Fort Lee Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Fort Lee, Omni Injury & Accident Law is here to provide the strong legal support you need. Truck accidents often result in severe injuries and complex legal situations due to the involvement of large trucking companies and multiple insurance providers.

Our experienced Fort Lee truck accident lawyer understands these challenges and is committed to fighting for your rights. We work tirelessly to investigate the accident, gather crucial evidence, and pursue full compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. 

We handle every detail of your case with care and dedication, and you don’t pay us unless we win. With a proven record of success in truck accident claims, we are ready to stand by your side and guide you through every step of the legal process. Call us today at (646) 736-4184 for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

How Can A Fort Lee Truck Accident Attorney Help You?

A Fort Lee truck accident attorney can help you with the following if you are injured in a collision with a large truck:

• Investigation of truck accidents: Accidents related to trucks may occur due to many reasons, such as carelessness of the operator, failure of some parts of the truck, or the owner not following proper safety procedures. An attorney will have the skill and means to verify the cause of the accident and establish liability, including negligence from the driver or faulty maintenance by the trucking company.
• Claim and adjustment negotiations: In most cases, trucking accidents will lead to body injuries and in more serious cases death. The insurance adjuster may try to adjust the claim in some manner to deny or minimize the value of the claim.
• Filing a claim: Having an attorney file your insurance claim will ensure that you don’t fall victim to the many traps insurance adjusters use to diminish the value of your claim.  . You may also potentially pursue your claim in court. This is especially true if the negotiations break down or the statute of limitations is running out of time. 
• Recover compensation for your damages: The victim may recover compensation for the damages such as lost wages, vehicle damage repair, and, in some cases, pain and suffering. A lawyer will help you claim the reimbursement for all damages and start the process.

With years of experience, Omni Injury & Accident Law, P.C., has successfully helped truck accident victims in proving liability. Get in touch with us and speak with our Truck Accident Attorneys in Fort Lee to analyze your situation and assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Common Types of Fort Lee Truck Accidents

Every truck accident case is unique. Crashes can occur if there are driver errors, trucking company negligence, or poor driving conditions. Accidents like rollovers, front-end collisions, rear-end accidents, and lane change accidents are just a few examples. 

Other types of collisions that can occur are:

• Jackknife accidents: Jackknifing occurs when the semi and the trailer move together into a “V” shape. These accidents occur when the trailer moves too far forward, essentially folding onto the truck.
• Underride accidents: Underride accidents occur when a small vehicle like a car or motorcycle drives underneath a semi. These often occur in rear-end collisions.
• Override accidents: Conversely, an override accident happens when a truck drives over the top of a vehicle. 
• Wide turn accidents: Tractor-trailers require extra space to navigate turns. In some cases, these wide turns can lead to collisions with other vehicles, particularly front-end collisions or sideswipes. 
• Tire blowouts: Tire blowouts can cause truck drivers to lose control of their CMV leading to crashes. Blowouts can also create road hazards due to the tire debris.
• Blindspot accidents: Semis have much larger blind spots than other types of vehicles. When a driver fails to check their blind spot or proceed with caution, it can cause crashes.
• Unsecured cargo: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can create several different hazards.  Cargo may fall off the truck into traffic, or the load may shift, causing the driver to lose control of the trailer. 

Common Causes of Truck Accidents In Fort Lee

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) trucking industry standards are in place to help prevent tractor-trailer collisions. Even with these regulations in place, accidents unfortunately happen. There are numerous reasons these accidents occur and identifying them can help with truck accident prevention and determining liability post-crash. Some truck accident causes are:

• Distracted driving: When a driver is on their phone or doing other activities that take their eyes off the road, these distractions may cause an accident.
• Driver fatigue: Drowsy driving is extremely dangerous. If a truck driver dozes off while operating a semi, they could collide with other vehicles.
• Impaired driving: Operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous. Impairment can affect reflexes and cognition causing crashes.
• Driver error: Mistakes happen. When a truck driver makes an error while operating a semi, the resulting accidents can be serious.
• Unsecured loads: Overloaded, improperly loaded, and unsecured loads can shift causing drivers to lose control of the trailer. Moreover, cargo may fall off into traffic.
• Violation of hours of service regulations: Under federal law, truck drivers are limited in terms of the number of hours they can drive and are required to take rest breaks. Violations can lead to drowsy driving and cause avoidable errors.
• Truck safety violations: Trucking companies must comply with certain truck safety regulations. These regulations are in place to ensure trucks are properly maintained and safe for operating on the road.
• Defective truck parts: Defective truck parts may cause the truck to not operate properly. These defects can lead to collisions.
• Faulty truck maintenance: If a mechanic does not properly repair the truck, the truck may not operate as expected. These maintenance mistakes can cause an accident.
• Poor road conditions: Icy roads, debris, potholes, and other hazards can cause a truck driver to lose control and end in a collision.
• Bad weather: Rain, sleet, snow, high winds, and fog can reduce visibility and make it difficult to control a truck. When these conditions occur crashes are more likely to result.

An accident reconstruction may be necessary to determine the cause and the parties responsible for the crash. A Fort Lee personal injury lawyer may help with this process and gather truck accident evidence to support your claim.

Types of Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents in Fort Lee

The massive size of semis can lead to severe injuries. Even in more minor accidents, victims can find themselves suffering for weeks or months post-accident. Catastrophic injuries like amputations and paralysis can be life-altering for the victim and their families. In addition to physical harm, mental and emotional trauma are common.

Some examples of possible truck accident injuries:

• Fractures: Broken bones are a common result of the trauma and impact of a truck accident. Serious breaks may take months to heal and require surgery.
• Soft tissue injuries: Sprains and strains of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons can be caused by the force of a crash. These injuries can be painful and may require rehabilitation.
• Lacerations: Vehicle occupants may be cut by glass, metal, and other debris during a truck accident. Severe lacerations may require stitches and leave permanent scarring.
• Burns: Chemical burns, contact with hot surfaces, and electrical burns may be caused by a crash with a truck. Medical intervention may be necessary to treat these injuries. 
• Whiplash: The impact of a truck collision can cause the head to whip backward and forward. This motion and the resulting injury is known as whiplash.
• Traumatic brain injuries: A TBI occurs when the brain bounces inside of the skull. Concussions are a minor form of TBI. More serious injuries can cause issues with cognition, memory, and motor skills.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal column, including breaks, strains, and severing of the nerves, can cause pain, muscle weakness, and paralysis.
• Loss of limb: Limbs may be lost in a truck accident or medically necessary amputation may be necessary to treat severe injury or infection. These can be painful and life-altering injuries.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder: PTSD is a mental health condition resulting from a traumatic event. Individuals may experience nightmares, flashbacks, and other symptoms affecting their life for months or years post-accident.
• Anxiety and depression: Anxiety and depression are other common mental health conditions affecting accident victims. Medical treatment may be necessary to treat these symptoms and limit their effect on daily life.
• Death: In severe truck crashes, fatalities can occur. The loss of a loved one can have financial and emotional implications for their grieving family members.

What Should You Do After a Truck Accident in Fort Lee? 

Crashes with commercial trucks can be terrifying experiences. From the moment these collisions occur, it is important to take action to protect your rights. Following these steps may help you safeguard your health and preserve your injury claims.

• If possible, get yourself to a safe location and move your vehicle out of traffic.
• Call 911 to get help and report the accident to the authorities.
• Never admit fault for the crash.
• Get prompt medical treatment for any injuries.
• Document the accident scene and gather information about the driver, trucking company, and eyewitnesses.
• Retain all information and communication regarding the accident and your damages that can be helpful for your truck accident claim.
• Contact an injury attorney for assistance with your insurance claims.

Once you have engaged a lawyer, they may take over the legal aspect of your injury case. Experienced legal counsel can be crucial to securing your rights and making sure your interests are protected.

What Are the Fatality Statistics for Accidents with Large Trucks in Fort Lee?

In late 2024, a man was killed after colliding with a disabled semi on Route 95 near the George Washington Bridge. The next morning, another tractor-trailer crashed into the George Washington bridge toll plaza causing over 90 minutes of traffic delays on the bridge.

Across the state, there were 646 fatal accidents in 2022. A total of 112 large trucks were involved in these crashes, according to data from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. Fatalities involving large trucks totaled 108 people that year.

Looking at national numbers for 2022, 120,190 semis were involved in fatal and injury crashes. These accidents resulted in 160,608 injuries with 5,936 fatalities. The number of fatalities was up from 2021, totaling 5,821. Approximately 70% of the people killed in these crashes were occupants of other vehicles. 

What Types of Damages You Can Pursue in a Truck Accident Claim?

Determining what damages may be available after your truck accident injury is essential. In New Jersey, injury victims can recover a range of damages. These are categorized as compensatory damages and punitive damages. 

Compensatory damages are broken down further into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the actual, quantifiable financial losses you incurred as a result of the crash.

Examples of economic damages include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Permanent disability
• Property damage

Non-economic damages are intangible losses that can be more difficult to quantify. 

Examples of non-economic damages include:

• Pain and suffering damages
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium 
• Disfigurement

Punitive damages may be available in cases where the defendant acted with malice or reckless disregard. Unlike compensatory damages, these damages are imposed to punish the defendant for their behavior and discourage similar actions in the future. 

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Fort Lee?

Commercial vehicle accidents are not just serious, they are often complicated. Several different parties may be responsible depending on the cause of the accident. Identifying the reason for the collision and a thorough truck accident investigation is often essential for identifying all parties that share liability.

Truck accident liability often can result from:

• Truck driver liability: When driver negligence caused the crash, the driver may be responsible for the resulting injuries.
• Trucking company liability: Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, the trucking company may be held liable for injuries caused by its employees. Additionally, if the company violated FMCSA regulations, contributing to the crash, it may be responsible.
• Loader liability: Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks that cause an accident may indicate responsibility on the part of the loader.
• Manufacturer liability: If a defective product contributed to the crash, the manufacturer could be held responsible for the crash.
• Mechanic liability: If improper truck repairs caused an accident, the mechanic may be held liable.

A Fort Lee truck accident lawyer may investigate your accident, assess your claim, and identify the responsible parties. Determining all liable parties can be important for recovering full and fair compensation and holding these parties accountable for their negligence. 

Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Victims in Fort Lee

The general statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Jersey is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file a lawsuit within this time may mean you forfeit your right to recover damages. An experienced Fort Lee truck accident attorney may offer immediate support after a tractor-trailer crash. We can help determine the filing deadline in your case and make a timely filing. 

What Is the Truck Accident Claims Process in Fort Lee?

The first step to filing a claim is to identify the liable party or parties. Determining who is liable is critical to knowing who you file a claim with. At the same time, you will want to be compiling evidence of your claim and your damages. Building a solid foundation for your claim is crucial before you actually file the claim. Assuming you have full tort insurance or meet the verbal threshold for severe injuries,  an attorney may be able to file a claim with the negligent party’s insurance company. It may also be necessary to file a claim with your own auto insurance company. 

Once the insurer has the claim, the adjuster will investigate the claim. They may request additional information before making a decision to pay out on the claim. Due to the complex nature of truck accident cases, the insurance company’s investigation may take a significant amount of time.

After completing their investigation, the insurance company may deny the claim or make an offer. Understanding the value of your claim is essential at this stage and can be vital to negotiating a fair settlement. Engaging a lawyer skilled at negotiating settlements may be beneficial to securing just compensation.

If a settlement is not reached or the statute of limitations is approaching, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit. If a pre-trial settlement is not reached, the claim may then go to trial.

Contact Our Experienced Fort Lee Truck Accident Lawyer

Crashes with 18-wheelers leave a trail of devastation in their wake. Omni Injury and Accident Law, P.C. stands ready to help victims recover fair compensation for their injuries. We won’t quit until you get justice for you and your family.

Our truck accident lawyer in Fort Lee is ready to fight for the accident damages you deserve. Contact us now at 516-962-6018 to schedule your free consultation. Our caring and diligent legal team is available to help.