Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accidents are among the most catastrophic incidents on New Jersey roads. Victims are often left with severe injuries, towering medical expenses, and a future filled with uncertainty. At The Law Office of Miller & Gaudio PC, we help individuals and families navigate the complex legal challenges that follow these traumatic events. With decades of litigation experience, our firm has the skill, resources, and determination to fight for the justice and compensation our clients deserve.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Uniquely Challenging
More Than a Typical Car Crash
Truck accident cases differ from standard car accident claims in nearly every way. These accidents involve much larger vehicles, greater forces of impact, and more severe injuries. But beyond the physical damage, the legal landscape is vastly more complex.
Federal Regulations and Commercial Insurance
Truck drivers and their employers must follow detailed federal rules issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Violations of these regulations — including driving beyond allowed hours or skipping mandatory inspections — can be critical in proving liability.
Additionally, most trucking companies are backed by large insurance providers. These insurers use aggressive legal teams and complex tactics to reduce or deny payouts. To win, you need a law firm that understands the tactics, the laws, and the evidence needed to prevail.
Types of Truck Accidents We Handle
1. Jackknife Accidents
These occur when the truck’s trailer folds in on the cab, creating a dangerous L or V shape. Jackknife crashes often block multiple lanes and cause chain-reaction collisions involving several vehicles.
2. Rollover Accidents
Trucks can tip over due to high speeds, tight turns, improperly loaded cargo, or driver inattention. Rollover accidents often result in crushed vehicles and life-threatening injuries.
3. Rear-End and Underride Collisions
Rear-end crashes involving trucks can destroy smaller vehicles due to the force of impact. In underride accidents, a car becomes lodged under the trailer, frequently causing fatalities or dismemberment.
4. Blind Spot and Wide Turn Collisions
Large trucks have significant blind spots. When drivers fail to check properly before changing lanes or making wide turns, they can easily crush or trap other vehicles beside or behind them.
5. Lost Cargo and Hazardous Material Spills
Improperly secured or overloaded cargo can fall into the roadway, causing secondary crashes. When the truck carries toxic or flammable substances, injuries can include burns, respiratory damage, or long-term health consequences.
Filing a Truck Accident Claim in New Jersey
- Initial Steps Matter
The first steps after a truck accident are critical. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine — some injuries manifest days later. Then, consult with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible to begin preserving evidence.
- Preserving Evidence
Truck accident evidence can disappear quickly. Data from black boxes, dashcams, or electronic logging devices (ELDs) may be overwritten or deleted. We send legal notices to preserve this data and take swift action to investigate the crash scene, obtain truck maintenance logs, and secure driver records.
- Claim Deadlines
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years. Waiting too long may permanently bar you from seeking compensation. However, certain cases involving government entities or wrongful death claims may have shorter timelines or additional requirements.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Medical Expenses
We help you recover both current and future medical costs. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, and assistive equipment.
Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working or reduce your ability to earn in the future, we calculate and demand full compensation for all lost income, bonuses, benefits, and future earning potential.
Pain and Suffering
This includes physical discomfort, chronic pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological trauma such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
Property Damage and Punitive Damages
You may be entitled to vehicle repair or replacement. In cases of gross negligence — like a driver who ignored sleep regulations or drove under the influence — punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant.
Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents
- Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
Injuries to the spine can range from herniated discs and nerve damage to full or partial paralysis. These injuries often require extensive treatment and can lead to lifelong disability.
- Brain Injuries and Head Trauma
Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and skull fractures are common in high-impact truck collisions. Victims may face memory loss, mood changes, or reduced cognitive abilities.
- Broken Bones and Internal Injuries
Truck crashes frequently cause multiple fractures, organ damage, and internal bleeding. These injuries can result in long hospital stays and significant recovery periods.
- Burns and Disfigurement
Explosions, fuel leaks, or chemical spills can lead to third-degree burns and permanent disfigurement. These injuries often require skin grafts and long-term rehabilitation.
Determining Liability: Who Is Responsible?
The Truck Driver
Drivers may be responsible if they were speeding, distracted, under the influence, or violating rest requirements. We examine their logs, training, and driving history.
The Trucking Company
Companies may be liable for negligent hiring, improper training, vehicle maintenance failures, or pressuring drivers to break federal laws to meet delivery deadlines.
Other Liable Parties
We investigate cargo loaders, vehicle part manufacturers, maintenance providers, and any third parties whose negligence contributed to the crash.
Truck accident litigation often involves multiple parties and overlapping insurance policies. Our legal team untangles the details to ensure all liable entities are held accountable.
How The Law Office of Miller & Gaudio PC Helps You
Decades of Legal Experience
We have a long-standing reputation for successful litigation in truck accident and personal injury cases throughout New Jersey. Our attorneys bring seasoned insight and a strategic mindset to every case.
Immediate Action and Investigation
We act quickly to preserve crucial evidence. Our team works with accident reconstruction experts, forensic engineers, and medical professionals to build your case from day one.
Skilled Negotiation and Trial Advocacy
Our attorneys are powerful negotiators but also experienced trial lawyers. We prepare every case for court, which strengthens our position during settlement negotiations.
Compassionate, Client-Centered Service
We understand this is one of the most difficult periods of your life. That’s why we remain accessible, responsive, and committed to helping you every step of the way. We take care of the legal fight so you can focus on recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident injury claim?
Yes, hiring a lawyer is highly recommended if you’ve been injured in a truck accident. These cases are far more complex than typical car crashes. Commercial trucking companies have large insurance carriers and legal teams that work to minimize or deny your claim. An experienced truck accident attorney will know how to navigate the regulations, gather evidence such as black box data or driver logs, and build a strong case on your behalf. At The Law Office of Miller & Gaudio PC, we work quickly to protect your rights and maximize your compensation from the very beginning.
Can I sue the trucking company, or do I only sue the driver?
In many cases, you can sue both the truck driver and the trucking company. Trucking companies can be held responsible under a legal doctrine known as “respondeat superior,” which holds employers liable for the negligent actions of their employees while on the job. Additionally, the company may also be independently liable for negligent hiring practices, poor training, safety violations, or pressuring drivers to break federal regulations. We investigate both the driver and the employer to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
What is the average settlement for a truck accident injury?
There is no fixed amount for a truck accident settlement, as each case is unique. Settlements can range from tens of thousands to several million dollars depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, medical expenses, loss of income, long-term disability, and the impact on your quality of life. Factors such as clear liability, strong evidence, and whether punitive damages are involved can also affect the final amount. During your consultation, our attorneys will review the specifics of your case and give you a realistic projection based on similar cases in New Jersey.
What if the truck driver was overworked or fell asleep at the wheel?
Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. If the driver violated hours-of-service rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, such as exceeding the allowed driving hours without rest, this can be used to establish negligence. We examine driver logs, GPS data, and black box information to uncover these violations. When fatigue is a factor, it strengthens the argument for liability and may lead to higher compensation.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a truck accident is generally two years from the date of the crash. However, some exceptions apply, especially in cases involving government vehicles or wrongful death claims. It’s crucial to act quickly, as evidence can be lost, and witnesses may become unavailable over time. Contacting a lawyer early allows you to preserve your rights and build the strongest case possible.
Contact The Law Office of Miller & Gaudio PC Today
Don’t let insurance companies dictate the value of your case. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you deserve to be fully compensated for your losses. At The Law Office of Miller & Gaudio PC, we are ready to stand up for your rights, investigate your case thoroughly, and pursue every dollar you are owed.
Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. There are no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
