Bloomfield Truck Accident Lawyers

Commercial truck accidents represent some of the most devastating collisions on American roadways. The significant size and weight disparity between those trucks and passenger vehicles often results in catastrophic consequences. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be immense, requiring professional legal representation to pursue appropriate compensation.

The Bloomfield truck accident lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP bring decades of combined experience representing individuals injured in commercial vehicle crashes. Our thorough knowledge of transportation regulations, insurance practices, and litigation strategies has helped numerous clients rebuild their lives after devastating truck accidents. Our team knows that each case presents unique challenges and works diligently to develop personalized legal approaches for our clients.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents?

Driver fatigue remains one of the leading causes, despite hours-of-service regulations; long hauls and tight delivery schedules can push drivers beyond safe operating limits. Distracted driving continues to be problematic as mobile devices and onboard systems compete for driver attention. Poor maintenance practices also contribute to accident rates. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions can occur when rigorous inspection schedules are not maintained. Additionally, improper loading practices lead to cargo shifts that destabilize trucks. 

Other common causes include inadequate driver training, speeding, driving under the influence, and poor weather conditions.

What Are the Most Common Injuries Associated With Commercial Truck Accidents?

The injuries sustained in commercial truck accidents tend to be more severe than those in typical passenger vehicle collisions. 

• Traumatic brain injuries often occur from the violent impact forces, potentially resulting in long-term cognitive impairments. 
• Spinal cord damage can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong care and assistance.
• Multiple bone fractures typically require surgical intervention and extended rehabilitation. 
• Internal organ damage may necessitate emergency procedures and ongoing medical treatment. 
• Severe lacerations and burns can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement. Many survivors also experience post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological conditions that require professional treatment. 

When pursuing compensation, our Bloomfield truck accident lawyers take a comprehensive approach that accounts for both immediate and long-term medical needs.

Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Commercial Truck Accident Case?

Liability in truck accident cases often extends beyond the driver to include multiple parties. 

The trucking company can bear responsibility through vicarious liability for employee actions or direct negligence in hiring, training, or supervision practices. Maintenance contractors may be liable if improper repairs or insufficient inspections contributed to the accident. Additionally, vehicle and parts manufacturers could face claims if defective components played a role in the crash. Loading companies might even share blame for improperly secured cargo. With so many possibilities, identifying all potentially responsible parties requires detailed investigations.

What Evidence Is Most Critical in Proving Fault in Truck Accident Cases?

Electronic logging devices provide valuable data about driver hours and potential fatigue factors. The truck’s “black box” (electronic control module) records critical information about speed, braking patterns, and other operational details before, during, and after a collision. Dashcam footage, when available, offers visual evidence of the accident sequence. Maintenance records are also critical; they can reveal neglected repairs or inspection failures. Driver qualification files might show hiring lapses or training deficiencies.

Other than that, police reports document initial observations and statements from involved parties. Physical evidence from the accident scene, including skid marks, vehicle damage patterns, and road conditions, helps reconstruct what happened. Finally, medical records establish the connection between the accident and specific injuries.  

Do Insurance Claims Work Differently for Commercial Truck Accidents?

Large commercial trucking operations carry substantially higher insurance coverage than typical passenger vehicles, reflecting the increased risk associated with these large vehicles. Multiple insurance policies may apply to a single accident, including separate coverage for the truck, trailer, and cargo. This layered insurance structure complicates the claims process.

Insurance companies representing commercial carriers typically deploy teams of investigators and lawyers immediately following serious accidents. Their goal is to minimize liability and reduce settlement amounts, so early offers rarely reflect the true value of serious injury claims. Our Bloomfield truck accident lawyers provide protection against these tactics and access to appropriate valuation methods for economic and non-economic damages.

What Federal Regulations Apply to Commercial Truck Drivers and Companies?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes and enforces regulations governing the commercial trucking industry. 

• Hours-of-service rules limit driving time to prevent fatigue-related accidents. 
• Drug and alcohol testing requirements aim to keep impaired drivers off the road.
• Commercial driver licensing standards mandate specific training and demonstrated skills. 
• Vehicle maintenance regulations require regular inspections and prompt repairs. Load securement rules dictate how cargo must be distributed and fastened. 

Violations of these federal regulations can serve as strong evidence of negligence in truck accident cases.  

How Do I Know if the Settlement Offer From the Trucking Company Is Fair?

A fair settlement must account for all past and future medical expenses related to your injuries, while accounting for physical pain, emotional suffering, and reduced quality of life. When permanent injuries occur, the settlement must provide for ongoing care needs and adaptive equipment. It should also compensate for lost income and diminished earning capacity resulting from temporary or permanent disabilities. Property damage compensation should reflect actual replacement costs rather than depreciated values. 

Evaluating these factors requires detailed economic analysis and medical condition projections. Our Bloomfield truck accident lawyers work with financial analysts, medical professionals, and other specialists to determine appropriate compensation amounts for each client.

Can I Still Recover Damages if I Was Partially at Fault for the Truck Accident?

New Jersey follows modified comparative negligence principles, allowing injured parties to recover damages even when partially responsible for an accident. Recovery is possible as long as your degree of fault does not exceed 50%. The compensation amount is reduced by your percentage of responsibility, so opposing counsel will attempt to maximize your share of blame to reduce their client’s financial responsibility. For example, if you are found 20% at fault for an accident with $100,000 in damages, you could recover only $80,000. Determining fault percentages involves detailed investigations, effective evidence gathering, and skilled legal argument. 

Bloomfield Truck Accident Lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP Have a Client-Centered Approach to Help You Get the Compensation That You Deserve

Our skilled Bloomfield truck accident lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP can explain your legal options and help you fight to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. For a free consultation, call our East Orange, New Jersey office at 973-675-8277 or contact us online. We proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.