Cherry Hill Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck accidents can be among the most catastrophic events on New Jersey roadways, and Cherry Hill is no exception. With heavy commercial traffic flowing through the area, accidents involving large trucks are an unfortunate reality. Victims of these accidents often suffer from severe injuries, emotional distress, and mounting financial burdens.

Understanding your legal options after a truck crash is essential for protecting your rights and securing the support you may need during recovery. These accidents are legally complex and frequently involve multiple parties, insurance companies, and corporate interests. Whether the accident occurred on Route 70, I-295, or a local road, seeking legal guidance can be a critical step toward pursuing a legal claim and holding the responsible parties accountable.

What Makes Truck Accidents Different From Regular Car Accidents?

Truck accidents differ significantly from standard motor vehicle crashes in terms of scale, damage, and legal complexity. Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, often weighing up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. As a result, when they collide with smaller cars, the outcomes can be devastating. The force of a truck impact may lead to life-altering injuries or fatalities.

In addition to the physical consequences, the legal matters surrounding truck accidents tend to be more involved. These cases may require investigations into driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, black box data, and compliance with federal trucking regulations. Liability can be spread across several parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the freight broker, or even the manufacturer of a faulty part. Due to these variables, handling a truck accident claim requires a deeper investigation than the average car accident case.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Cherry Hill?

Truck accidents can occur for many reasons, but a few recurring factors tend to show up in serious crashes:

Driver fatigue is one of the leading contributors. Truck drivers often face tight deadlines, which may push them to drive longer hours than allowed under federal regulations. Fatigue impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and increases the likelihood of falling asleep behind the wheel.
Distracted driving is another frequent cause, especially when drivers are using phones, GPS systems, or other in-cab technologies while on the road.
Improper cargo loading is a hidden but serious risk factor. When a trailer is overloaded or the cargo is not secured correctly, it can shift during transit, making the truck harder to control or more likely to tip over.
Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance can also lead to brake issues, tire blowouts, or steering problems.
Additionally, adverse weather conditions like heavy rain, fog, or snow make it difficult for large trucks to stop quickly or maintain control, particularly on highways like I-295 or the New Jersey Turnpike.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Cherry Hill Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a truck accident often requires a thorough analysis of multiple layers of responsibility. Unlike a simple car crash, where one driver might be at fault, truck accidents can involve several liable parties:

The truck driver may be liable if they were driving recklessly, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or in violation of driving hour restrictions.
The trucking company might share responsibility if it failed to perform background checks, pressured drivers to exceed legal driving hours, or neglected truck maintenance.
In some cases, the company responsible for loading the cargo may be at fault if shifting freight caused the accident.
The manufacturer of a defective part, such as a faulty brake system or tire, may also bear liability.
In certain circumstances, even a municipality or road maintenance contractor could be partially liable if poorly maintained roads or missing signage contributed to the accident.

What Injuries Are Common in Truck Accidents?

Because of the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, the injuries sustained in these accidents tend to be severe:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) are common, especially when a victim’s head strikes a hard surface during the collision.
Spinal cord injuries may lead to partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering a victim’s life.
Broken bones, internal bleeding, and organ damage are also frequently reported.
Some victims suffer from burns if fuel ignites during the crash or face amputations due to crushed limbs.
Beyond physical trauma, many people also endure emotional suffering, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and long-term anxiety.

The injuries mentioned here often require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and psychological support, all of which can lead to significant financial strain.

What Compensation May Be Available After a Truck Accident?

Victims of truck accidents may be eligible to pursue various forms of compensation depending on the specifics of their case:

Medical expenses are typically a primary component of any claim and can include hospital bills, surgeries, medication, and physical therapy.
Lost income may also be recovered if the injury forced the victim to miss work or caused a long-term disability.
Compensation may extend to pain and suffering, which addresses the physical discomfort and emotional anguish resulting from the crash.
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the conduct of the at-fault party was particularly egregious, such as in accidents caused by impaired driving or willful regulatory violations.

It is important to recognize that insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts or deny liability altogether, which is why building a strong claim with supporting evidence is critical.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim related to a truck accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that victims must initiate legal action within that time frame or risk losing their right to pursue compensation. There are some exceptions to this rule, though, such as cases involving minors or claims against government entities, which may have different timelines or notice requirements. However, waiting too long can make it difficult to gather evidence, locate witnesses, or establish liability. Therefore, it is best to begin the legal process as soon as possible after the accident.

What Steps Should I Take After a Truck Accident in Cherry Hill?

The actions taken immediately following a truck accident can significantly impact the outcome of a legal claim.

First, it is essential to seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor at first. Some conditions may not become apparent until hours or days later. Reporting the accident to the police ensures there is an official record, which may be useful during an insurance claim or lawsuit.

If possible, taking photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries can serve as critical evidence. It is also advisable to avoid making detailed statements to insurance adjusters before fully understanding your rights, as these statements may be used against you. Keeping records of all medical treatments, bills, and communications related to the accident will support your claim.

Consulting with a legal professional can help determine whether there is a viable claim and what steps to take next.

Are There Specific Laws and Regulations Governing Truck Accidents?

Truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to numerous federal and state regulations designed to ensure safety on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets rules on hours of service, vehicle maintenance, drug testing, and driver qualifications. In addition, New Jersey has its own traffic laws and regulations that may apply.

Failure to comply with these laws can be used as evidence of negligence. For example, if a driver exceeded the allowed hours behind the wheel without rest, that violation may support a claim that fatigue contributed to the crash. Similarly, if a trucking company failed to maintain braking systems or failed inspections, this negligence could play a pivotal role in determining liability.