Brick Truck Accident Lawyers

Encountering a truck barreling toward you with no sign of stopping is a terrifying experience, and the resulting collision can cause serious injuries to you, your passengers, and even other bystanders on the road. Due to their massive size and weight, commercial trucks require drivers to exercise the highest level of care. If a truck driver’s negligence leads to an accident, you have the right to pursue legal recourse.

The aftermath can feel overwhelming if you or a loved one has experienced a commercial truck accident. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of such an event can be devastating. Our experienced Brick truck accident lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC have helped numerous clients facing similar challenges. Read on to learn more about what sets truck accident cases apart, what steps to take immediately following a crash, and how we can assist you in navigating this complex legal process.

What Makes Truck Accidents in Brick Different from Other Vehicle Accidents?

Truck accidents often have far more severe consequences than collisions involving only passenger vehicles. Due to the size and weight disparity between trucks and other vehicles, the risk of injury or fatality is significantly higher in truck accidents. As a result, federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) impose strict rules on trucking companies and drivers. These rules govern how long a driver can operate without rest, the minimum duration of rest periods, regular maintenance requirements, and other key aspects of commercial trucking operations.

When truck drivers or companies violate these regulations, the consequences can be severe, and these violations can serve as the basis for a personal injury or wrongful death claim. However, the nature of truck accidents makes them unique in several ways. While you might seek to hold the driver responsible for negligent driving, the root cause of the accident may lie elsewhere. For example, improper loading of cargo, defective truck parts, or inadequate truck maintenance may have contributed to the crash. In these cases, multiple parties could be held liable, including the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, or a maintenance provider.

In addition, large commercial trucking companies often employ powerful insurance and legal teams to shield themselves from liability. Individuals generally do not have access to these resources, making it essential to have a skilled attorney on your side to advocate for your interests.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Brick?

After a truck accident, the immediate steps you take can significantly impact the outcome of your case. The first and most important thing is to call 911 to report the accident and request medical attention. Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, even if they do not appear immediately apparent. New Jersey law also requires that any car collision involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 be reported, so adhering to this law will help support your case.

Even if you don’t have visible injuries, you may have internal injuries such as concussions, brain trauma, or soft tissue damage that can be life-threatening if left untreated. Therefore, seeking medical attention immediately is essential. Once you have received medical help, and if you are able, it is essential to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. Take photographs of the scene, road conditions, your vehicle, and any visible injuries. Documenting your experiences in a notepad or voice memo can provide crucial details that may help your case later on.

Do not forget to exchange insurance information with the other driver and any involved parties. If there are eyewitnesses to the accident, collect their contact information as well. Witness statements can often make a significant difference in a truck accident case, as they can corroborate your account of events.

What Compensation Are You Entitled to After a Truck Accident in Brick?

Truck accidents often result in significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences. You may face mounting medical bills, the inability to return to work, and a long recovery process. In these situations, compensation can help ease the burden. A successful insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit can help you recover economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and costs for rehabilitation or long-term care.

However, truck accidents do not only impact you financially—they can affect your emotional well-being as well. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and a diminished quality of life, can also be a part of your claim. If the accident results in the tragic loss of a loved one, wrongful death compensation can provide for funeral expenses, loss of support, and the emotional impact on surviving family members.

How Can a Brick Truck Accident Lawyer Help You Navigate the Legal Process?

Commercial truck accident cases are complex and often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, and sometimes even the truck manufacturer or its parts. These cases can quickly become more complicated than standard passenger vehicle accidents. That’s why having an experienced truck accident lawyer by your side is crucial.

For example, if a trucking company pressured its drivers to work beyond the legal hours, violating state and federal regulations, you may have grounds to hold the company liable. However, proving this requires access to the company’s internal communications and work records. Similarly, if the accident occurred because of a mechanical failure, the trucking company or even the truck manufacturer may have responsibility. In these cases, gathering maintenance records, vehicle logs, and other documentation is essential to proving negligence.

The longer you wait to seek legal assistance, the more difficult it can be to secure crucial evidence. Trucking companies and their insurance providers often work quickly to protect their interests, so acting promptly is key. The statute of limitations in New Jersey for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident, and the longer you delay, the more challenging it may be to gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case.

What Should You Look for in a Brick Truck Accident Lawyer?

Choosing the right lawyer for your truck accident case can significantly affect your claim’s outcome. A skilled truck accident lawyer will have extensive experience handling the unique challenges of truck accident cases, from understanding federal trucking regulations to identifying potential at-fault parties. They should be well-versed in gathering and interpreting critical evidence, such as maintenance logs, driver hours of service records, and black box data from the truck.

Additionally, a good lawyer will be prepared to take on powerful insurance companies and large trucking firms. These entities often have substantial resources and will go to great lengths to minimize their liability. Your attorney should be able to counter these tactics and fight for the compensation you deserve.

At Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC, our team is dedicated to fighting for the rights of truck accident victims throughout Brick. We have years of experience helping clients recover from the devastating impact of commercial truck accidents. Whether your case involves driver negligence, improper truck maintenance, or faulty manufacturing, we have the experience to take on even the most complex truck accident cases.

The Experienced Brick Truck Accident Lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC Will Help You Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery. The Brick truck accident lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC will protect your rights. Call us at 732-920-8383 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. Our offices in Manasquan and Brick, New Jersey serve clients throughout Middlesex County, Atlantic County, Mercer County, Monmouth County, and Ocean County.