If you were hurt in a truck accident in Monmouth County, NJ, you may have several options for financial recovery. An attorney at Noonan Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC can help you pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to under New Jersey law.
Our Monmouth County truck accident lawyers have four decades of combined experience fighting for clients’ rights. We know how financially and emotionally stressful the aftermath of an accident can be, and we’re dedicated to obtaining justice for injured victims.
You don’t have to take on aggressive insurance adjusters and trucking companies alone. Call us at (732) 303 7857 or contact our law office. We offer a free consultation with a committed personal injury attorney in Monmouth County, New Jersey.
How Our Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Truck Accident in Monmouth County, NJ
When a large commercial vehicle is involved in a car accident, the legal process becomes much more complicated. New Jersey’s auto insurance laws are confusing enough. Multiple parties and a large trucking company with vast resources can add extra layers of complexity.
Luckily, you won’t have to worry about these issues if you hire our Monmouth County personal injury lawyers. We’ve handled many cases involving large trucks. We know how to navigate federal and state trucking regulations and build a strong claim for damages.
With Noonan Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC by your side, you’ll have an advocate to:
- Explain your rights and options
- Monitor and review any federal or state investigations of the incident
- Independently investigate your truck accident to determine who is liable for your damages
- Consult leading experts and gather evidence as we build your case
- Calculate your past and future losses
- Engage in settlement negotiations with the trucking company involved and its insurer
- Litigate your case in court if necessary
Don’t accept an offer or sign anything before speaking with an attorney. We can advise whether you’re getting a fair deal and prevent you from walking away with less than you deserve. Call for a free case evaluation with an experienced truck accident attorney in Monmouth County, NJ.
New Jersey Truck Accident Statistics
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), New Jersey has experienced the following number of large truck crashes in the past several years:
- 2020: 4,382 accidents, causing 2,437 injuries and 55 fatalities
- 2021: 4,717 accidents, causing 2,836 injuries and 81 fatalities
- 2022: 3,772 accidents, causing 2,300 injuries and 60 fatalities
- 2023 (preliminary data as of November 16, 2023): 867 accidents, resulting in 12 fatalities and 377 injuries
These statistics indicate that, on average, around 60% of New Jersey truck crashes result in an injury or fatality.
What Causes Truck Accidents in Monmouth County, New Jersey?
Numerous factors can cause or contribute to a semi-truck accident, from poor weather conditions to dangerous road defects. However, the vast majority of these crashes are due to driver negligence.
18-wheelers aren’t easy to maneuver; they require immense skill and experience to drive. Additionally, truckers are often on tight deadlines, meaning they may violate hours-of-service regulations or speed to reach their destination.
There are many potential causes of New Jersey truck accidents, including:
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding
- Distracted driving, such as looking at a GPS or phone
- Failing to follow traffic laws, such as right-of-way rules
- Dangerous turns
- Overloaded cargo
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Inexperienced drivers
- Failure to inspect or maintain the truck
- Negligent hiring practices by trucking companies
Of course, not all trucking accidents are caused by truck driver error. Some result from other motorists engaging in some of the same negligent driving behaviors. Additionally, defective vehicle components can contribute to collisions.
How Much Is My Monmouth County Truck Accident Case Worth?
The value of any personal injury case depends on its unique facts. Generally, the more severe your truck accident injuries, the more your claim will be worth.
However, our Monmouth County personal injury attorneys will evaluate multiple factors when assessing your case, including:
- The severity and types of injuries you’ve sustained – and whether any are permanent
- The cost of your medical bills and expenses
- Your lost wages and whether your injuries affect your ability to earn the same income
- The insurance policies that cover the vehicle accident
- Whether you are partially responsible for the collision (and to what extent)
It’s vital to identify your damages and potential options for financial recovery before engaging in negotiations. You don’t want to accept a settlement too quickly. If you do, you may not receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Our Monmouth County truck accident attorneys are here to help you get a fair result. Call our personal injury law firm for a free consultation.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Truck Accident in New Jersey?
New Jersey drivers must maintain personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage. This no-fault policy pays for medical costs, regardless of who caused the crash.
You’re also required to select a “limitation on lawsuit” (verbal threshold) or a “no limitation on lawsuit” (zero threshold) option. The type of policy you carry may affect your right to hold an at-fault party financially responsible for your non-economic losses.
Depending on the circumstances, you may also be entitled to damages through the at-fault trucking company’s commercial insurance policy.
The compensation you’re entitled to heavily depends on the insurance coverage available in your case and other factors. Potential damages include those that compensate for economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages are financial in nature, meaning they’re typically easy to quantify, such as:
- Medical bills
- Future costs for medical treatment and ongoing care
- Property damage
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
- Physical therapy
You may also be entitled to the following non-economic damages, depending on the facts of your case:
- Emotional distress
- PTSD
- Diminished enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Permanent disability
- Scarring or disfigurement
Contact our personal injury lawyers in Monmouth County for more information regarding the types of damages that may be available in your NJ truck accident case.
What If I’m Blamed for a Truck Accident in New Jersey? Can I Still Receive Compensation?
It depends on your degree of fault. New Jersey’s modified comparative negligence statute applies to situations where an accident victim shares responsibility. Under the law, you can receive compensation if your percentage of blame is 50% or less. Your award will be reduced by that percentage. You’ll be barred from financial recovery if you’re deemed over 50% at fault.
For example, a court holds that you were 30% responsible for a semi-truck crash. That means the at-fault party would only be liable for 70% of your damages.
Comparative fault is a common defense raised by defendants and insurance companies. If they can shift some blame to you, they don’t have to pay out as much. Ask for help right away if you’re being unjustly blamed for a truck accident in New Jersey.
Common Injuries Sustained By Truck Accident Victims
Accidents involving tractor-trailers and other large vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries. The harm you sustain could affect your relationships, employment, and everyday life.
Truck crash victims may suffer the following types of injuries:
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Severe brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Paralysis and other spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Nerve damage
- Internal organ injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Amputations
In the most devastating crashes, a victim loses their life. If you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, we can help your family recover compensation through a wrongful death claim.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Monmouth County?
The aftermath of a truck collision can be frantic, but it’s important to take the following steps – if you can – to protect yourself:
- Call 911. Request an ambulance if you or anyone else is hurt. The police will prepare an accident report detailing the incident.
- Collect evidence. Take photos and videos of relevant details, including property damage, injuries, and traffic conditions. Ask for any eyewitness’s contact information.
- If you don’t receive emergency medical attention, visit your physician for a checkup. You may have injuries you don’t know about, and your medical record will prove that they resulted from the collision.
- Don’t apologize or admit fault.
Contact our personal injury attorneys in Monmouth County to ensure that you’re doing everything possible to preserve your legal rights.
How Long Do I Have To File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Truck Accident in New Jersey?
New Jersey’s statute of limitations sets a strict time limit for filing lawsuits. You typically have two years from the crash date to file a truck accident lawsuit. However, narrow exceptions may lengthen or shorten this deadline.
Speak with a New Jersey truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to determine the statute of limitations for your case. If you miss the deadline, you’ll forfeit your right to compensation through the courts.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation With Our Experienced Monmouth County Truck Accident Lawyers
If you were injured in a Monmouth County truck crash, it’s essential to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer right away. Complex legal issues may be at play, and it can take considerable time and effort to build your case.
Call Noonan Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC today to arrange a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Monmouth County, NJ.