What Makes Truck Accidents Different From Car Accidents in Bergen County, NJ?
Commercial truck accidents involve complex federal and state regulations that don’t apply to standard car crashes. Trucking companies must follow strict regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regarding:
- Driver hours
- Vehicle maintenance
- Cargo loading
- Driver qualifications
When companies violate these regulations, we use that evidence to strengthen your claim.
Identifying Responsible Parties
Multiple parties may also share liability in truck accidents. Any of the following may be held liable for damages:
- The driver
- Trucking company
- Cargo loading company
- Maintenance providers
- Vehicle manufacturers
Jae Lee Law vehicle accident attorneys investigate every angle to identify all liable parties and pursue compensation from each one.
How Do You Prove Negligence in Bergen County Truck Accidents?
Truck accident cases require swift action to preserve critical evidence. Commercial vehicles contain electronic logging devices, GPS systems, and maintenance records that trucking companies often destroy or hide. We immediately send preservation letters and file motions to secure this evidence before it disappears.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that large trucks accounted for 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes nationwide in 2022. We examine driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, and inspection reports to build your case. Our investigators also photograph the accident scene, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts to clearly establish how the crash occurred and determine liability.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?
Bergen County truck accident victims may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages cover measurable financial losses, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Property damage
Non-economic damages address your pain and suffering from physical injuries, emotional trauma, and the psychological impact of the accident. Injured victims may also recover compensation for permanent disability and loss of consortium for family members affected by your injuries.
What Common Causes Lead to Truck Accidents in Bergen County, NJ?
Truck accidents often result from preventable driver errors and company negligence. The most common driver-related causes for truck accidents on New Jersey roads include:
- Fatigue violations, when truckers exceed federal limits on driving hours
- Distracted driving from texting, eating, or other activities that take attention from the road
- Impaired operation, including driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications
Equipment failures frequently contribute to accidents. Brake failures, tire blowouts, defective steering systems, and inadequate lighting put everyone at risk. Trucking companies that skip required maintenance to save money must be held accountable when their negligence injures innocent people.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Bergen County?
New Jersey’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline means permanently losing your right to compensation. However, waiting too long to start your case creates problems even before the deadline arrives.
Evidence disappears quickly after truck accidents. Trucking companies can overwrite electronic data, repair damaged vehicles, and move drivers to new routes. Insurance adjusters pressure victims into quick settlements before they understand the full extent of their injuries. Starting your case immediately protects your rights by gathering evidence while it’s still available, preserving your legal claims, and preventing insurance companies from taking advantage of your vulnerable position.
What Should You Do After a Bergen County Truck Accident?
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine, because many serious injuries don’t cause immediate symptoms. Document everything about the accident, including photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the truck driver, then report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the accident report.
When you partner with Jae Lee Law, our truck accident lawyers manage communication with insurance adjusters while you focus on recovery. Avoid providing recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal counsel present. Insurance companies may also review your online activity and social media posts, sometimes using them to challenge the extent of your injuries.
Get Legal Help From a Bergen County Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident cases demand swift, assertive legal action. At Jae Lee Law, we take charge from day one, building a strong claim and defending your rights at each step. We speak English, Korean, Spanish, Russian, and Ukrainian, ensuring clear communication with every client.
Don’t face trucking companies and their insurers alone. Our multilingual legal team provides compassionate support in your preferred language while fighting relentlessly for maximum compensation. Complete a contact form to schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced truck accident lawyer today.
