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JACOBS, SCHWALBE & PETRUZZELLI, P.C.

Truck Accident Lawyers Who Fight For Justice

Semi-trucks (or 18-wheelers) have to share the road with numerous other vehicles, most of which are much smaller and much less capable of withstanding the impact of a collision. When crashes happen, victims often end up with catastrophic or fatal injuries.

At Jacobs, Schwalbe & Petruzzelli, P.C., we are skilled at navigating the complexities of truck accident cases. Our award-winning lawyers have secured millions of dollars in results for our clients. Backed by more than four decades of experience, we are not afraid to oppose powerful companies in standing up for the injured and their families in these tragic cases. In addition to pursuing personal injury and wrongful death claims, we also handle workers’ compensation claims for those who were involved in semi-truck accidents while driving on the job.

Where And How Semi Truck Crashes Happen

Pursuing compensation for these injuries and losses from trucking corporations can be intimidating. Semi-truck crashes or tractor-trailer accidents are often complex, and multiple parties may be involved – not just the semi-truck drivers but also potentially their employers, the dispatcher, the mechanic or maintenance company, and even the manufacturer.

Semi-truck accidents happen across New Jersey, but they’re especially prevalent on major thoroughfares such as the New Jersey Turnpike, I-295, Route 73, or Route 70.

It often takes a detailed investigation to uncover what factors contributed to the accident. Common factors include:

  • Distracted driving;
  • Drunk or intoxicated driving;
  • Driver fatigue;
  • Improper truck maintenance;
  • Unbalanced or unsecured loads; and
  • Violations of trucking safety regulations.

Identifying and gathering the evidence to support these factors is critical for holding the at-fault parties accountable.

What A Skilled Truck Accidents Attorney Can Do For You

Most people injured in a trucking accident do not know the details of New Jersey tort law and how to fully enforce their right to recovery. Our experienced personal injury lawyers represent truck crash victims and can explain your rights to you and how they apply to your case. We can also gather and review evidence to build a powerful case for recovery, negotiate with the insurance company, and represent you at trial if necessary. We provide these services to help you get the most compensation possible to help you and your family move on from your accident.

Having an experienced attorney will secure you significantly more compensation than you would get on your own and saves you a great deal of time, uncertainty, and aggravation. We work on a contingency basis, which means you do not owe us anything until you receive your compensation.

Providing You With Answers

Our clients often have a lot of questions about their cases, and we are here with the answers they are looking for. Before you come to our office for the guidance you need, we want to help answer some of the more common questions we get:

Who Is Liable For Truck Accidents In New Jersey?

In most car accident cases, one or the other driver (or both) is at fault and liable for damages. Things can be different when a commercial truck is involved. Because truck drivers were often in the course of their work duties when the crash occurred, their employer could also be vicariously liable — not for directly causing the wreck, but for creating the conditions that made it possible. This is known in New Jersey personal injury law as respondeat superior. Most often, you can hold a trucking company liable for your injuries if it:

  • Failed to train or properly ensure the education of the driver;
  • Hired the driver despite a history of reckless, negligent driving and traffic violations; or
  • Provided a driver with a defective truck or other components that caused the accident.

While you can also seek compensation from the driver, most trucking companies have more insurance and other resources than their employees. If the company was vicariously liable, you stand a better chance of getting the most compensation. We will take the time to review your case, uncover the unique factors of your case, and determine who is ultimately liable for your injuries.

What Types Of Damages Can Individuals Recover In A Truck Accident?

No two accidents affect the victims the same way. New Jersey law allows auto accident victims to recover a range of different types of damages based on the particular details of what has happened to them.

Economic damages are one category of compensation you can claim. These include damages with a clear price tag attached, such as your hospital and rehabilitation bills, lost past and future wages, and the cost of repairing or replacing your car. There are also non-economic damages that can affect you just as badly but are more complicated to put a value on. Non-economic damages include:

  • Pain and suffering;
  • Reduced quality of life; and
  • In wrongful death lawsuits, loss of the deceased’s companionship and guidance.

Plaintiffs can also receive punitive damages in rare cases. This is a special type of damage reserved for when the defendant’s actions were purposely malicious or wantonly disregarded your safety. This level of recklessness is unusual in car accident cases and is intended to punish the defendant.

If the injuries you received in your truck accident are permanent and will alter the way you live, you deserve compensation that reflects the challenges of your new lifestyle. Catastrophic injuries come with both economic and non-economic costs that can last a lifetime, such as continuous surgeries and medication, renovating or relocating to accommodate a disability, loss of earning potential from your injuries, loss of long-term relationships after an accident, and pain and suffering from your injuries.

What Should I Do If I Get Into A Truck Accident?

The first thing you should do after getting hit by a truck is call 911, especially if you or someone else in your vehicle is hurt. You will also want the police to come to the scene and write an accident report.

Unless you need emergency medical attention at the hospital, stay at the accident scene. Take pictures of the vehicles and the area around the accident site. Exchange contact and insurance information with the driver and ask who their employer is. You should also ask any third-party witnesses for their contact information.

Later, write down everything you remember about the crash. Even if you seem unhurt at first, see your doctor as soon as possible, as injuries can develop at later time. Finally, contact our law firm to speak with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers about potential compensation.

How Long Can You Wait To File A Claim?

Time is a critical factor in any personal injury claim. In New Jersey, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim for your injuries. While this may seem like plenty of time, it is important to file your claim as soon as possible. Evidence supporting your claim is typically easier to recover right after an accident, you will be better able to present the medical consequences of your injuries, and you can receive the compensation you deserve much sooner if you do not delay to file your claim.

Let Our Team Fight For You

After a devastating truck accident has turned your life upside down, you deserve clarity and guidance on the legal actions available to you. Our legal team is here to help. We provide compassionate legal services with a proven track record of success in these complex, high-stakes cases.

Learn more by requesting a free consultation online or calling our office in Cherry Hill at 856-528-7991.