New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer

Our Award-Winning Attorneys are Ready to Fight for Your Family

After a collision with a tractor-trailer or other large truck, you or your family is left reeling from the impact – physically, emotionally, and financially. As if this weren’t enough, holding a careless truck driver or negligent trucking company accountable for the accident is challenging and complex. Just after a terrible crash and its aftermath is the worst time to try to decipher complicated commercial vehicle laws. Your family is coping with life-changing injuries, or potentially with a tragedy you never could have expected. You need a competent New Jersey truck accident lawyer to lift the burden of dealing with these complications – someone who will help you get justice, and the compensation your family deserves so that you can focus on moving forward.

With our 90-year’s of legal experience, Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari is the firm you can trust with your truck accident claim. Our truck accident injury attorneys have won hundreds of millions of dollars for clients in situations like yours all across New Jersey and routinely represent clients in every city and county in the state beyond our office locations in Chatham, Jersey City, Sea Girt, and North Bergen.

Let us evaluate your truck accident claim for free today.

Truck Accident Injuries That A Qualified New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer From Our Firm Can Help You Get Compensated For

Collisions with 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, delivery trucks, and other large vehicles are uniquely dangerous due to the sheer force of the crash. These massive vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – or as much as 20 to 30 times what a passenger car weighs. It’s no wonder that truck accidents cause some of the most serious injuries a person can sustain.

The more severe an injury is, the more essential it is that you receive every dollar of compensation available to you. Every truck accident claim is unique, but our firm has particular experience winning maximum compensation for victims who have suffered injuries such as:

• Fractured and broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Nerve damage
• Injuries and partial or full amputations of limbs
• Eye injuries resulting in loss of vision
• Ear injuries resulting in loss of hearing
• Head and brain injuries
• Death

Treatment to Expect After a Truck Accident Injury

When you’ve been hurt in a truck accident – or you’re anxiously and helplessly watching an injured loved one fighting to make progress – you realize that the road to recovery isn’t as straightforward as you would like. There are ups and downs, steps forward and steps backward, milestones you work hard to meet and unexpected obstacles that can leave you feeling discouraged.

Exactly what your recovery journey will look like is dependent on the type and severity of the injuries you suffered. You will work with your doctors and other medical providers to determine your individual treatment plan. Many of our past clients found improvement through medical procedures and therapies such as:

• Epidural injections for pain management
• Surgeries
• Physical therapy

No matter which injuries you sustained in the collision, getting high-quality medical care will give you the very best chance at reaching your full potential for recovery.

Without a truck accident attorney on your side, you may find that affording the best medical help is a struggle. You may exhaust the insurance coverage available through your auto insurance policy (if you have it) or find that a medical insurance policy limits the doctors you can see and the amount of therapy you can receive. Hiring a New Jersey truck accident lawyer with a long history of success can make all the difference.

“While coming highly-recommended to me, Jeff handled a motor vehicle case wherein I sustained permanent injuries from 4 pelvic fractures. He was very upfront with me about the value of my case and he succeeded in going above and beyond to make sure I received the settlement I deserved for my injuries. Jeff’s level of expertise and professionalism surpassed even my greatest expectations.”

– Sophia P. /Client

“I just wanted to take some time to thank you and your team for all your help in the last 3 1/2 years. Your confidence, professionalism, knowledge, and efficiency in resolving this case have been greatly appreciated by my family and I.”

– Michael Flynn /Client

“I wish to convey my esteem and admiration for your professional excellence and personal manner in dealing with me regarding my auto accident case. Your attention to detail and knowledge were impressive by any standard.”

– Google Reviewer /Client

Wrongful Death Truck Accident Claims An Experienced New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer Can Handle On Your Behalf

Unfortunately, some victims of truck accidents suffer injuries so severe that no amount of medical care can reverse them. If your family has lost a loved one to a truck collision, there are no words that can ease your pain, but there are actions that an advocate can take to help make financial and other situations easier.

Over the years, our attorneys have represented many families who have suffered a loss as a result of a truck accident. We have helped them get answers, which can sometimes help with getting closure. When the death of a loved one puts a financial strain on a family as well as an emotional one, we have been able to secure the money damages the family is entitled to. It’s true that no amount of money can ever replace what you have lost when a cherished family member is taken from you so suddenly, but removing that financial fear can help bereaved families in the wake of a tragedy.

The attorneys at Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari handle fatal truck accident claims with the compassion grieving families need. Your loved one deserves justice, and you deserve support through this difficult time.

What Causes Truck Accidents?

It’s one of the most troubling questions families face after a serious truck accident: why?

Why did this happen? Why your family?

No one can tell you why your family was the one to be affected by this terrible collision. Even though you were cautious, you still found yourself in the path of a dangerous vehicle, through no fault of your own.

What we can tell you is that, from our decades of experience handling claims like yours, there are many reasons why truck accidents happen. Often, truck accident causes fit into several main categories:

• Driver error
• Mechanical malfunctions that result from improper vehicle maintenance
• Improper training and oversight of a driver

Truck accidents have such a capacity for causing catastrophic injuries that the U.S. Department of Transportation studies the phenomenon to better understand, and try to prevent these crashes.

Types of Truck Driver Negligence

Driver error is what causes most truck accidents. Truck drivers themselves aren’t always to blame. Sometimes the drivers of the passenger cars involved in the crash or other vehicles in the vicinity contribute to the chain of events. However, up to 20 percent of fatal truck crashes result from the large truck’s movement, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s report. Even more likely causes of truck accident deaths are other vehicles in or encroaching on the large truck’s lane. These huge vehicles often have trouble stopping or maneuvering in time to avoid these obstacles – a situation made even worse if truck drivers are speeding, tailgating, or driving while impaired.

Among the most dangerous activities that truck drivers can engage in on the road include:

• Driving over the speed limit
• Failing to maintain a safe following distance
• Neglecting to adjust speed and the following distance to account for poor weather and road conditions
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or prescription, over-the-counter, or recreational drugs
• Driving while distracted, which includes texting and driving
• Driving while fatigued or falling asleep at the wheel
• Aggressive driving behaviors, including changing lanes without appropriately checking blind spots or using turn signals

If you have been in a collision with a truck, you should know that it’s not uncommon for a truck driver to try to blame the victim, even if you did nothing wrong. Even if the trucking company is trying to say that you’re at fault, if you think the other part is to blame, it’s important to speak to a truck accident attorney before it’s too late.

What If a Mechanical Malfunction Is to Blame?

Suppose you know that the crash isn’t your fault – and the truck driver admits it. If he or she says that the brakes or steering failed or that some other malfunction caused the crash, you might fear that there’s nothing you can do.

Trucking companies must keep their vehicles in safe working order. Even if the driver didn’t make an error behind the wheel, he or she may have been negligent in examining the truck prior to taking it out on the road, or the trucking company itself may have cut corners in its maintenance practices.

Though rarer than a crash that results from driver error, this situation is complicated. You will need an experienced attorney to investigate this matter. The truck accident injury attorneys at Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari have the resources to take on negligent parties and their insurance companies so that you never have to settle for a low-ball offer.

When Do Most Truck Accidents Occur?

Most deadly truck collisions happen at night. Crashes that occur between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. made up 35 percent of all fatal truck accidents. Drivers often work long hours and may drive overnight without sufficient rest, which can make them a danger to themselves and others on the road. Weekday truck accidents are far more common than weekend ones, with 83 percent of fatal large truck accidents happening between Monday and Friday.

Where you are can also affect your likelihood of being involved in a truck accident. More than half of fatal truck collisions happen in rural areas, and 27 percent of these crashes take place on Interstate highways.

It’s no surprise that the largest trucks – those weighing upwards of 33,000 pounds – are the deadliest. More than 70 percent of fatal truck accidents involve these massive vehicles, while collisions with smaller grades of trucks account for a much lower percentage of deaths.

Types of Truck Accidents in NJ

Some of the types of truck accidents attorneys see most often include:

• Underride accidents
• Override accidents
• Rollover accidents
• Jackknife accidents
• Tire blowout trucking accidents
• Improperly loaded truck accidents
• Collisions with trucks parked illegally or blocking intersections

Collisions involving any large truck, including the following, can be serious:

• Tractor-trailers
• Semi-trucks
• Delivery trucks
• Moving trucks
• Tow trucks
• Garbage trucks
• Utility trucks

At first, you might not know what kind of truck was involved in the collision or exactly what happened, especially if the crash left you unconscious or if you’re trying to piece together your loved one’s experience. You don’t need to know all of the details to start getting help. Gathering and examining the evidence is part of your truck accident attorney’s job.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

One of the first questions you have in the aftermath of the collision is, what do I do now? While the situation can certainly feel overwhelming, taking these easy steps can help you avoid the pitfalls that could affect your physical recovery and your personal injury claim.

1. Report the accident
2. Gather evidence
3. See a doctor
4. Speak to an attorney

1. Report the Accident

When you have been in a collision with a large truck, you should always report the crash to the authorities. If you aren’t able to make the call yourself due to injuries or because you simply feel shocked or panicked, ask someone at the scene to call 911 for you. It’s crucial that you document the crash.

Accident victims often face pushback from the other driver when they insist on calling the police. In truck accidents, in particular, the driver may face disciplinary action for his or her role in the crash, so he or she may try to talk you out of reporting it. Even if the damage does not seem severe, documenting the collision is the smart choice. Our firm has represented clients who suffered debilitating injuries in accidents that defendants tried to dismiss as “minimal impact,” so we know that an injury may be more severe than it seems at the moment of the crash.

2. Gather Evidence

Did you know that tractors and trailers are often owned by different companies with different insurers? If you are up to gathering evidence after a truck accident, make sure that you take down the license plate and insurance information for both parts of the tractor-trailer, not just one.

3. See a Doctor Right Away

It’s essential that you get medical care quickly after an accident occurs – for more reasons than you might think. If you have a very serious injury, waiting could put your life in danger. Even an injury that is not critical can become worse if you don’t seek treatment promptly, especially if you aggravate it. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you can start feeling relief and working toward getting better.

Another reason to see a doctor early on if you suspect any damage from the crash is to document your injuries. Our firm has represented clients who waited to get medical care – and as a result of the delay, the defendant tried to argue that the injuries weren’t caused by the crash at all. Fortunately, our attorneys knew better and were able to prove otherwise in this case, but the longer you wait to see a doctor, the greater the risk to your claim as well as your health.

4. Speak to a New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’re even considering whether you need a New Jersey truck accident lawyer for your case, then it’s worth taking the time to speak with one. Most attorneys offer free consultations for personal injury matters, so it costs you nothing to talk to a lawyer about your situation and ask questions about the claims process.

When should you contact an attorney? Aside from calling the police and getting the urgent medical care that you need, speaking to a lawyer should be one of your first priorities. While you have to notify your own insurance company of the crash, it’s often best for accident victims to get an attorney involved as soon as possible – before talking extensively with any of the insurance companies involved.

What if you already talked to the insurance companies or some time has already passed since the crash occurred? It’s not too late to reach out to a lawyer, but you should take this step as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more you are risking. There are legal deadlines that restrict your right to pursue claims against truck drivers and trucking companies as well as obstacles that can arise if evidence gets lost.

Do I Need a New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer?

The injuries you suffer in a truck accident can complicate life in a lot of ways. While we can’t erase the consequences of the collision, we can help simplify things so that you have less to worry about.

Many accident victims worry about being out of work, but a truck accident attorney can seek compensation for the wages you lose because of your injuries.

Even though your quality of life is priceless, it’s certainly worth something. When the accident causes you pain and suffering and prevents you from doing the things you want to do, your New Jersey truck accident lawyer can fight for compensation for these losses, too.

Sometimes just knowing that you aren’t alone in going through this scary situation is a relief. Our clients have said that the compassion and genuine caring that we showed them has helped them find peace of mind in difficult times.

When it comes to truck accidents, specifically, understanding commercial vehicle and accident law is a challenge when you don’t have a legal background yourself. We can determine who is liable, or legally at fault, for your truck accident and make sure you get the money you’re entitled to. Getting the full amount of money for your injuries is especially important because commercial vehicles often have insurance policies with higher limits, so there is likely more money available to compensate you.

Why Choose Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari for Your Truck Accident Claim

We have helped clients who were injured in collisions with tractor-trailers, U-Haul trucks, delivery trucks, and utility trucks, whether on foot or on the road. Some of our clients were working at the time of the crash, while others were simply going about their lives.

When defendants tried to argue that the victim was at fault, our attorneys have been able to prove what really happened by examining the physical evidence, including the placement of vehicles and debris. When necessary, we have recreated and reconstructed accidents through models and illustrations. We have attained numerous million-dollar recoveries for the truck accident victims we represent.

Find out what we can do for you with a free case evaluation.

Most Dangerous Highways in NJ for Truck Accidents

New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states in the US. As the population rises, the volume of traffic increases and the highways become busier. Therefore, the risk of being involved in a truck accident is also significantly higher than in other states. New Jersey highways are especially dangerous as vehicles are driven at higher speeds on these roads. However, some highways are more dangerous than others. 

Below are some of the most dangerous highways in NJ where the highest number of crashes occur. 

Interstate 95 

This is a major interstate highway located in the northeastern part of New Jersey. It runs for 88.99 miles in NJ, but the entire highway runs for almost the full extent of the East Coast (i.e. from Florida to Maine). It is currently considered the most dangerous highway in New Jersey as it has the highest number of fatalities reported for motor vehicle accidents in 2019. There were 284 fatalities recorded in 2019 that occurred as a result of accidents on I-95.

NJ Turnpike 

The New Jersey Turnpike is one of the busiest highways in the state. Because of the large volume of traffic, the risk of being involved in a truck accident is heightened. It is part of the large Interstate 95. More than 230 million vehicles were recorded to have used this highway in 2018. Over 7,000 crashes were reported on the NJ Turnpike in that period. The highway records an average of 21 fatalities annually. 

Interstate 295

Interstate 295 is another of New Jersey’s busiest highways with traffic on each of its four sections hitting six figures annually. 3,220 accidents were reported in 2018. 721 of these accidents resulted in injuries. The most dangerous section of the highway is the two-mile stretch between Lawnside and Bellmar. 

Interstate 80

Also referred to as Route 80, this highway has been reported to have an annual average of 21.2 fatalities per 100 miles. The highway runs from east to west of New Jersey beginning at Teaneck and running all the way across North Jersey. It terminates at the Pennsylvania border. I-80 averages 100,000 vehicles a day. 

Route 287 

Also known as Interstate 287, this highway is considered an auxiliary Interstate highway. At 98.72 miles long, it is a partial beltway around New York City, running between the New York State Thruway to the New Jersey Turnpike. Over 3,500 accidents were reported on this highway in 2018 alone.

Route 78 

As one of three interstate highways that traverse the state of New Jersey from East to West, I-78 in New Jersey gets a ton of traffic. A total of 2,915 accidents were reported on this highway in 2018 alone, and in 2021 some of the scariest truck accidents reported included a fiery tractor-trailer crash, an overturned dump truck, and a truck crash in a work zone that created huge delays.

Route 1 and Route 9 

Route 1 is considered dangerous because of the many traffic lights, parking lot exits, and entrances as well as intersections that traverse the highway. In fact, 6,915 accidents were reported on this highway in 2018 resulting in 1,596 people being injured. Route 9 is also a busy and dangerous highway with 4,405 accidents recorded in 2018, of those 1,165 resulted in injuries.

Route 46 

As one of the older highways in New Jersey, Route 46 has many shopping areas, traffic lights, and side streets that make it extremely dangerous and especially hazardous for truck accidents. Just recently, a former Roxbury student passed away after her vehicle slammed into a tractor-trailer leaving a gas station on Route 46, while another driver died and a passenger was seriously injured following a crash with a tow truck. In 2018 alone, 3,344 accidents were recorded on this highway with 735 resulting in serious injuries. 

Route 130 

This highway runs from the New Jersey Turnpike right through Delaware and onto US 1. This highway records an average fatalities of 13 per year. Over 3,000 car crashes were reported on Rt. 130 highway in 2018, with 53 of these accidents resulting in injuries. 

Route 17

Route 17 is a state highway in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States, that provides a major route from the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel and other northeast New Jersey points to the New York State Thruway. According to northjersey.com, “There have been countless trucks overturned and many injuries and deaths that have occurred due to the poor design of the roadway.”

Route 4

Route 4 is a state highway in Bergen and Passaic County, New Jersey. The highway stretches 10.83 miles from Route 20 in Paterson east to an interchange with Interstate 95 (I-95), Routes 1 and 9, US 46, and US 9W at the George Washington Bridge approaching Fort Lee. Route 4 is made up of four to six lanes with the designated speed limit set to 40-50 mph. The highway is divided its entire length, but as a busy expressway, there are a high number of traffic accidents and fatalities. In February 2022 three victims were hospitalized after a minivan went airborne and landed on top of a pickup truck on Route 4 in Paramus, which is just one example of the many incidents that have already occurred this year.

Route 23

Route 23 is a state highway in the northern part of New Jersey. It stretches through Essex County and Passaic County varying from two to four lanes before becoming a six-lane freeway north of Route 46 and I-80. Major accidents tend to close Route 23 down for hours in both directions. Between 2021-2022 accidents involving motorcyclists, drugged drivers, pedestrians, and multiple vehicle pileups (including a car, truck, and dump truck) have all been reported including major injuries and fatalities.

Route 22

In New Jersey, U.S. Route 22 (US 22) runs for 60.53 miles from the Easton–Phillipsburg Toll Bridge in Warren County to I-78, US 1/9, and Route 21 in Essex County. As of March 2022, there have already been a number of major accidents reported, including an incident with a tow truck driver who was struck and killed by a vehicle whose driver also later died following a collision on the median of Route 22 and a serious crash in Green Brook on Route 22 East where a medivac helicopter was called in. 

What Should I Do After an Accident with a Truck on a Dangerous New Jersey Highway? 

If you or a loved one was involved in a truck accident on a New Jersey Highway remember to follow the steps below: 

• Contact emergency services if you or someone else has been injured. If not, get in touch with law enforcement to have an officer come to the scene. The officer will prepare a report on the incident. 
• If you are able to, take photos and videos of the accident scene. You should also take videos and photos of any injuries. 
• Get the truck driver’s insurance information. At the minimum ensure that you have their name, contact information, the insurance carrier’s name, and their insurance policy number. 
• Get a medical examination even if you don’t think your injuries are serious. 

What Should I Do if the Insurance Company Calls Me After an Accident Caused by a Truck Driver?

When you were involved in an accident that was caused by a truck driver and filed a claim for compensation, the insurance company will have a representative contact you. It is important to avoid talking to the insurance company as you may say something that will undermine your claim. It is best to consult an experienced New Jersey truck accident lawyer from our firm and refer the insurance company to us for any information they need on the claim. Do not make any statements or decisions without consulting your attorney. Insurance companies do what they can to minimize their losses and that includes offering low ball settlements for accidents. You will maximize your compensation by leaving all communication to your accident attorney at Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari. 

Contact Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari to Discuss Your Case With A Top Rated New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer

Have you been involved in a truck accident on a dangerous highway in NJ? Don’t let your medical bills pile up. Contact Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari to discuss your claim with an experienced New Jersey truck accident lawyer. We offer a free consultation to accident victims throughout the state, and we’d be happy to discuss the circumstances of your case and provide you with insight into your rights and options. 

Our attorneys are experienced in representing victims of truck accidents and other motor vehicle accidents across the state of New Jersey. We will fight to recover maximum compensation from the negligent party that caused the accident or their insurance company. We won’t settle for anything less than what we believe is a just compensation 

Contact us now to schedule your free consultation and get started with recovering compensation for your injuries. 

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Truck Accidents