Truck accidents are known for being severe, and victims often find their lives completely upended. You may have severe injuries and extensive property damage, in addition to various other injuries and losses. A lawyer can assist you in taking action to get fair compensation.
Compensation in truck accident cases tends to be high. Between extensive medical bills, property damage, and your inability to return to work after the accident, you might end up claiming many thousands of dollars or more in compensation. Your lawyer should help you navigate the complex legal procedures involved in insurance claims and filing a lawsuit. They may also help you negotiate a good settlement so that you can get compensation a bit faster.
Discuss your case in a free legal review with our truck accident attorneys by calling Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (201) 777-1111.
How Can I Get Compensation for a Truck Accident in Plainfield?
You may have several legal options for pursuing fair financial compensation after an accident. Your attorney should review your options and help you make an informed decision about how to proceed.
Insurance Claims
The first thing many drivers do after an accident is begin preparing insurance claims. All drivers, including truck drivers, must have insurance in New Jersey. Since New Jersey is a “no-fault” state, drivers usually file first-party claims with their no-fault coverage, and there is no need to prove who caused the accident.
If your no-fault insurance is not enough, you may file a claim with the truck driver’s liability insurance, but you must be prepared to prove their fault for the accident.
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you have filed all possible insurance claims and still have unpaid damages, talk to your lawyer about filing a personal injury lawsuit. In New Jersey, drivers must elect a limited or unlimited right to sue when they purchase auto insurance.
If you have an unlimited right to sue, you can file a lawsuit freely without having to meet any legal requirements. If you have a limited right to sue, you must first prove you have certain permanent injuries before you can sue.
Negotiate a Settlement
After you file your lawsuit, the defendant may reach out to offer a private settlement. Many cases result in settlements, and you can accept a settlement if you believe it adequately and fairly covers your damages. If you are unhappy with the settlement offer, you can reject it, and your attorney can help you negotiate for a better one.
FAQs About 18-Wheeler and Commercial Truck Collision Cases
How Do Truck Accidents Often Occur in Plainfield?
Large commercial trucks and delivery vehicles often have large blind spots, and turning or changing lanes may lead to collisions if truckers are not attentive. Large 18-wheelers may topple over on the road due to unbalanced cargo. A common problem throughout the trucking industry is tired drivers who fail to stop and rest as required under federal regulations.
How Do I Know Who Caused a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents are usually large-scale, and numerous drivers may be involved. We might not know exactly who is responsible until after the police complete a thorough investigation. However, common culprits include negligent truckers and their employers.
What Do I Do if I am Severely Injured in a Commercial Truck Accident?
First, you or someone with you must call 911 immediately. Your utmost priority must be getting emergency medical care. Once you have received treatment, contact an attorney to discuss how to obtain compensation. Severe injuries in truck accidents often lead to a lifetime of medical complications and treatment. Your attorney can calculate your current and future medical costs so that you get compensation for everything.
What if the Insurance Company Tries to Deny My Claims After a Truck Accident?
If insurance tries to deny your claim, get a lawyer right away. When an insurance company denies a claim, it must send a formal denial letter explaining the reason for the denial and the claimant’s appeal options. Review this letter with your lawyer to see if you can appeal the denial. If you cannot, you may need to take matters to court.
How Long Does it Take to Sue for Damages from a Truck Crash?
The time required to complete a truck accident lawsuit varies from case to case. Even so, many cases take at least a few months from the time they are filed to complete. However, more complex cases involving complicated facts, higher damages, and bigger disputes may take much longer. Some cases have taken more than a year to complete fully.
Can I Sue for a Truck Accident if Someone Else Claims I am Somewhat to Blame?
Yes, but only to a certain extent. If the defendant or someone else claims you partially caused the truck accident in Plainfield, you may still sue, but your damages may be reduced according to New Jersey’s modified comparative negligence law. If you are 15% responsible, you lose 15% of your damages. However, if you are more than 50% responsible, you cannot sue at all.
What Happens Following an 18-Wheeler Accident in Plainfield?
After an 18-wheeler accident, police and emergency personnel should be quickly dispatched to the scene to take charge. You and others may be treated at the scene or taken away by ambulance. The police will cordon off the accident scene to investigate and ensure safety. During this time, you should try to exchange information with others at the scene, as they may be crucial pieces of the puzzle if you file a lawsuit.
Should I Talk to the Truck Driver After a Truck Accident?
You should speak to the trucker following the crash, only to exchange insurance details and contact information. Once you take legal action against the trucker, all communications should go through your attorney.
What if the Trucking Company Involved in My Accident Tries to Call Me?
If the trucking company attempts to reach out to you, avoid speaking to them. If you say anything, politely direct them to contact your legal representative. All communications with the trucker, their employer, and insurance companies should be done through your attorney. If the trucking company attempts to directly contact you multiple times, inform your lawyer immediately.
When Should I Get a Lawyer After Being Hurt in a Commercial Truck Accident?
You should hire a lawyer as soon as possible. You may need some time to recover a bit from your injuries and think about what you want to do next. It is best to hire a lawyer within a few weeks of the accident.
Our Truck Accident Attorneys Are Here to Help You
Discuss your case in a free legal review with our truck accident attorneys by calling Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (201) 777-1111.