18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer Union County — What Are Your Rights After a Crash?
An 18 wheeler accident in Union County can cause catastrophic injuries under New Jersey’s comparative negligence laws. If you are more than 50% at fault, you are barred from recovery. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for victims of semi-truck crashes. Our firm, founded in 1997, has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 case review.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
New Jersey Law for 18 Wheeler Accident Victims
New Jersey law treats 18 wheeler accidents under a modified comparative fault system, governed by the New Jersey Comparative Negligence Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1 et seq.). This means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but if you are found more than 50% responsible for the crash, you cannot recover any damages. These cases are filed in the Law Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Union Vicinage, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The complexity of trucking regulations, including federal hours-of-service rules and state-specific cargo standards, makes having an experienced 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer Union County critical.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statutes and court procedures, refer to these government resources: N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1 (official New Jersey Legislature site) and the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage website for local court rules and filing information.
Local Procedural Edge for Union County Truck Accident Claims
In Union County, personal injury claims from 18 wheeler accidents are filed in the NJ Superior Court Law Division. The process involves discovery, which often includes an Independent Medical Exam (IME). For cases under $20,000, there is a mandatory, non-binding arbitration program. These cases typically proceed to a jury trial if a settlement is not reached.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the priority, and medical records are essential evidence.
- Preserve Evidence: If possible, take photos of the scene, vehicles, and your injuries. Get contact information for witnesses.
- Report the Accident: File a police report. For commercial vehicles, also request the driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) and company information.
- Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters: Avoid giving recorded statements to the trucking company’s insurer before consulting a lawyer.
- Contact an Attorney: Call a semi-truck crash claim lawyer Union County to investigate the crash, identify all liable parties (driver, company, cargo loader), and protect your rights against early low settlement offers.
- File Your Claim: Your attorney will file a lawsuit in Superior Court before the two-year statute of limitations expires.
Potential Damages and Compensation
In Union County, an 18 wheeler accident can lead to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium, provided you are not more than 50% at fault.
| Damage Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Damages | Quantifiable financial losses. | Hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, property damage. |
| Non-Economic Damages | Subjective, non-monetary losses. | Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life. |
| Punitive Damages | Rare; intended to punish egregious conduct. | May apply if the trucking company knowingly violated safety regulations. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Union County Truck Accident Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the severe impact a big rig accident lawyer Union County case requires, from dealing with corporate defendants to handling New Jersey’s comparative fault system. Our approach is direct and focused on securing the compensation you need for recovery.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results in Union County are not published, our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We apply this extensive experience to every truck accident claim, fighting for dismissals, reductions, and maximum settlements for our clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation for Union County Residents
Our New Jersey location serves clients at the Union County courts in Elizabeth. We represent individuals from Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield. If you need an 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer Union County near you, we are accessible via the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Route 22, and I-78.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location
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 Union County
Who can be held liable in an 18 wheeler accident?
Multiple parties. Liability can extend beyond the driver to the trucking company (for negligent hiring/training), the cargo loader (for improper loading), the vehicle manufacturer (for defective parts), or maintenance contractors.
What evidence is crucial for a semi-truck crash claim?
Critical evidence includes the police report, the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) data, the driver’s hours-of-service records, black box data from both vehicles, witness statements, photos/videos of the scene, and all medical records documenting your injuries.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a big rig accident in New Jersey?
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, as per New Jersey’s statute of limitations. For a wrongful death claim, the timeline is also two years from the date of death. Missing this deadline will bar your claim.
What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. An experienced semi-truck crash claim lawyer Union County can work to minimize your assigned fault.
What types of damages can I recover?
You may recover economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress). In rare cases of extreme misconduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer.
Internal Resources for Legal Help
If you are facing other legal issues in Union County, our firm can help. Explore our related practice areas: Union County Business Lawyer or Union County DUI Lawyer. For more information on personal injury claims across New Jersey, visit our state hub: New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer. We also serve neighboring counties; learn more from our Bergen County Personal Injury Lawyer page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.