Were you injured in a truck accident in Freehold, NJ? If so, you may be struggling with medical bills while missing time from work. You deserve fair compensation for these and other losses you’ve sustained.
The legal team at Noonan Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC can help you identify every potential avenue for financial recovery. Our Freehold truck accident lawyers have 40 years of combined experience advocating for injured victims. We’ve recovered millions for our clients, helping them regain control of their lives after acts of negligence and wrongdoing.
Call our law office at (732) 303 7857 or contact us online to request a free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney in Freehold, New Jersey.
How Noonan Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC Can Help After a Truck Accident in Freehold, NJ
Car accidents involving large commercial trucks are often complex. There may be multiple at-fault parties and complicated trucking regulations at play. Trucking companies typically have large commercial insurance policies and a team of adjusters and attorneys defending claims. Additionally, New Jersey’s auto insurance system is confusing.
Considering these factors, you can see why having legal representation is essential in a NJ truck accident claim. Our Freehold personal injury lawyers understand the complexities of these cases. We can skillfully guide you and explain your options for compensation.
If you hire Noonan Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC to handle your Freehold truck accident case, we’ll:
- Thoroughly investigate the truck crash to identify all potentially liable parties
- Monitor any investigations conducted by state or federal agencies
- Gather the evidence needed to prove your case
- Consult experts to strengthen your claim if necessary
- Negotiate with trucking companies and their insurers on your behalf
- Take your case to court in Monmouth County if we cannot reach a fair settlement
We’ll work to settle your case for the maximum amount possible. However, our New Jersey trial attorneys aren’t afraid to take your case to court if necessary. Contact us for a free initial consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Freehold, NJ.
How Common Are Truck Accidents in New Jersey?
The following represents large truck accident statistics for New Jersey, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):
- 2020: 4,382 crashes, causing 55 fatalities and 2,437 injuries
- 2021: 4,717 crashes, causing 81 fatalities and 2,837 injuries
- 2022: 3,741 crashes, causing 60 fatalities and 2,254 injuries
- 2023 (preliminary data as of November 3, 2023): 669 crashes, resulting in 6 fatalities and 377 injuries
These numbers paint a grim picture. On average, around 60% of large truck collisions in New Jersey cause injury or death.
What Causes Most Truck Accidents in Freehold?
Truck drivers are often stressed under rigorous schedules to deliver goods nationwide. Even though hours-of-service regulations set maximum limits for driving time, truckers may not always follow them. As a result, truck drivers may drive while tired or speed in dangerous areas.
However, accidents aren’t always the trucker’s fault. Other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists can also engage in risky or negligent behaviors. Additionally, dangerous road conditions can contribute to collisions.
Common causes of truck crashes in Freehold include:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Speeding to meet deadlines
- Improper turns or passing
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Inexperienced drivers
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Overloaded trucks
- Lack of oversight by trucking companies
- Lack of truck maintenance or inspection
- Poorly maintained roads and road defects
It’s crucial to pinpoint the cause of the truck collision to determine who could be liable for your damages. Our personal injury lawyers in Freehold will investigate and gather evidence proving liability.
What Is the Value of My Freehold Truck Accident Case?
It’s essential to understand the value of your Freehold personal injury case before starting the negotiating process. If you settle your claim too early, you risk walking away with less money than you rightfully deserve.
The value of your case is unique to your situation, and we’ll need to evaluate the following factors:
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether you’ve suffered a permanent disability or impairment
- The available insurance coverage
- Whether you share fault for the truck collision
- Your medical expenses and other financial losses
- The impact of your injuries on your ability to work – now and in the future
These and other considerations must be assessed when determining what your case is worth. You can better understand what to expect by scheduling a free consultation with our truck accident attorneys in Freehold, NJ.
What Compensation Is Available To Truck Accident Victims in Freehold, New Jersey?
Auto insurance in New Jersey is complicated and nuanced. Drivers must carry no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and liability coverage. They must also choose between a verbal threshold (“limitation on lawsuit”) and a zero threshold (“no limitation on lawsuit”) option. This will affect whether you can hold another party liable for non-economic damages after a crash.
Additionally, commercial auto insurance may be available to you through the at-fault trucker or trucking company. These policies usually have high limits.
Depending on the insurance coverage available in your case, you may be able to pursue economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are your financial losses after an auto accident, such as:
- The medical costs you’ve incurred
- Future medical treatment and needs
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning potential
- Property damage
- Physical therapy
- Out-of-pocket expenses
The following non-economic damages may be available to a New Jersey truck accident victim, depending on the circumstances:
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Inconvenience
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional distress
Our Freehold personal injury attorneys will advise you of the damages you can obtain based on the facts of your truck accident case and available insurance coverage.
Can I Receive Compensation If I’m Partially At Fault for a Truck Accident in New Jersey?
If you share fault for a truck collision, New Jersey’s modified comparative negligence law will apply. Each party is assigned a percentage representing their level of negligence in causing the crash. You’ll be entitled to compensation if your percentage of fault is 50% or lower. Your awarded damages will be reduced accordingly.
For example, suppose you were distracted when a semi-truck veered into your lane and struck your vehicle. A court determines that you were 40% responsible. The liable party would be on the hook for 60% of your damages. If the court had deemed you 51% at fault, you’d be entitled to nothing.
Note that insurance companies commonly allege comparative fault to reduce payouts. They may do this even if they don’t have evidence to back up their claim. Seek legal guidance right away if you’re being blamed for a New Jersey truck crash.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Freehold?
The steps you take after a semi-truck accident can vastly affect your health and legal rights.
Here are some tips to follow:
- Stop at the accident scene and call 911 to report the truck crash. Law enforcement will prepare a police report documenting the collision.
- Request medical attention if you’re injured. Even if you don’t think you’re hurt, see your doctor or a healthcare professional for a checkup. Some injuries manifest symptoms later. You’ll want your medical record to prove that the truck collision caused your injuries.
- Gather evidence at the crash scene. Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, traffic conditions, skid marks, and any other details.
- Don’t admit fault or apologize.
Seek legal assistance as soon as possible from an experienced truck accident lawyer. They can advise you of other vital steps to take following your wreck.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Crashes involving large commercial trucks can result in life-altering, catastrophic injuries, especially to people in smaller vehicles.
At Noonan Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC, we help accident victims who have sustained various types of injuries, including:
- Strains and other soft tissue injuries
- Fractured and broken bones
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Nerve damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Burns
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Amputations
- Crushing injuries
We can also help if your loved one lost their life in a fatal truck accident. We’ll handle the complexities of a wrongful death claim as you grieve your devastating loss.
How Long Do I Have To File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in New Jersey?
Most New Jersey truck accident victims have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. This statute of limitations starts to run on the date of the crash.
However, exceptions, though rare, may exist in your case. We highly recommend speaking with an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. If you miss the deadline that applies to your truck accident case, you’ll lose your right to pursue compensation in court.
Contact Our Experienced Freehold Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a truck crash in Freehold, NJ, Noonan Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC is here to give advice and guidance. Our Freehold truck accident attorneys have four decades of combined experience practicing personal injury law.
Call now to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced attorney.