A commercial truck accident can have a long-lasting impact on your life. If you suffer an injury in a truck accident that occurs through no fault of your own, you may be able to sue. At this point, you may have the right to file a civil claim against the truck driver, their employer, or both.
Rand Spear and your committed New Jersey personal injury lawyer are here to offer legal help to accident victims and injury survivors in need. To learn more, please reach out to us today. We can connect you with an experienced New Jersey truck accident lawyer right away.
How New Jersey Truck Accidents Happen
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that large trucks accounted for 5% of all registered vehicles in the United States in 2021. In addition, the NSC points out large trucks were involved in 9% of fatal crashes nationwide during this period. There are many reasons why fatal crashes and other types of accidents involving large trucks occur, including:
Fatigued Driving
A truck driver can spend long periods of time behind the wheel. This can lead to driver fatigue and affect the driver’s ability to stay focused. If a truck driver loses focus for even a second, they can cause an accident.
Distracted Driving
In some instances, a truck driver can look at their phone or GPS system and get distracted. When this happens, the driver takes their eyes off the road or can engage in other types of cognitive, visual, or manual distractions, as described by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. This can result in a catastrophic accident or fatalities.
Truck Performance Issues
It is the responsibility of a truck driver and their employer to make sure a vehicle is running properly according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. If there are vehicle performance issues that go unnoticed or unaddressed, they can impact a truck driver’s ability to travel safely. A single-vehicle performance issue can lead to an accident.
If you are involved in a truck crash in the Garden State, do not wait to pursue legal help. You can partner with a truck accident lawyer in New Jersey who can evaluate your case. If you have a strong claim, we can help you file a lawsuit against any at-fault parties.
When to File a New Jersey Truck Accident Lawsuit
Generally, you have a two-year window to file a truck accident lawsuit in New Jersey according to NJ Statutes §2A:14-2. The window opens on the date you suffer a truck accident. If you do not file a personal injury lawsuit during this time, you could lose the right to do so later.
If a loved one dies in a truck accident, you may still request compensation from any at-fault parties under NJ Statutes § 2A:31-1. To do so, you will need to consider filing a lawsuit with a New Jersey wrongful death lawyer to request damages. But first, we need to determine whether you have the authority to file the claim.
Rand Spear and your legal advocates offer a no-win, no-fee guarantee with truck accident lawsuits. If a New Jersey truck accident attorney from our team does not win or settle your case, you pay nothing. For more information, please get in touch with us.
New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (215) 985-2424
What to Expect in a New Jersey Truck Accident Case
A truck accident case can be a lengthy process. You and your legal team can work together to gather evidence and make your case as strong as possible. Regardless, the civil process takes time, and it may be months or years before your case goes to trial.
Leading up to your trial, your truck accident lawyer in New Jersey can work with the defendant’s lawyer to settle your case. Your lawyer will keep you up to date on any offers. If you receive a settlement proposal, you have the opportunity to approve, decline, or counter it.
When it comes to a truck accident settlement, you should not feel pressure to accept one. If you are uncertain about what to do with an offer, you can consult with Rand Spear. Then, we can decide if it is in your best interests to accept a settlement offer.
How to Respond to a Settlement Proposal in a New Jersey Truck Accident Case
You may be wondering how much your personal injury case is worth as you move through your truck accident litigation. In meeting with our team, you can review any damages you have incurred to date and how much the accident may cost you in the future. You can request a reasonable amount of economic and non-economic damages as described by NJ Rev Stat §2A:15-5.10 and seek fair compensation by filing a lawsuit or insurance claim.
When you get a settlement proposal, it is important to remember how much you have suffered in damages and the potential costs of your truck accident down the line. We can help you examine these costs and compare them to the offer. If you find that a settlement proposal is short of what you want, you should not hesitate to reject it.
If you decline a settlement offer, you face no penalties. We will notify the defendant’s lawyer that you have rejected their proposal. From here, we can continue exploring ways to strengthen your case for trial.
How to Resolve Your Truck Accident Claim in Court
If your New Jersey truck accident case goes to trial, we will have the opportunity to present your argument to a judge or jury. You will request damages and explain why you should be awarded compensation. Meanwhile, the defendant and their New Jersey truck accident attorney will attempt to counter your argument and show a judge or jury why no damages should be awarded, perhaps by attempting to capitalize on New Jersey’s comparative fault laws under New Jersey Revised Statutes 2A:15-5.1.
Your lawyer will make sure that you are prepared for your truck accident trial. We may conduct a mock trial with you in advance to help you get ready for any questions you may receive. We will also answer any questions you have leading up to your trial date.
In the best-case scenario, we will be able to persuade the court to rule in your favor. If this happens, you could be awarded full compensation for your damages and suffering. Once your compensation from the defendant comes in, your case is closed.
Get Started on Your Case with a Skilled New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer is here to help you win or settle your New Jersey truck accident case. Please contact us today to request a case evaluation. You can reach us by phone or through our convenient contact form to take back control of your finances and begin rebuilding your life.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form