18 Wheeler Lawyer Union County — What Are Your Rights After a Truck Crash?
An 18-wheeler crash in Union County can cause catastrophic injuries under New Jersey law. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused legal representation for victims of these accidents. Our 18 Wheeler lawyer Union County team investigates liability, deals with insurance companies, and fights for full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain.
Understanding 18-Wheeler Accident Law in New Jersey
New Jersey law treats 18-wheeler accidents with specific statutes and regulations that differ from standard car crashes. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks mean crashes often involve multiple liable parties, including the driver, the trucking company, and maintenance contractors. New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence system (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1), which can impact your recovery if you are found partially at fault.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of New Jersey’s comparative negligence statute, see N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For court procedures and forms in Union County, visit the Union Vicinage website (New Jersey Courts .gov).
Handling an 18-Wheeler Crash Claim in Union County
After a major truck accident in Union County, the procedural steps are critical. The Law Division of the Superior Court in Elizabeth handles these civil injury claims. The process involves mandatory case management conferences and often includes an Early Settlement Panel. Evidence preservation is urgent; commercial carriers move quickly to protect their records.
- Secure Immediate Medical Care: Your health is the priority. Medical records also create a direct link between the crash and your injuries.
- Preserve Evidence: If possible, take photos of the scene, the truck, and your injuries. Get contact information for witnesses.
- Report the Crash: Ensure a police report is filed. Obtain the report number and the officer’s name.
- Do Not Give Statements: Avoid giving recorded statements to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster before consulting an attorney.
- Contact an Attorney: Reach out to an 18 Wheeler lawyer Union County team immediately to begin an independent investigation before critical evidence is lost.
- Focus on Recovery: Let your legal team handle the insurance negotiations and legal filings while you heal.
Potential Damages in a Union County Semi-Truck Crash
In Union County, a successful 18-wheeler crash claim can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and in cases of egregious negligence, punitive damages.
Damages are not limited to simple vehicle repair. Given the severity of truck accidents, claims often include:
- Economic Damages: Past and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the trucking company’s conduct was willfully reckless or malicious, the court may award punitive damages to punish the defendant.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Union County Truck Accident Case
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a focused approach to injury litigation. Our firm understands the intricate web of federal trucking regulations and New Jersey state law that governs these cases. We act quickly to secure black box data, driver logs, and company safety records that are important for building a strong claim.
Our Commitment to Union County Clients
We are committed to providing assertive representation for victims of serious truck accidents. Our goal is to handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery. We handle all aspects of your semi-truck crash claim lawyer Union County case, from investigation through settlement or trial.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 455-5120
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Union County, including Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Big Rig Accident Lawyer Union County — Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first after an 18-wheeler accident in Union County?
Yes. First, check for injuries and call 911. Then, if you are able, take photos of the vehicles, the road, and any visible injuries. Exchange information with the truck driver and get contact details from witnesses. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay, as some injuries appear later. Finally, contact a big rig accident lawyer Union County before speaking with any insurance adjusters.
Who can be held liable in a semi-truck crash?
It depends. Liability can extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company (for negligent hiring or training), the cargo loader (for improper loading), the maintenance company (for faulty repairs), or the manufacturer (for defective parts). An experienced 18 Wheeler lawyer Union County will investigate all potential sources of liability to maximize your recovery.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in New Jersey?
Two years. New Jersey’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those from 18-wheeler crashes, is generally two years from the date of the accident (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2). Missing this deadline will almost certainly bar your claim forever, making it important to consult an attorney promptly.
What makes truck accident cases different from car accident cases?
18-wheeler cases are more involved due to federal regulations, multiple potential defendants, and severe injuries. They require investigation into driver logs (hours of service), vehicle maintenance records, and company safety policies. The insurance policies are also much larger, but the insurance companies defend claims aggressively, necessitating a skilled semi-truck crash claim lawyer Union County.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
New Jersey’s modified comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your recovery is reduced by 20%. An attorney can help argue against excessive fault assignments.
Related Practice Areas: If you have other legal needs in Union County, we also assist with business law, contract disputes, and federal criminal defense.
Other Locations: We also serve clients in nearby counties including Atlantic County, Bergen County, and Camden County.
Learn More: For more information on our civil litigation practice, visit our New Jersey Civil Litigation hub page.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific case.
Union County claims are handled by our New Jersey 18 wheeler practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Union County, New Jersey
Injury claims are filed in the Civil Part of the Law Division. In Union County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (12th Vicinage), 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, telephone (908) 787-1650, 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 Union 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: Union County NJ lawyers directory · 18-wheeler Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · 18-wheeler Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · 18-wheeler Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.