Sideswipe truck accidents in New Jersey can leave victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma. Getting compensated can be challenging, especially with the involvement of trucking companies and insurers. If you’ve been injured in such an accident, you’ll want a legal ally who can help you obtain your needed and deserved compensation.
Contact Grossman Law, a top-rated truck accident law office. Led by skilled New Jersey truck accident lawyer Scott Grossman, we can help you navigate the complexities of your case, fight for your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve. Consult with us for free. Call Grossman Law at (877) 996-5529 today.
What Are Sideswipe Truck Accidents?
Sideswipe truck accidents occur when the side of a large truck collides with another vehicle, often during lane changes or merging onto highways. These accidents frequently involve commercial trucks, which are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, making the impact more severe.
Why Are Sideswipe Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
The size and weight of commercial trucks amplify the risks associated with sideswipe accidents. Victims often suffer:
- Severe injuries such as spinal cord damage, broken bones, or traumatic brain injuries
- Extensive property damage to their vehicles
- Emotional trauma
- Long-term disability or pain.
In addition to the truck’s immense weight and size, its cargo could cause harm as these materials spill or fly out of the vehicle. Large trucks on New Jersey highways typically carry risky loads such as heavy boxes, construction equipment, and hazardous materials – any of which could injure other road users.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents in New Jersey
Sideswipe truck accidents often occur due to driver negligence, mechanical failures, or failure to follow traffic laws. Because commercial trucks have large blind spots and require more time to maneuver, even a minor lapse in judgment can result in a serious collision with another vehicle.
Common causes of sideswipe truck accidents include:
- Unsafe lane changes – Truck drivers who fail to signal or check for vehicles before changing lanes provide no warning for surrounding motorists to give space.
- Failing to check blind spots – Large trucks have extensive blind spots where smaller vehicles may go unnoticed.
- Unintentional lane departures – Fatigue, distraction, or mechanical issues can cause a truck to drift into another lane.
- Weaving in and out of lanes – Aggressive or reckless driving increases the risk of a sideswipe accident.
- Unsafe or illegal passing – Attempting to pass another vehicle without sufficient space can result in a collision.
- Speeding or reckless driving – Excessive speed reduces a truck driver’s ability to react safely to traffic conditions.
- Driving under the influence – Impaired judgment and slower reaction times increase the likelihood of unsafe lane movements.
- Distracted driving – Texting, using a GPS, or adjusting in-cab controls can cause a driver to lose focus and drift into another lane.
- Drowsy driving – Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, which impairs awareness and reaction time.
On multi-lane highways and roads, truck drivers must remain in their lane and only merge or change lanes when it is safe to do so. Any failure to execute a lane change properly or drifting into another lane at the wrong time can result in a catastrophic sideswipe truck accident.
How Do I Get Compensated For My Sideswipe Truck Accident in New Jersey?
New Jersey follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning that after a truck sideswipe accident, an injured driver’s primary source of compensation is their own auto insurance policy. All drivers in New Jersey are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which helps cover medical expenses regardless of who was at fault for the crash.
However, a driver may pursue a claim against a truck driver, trucking company, or another responsible party in certain situations. One is if their injuries meet New Jersey’s tort threshold, which means their injuries must qualify as “serious” under state law. These are what New Jersey law considers serious injuries:
- Dismemberment
- Significant scarring or disfigurement
- Displaced fracture
- Loss of fetus
- Permanent limitation to the function or use of a body part or system
- Death.
Another situation where an injured party could sue is if they have an unlimited right-to-sue policy, an optional form of insurance coverage. It allows victims to seek compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages outside of the no-fault system.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Sideswipe Truck Accident?
Proving liability in a sideswipe truck accident can be complex as it may involve multiple parties. Potentially liable parties include:
- The truck driver for reckless or negligent behavior
- The trucking company for inadequate training or maintenance
- Third parties, such as manufacturers of faulty vehicle parts.
It takes specialized legal experience to establish all at-fault parties and their culpability, especially when they are represented by seasoned insurance companies. But at Grossman Law, we have the experience, skill, and resources to assert liability on behalf of our clients. We have been doing this for nearly 30 years now, and we’re not afraid to face even well-resourced companies who should be held accountable for truck accidents.
Proving Negligence in Sideswipe Truck Accidents
To prove negligence, your lawyer will need to demonstrate:
- The truck driver or other at-fault party owed you a duty of care.
- They breached this duty through reckless actions (for example, speeding or distracted driving).
- Their breach directly caused your injuries and losses.
Evidence such as black box data from the truck or maintenance records can be critical in proving fault.
What Compensation Can You Receive After a Sideswipe Crash?
Victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (both current and future)
- Lost wages due to inability to work
- Reduced capacity to earn due to disability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental or emotional trauma
- Property damage to their vehicle.
How Can a Lawyer Help After a Sideswipe Accident?
Truck accident victims in New Jersey often find that having an attorney is crucial in claiming their rightful compensation. Injured claimants typically have to face insurance companies, trucking businesses, and even legal defense teams. They could dispute the responsibility of the at-fault party or minimize the value of the claim, leaving the victim with dismal options for compensation.
Don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance and representation in your truck accident claim. A skilled attorney can:
- Investigate the accident by gathering evidence like police reports, witness testimony, and photos of the accident scene
- Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation
- Represent you in court if necessary to hold negligent parties accountable.
Contact us at Grossman Law for a free consultation where we’ll discuss your case and legal options at no cost to you. When you work with us, you won’t have to pay any attorney fees out of pocket, as we’ll only receive a percentage of what we win for you. With Grossman Law, you get experienced and skilled legal service without additional financial burden or stress.
Steps to Take After a Sideswipe Accident
If you’re involved in a sideswipe truck accident:
- Prioritize safety by moving to a secure location.
- Call the police and report the accident.
- Gather evidence such as photos of the accident scene and contact information for witnesses.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
- Contact an experienced New Jersey truck accident lawyer for guidance.
It’s wise to consult an attorney before giving statements to any insurance company. This protects you from saying anything that could later damage your claim.
Take the First Step Toward Justice For Your Truck Sideswipe Accident – Contact Grossman Law Today
A sideswipe truck accident can leave you facing serious injuries, financial strain, and uncertainty about your future. At Grossman Law Firm, we understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve. With over 25 years of experience handling truck accident claims in New Jersey, our team is ready to advocate for your rights and hold negligent parties accountable.Don’t navigate this process alone. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery. Contact Grossman Law Firm today at (877) 996-5529 for a free consultation, and let’s discuss how we can help you move forward.