Trucks are large and heavy, and they usually haul various cargo across the state. If such a truck were in an accident, numerous other drivers might be hurt. If this sounds like your situation, ask an attorney about how you can get fair financial compensation for your injuries.
You might have more than one legal avenue to choose from. Generally, injured drivers pursue insurance claims first. If insurance cannot cover everything, or your claims are denied, your attorney can help you sue the negligent trucker and possibly the trucking company that hired them. We may need to review the police reports from the completed investigation before we file the case so that we can gather as much evidence as possible. Your damages may be higher than you realize, and you do not want to leave compensation on the table.
Call Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (201) 777-1111 to ask our truck accident attorneys for a private initial review of your case for no charge.
What Your Attorney Can Do for Your Commercial Truck Accident Case in Hoboken
It is not a good idea to try to handle your accident case alone. Whether you are filing insurance claims or a lawsuit, you need a lawyer to guide you.
Explore Your Legal Options
First, your lawyer can explain all your legal options and how to pursue them. You might want to jump into a lawsuit right away, but that might not be possible or necessary. Courts typically prefer that plaintiffs exhaust their insurance options before filing lawsuits. Your attorney can help you file all possible insurance claims while coordinating benefits to maximize your coverage.
Collect Evidence and Information
We need evidence to prove your claims in an insurance claim or lawsuit. If you took photos of the accident, show them to your lawyer right away. Our truck accident attorneys may collect video footage from nearby security cameras, dashcams, and cameras equipped on the truck. We can request copies of documentation or other relevant evidence from the defendant during the discovery phase of a lawsuit.
Communicate with Defendants and Insurers
Your attorney should be your point of contact throughout your legal proceedings. Insurance companies and defendants in lawsuits should communicate through your lawyer. You should not have direct contact with opposing parties. If they try to reach out to you, direct them to your lawyer. If they continue to try to contact you, inform your lawyer immediately.
FAQs About Accidents with Commercial Trucks and 18-Wheelers in Hoboken
What Do I Do After an Accident with a Commercial Truck or 18-Wheeler?
Following a crash or collision with a commercial truck or 18-wheeler, you must call 911 immediately. You may be severely injured, and emergency medical personnel can provide initial aid at the scene before transporting you to a hospital. If possible, you should also exchange information with other drivers at the accident scene, including the truck driver.
Will Anyone Be Charged with a Crime for Causing a Truck Accident?
Possibly. When people are seriously injured or killed in vehicle accidents, at-fault drivers may face criminal charges. For example, if someone passed away, the negligent trucker may face charges like involuntary manslaughter or vehicular homicide. If the trucker was intoxicated, they may face serious DUI or DWI charges.
Should I File an Insurance Claim After a Truck Accident in Hoboken?
Yes. Auto accidents, including truck accidents, are typically covered by auto insurance. Since New Jersey is a “no-fault” state, drivers usually file first-party claims with their own no-fault insurance policies. If this is not enough, you can file a third-party claim with the trucker’s liability insurance. The trucking company may also have insurance policies.
What if Insurance Does Not Cover My Damages After a Truck Accident?
If insurance does not completely cover your damages, or the insurance company denies your claims, your attorney can help you file a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, plaintiffs sue the truck driver who caused the accident and the trucking company that hired them. However, your case may differ, and you should consult a lawyer as soon as possible.
What Evidence Should I Gather for a Commercial Truck Accident Case?
Many drivers take photos and record videos of the accident scene, which may be used as evidence in an insurance claim or a lawsuit. We may also request evidence from the defendant, such as footage from cameras on the truck, trucking company records, and data recovered from the truck’s event data recorder.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Crash Involving an 18-Wheeler or Commercial Truck?
Yes. People may be used to handling their own claims for more typical vehicle accidents, but truck accidents are different. You may have more severe injuries and greater claims for damages. In short, there is much more at stake, and you should not proceed without legal representation.
How Long Do I Have to Sue After a Truck Accident?
In New Jersey, injured truck accident victims typically have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, some plaintiffs may have the limitation period tolled under specific conditions, such as being a minor at the time of the accident. Your lawyer should help you determine your tolling options, if any.
What if Someone Accuses Me of Causing the Truck Accident That Injured Me?
If someone claims that you did something negligent to contribute to the accident, you may still sue for damages, but your damages may be reduced in proportion to your share of fault. A plaintiff deemed 10% responsible for the overall accident may have their damages reduced by 10%. However, if you are deemed more than 50% responsible, you may not be able to sue.
What Are My Damages Worth in a Truck Accident Case?
Your damages may be worth a substantial sum. Many truck accident victims claim thousands in medical costs alone. Your property damage, including your vehicle, may also be significant. If you cannot work due to your injuries, you may claim more compensation for lost income. It is not uncommon for plaintiffs to seek tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of dollars in compensation.
Can I Sue More Than One Person for a Commercial Truck Accident?
Yes. Many plaintiffs in truck accident cases sue the truck driver, who they believe is directly responsible for the accident, in addition to the truck driver’s employer. It is also possible that other drivers on the road contributed to the crash, and you may sue them, too.
Discuss Your Legal Claims with Our Truck Accident Attorneys
Call Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (201) 777-1111 to ask our truck accident lawyers for a confidential initial assessment of your case for no charge.