18 Wheeler Lawyer New Jersey — What Are Your Rights After a Truck Crash?
A collision with a commercial truck in New Jersey can cause catastrophic injuries and contested legal claims. New Jersey law holds trucking companies and drivers to strict safety standards. If you’ve been hurt, an experienced 18 Wheeler lawyer New Jersey from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Understanding Truck Accident Claims in New Jersey
Accidents involving large commercial vehicles like 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and big rigs are governed by a web of state and federal regulations. New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule (N.J. Stat. § 2A:15-5.1), meaning your recovery can be reduced by your percentage of fault, and you cannot recover if you are found 51% or more at fault. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Jersey is generally two years from the date of the accident (N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-2).
Last verified: March 2026 | New Jersey Superior Court | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of New Jersey’s comparative negligence law, see N.J. Stat. § 2A:15-5.1 (New Jersey Legislature). For court forms and procedures, visit the New Jersey Courts website.
handling a New Jersey Truck Accident Case
These cases often involve multiple defendants, including the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, and parts manufacturers. Evidence from the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) and black box is critical but can be lost quickly. A semi-truck crash claim lawyer New Jersey must act fast to preserve this data and conduct a thorough investigation.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. This also creates a medical record linking your injuries to the crash.
- Report the Accident: Call 911. A police report is an official, third-party account of the incident.
- Document Everything: Take photos of the vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries. Get contact information for witnesses.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Do not discuss who caused the accident with the other driver, witnesses, or insurance adjusters.
- Contact an Attorney: Call a big rig accident lawyer New Jersey before speaking with any insurance company representing the trucking firm.
- Preserve Evidence: Your attorney will send spoliation letters to secure the truck, its data, maintenance records, and driver logs.
Potential Injuries and Liable Parties
In New Jersey, injuries from an 18-wheeler collision can be severe, including spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, amputations, and wrongful death. Liability may extend beyond the driver.
| Potential Liable Party | Common Basis for Liability |
|---|---|
| Truck Driver | Fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, violating hours-of-service rules. |
| Trucking Company | Negligent hiring, inadequate training, failing to maintain equipment, pressuring drivers to violate regulations. |
| Cargo Loader/Shipper | Improperly secured or overloaded cargo skilled to a shift or spill. |
| Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer | Defective brakes, tires, lighting, or other components that caused or worsened the crash. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Truck Accident Claim
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a founder with a prosecutor’s background to your civil injury case. Our firm-wide experience across multiple states allows us to understand the interstate regulations that govern commercial trucking. We are committed to “Advocacy Without Borders” in pursuing justice for injured clients.
Our Approach to Truck Accident Cases
We document our results to demonstrate our commitment. Our approach involves immediate investigation, collaboration with accident reconstruction and medical professionals, and aggressive negotiation with insurers. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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Frequently Asked Questions: 18 Wheeler Accidents in New Jersey
What should I do first after a semi-truck hits my car in NJ?
Yes. First, check for injuries and call 911. Get medical help even if you feel okay, as some injuries appear later. Then, document the scene with photos, get witness information, and contact an 18 Wheeler lawyer New Jersey before you talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster.
Who can be sued in a big rig accident case?
It depends. Multiple parties are often liable. You may have claims against the driver (for negligence), the trucking company (for negligent hiring/training/maintenance), the cargo loader (for improper loading), or a manufacturer (for defective parts). A thorough investigation by a big rig accident lawyer New Jersey is needed to identify all responsible parties.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in New Jersey?
Two years. The statute of limitations for personal injury in New Jersey is generally two years from the accident date (N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-2). Missing this deadline can forever bar your claim, so it is critical to consult a semi-truck crash claim lawyer New Jersey promptly.
What kind of compensation 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 involving extreme negligence, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer.
What if I was partly at fault for the crash?
New Jersey uses modified comparative negligence. You can still recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can help argue for a lower fault assignment.
A 18 wheeler claim is one part of motor vehicle accidents work, and our page on new jersey car accident lawyer New Jersey covers the wider process.