Hit by a Truck in Union City, New Jersey? We’re Here to Help.

A truck accident in Union City, New Jersey, can turn your life upside down in an instant. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks mean that collisions often result in devastating injuries, extensive property damage, and a long road to recovery. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, confused, and even angry. You’re likely facing medical bills, lost wages, and immense pain. The good news is, you don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone.

At Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., we understand the serious impact a truck accident can have on your life. Our seasoned truck accident lawyers are ready to stand by your side, providing the dedicated and empathetic legal support you need. We’ll work tirelessly to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on healing.

Why Truck Accidents Are Different from Car Accidents

You might think a truck accident is just a bigger version of a car accident, but that’s a common misconception. Blunt Truth: The legal and practical complexities involved in truck accidents are significantly different. Here’s why:

• Severe Injuries: Due to their massive size, commercial trucks (like 18-wheelers or semi-trucks) inflict far greater force in a collision. This often leads to catastrophic injuries or wrongful death for occupants of smaller vehicles.
• Complex Regulations: Trucking companies and their drivers are subject to a vast array of federal and state regulations, including hours-of-service rules, maintenance logs, and cargo loading requirements. Violations of these rules can be key to proving negligence.
• Multiple Parties: Unlike a typical car accident, where fault usually rests with one or two drivers, a truck accident might involve numerous responsible parties. This could include the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the truck manufacturer, or even maintenance companies.
• High-Stakes Insurance Battles: Trucking companies carry substantial insurance policies, and their insurers will deploy aggressive tactics to minimize payouts. They have teams of lawyers whose job it is to protect their bottom line, not your well-being.

These distinctions mean that handling a truck accident claim requires a knowledgeable and experienced legal team. Attempting to go it alone against powerful trucking corporations and their insurers is like trying to move a mountain by hand. You need someone with the resources and legal acumen to fight effectively on your behalf.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Union City, New Jersey

Truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, often involving a combination of factors. Understanding these common causes can shed light on how negligence might be established in your case:

• Driver Fatigue: Despite strict federal hours-of-service regulations, truck drivers sometimes push themselves beyond safe limits, leading to dangerous drowsiness behind the wheel.
• Distracted Driving: Just like other motorists, truck drivers can be distracted by cell phones, GPS devices, food, or other internal and external factors.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Driving too fast for conditions, aggressive lane changes, or tailgating by truck drivers significantly increases accident risks.
• Improper Cargo Loading: Unbalanced or unsecured loads can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable, leading to rollovers or jackknife accidents.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Failing brakes, worn tires, or faulty lighting can all contribute to severe accidents. Trucking companies are legally responsible for maintaining their fleets.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug impairment, though strictly forbidden for commercial drivers, still tragically contributes to some truck accidents.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Large trucks have expansive blind spots, often called “No-Zones.” Other vehicles driving in these areas can be easily overlooked, leading to collisions when the truck changes lanes.

Identifying the precise cause of your Union City truck accident is a critical first step in building a strong personal injury claim. Our legal team will thoroughly investigate every detail to uncover all contributing factors.

What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident

The moments following a truck accident are chaotic, but your actions can significantly impact the success of your future claim. Here’s what you should do:

1. Prioritize Safety: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights.
2. Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if you feel okay, some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
3. Call 911: Report the accident to the police and emergency medical services. A police report is vital for your insurance claim and legal case.
4. Exchange Information: Get the truck driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and their trucking company’s name and DOT number. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses.
5. Document the Scene: Take photos and videos with your phone. Capture the position of the vehicles, damage to all vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
6. Do NOT Admit Fault: Never apologize or admit fault, even casually. This can be used against you later. Stick to the facts.
7. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you decline emergency transport, see a doctor immediately. A medical professional can diagnose hidden injuries and create an official record of your condition.
8. Contact a Union City Truck Accident Lawyer: Before speaking with insurance companies, consult with an experienced attorney. They can protect your rights and guide you through the process.

Remember, insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay as little as possible. Having a seasoned truck accident attorney from Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. means you have someone looking out for your best interests from day one.

The Role of a Union City Truck Accident Attorney

When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a serious truck accident, the thought of taking on a large trucking corporation and their insurance adjusters can feel daunting. That’s where an experienced Union City truck accident attorney becomes your greatest asset. At Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., we provide comprehensive legal services to alleviate your burden and maximize your chances of a successful outcome:

• Thorough Investigation: We’ll launch an immediate and exhaustive investigation into your accident. This includes securing the truck’s black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, drug and alcohol test results, police reports, and witness statements. We may also work with accident reconstruction experts.
• Identifying All Liable Parties: As mentioned, truck accidents often involve multiple responsible parties. We’ll identify everyone who may share fault, from the driver to the trucking company, cargo loader, or manufacturer, ensuring all potential avenues for compensation are explored.
• Navigating Complex Regulations: Trucking is a heavily regulated industry. Our knowledge of federal and New Jersey state trucking regulations allows us to spot violations that might be crucial to proving negligence.
• Valuing Your Claim Accurately: Beyond immediate medical bills, a truck accident can lead to long-term care needs, lost earning capacity, and significant pain and suffering. We work with medical and economic experts to accurately calculate the full scope of your damages.
• Aggressive Negotiation with Insurers: We’ll handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies. We know their tactics and won’t let them undervalue your claim or pressure you into a lowball settlement.
• Litigation if Necessary: While many cases settle out of court, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Our attorneys are comfortable and experienced in the courtroom.

Our goal is to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the maximum possible compensation for your injuries and losses. As of October 2025, the following information applies. We believe in empowering our clients with clear information and dedicated representation.

Understanding Compensation in New Jersey Truck Accident Cases

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Union City, New Jersey, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, often referred to as “damages.” These damages are designed to help you recover financially and physically from the devastating impact of the accident. Here are the main categories:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical Expenses: This covers all past and future medical costs, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor appointments, prescription medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for income lost during your recovery.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: For more severe injuries that permanently affect your ability to work or earn at your previous capacity, you can seek damages for future lost income.
• Property Damage: This includes the cost to repair or replace your damaged vehicle and any other personal property lost in the accident.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Other costs directly related to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments, home modifications for accessibility, or hired help for household tasks you can no longer perform.

Non-Economic Damages (Non-Monetary Losses):

• Pain and Suffering: This accounts for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress you endure due to your injuries.
• Emotional Anguish: Compensation for anxiety, depression, PTSD, fear, and other psychological impacts of the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, activities, or aspects of life you once enjoyed, you can claim for this loss.
• Loss of Consortium: In cases of severe injury, a spouse may seek compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy.

Punitive Damages:

In rare instances, if the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly egregious, reckless, or intentional, a court might award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate you but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. New Jersey law has specific requirements for awarding punitive damages.

Our experienced team will meticulously document all your losses to ensure that your claim reflects the full and fair value of what you’ve suffered.

Understanding New Jersey’s Comparative Negligence Rule

New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you might still be able to recover damages. However, there’s a crucial catch: if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any compensation. If you are 50% or less at fault, your recoverable damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if a jury determines your total damages are $100,000, but you were 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by $20,000, leaving you with $80,000. This rule makes it critical to have an experienced Union City truck accident attorney who can protect you against unfair blame and work to minimize any perceived fault on your part.

Dealing with Trucking Companies and Their Insurers

Trucking companies and their insurance providers are notorious for their aggressive tactics following an accident. They have substantial resources and a vested interest in minimizing their financial liability. Here’s what you can expect and why having an attorney is paramount:

• Rapid Response Teams: Many large trucking companies dispatch investigators to the accident scene almost immediately. These individuals are not there to help you; they are there to gather evidence that can be used against you.
• Early Settlement Offers: You might receive a quick settlement offer from the insurance company. While this may seem appealing, it’s almost always a lowball offer designed to resolve the claim before you understand the true extent of your injuries and losses. Accepting it means you give up your right to seek further compensation later.
• Request for Recorded Statements: The insurance adjuster will likely ask you for a recorded statement. Politely decline this request and direct them to your attorney. Anything you say can be twisted and used to deny or devalue your claim.
• Requests for Medical Releases: They may ask you to sign a broad medical release. This could give them access to your entire medical history, allowing them to search for pre-existing conditions to argue your injuries aren’t accident-related. Your attorney will ensure only relevant medical records are released.

Never sign anything, give a recorded statement, or accept a settlement offer without consulting with a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer. We’ll handle all communications, ensuring your rights are protected and you don’t inadvertently harm your claim.

Statute of Limitations in New Jersey Truck Accident Cases

In New Jersey, there are strict time limits for filing a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. For most truck accident personal injury claims, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you could lose your right to pursue compensation, regardless of the merits of your case.

While two years might seem like a long time, building a strong truck accident case takes considerable effort and time for investigation, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies. It’s crucial to consult with a Union City truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to ensure all deadlines are met and your rights are protected.

Why Choose Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. for Your Union City Truck Accident Claim?

Choosing the right legal representation after a truck accident can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., we’re not just attorneys; we’re your empathetic guides and fierce advocates through this challenging time. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Seasoned Expertise: With years of experience handling complex personal injury cases, especially those involving commercial trucks, we have a deep understanding of the unique legal nuances and tactical challenges.
• Relatable Authority: We combine direct, honest communication with genuine empathy. We’ll explain everything clearly, answer your questions, and provide the reassurance you need to feel confident in your legal journey.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We’re not afraid to take on large trucking corporations and their formidable legal teams. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, giving us a strong position at the negotiation table.
• Client-Centered Approach: Your well-being is our priority. We handle all the legal heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on your recovery. We keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring you understand your options and feel heard.
• Proven Track Record: Our history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients speaks volumes about our dedication and effectiveness. We fight for maximum compensation, not just quick settlements.

Don’t let the complexity of a truck accident claim intimidate you. Let Counsel at Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. take on the burden. We offer a confidential case review to discuss your situation and outline how we can help you move forward.

Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. has locations in Flanders. Our office serving Union City, New Jersey is located at 230 Route 206, BLDG #3, Office #5, Flanders, NJ 07836. You can reach us at +1-609-983-0003.

Past results do not predict future outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Union City, New Jersey?

Right after a truck accident, first ensure everyone’s safety and call 911 for police and medical help. It’s crucial to gather information from all parties involved, take extensive photos and videos of the scene and damages, and avoid admitting any fault. Remember, immediate medical attention and contacting an experienced Union City truck accident lawyer are your next critical steps to protect your rights and well-being.

How is a truck accident case different from a regular car accident case?

Truck accident cases are significantly more complex than typical car accidents due to the severe injuries often involved, a wider array of federal and state trucking regulations, and multiple potential at-fault parties like the driver, trucking company, or cargo loaders. These cases also involve dealing with large corporate insurance entities, necessitating specialized legal expertise to navigate effectively and ensure fair compensation.

What kind of compensation can I seek after a Union City truck accident?

After a truck accident, you can seek compensation for various damages. This includes economic damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, and emotional anguish. In certain severe cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages might also be pursued to punish the negligent party.

What if I am partially at fault for the truck accident?

New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, but the amount will be reduced proportionally to your degree of fault. However, if your fault exceeds 50%, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. This makes strong legal representation essential to protect your claim.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

No, it’s generally not advisable to speak directly with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster without legal counsel. Their primary goal is to minimize their payout, and anything you say could be used against you. It’s best to politely decline to give a recorded statement or sign any documents and instead refer them to your experienced truck accident lawyer.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for most truck accident personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file a lawsuit within this timeframe could result in losing your right to seek compensation entirely. It’s vital to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure all critical deadlines are met and your case progresses smoothly.

What evidence is crucial in a truck accident claim?

Key evidence in a truck accident claim includes the police report, photographs and videos of the accident scene, eyewitness statements, medical records detailing your injuries, and vital truck-specific data. This data can encompass the truck’s ‘black box’ information, driver’s logbooks, maintenance records, and any drug or alcohol test results, all of which help establish fault and build a strong case.

Can a Union City truck accident lawyer help if the truck driver is from another state?

Absolutely. Interstate trucking often means drivers and companies are based out of state. A skilled Union City truck accident lawyer has the experience to navigate the complexities of multi-jurisdictional claims, understanding which laws apply and how to pursue compensation regardless of where the trucking company or driver is located. Your attorney will handle all legal aspects to ensure your rights are upheld.

What if the truck accident caused a wrongful death?

If a Union City truck accident tragically results in a wrongful death, the family of the deceased may pursue a wrongful death claim. This allows them to seek compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills incurred before death, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering. An empathetic and knowledgeable truck accident attorney can guide families through this difficult process with care and determination.