accident, you could sue them for compensation. However, you must file your lawsuit by the deadline. New Jersey has a two-year statute of limitations. That means you have two years from the crash date to initiate your lawsuit in civil court.

Contact Us

Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers has decades of experience representing accident victims. We provide dependable legal services to every client who hires us. You will be our top priority while handling your claim or lawsuit.

If you sustained an injury in a tractor-trailer accident due to someone’s negligence, call us at (973) 364-8300 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to talk to you about your case and advise whether we can help. Let us be your advocate and fight for the justice you deserve.