Truck Accident

Collisions between passenger vehicles and heavy trucks are among the most deadly on America’s roads, and New Jersey is no exception. Not only do these crashes result in catastrophic damage and injury to the smaller vehicle and its occupants due to the sheer disparity in size, but they are legally complicated by the fact that they usually involve one or more commercial parties, namely the truck driver’s employer and truck owner. This is why if you are injured in a truck accident, it’s important to speak to a seasoned Bergen County truck accident lawyer. Aretsky Law Group P.C. has experience litigating against powerful commercial entities throughout New Jersey.

If you or a loved one has survived an accident with a truck or other commercial vehicle, in addition to coping with your physical injuries you are probably wondering how you will pay your medical and other bills. You can likely bring a claim against both the driver and his employer through the legal principle of vicarious liability, which allows you to sue an at-fault driver’s employer if the driver was acting within the scope of his employment at the time he injured you. This rule holds that an employer is liable for its employee’s negligent and tortious acts while acting at the employer’s behest.

Your attorney will be able to identify every party legally responsible for your injuries, including the truck driver, trucking company, and even truck manufacturer. The truck driver might have received insufficient training, the truck might have been carrying heavy cargo beyond its capacity or the load was not properly secured inside the trailer, causing the vehicle to swerve. The trucking company could have improperly maintained the vehicle, or the manufacturer might have designed faulty components like defective tires.

Filing suit against multiple defendants could maximize the amount of compensation you receive and help you recover the monetary damages you deserve.

If you are in an accident with a commercial vehicle and are physically able to, there are certain things you must do to ensure your safety as well as protect your rights. Don’t admit fault; you might be in shock following the accident and relieved you survived, and the chaos and confusion might make you feel guilt for what happened. However, speculating on your responsibility when you may not have done anything wrong could harm your future ability to resolve your case.

Also, don’t sign anything. The trucker’s insurance company might ask you to sign a monetary settlement agreement, but you could be signing away your future rights to be fairly compensated and settling for a much lower amount than you deserve.

At Aretsky Law Group, we understand your circumstances are unique. We’ll determine the value of your case by considering the severity of your injuries, whether you suffered temporary or permanent disabilities, and if you will need future treatment, rehabilitation, or surgeries. Then we factor the compensation other plaintiffs have received in cases like yours.

We will evaluate the trucking company’s insurance coverage and whether it has parent corporations or umbrella insurance policies that can be applied to your claim. We will begin negotiating with the company and its attorneys to try to reach a favorable out-of-court settlement. If they are unable or unwilling to provide adequate monetary compensation for your damages, we will build a strong case to present to a judge or jury.

At Aretsky Law Group, our dedicated truck accident lawyers accept all cases through contingency fee agreements, which postpones payment for our services until we have successfully resolved your case. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a trucking crash, call us to schedule a free consultation. Let our attorneys explain your legal options so you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.