You have rights if you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident. Pursuing a compensation claim can be challenging, given the complex laws and nuances often accompanying these accidents. Fortunately, an experienced New Jersey truck accident attorney at Petro Cohen, P.C. can help.
The consequences can be especially grave when a massive truck collides with an automobile. Given the disproportionate sizes and weights, the potential for significant harm increases. Our legal team understands the legal challenges with these types of claims, and we will help you fight for the maximum compensation possible. Contact us today!
Why Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in New Jersey?
Truck accidents are typically very complex, even in seemingly minor accidents. Large trucking companies own most trucks and often have dedicated legal teams who aggressively defend accident claims. While you aren’t legally obligated to hire an attorney, doing so can help streamline the claims process and protect you from insurance company tactics designed to pay you as little money as possible.
When you retain a New Jersey truck accident lawyer at Petro Cohen, P.C., we will conduct an independent investigation, preserve all evidence, gather documentation, and handle all communication and settlement negotiations with the other parties. And we’ll prepare your case for trial if it doesn’t resolve during settlement negotiations.
Understanding No-Fault Laws in New Jersey
New Jersey is a no-fault state, which means your first source of recovery is through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. PIP insurance typically covers the vehicle operator, passengers in the vehicle, and qualifying family members. While PIP might be your first source of recovery, you could also be eligible to pursue a fault-based liability claim in some instances.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Serious injuries caused by truck accidents necessitate identifying the liable party. Our skilled legal team will investigate all truck accident claims, helping to identify all responsible parties. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in New Jersey include the following:
- Driver fatigue. Although federal regulations limit driving hours and mandate rest periods, flouting these rules is common as trucking companies push drivers to exceed the allotted hours and make more money. Even when following applicable regulations, the sheer nature of the job can lead to driver fatigue and drowsiness.
- Speeding and traffic violations. Speeding or any deviation from traffic rules can severely hinder a driver’s ability to avoid an accident.
- Distracted driving. Distractions like texting or using handheld devices can be fatal, especially for a commercial vehicle driver. And distracted driving isn’t limited to phones or other handheld devices—it can include anything that takes the driver’s attention off the road, even briefly.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. New Jersey maintains a lower permissible blood-alcohol concentration of 04% BAC for commercial drivers. However, any amount of impairment by alcohol or other controlled substance may affect the ability to safely operate a truck.
- Defects or maintenance issues. Mechanical defects, lack of maintenance, and overloading or improperly loading cargo can also contribute to accidents.
Truck accidents may result from a combination of these factors. If necessary, we will hire accident reconstruction specialists and experts who can review the facts to give an opinion on what caused the accident. This provides leverage in settlement negotiations, and these experts can testify at trial if necessary.
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Understanding Comparative Liability in New Jersey
Comparative negligence laws apply in any type of accident. You cannot collect any compensation if your fault exceeds the other driver’s. That means you can both be 50% at fault and receive a portion of your damages, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, you could recover 80% of your damages. If you are more than 50% at fault you are not permitted to recover any damages.
In a truck accident liability claim, the other driver’s insurance will allege you’re primarily at fault because it extinguishes their financial responsibility. Hiring a New Jersey truck accident attorney will ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
Typical Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents
The sheer magnitude of a commercial vehicle means even minor accidents can lead to severe injuries. Some common injuries include the following:
- Bone fractures,
- Damage to internal organs,
- Whiplash and related soft tissue injuries,
- Paralysis due to spinal cord damage,
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Severe burns, and
- Amputations.
At Petro Cohen, P.C., our commitment as a truck accident lawyer in New Jersey ensures we relentlessly pursue justice for our clients, irrespective of the challenges.
Contact Petro Cohen, P.C. for a Skilled Truck Accident Lawyer in New Jersey
Our attorneys have experience representing injured victims of truck accidents. If you’re searching for a truck accident attorney in New Jersey, please consider scheduling a consultation with our office. We understand the nuances of no-fault laws in New Jersey and how best to represent you. We take great pride in our reputation, as we have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
Our experienced attorneys handle other types of cases as well, including:
