Truck accidents often result in devastating injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. When a crash involves a tractor-trailer or other large truck, determining who is legally responsible can be far more complicated than in a typical car accident case. Multiple companies and individuals may be involved in the operation, maintenance, and loading of the truck.
At Mallon and Tranger, we represent truck accident victims across New Jersey who are facing serious injuries and overwhelming financial stress. Understanding who can be held liable is a critical first step toward recovering compensation for medical bills, lost income, and long-term care needs.
Truck drivers are often the first party considered in a liability investigation. Drivers are required to follow strict safety rules, including limits on hours of service, speed regulations, and restrictions on distracted or impaired driving. When a driver violates these rules and causes an accident, they may be held personally responsible.
Common forms of truck driver negligence include speeding, fatigue, distracted driving, impaired driving, and failure to follow traffic laws. Evidence such as driver logs, electronic logging devices, and dash camera footage can help establish whether the driver’s actions contributed to the crash.
In many cases, the trucking company that employs the driver may also be held liable. Under New Jersey law, employers can be responsible for the actions of their employees when those actions occur within the scope of employment. This is especially important in truck accident cases, where companies often exert control over schedules, routes, and safety practices.
Trucking companies may be liable for:
Holding trucking companies accountable is often essential to securing full compensation, as they typically carry larger insurance policies than individual drivers.
Commercial trucks require regular maintenance to operate safely. When brakes, tires, steering components, or other critical systems fail, the results can be catastrophic. If a mechanical failure contributed to a truck accident, liability may extend beyond the driver and trucking company.
Maintenance providers, repair shops, or third-party contractors may be held responsible if negligent repairs or inspections played a role in the crash. In some cases, defective truck parts or manufacturing defects may also be involved, opening the door to claims against parts manufacturers.
Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause serious accidents by making a truck unstable or causing cargo to spill onto the roadway. When cargo shifts during transit, it can lead to jackknife accidents, rollovers, or sudden loss of control.
Entities responsible for loading the truck, including shipping companies and warehouse operators, may be held liable if improper loading contributed to the accident. Investigating weight limits, load distribution, and securing methods is an important part of determining responsibility.
Unlike standard car accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple liable parties. New Jersey law allows injured victims to pursue compensation from all parties whose negligence contributed to the accident. This approach recognizes that serious crashes are often the result of several failures rather than a single mistake.
Potentially liable parties in a truck accident may include:
Identifying every responsible party is critical to maximizing compensation.
Commercial trucking is governed by both federal and state regulations. These rules cover driver hours, vehicle maintenance, cargo limits, and safety requirements. Violations of these regulations can provide strong evidence of negligence.
Attorneys handling truck accident cases must understand how these regulations apply and how to use them to hold negligent parties accountable. Our truck accident attorneys review compliance records, inspection reports, and company policies to uncover safety violations.
Truck accident claims often involve large insurance policies and aggressive defense strategies. Insurers may attempt to shift blame, minimize injuries, or pressure victims into accepting low settlements before the full extent of their damages is known.
When multiple insurers are involved, disputes over liability can delay compensation. Having experienced legal representation helps level the playing field and protects victims from unfair tactics.
If you are involved in a truck accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights. Immediate medical attention is critical, even if injuries are not immediately obvious.
Important steps include:
Early action can preserve evidence and strengthen your claim.
Truck accident cases require thorough investigation and a deep understanding of commercial transportation laws. At Mallon and Tranger, we work to identify all responsible parties and pursue full compensation for our clients.
If you or a loved one was injured in a New Jersey truck accident, Mallon and Tranger is here to help. We represent victims statewide and are prepared to stand up to trucking companies and their insurers. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you move forward.
