18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer in Passaic County, NJ — What Are Your Rights?
An 18 wheeler accident in Passaic County can cause catastrophic injuries under New Jersey’s comparative negligence laws. If you were hurt in a semi-truck crash, you need an experienced 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer Passaic County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for victims of big rig accidents.
New Jersey Law on Truck Accident Claims
New Jersey follows a modified comparative fault system for personal injury claims, including those involving 18-wheelers. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1, you can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovery. This makes a detailed investigation critical. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey is generally two years from the date of the accident.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Passaic Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
External Legal Resources
For the official text of New Jersey’s comparative negligence law, see N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1 et seq. (official New Jersey Legislature site). Court information and forms for Passaic County can be found at the Superior Court of NJ, Passaic Vicinage website.
Local Procedural Edge for Passaic County Truck Accident Claims
Claims involving 18-wheelers in Passaic County are filed in the NJ Superior Court Law Division. These cases often involve discovery, including demands for the trucking company’s driver logs, maintenance records, and electronic control module (ECM) data. For cases with claimed damages under $20,000, the court may order non-binding arbitration. A semi-truck crash claim lawyer Passaic County must be prepared to counter defenses from large insurance carriers who routinely dispute liability and injury severity.
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. Document all injuries and follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
- Report the Accident: Ensure a police report is filed. Obtain the report number and officer’s information.
- Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and your injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Notify Your Insurance: Report the accident to your own auto insurance company, but do not provide a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurer.
- Contact an Attorney: Consult with a big rig accident lawyer Passaic County to discuss your rights and the investigation process before speaking with other parties.
- Preserve Records: Keep a file of all medical bills, repair estimates, pay stubs for lost wages, and correspondence related to the accident.
Potential Damages in an 18 Wheeler Accident Case
In Passaic County, victims of 18 wheeler accidents may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage, subject to New Jersey’s comparative fault rules.
| Damage Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Damages | Quantifiable financial losses. | Hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, vehicle repair or replacement. |
| Non-Economic Damages | Subjective, non-monetary losses. | Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement. |
| Punitive Damages | Rare; intended to punish egregious conduct. | May be awarded if the trucking company’s actions showed a willful and wanton disregard for safety. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Passaic County Truck Accident Claim
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We understand the severe impact a commercial truck accident can have on your life and are committed to providing strong, client-focused representation. Our approach involves a thorough investigation, consultation with accident reconstruction and medical professionals when needed, and aggressive negotiation with insurance companies to seek full compensation for our clients.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes for our clients. While specific results for every 18 wheeler accident lawyer Passaic County case are unique, our firm has a proven record of securing settlements and verdicts for injured clients. We fight to hold negligent truck drivers and companies accountable.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Passaic County 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer Near You
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Passaic County, including Paterson, Clifton, Wayne, and Passaic City. We are accessible via I-80, Route 46, and Route 23. If you need an 18 wheeler accident lawyer near the Passaic County Courthouse or in your community, we are here to help.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: 18 Wheeler Accidents in Passaic County
Who can be held liable in an 18 wheeler accident?
It depends. Liability may extend beyond the driver to the trucking company (for negligent hiring/training), the cargo loader, the vehicle manufacturer, or maintenance contractors. A thorough investigation by a semi-truck crash claim lawyer Passaic County is needed to identify all potentially responsible parties.
What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
First, ensure safety and call 911. Seek medical attention even if you feel okay. Document the scene with photos, get witness information, and report the accident to police. Do not admit fault. Then, contact a big rig accident lawyer Passaic County to guide you through the next steps before speaking with insurance adjusters.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in NJ?
Generally, two years from the date of the accident. This statute of limitations is strict. Missing this deadline will almost certainly bar your claim. It is critical to consult with an attorney well before this date to allow time for investigation and filing.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Yes, you may still recover damages under New Jersey’s modified comparative fault rule, as long as you are less than 50% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer Passaic County can work to minimize the fault assigned to you.
What kind of compensation can I seek?
You can seek economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress). In rare cases involving extreme negligence, punitive damages may be available. A lawyer will evaluate all your losses to build a claim for full compensation.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in neighboring areas like Bergen County. If you have other legal needs in Passaic County, consider our services for business law or civil litigation.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Passaic County is one part of a statewide practice, and our page on 18 wheeler accident lawyer New Jersey covers the process from start to finish.
Your case in Passaic County, New Jersey
Injury claims are filed in the Civil Part of the Law Division. In Passaic County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Passaic Vicinage (11th Vicinage), 77 Hamilton Street, Paterson, NJ 07505, telephone (973) 247-8000, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2, which sets a two-year filing limit for injury claims; tolling rules and exceptions can change that period, so confirm your deadline early. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Passaic County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Passaic County NJ lawyers directory · 18-wheeler Accident Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · 18-wheeler Accident Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · 18-wheeler Accident Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.