Millions of people are on the road every day, and driving is often considered a rather mundane part of daily life. However, some drivers are unlucky enough to cross paths with negligent truck drivers. If you or someone you know is ever injured in a crash with a large truck or 18-wheeler, a lawyer can help you get fair compensation.
After a truck or 18-wheeler collision, you should speak to an attorney about how you can get financial compensation. You may be dealing with severe injuries and high medical bills. You might also face steep costs for vehicle repairs and be unable to work because of your injuries. A lawyer can help you sue the negligent trucker, their employer, and anyone else who may have played a role in causing the accident. You deserve justice, and our legal team will help you get it.
Get a free, confidential case evaluation from our truck and 18-wheeler accident lawyers by calling Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (201) 777-1111.
Who Should I Include in a Lawsuit After a Truck Accident in Bloomfield?
The defendants that our truck and 18-wheeler accident lawyers include in your case are crucial to getting fair compensation. If certain responsible people or entities are left out of the case, you might not get all the compensation you are entitled to.
Negligent Truckers
In many cases, negligent truckers are to blame for truck accidents. Common examples of trucker negligence include, but are not limited to, distracted driving, speeding, and fatigued driving.
Driving while fatigued is actually a serious problem, as truckers are required by federal law to stop and rest after a certain number of hours on the road. We can review trucking logs and talk to the trucker to determine if they followed all federal regulations.
Trucking Companies or Businesses
When a truck driver negligently causes an accident, their employer may be held vicariously liable if the trucker’s negligence occurred within the scope of their normal duties.
In many cases, employers are more directly responsible. For example, employers may encourage, or even require, employees to continue driving long after federal law requires them to stop and rest.
Manufacturers of Faulty Truck Parts
Some cases may involve defendants who were not present at the time of the accident. A common example of a negligent third party is a manufacturer who produces dangerously defective truck equipment. For example, if the accident occurred because the brakes unexpectedly failed, the brakes may have been defective, and the manufacturer may be liable.
FAQs About Accidents with Trucks and 18-Wheelers in Bloomfield
When Do I Need to File My Lawsuit for a Truck Accident in Bloomfield?
An accident with a large truck or 18-wheeler is likely a personal injury case. In New Jersey, plaintiffs with personal injury claims must file their cases in court no later than 2 years after the accident happens. If a plaintiff fails to file their case on time, they may be barred from doing so and may never receive fair compensation.
Should I File an Auto Insurance Claim After an Accident with an 18-Wheeler?
Yes. Auto insurance claims are standard in almost all accident cases, including truck accidents. Since New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state, you may need to file a claim with your own no-fault policy first.
If you have a limited right to sue as part of your insurance policy, you must prove you suffered a serious injury before you are allowed to sue or file a claim against the at-fault driver. If you opted for an unlimited right to sue, you do not have to meet this legal requirement and can sue or file a claim against the at-fault parties freely.
If I File an Insurance Claim After a Truck Accident, Can I Still File a Lawsuit?
Yes. You may have multiple options for obtaining fair compensation, and you are allowed to pursue more than one option. In fact, if you are interested in suing for your damages, the court will likely want you to exhaust your insurance options first. Our legal team can help you file insurance claims while also preparing your lawsuit.
Can I file More Than One Insurance Claim After a Truck Accident?
Yes. Many truck accident cases involve multiple insurance claims. If you are a New Jersey driver, you may need to first file a claim with your own no-fault insurance policy. You may also file a claim with the truck driver’s liability coverage or their employer’s insurance.
Other policies, such as MedPay or your health insurance, may also provide coverage. You should hire a lawyer to help you coordinate these benefits and maximize your coverage.
What Happens if My Insurance Claims After a Truck Crash Are Denied?
Insurance claims do not always pan out, and insurance companies are often eager to deny claims wherever possible. This is an unfortunately common problem for truck accident survivors. If the denial seems like a mistake, your lawyer can help you try to convince the insurance company that your claim should be approved.
If the insurance company refuses to budge, you should pivot to a lawsuit. In some cases, insurance companies will change their minds to avoid a lawsuit.
What Are Damages in an 18-Wheeler Accident Usually Worth?
Damages may include economic costs, such as medical bills, property damage, and lost income if you cannot work because of your injuries.
Non-economic damages are more subjective and revolve around painful experiences, like physical pain, emotional distress, psychological injuries, and the overall effect of the accident on your quality of life.
What Does Evidence Look Like in a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
Evidence in truck accident cases often comes from the truck itself. Many large trucks and 18-wheelers are equipped with security cameras inside and outside the vehicle. Many other drivers may have dashcams. As such, video footage may be a big part of our evidence.
We should also talk to witnesses, gather photos from the accident, and review the trucking company’s records on the driver, the truck, and safety.
How Do I Know Who is Responsible for an 18-Wheeler Accident?
Truck accidents are incredibly complex, and it can be hard to determine who is responsible at first. While we should consider the truck driver in our case, there could be others who played a role in the accident.
We might not know exactly who should be held responsible until the authorities complete a thorough investigation, and we should get copies of the police reports as soon as possible.
What if I Cannot Afford My Medical Bills While My 18-Wheeler Accident Case is Pending?
Medical bills can be expensive, especially in a truck accident case. Your attorney may be able to help you work out a payment plan you can afford until you receive fair compensation from the defendant.
You might instead agree to a medical lien with the hospital, where the proceeds from your lawsuit will be used to cover your medical bills after the case is completed.
Ask Our Truck and 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Bloomfield for Legal Help
Get a free, confidential case evaluation from our truck and 18-wheeler accident lawyers by calling Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (201) 777-1111.