A truck accident can change your life in an instant. The impact of a collision with a massive commercial vehicle often leaves victims with severe injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and uncertainty about the future. While you focus on healing, trucking companies and their insurers work quickly to protect themselves. They may try to shift blame or pressure you into a low settlement. You don’t have to deal with this alone. At Noonan & McMahon, LLC, we stand up for truck accident victims, helping them recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 5,904 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes nationally in 2021, an 18% increase from 2020. In New Jersey, 3,772 truck accidents occurred in 2022, causing 2,300 injuries and 60 fatalities. Many of these crashes resulted from preventable errors, mechanical failures, or unsafe practices.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

  • Driver fatigue – Long hours on the road lead to exhaustion, slowing reaction times and increasing the risk of mistakes. Federal regulations limit drive time, but violations still occur.
  • Distracted driving – Using a phone, adjusting GPS systems, or eating while driving takes a truck driver’s attention off the road.
  • Speeding and reckless driving – Large trucks require more time to stop. Excessive speed makes collisions more likely and more severe.
  • Improperly loaded cargo – Uneven or overloaded trailers can cause rollovers, jackknifes, or cargo spills.
  • Mechanical failures – Worn-out brakes, blown tires, and faulty steering systems can cause drivers to lose control.
  • Poor road and weather conditions – Ice, rain, and road hazards pose additional risks, especially when drivers fail to adjust their speed.

When negligence leads to a crash, we fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Common Injuries Sustained by Truck Accident Victims

The size and weight of commercial trucks make accidents especially dangerous for those in smaller vehicles. Victims often suffer severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long recovery periods. Some injuries lead to lifelong disabilities or complications.

Common truck accident injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – Concussions and more severe brain injuries can cause cognitive impairments, memory loss, and personality changes.
  • Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spine may result in partial or full paralysis.
  • Broken bones – Fractures are common, especially in high-impact crashes. Some require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
  • Internal injuries – Blunt force trauma can damage organs, causing life-threatening complications.
  • Severe burns or lacerations – Fires and broken glass often lead to painful, disfiguring injuries.

Truck accident injuries can disrupt your life physically, emotionally, and financially. Our team works to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, making it more complicated to determine who is responsible. Unlike car accidents, where fault usually lies with one or two drivers, truck crashes can stem from negligence at several levels. Identifying the right party is key to securing full compensation.

Potentially liable parties include:

  • Truck driver – If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or impaired, they may be at fault.
  • Trucking company – Employers may be responsible if they fail to properly train drivers, enforce unrealistic schedules, or neglect truck maintenance.
  • Cargo loaders – Shifting or unsecured cargo can lead to rollovers, jackknifes, or lost loads, which can make the cargo company liable.
  • Truck manufacturer or maintenance provider – If a defective part or poor maintenance caused the crash, the company responsible for repairs or manufacturing could be held accountable.

We investigate every detail to determine fault and build a strong case on your behalf.

Your Rights and Legal Options

After a truck accident, you have the right to pursue compensation, but there are legal deadlines and challenges to consider. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to recover damages.

Your legal options may include:

  • Filing an insurance claim – Trucking companies carry large insurance policies, but insurers often try to minimize payouts. We handle negotiations to ensure you aren’t pressured into a low settlement.
  • Understanding comparative negligence – New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. If you’re more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover damages.
  • Pursuing a lawsuit – If a fair settlement isn’t offered, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to seek full compensation.

We work to protect your rights, challenge unfair blame, and ensure you meet all legal deadlines.

Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

A truck accident can leave you with overwhelming expenses and long-term challenges. If someone else’s negligence caused the crash, you have the right to seek compensation. The amount you can recover depends on the severity of your injuries and how they impact your life.

Compensation may cover:

  • Medical expenses – Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and future medical care.
  • Lost wages – Income lost due to time away from work, as well as reduced earning potential if you can’t return to your previous job.
  • Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact on your quality of life.
  • Property damage – The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
  • Wrongful death damages – Funeral costs, lost financial support, and emotional suffering for surviving family members.

How We Help After a Truck Accident

At Noonan & McMahon, LLC, we understand how overwhelming a truck accident can be. While you focus on your recovery, we handle the legal process to protect your rights. Our team thoroughly investigates the crash, collecting police reports, witness statements, truck driver logs, and black box data to build a strong case. 

Truck accidents often involve multiple responsible parties, and we work to identify everyone who may be liable, from the driver to the trucking company. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but we push back to ensure you receive fair compensation. If a settlement isn’t offered or doesn’t cover your losses, we are prepared to take your case to court. 

Contact Our Experienced Monmouth County Truck Accident Attorneys

A truck accident can leave you with serious injuries, financial stress, and uncertainty about the future, but you don’t have to handle this alone. Let Noonan & McMahon, LLC fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation—there’s no fee unless we win.