Truck accidents differ fundamentally from standard motor vehicle collisions. When a commercial truck strikes your vehicle, the consequences are catastrophic. The average commercial truck weighs 80,000 pounds—roughly 16 times heavier than a passenger car. This massive weight differential creates injuries of extraordinary severity.
Beyond the physics of the collision, truck accident cases involve complex federal regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes Hours of Service rules, maintenance requirements, and driver qualification standards. Trucking companies must comply with these regulations or face liability for violations. Insurance companies defending trucking companies deploy sophisticated strategies to minimize payouts, making experienced representation important.
Multiple parties may bear responsibility for your injuries. The truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, the cargo loader, and maintenance contractors can all contribute to the accident. Identifying all liable parties requires thorough investigation and legal knowledge. Contact our New Jersey truck accident lawyers to discuss your case with our experienced team.
Why Choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Your Truck Accident Claim
Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers brings 55 years of experience in personal injury litigation. Our founding partner, Edward P. Capozzi, has spent over 20 years representing injury victims, practicing since 2005. He holds certification as a Civil Trial Attorney from the New Jersey Supreme Court, recognizing his knowledge in trial advocacy. Edward was designated a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2012 and achieved Super Lawyer status in 2013. He received recognition in Best Lawyers in America 2026 for Personal Injury Litigation. He was inducted into the New Jersey Law Journal Hall of Fame in 2014 and served as the 59th President of the New Jersey Association for Justice in 2020.
Partner Alex S. Capozzi earned recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America 2026. He achieved the 13th highest jury verdict in New Jersey in 2024 ($2.75 million) and holds membership in the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. View Alex’s profile on Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell.
Our firm has recovered over 0 million across all practice areas. In truck accident cases specifically, we secured a $5.35 million settlement at trial for a pedestrian struck by a tractor-trailer. This result demonstrates our ability to achieve substantial recoveries in serious truck accident cases. View our complete case results.
We maintain 10 office locations across New Jersey, providing convenient access to our team. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay no upfront fees, and we recover our costs only if we win your case. Our clients rate us 4.9 out of 5 stars based on over 5,926 Google reviews. Read testimonials from satisfied clients.
Common Types of Truck Accidents We Handle
Tractor-trailer collisions occur in various configurations, each presenting unique liability and injury patterns.
- Rear-end accidents happen when trucks fail to brake in time, often due to driver fatigue or mechanical failure.
- Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out from the tractor unit, which is frequently caused by improper braking or slippery road conditions.
- Underride accidents—where a passenger vehicle slides beneath a truck’s trailer—result in catastrophic or fatal injuries.
- Delivery truck accidents involving commercial vehicles operated by companies like FedEx, UPS, and Amazon create distinct liability issues.
- Rollover accidents happen when trucks take curves too quickly or encounter obstacles.
- T-bone collisions and head-on collisions with commercial trucks also warrant specialized legal representation.
Each accident type requires specific investigation techniques and expert analysis to establish liability and quantify damages.
How Our Truck Accident Attorneys Investigate Your Case
Immediate action preserves critical evidence. Our attorneys move quickly to secure the accident scene, photograph vehicle damage, and document road conditions. We obtain the truck’s Electronic Data Recorder (EDR) or “black box” data before it can be destroyed. This data captures vehicle speed, braking patterns, acceleration, and steering inputs—objective evidence that contradicts insurance company narratives.
We review trucking company records, including driver qualification files, maintenance logs, and Hours of Service violations. Federal regulations require specific documentation, and violations often indicate negligence. We coordinate with accident reconstruction experts who analyze the collision dynamics and establish how the accident occurred. Learn more about how our truck accident attorneys investigate cases.
Our team communicates strategically with insurance companies. We do not accept initial settlement offers that undervalue your claim. Instead, we build a comprehensive case demonstrating liability and damages, positioning your claim for maximum recovery. Understanding the discovery phase helps you prepare for the legal process ahead.
Damages You Can Recover in a New Jersey Truck Accident
Some of the damages you can recover under New Jersey law include:
Economic damages compensate for quantifiable financial losses. Medical expenses include emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. Lost wages cover income lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity if injuries cause permanent disability. Property damage covers vehicle repair or replacement. Future medical care and long-term rehabilitation costs are recoverable when injuries require ongoing treatment.
Non-economic damages address pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent scarring or disfigurement. New Jersey law recognizes that serious injuries create profound personal suffering beyond financial loss. Understanding how to prove loss of earning capacity strengthens your claim.
Punitive damages apply when the defendant’s conduct was grossly negligent or reckless. Trucking companies that ignore safety regulations or knowingly employ unqualified drivers may face punitive liability. Catastrophic injury cases—involving permanent disability, paralysis, traumatic brain injury, or amputation—warrant substantial damages reflecting lifetime care needs and lost quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in New Jersey
What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
Seek medical attention first, even if injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can mask pain. Call police and request an accident report. If safe, document the scene with photos and video. Gather witness contact information. Avoid discussing fault with the truck driver, company representatives, or insurance adjusters. Contact an experienced truck accident attorney before speaking with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may use your statements against you. Learn the six most important steps to take after a car accident.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in New Jersey?
New Jersey law provides a two-year statute of limitations from the date of injury. This deadline is absolute—missing it bars your claim permanently. However, evidence deteriorates quickly. Black box data can be overwritten. Witnesses move or forget details. Acting immediately protects your rights and preserves critical evidence. Exceptions exist for minors or individuals declared legally incapacitated, but these are narrow. Read more about the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits.
What is a truck's "black box" and why does it matter?
Commercial trucks contain Electronic Data Recorders (EDRs) that capture vehicle data continuously. This data includes speed, braking force, acceleration, steering input, and engine performance. The black box provides objective evidence of how the accident occurred. Insurance companies cannot dispute data showing the truck was speeding or failed to brake. This evidence is critical for establishing liability and is often the difference between a successful claim and a denied one. Discover what truck driver travel logs reveal.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
New Jersey follows comparative negligence law. You can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, provided you were less than 50% responsible for the accident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. This rule makes it important to have an attorney who can minimize your assigned fault percentage. Learn how shared fault is measured in car accidents.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
Case value depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages. Each case is unique. We provide free consultations to evaluate your specific circumstances and estimate your claim’s value. Explore how to determine settlement amounts.
What if the truck driver were an independent contractor?
Trucking companies sometimes claim drivers are independent contractors to avoid liability. However, New Jersey law recognizes vicarious liability—the company remains responsible for the driver’s negligence if the company controlled the driver’s work. We investigate employment relationships thoroughly to establish company liability. Learn about the difference between contingency fees and retainers.
Contact Our New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident, contact [firm-nme] immediately. Our firm offers free consultations to evaluate your claim. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover fair compensation for you. Our experienced team of attorneys has recovered millions for truck accident victims. We maintain 10 office locations across New Jersey for your convenience.
Call (973) 364-8300 today or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Time is critical in truck accident cases. Evidence disappears, witnesses move, and the statute of limitations runs. Let our experienced team fight for the compensation you deserve.
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We are the trial attorneys with the experience and knowledge to get you the results you deserve. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we take time to get to know you, as well as your case. We are committed to excellence. It is important for our team to understand your fears, concerns and expectations. We are always available to answer any questions, and are willing to come to you if you are unable to come to us.
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