New Jersey Truck Accident Attorneys Pursue Compensation for Injured Clients

Ridgewood attorneys serving truck accident victims throughout northern New Jersey

Any auto collision is traumatic. However, when one of the vehicles involved in the crash is a large truck, the resulting harm could be catastrophic. The weight and size of a commercial vehicle is no match for a much lighter, smaller car. Seigel Law in Ridgewood has helped injured clients throughout North Jersey, including Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex counties, since 1976. Our firm focuses exclusively on personal injury recovery, so we can devote all of our resources and knowledge to helping you win the compensation you deserve for your truck collision.



Firm helping truck accident victims recover damages since 1976

Driving a commercial vehicle requires skill and alertness whether the truck is cruising down the New Jersey Turnpike or making a delivery in a small town. Because of the heightened risk posed by large trucks, drivers cannot afford to make a mistake. For this reason, federal and New Jersey laws strictly govern the operation of commercial vehicles — including tractor-trailers, delivery vans, construction equipment and passenger buses — and truck drivers must obtain a special commercial license.

Common causes of truck accidents

Minor vehicle accidents are often handled on a no-fault basis under New Jersey’s auto insurance law, but when a serious injury results from the crash, pinpointing the liable party can be very important. Our accomplished litigators have detailed knowledge of the factors that frequently contribute to collisions involving trucks, such as: 

  • Fatigue and overwork — In most cases, drivers are limited to 70 hours in a workweek and are required to rest for at least 30 minutes during an eight-hour shift. They are also limited to 11 hours of driving and 14 hours of work each day. However, violations do occur, and even within these limits, a commercial vehicle driver might become drowsy or fatigued.
  • Speeding and other violations — Maneuvering a tractor-trailer takes skill and concentration in the best of times. Operating at an unsafe speed or in another way that violates a traffic law might make it impossible to avoid a collision.
  • Cell phone use — Distracted driving is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks and other automobiles. Accordingly, texting and the use of handheld devices are prohibited while operating a commercial vehicle.
  • Alcohol and drug impairment — Alcohol impairment affects a driver’s abilities, concentration and response time while behind the wheel. This has led New Jersey and other states to lower the legal blood-alcohol concentration level to 0.04 percent for commercial vehicle drivers. Truck operators can lose their commercial driver’s license (CDL) if convicted of driving while intoxicated.
  • Unsafe trucks — A rig that is overloaded, improperly maintained or made with a defective part could touch off a disaster.

Frequently, a severe truck accident has multiple causes. If necessary, we can bring in reconstruction experts and other professionals to determine exactly what happened.

Common injuries resulting from truck accidents

The size and force of a commercial vehicle means that it is capable of causing devastating harm, even at a low speed. Injuries frequently linked to truck accidents include:

  • Bone fractures and breaks
  • Internal organ damage
  • Whiplash and other neck and back injuries
  • Spinal cord damage and paralysis
  • Loss of limbs

In personal injury and wrongful death actions, we don’t back down when battling to achieve a fair result for the New Jersey plaintiffs we represent.

Why you need a lawyer for your truck accident case

Any vehicle accident claim can be complicated, but matters arising from collisions with commercial vehicles pose extra challenges. Most passenger vehicles are driven by their owners, but a truck driver might be an employee or contractor of the company that owns the vehicle. An experienced injury attorney examines the liability of fleet owners, maintenance companies and manufacturers to ensure that action is taken against all potentially negligent parties. Someone hurt in a crash involving a big rig is more likely to face a large company in court, so it’s wise to have a strong advocate by your side protecting your interests.  

Contact a dedicated New Jersey truck accident lawyer to set up a free consultation

Seigel Law represents North Jersey plaintiffs in truck accident litigation. Our firm assists clients from throughout the area, including Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties. To make an appointment for a free initial consultation, please call 201-444-4000 or contact us online. If you are unable to meet in our Ridgewood office, we can discuss your claim in your home or hospital room.