Jersey City Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck accidents are among the most devastating, in large part due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. Frequently, they result in catastrophic injuries that affect individuals and their families for months, years, or even permanently. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident due to another party’s negligence, the seasoned team of Jersey City injury lawyers here at Lerner, Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A. is here to fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. Contact us today so we can get started working on your case.

Truck Accident Lawyers Serving Jersey City & All of Hudson County

Truck accident cases are unique because they often involve multiple defendants and federal and state regulations. For this reason, it’s imperative that you work with a competent team of personal injury lawyers who have extensive experience representing individuals who’ve been injured in commercial truck accidents. Fortunately, if you’re reading this, you’re in the right place.

Truck Driver Negligence

When a truck crash occurs, the truck driver is often the first place investigators look. Many accidents are caused by unsafe driving behaviors or violations of basic safety standards. Some of the most common examples of these types of negligence that we see are as follows:

• Driving while fatigued or falling asleep at the wheel
• Speeding or driving too fast for weather or road conditions
• Operating under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications that impair judgment
• Ignoring traffic signals, signs, or right-of-way rules
• Distracted driving, including texting, using a GPS, or adjusting in-cab systems
• Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes or merging
• Inadequate training or a lack of proper licensing
• Failing to properly secure cargo before transport
• Continuing to drive despite known mechanical issues or dashboard warnings

Truck Company Negligence

While truck drivers often play a critical role in preventing accidents, trucking companies also bear responsibility, and many accidents trace back to systemic failures at the company level. Some of the most common forms of truck company negligence are as follows:

• Hiring inexperienced or unqualified drivers without proper background checks
• Not providing adequate training programs for new or existing drivers
• Failing to conduct routine drug and alcohol testing of employees
• Ignoring federally mandated hours-of-service rules designed to prevent driver fatigue
• Failing to perform regular inspections on trucks and trailers
• Cutting corners on safety compliance in order to reduce costs
• Improperly loading cargo or failing to supervise third-party loaders
• Allowing vehicles with defective brakes or other unsafe conditions to remain in operation
• Neglecting to enforce internal safety policies or monitor driver conduct through GPS and logbooks

Trucking Regulations in New Jersey

Importantly, the trucking industry is regulated by both federal and state governments. At the federal level, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces rules covering driver qualifications, hours of service, cargo securement, and vehicle maintenance.

However, in New Jersey, commercial vehicles are also subject to state traffic laws and additional safety requirements. Trucks must pass inspections, adhere to weight limits on certain roads, and operate within designated trucking routes. When truckers or truck companies violate these rules, it drastically increases the chances of serious collisions.

Importantly, when a driver or company fails to comply with FMCSA or New Jersey regulations, that violation may serve as evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim. If your attorney can uncover falsified logbooks or skipped maintenance checks, for example, it can demonstrate a breach of duty that directly contributed to the crash.

Recovering Compensation for Truck Accidents

To secure compensation after a truck accident, it is critical to gather and preserve evidence. Insurance companies representing trucking companies are quick to respond after an accident, and their primary goal is to protect their bottom line–not ensure those injured are fairly compensated. For this reason, you need a seasoned team of Jersey City truck accident lawyers in your corner who can help collect and present the following types of evidence:

• Black box data from the truck’s electronic logging device, which can show speed, braking, and hours driven
• Dashcam or surveillance footage from traffic cameras, nearby businesses, or other vehicles
• Police accident reports
• Witness statements
• Photos and videos of the accident scene
• Maintenance records, driver logs, and hiring files from the trucking company

File Your Claim On Time

In most truck accident cases, victims only have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim, in accordance with the state’s statute of limitations. If a claim is not filed within this window, the court will likely dismiss the case, regardless of its merit. Ultimately, the sooner an attorney is contacted, the faster they can send preservation letters, begin an investigation, and protect your rights.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Jersey City

At Lerner, Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A., our lawyers are committed to standing up for truck accident victims throughout Jersey City and across New Jersey. We have the resources to take on large trucking companies and their insurers, and we will fight to secure the compensation you deserve. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, please don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated legal team for a free initial consultation today.