Bergen County Truck Accident Lawyers

The major highways of Bergen County, such as Interstate 95 (the New Jersey Turnpike), Interstate 80, Route 17, and Route 4, are rife with massive 18-wheelers, delivery vehicles, and freight haulers. Unfortunately, this dense commercial traffic creates an environment where catastrophic truck accidents frequently occur. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a collision with a commercial vehicle, you need guidance from a Bergen County truck accident lawyer who understands the complexities of these specific claims.

The Reality of Truck Collisions in Northern New Jersey

Bergen County’s geographic location—positioned directly across the Hudson River from New York City and serving as a major thoroughfare for East Coast freight—means exceptionally high commercial truck volume. Bottlenecks near the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, heavy commercial merging in Paramus along Route 17, and constant tractor-trailer movement in Hackensack all contribute to a heightened risk of collisions on local roadways.

Between 2021 and 2024, New Jersey recorded roughly 600 or more traffic fatalities each year, with 697 deaths in 2021, 689 in 2022, 606 in 2023, and 682 in 2024, according to state police crash data. In response to these persistent roadway deaths and a sharp rise in pedestrian fatalities, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation in January 2025 creating the Target Zero Commission, a statewide initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2040.

Why Commercial Truck Accidents Are Inherently More Dangerous

The physics of a commercial truck wreck make it significantly more devastating than an everyday fender-bender. Several factors contribute to the high rate of catastrophic injuries and fatalities:

• Increased Stopping Distances: A fully loaded commercial truck requires up to 40 percent more distance to come to a complete stop compared with a passenger car. In stop-and-go traffic on Route 4, a truck driver who is distracted or following too closely may not have enough time to brake safely.
• Rollover Risks: Fully loaded rigs are 10 times more likely to roll over in a crash than empty rigs are because the center of gravity moves higher up from the road.
• Blind Spots: Tractor-trailers have massive blind spots, commonly referred to as “no-zones,” extending along both sides, directly behind, and directly in front of the vehicle. When a truck driver attempts to change lanes on the New Jersey Turnpike without thoroughly checking these blind spots, they can easily sideswipe or crush a smaller vehicle.
• Hazardous Cargo: Many trucks traversing Bergen County transport flammable liquids, chemicals, or other hazardous materials. A crash involving these vehicles can result in fires, explosions, or toxic spills.

Identifying the Liable Parties in a Truck Wreck

One of the primary reasons truck accident litigation is complex is the sheer number of potentially liable parties. Whereas a passenger car accident typically involves two drivers, a commercial trucking accident can involve multiple corporate entities. A thorough investigation is required to uncover all avenues of liability.

• The Truck Driver: Driver negligence is a leading cause of collisions. Common dangerous behaviors include speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, reckless lane changes, and fatigued driving. 
• The Trucking Company: Motor carriers can be held responsible for negligent hiring practices (such as failing to check a driver’s safety record), inadequate training, failing to properly maintain their fleet, and encouraging drivers to violate federal safety rules.
• Cargo Loaders and Shippers: If a truck’s cargo is improperly loaded or inadequately balanced, it can shift during transit. A sudden shift in weight can cause the truck driver to lose control, leading to a jackknife or rollover accident. 
• Vehicle Manufacturers: Sometimes, an accident is not caused by human error but by a mechanical failure. Defective tires, faulty air brakes, or malfunctioning steering systems can lead to catastrophic accidents. If a defective truck part contributed to the collision, the manufacturer or distributor of that part could be liable.

The Role of Federal Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes strict rules regarding vehicle maintenance, drug testing, load limits, and driver conduct. For instance, the FMCSA’s Hours of Service regulations dictate exactly how many consecutive hours a driver can operate a commercial vehicle before they are mandated to take a rest break. 

By requesting logbooks, electronic logging device (ELD) data, and maintenance records after an accident, your legal team can determine if a violation of these federal statutes led to your accident.

Steps to Take After a Collision in Bergen County

The moments following a severe accident are chaotic and terrifying; the following steps can help you preserve your health, safety, and legal rights. 

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the absolute highest priority. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, or spinal cord damage. Go to the nearest emergency room to get a comprehensive evaluation.

• Call Local Authorities: Dial 911 so that local law enforcement—whether that is the local municipal police or the New Jersey State Police—can secure the scene and draft an official crash report. 

• Document the Scene: If you are physically able to do so safely, take photographs of the vehicle damage, skid marks, road signs, and your visible injuries. Ask for the truck driver’s commercial license information, the trucking company’s name, and insurance details. Also, gather contact information from any eyewitnesses.

• Do Not Speak to the Trucking Company’s Insurer: Shortly after the crash, an insurance adjuster representing the trucking company may contact you. You are not obligated to speak with them. Direct all communication to your trusted attorney.

• Consult a Legal Professional: Reach out to a skilled lawyer as soon as possible to begin preserving crucial evidence before it is destroyed or lost by the trucking company.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you do not file a lawsuit within this strict timeframe, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation. 

What compensation can I recover?

Victims of commercial truck accidents can pursue economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages reimburse you for calculable financial losses, including past and future medical bills, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages compensate you for the subjective impact of the crash, such as physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Who pays for my medical bills?

New Jersey is a “no-fault” car insurance state, which means that your own auto insurance policy’s personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will initially pay for your medical expenses up to your policy limits, regardless of who caused the accident. Once your PIP is exhausted, or for damages outside of medical bills, you pursue the at-fault trucking company and its commercial insurance provider.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes. New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages as long as your share of the fault is not greater than the combined fault of the defendants (meaning you must be 50 percent or less at fault). 

Our Bergen County Truck Accident Lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. Today Are Ready to Help

A severe truck collision can alter the trajectory of your life in an instant, and dealing with pain, rigorous medical treatments, and aggressive corporate insurance adjusters is not something you should handle alone. Our dedicated Bergen County truck accident lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. have recovered millions for our personal injury clients. Call us today at 732-247-3600 or fill out the online form for a free consultation. Our offices are in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Manalapan, New Jersey, and we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.