Losing a loved one in a truck accident is a devastating experience. Fatal truck accidents in New Jersey often leave families grappling with emotional pain and financial burdens. NJ law allows bereaved families to seek compensation if their loved one was killed as a result of someone else’s negligence. Surviving family members will need to pursue a wrongful death claim, for which an attorney is essential.
If you’ve lost someone in a New Jersey fatal truck crash, get help from Grossman Law. Attorney Scott D. Grossman is a top-rated New Jersey truck accident lawyer who provides sharp legal guidance and representation in wrongful death cases. In the last 27 years, he has won deca-millions for his clients, helping them focus on rebuilding their lives.
Your consultation is free with Grossman Law, and you won’t owe us any legal fees until we’ve won for you. Call us today at (877) 996-5529.
What Makes Fatal Truck Accidents So Devastating?
Fatal truck accidents often involve large trucks, such as tractor-trailers, which weigh significantly more than passenger vehicles. The sheer size and weight of these trucks increase the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities during collisions. Statistics show that 65% of fatalities in truck crashes are occupants of smaller vehicles.
Families suffer not only the emotional loss of a loved one but also financial hardships, including medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income. Our knowledgeable attorney from Grossman Law can help families navigate these challenges and seek justice.
Why Are Fatal Truck Crashes Common in New Jersey?
New Jersey’s busy roadways, including major routes like the Turnpike and Route 80, see heavy commercial truck traffic daily. Factors contributing to fatal crashes include driver error, defective vehicles, poor maintenance, and speeding.
In recent years, fatal truck accidents have increased due to rising demand for freight transportation and tighter delivery schedules. These sometimes lead to negligent practices like fatigued driving or improper cargo loading.
What Are the Common Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents?
Fatalities often result from preventable causes such as:
- Driver error (for example, distracted driving or fatigue)
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Defective equipment
- Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Adverse weather conditions.
Identifying these factors is crucial for holding negligent parties accountable.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Fatal Truck Accident?
Liability in fatal truck accidents can be complex due to the multiple parties involved:
- Truck drivers: Negligence such as distracted driving or speeding can make them liable.
- Trucking companies: Employers may be responsible for poor maintenance or pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines.
- Manufacturers: If a defective truck part or equipment led to the accident, the manufacturer of that part may be investigated and held liable.
- Other parties: Cargo loaders or maintenance providers, for example, may share liability if they cut corners in truck servicing.
When you work with Grossman Law, our skilled attorney will investigate all potential parties to ensure maximum compensation. We are fearless and experienced in facing various negligent entities, including trucking companies, well-resourced insurers, and legal defense teams.
What Evidence Is Crucial in Proving Liability?
Evidence is key to building a strong case after a fatal crash. These are some of the important pieces of evidence we look for:
- Crash reports: Provide details about the accident scene and contributing factors
- “Black box” data: Records speed, braking patterns, and other critical information
- Witness statements: Help establish what occurred during the collision
- Maintenance records: Reveal whether the truck was properly maintained
- Driver logs: Show if the driver or trucking company violated federal regulations on hours of service.
Our attorney will use this evidence to prove negligence and secure justice for victims’ families.
How Do Federal Regulations Impact Truck Accident Cases?
Federal laws govern commercial trucking operations to ensure safety on US roadways. Key regulations include:
- Hours-of-service rules limiting how long drivers can operate between rest breaks
- Maintenance standards for large trucks
- Weight restrictions for cargo loads
- Standards for loading and securing cargo.
Violations of these regulations often play a significant role in fatal crashes. Our knowledgeable attorney at Grossman Law will investigate whether federal laws were breached. If so, we’ll use that as a powerful piece of evidence establishing the at-fault party’s liability.
What Compensation Can Families Recover After a Fatal Crash?
Families may be entitled to various forms of compensation including:
- Medical expenses related to the victim’s accident
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost income and future earnings
- Pain and suffering endured by the victim
- Loss of companionship.
At Grossman Law, our experienced lawyer will fight to maximize compensation so families can recover financially while coping with their loss.
How Can a New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer Help You?
A professional truck accident lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident scene and gather evidence like crash reports and “black box” data from the truck
- Prove negligence by analyzing factors such as driver error or vehicle maintenance records
- Negotiate with insurance companies for the full compensation you deserve
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court if necessary.
By partnering with the experienced law firm Grossman Law, you can focus on healing while our attorney handles legal complexities.
How to Choose the Right New Jersey Truck Accident Attorney
Selecting the right attorney is critical for achieving justice. Here are a few things to examine when choosing a lawyer for your wrongful death case:
- Look for experience handling fatal truck accident cases. Truck crashes are more complicated than car crashes, which means your case needs specialized legal experience.
- Choose a law firm with resources to investigate complex crashes.
- Check past clients’ testimonials or reviews about each lawyer you’re considering.
- Seek attorneys who offer free consultations and work on contingency fees (no upfront costs).
When Should You Contact an Attorney After a Fatal Truck Crash?
Time is of the essence after a fatal crash. In New Jersey, the “statute of limitations” gives you only two years to file a lawsuit over your loved one’s wrongful death. While this seems like more than enough time, many factors along the way require prompt action:
- Evidence must be gathered quickly before it’s lost or destroyed.
- Witnesses’ memories fade over time.
- The statute of limitations (filing deadlines for lawsuits) may change in specific circumstances.
Contacting an attorney sooner rather than later ensures your case is handled efficiently and effectively. At Grossman Law, we’re ready to listen to your story and guide you on your legal path to justice.
If You Lost a Loved One in a New Jersey Truck Accident, Call Grossman Law
With over two decades of experience, we at Grossman Law have recovered deca-millions in verdicts and settlements for families like yours. Our compassionate and professional team knows how to take on New Jersey’s largest trucking companies and insurance carriers – and win.Don’t wait to seek justice. Call us at (877) 996-5529 for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll treat you like family, not just another case, and ensure you receive the aggressive representation you deserve. Let Grossman Law help you navigate this challenging time and pursue the compensation your family needs to move forward. Contact us today!