What to Do When a Commercial Truck Hits You in NJ: A Step-by-Step Guide

One moment you are driving home; the next you’re staring at a damaged vehicle and the towering grille of a commercial truck. In seconds, your life can change. The impact often leaves victims facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and urgent questions: Who will pay for your treatment? How will you replace lost income? Can the trucking company be held responsible?

A commercial truck accident in New Jersey is rarely simple, and the shock of the crash can quickly give way to a confusing legal process. These cases often involve multiple liable parties, from the driver and trucking company to cargo handlers and maintenance contractors. At Bramnick, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC, we have helped truck accident victims across the state navigate these complex situations.

Here is a step-by-step guide to follow if you are ever hit by a commercial truck:

1.  Put Safety First and Call 911

Your first priority after any crash is safety. If you can, move to a safe location away from traffic and check on others involved. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance. When police and emergency medical responders arrive, they’ll assess injuries, direct traffic, and create an official accident report. That report can become crucial evidence when pursuing an injury claim.

2. Get Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you don’t feel seriously injured right away, don’t skip getting a medical evaluation. The adrenaline from a traumatic event can mask pain and delay the onset of symptoms of serious truck accident injuries, such as:

• Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord damage or herniated discs
• Internal bleeding or organ injuries

Prompt medical treatment not only safeguards your health; it also creates a medical record directly linking your injuries to the accident, which is vital for your legal case.

3. Gather Evidence at the Scene

If it’s safe to do so, document the accident scene while details are fresh:

• Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs or signals.
• Capture images of any visible injuries.
• Collect names, contact details, and insurance information from all drivers involved.
• Ask witnesses for statements and contact information.

In some crashes, you may be too seriously injured to take these steps yourself. That’s okay. Your health always comes first.

If you can’t gather evidence, an attorney can act quickly to investigate on your behalf, preserve crucial proof, and help prevent evidence from being lost or altered. The trucking company and its insurers may move fast to protect their interests, so having someone on your side early can make a difference when the calls from insurance adjusters begin.

4. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Alone

It’s common for insurance adjusters, especially those representing the trucking company, to contact you soon after the crash. They may seem friendly, but their priority is to protect their client’s bottom line, not your recovery. Politely decline to give a recorded statement until you’ve consulted with a New Jersey truck accident attorney. An attorney can help you decide what to share, ensure you don’t unintentionally harm your claim, and handle communications on your behalf.

5. Preserve All Records

In the days and weeks following the collision, keep every piece of documentation related to the crash and your recovery, including:

• Medical bills, treatment notes, and prescription receipts.
• Vehicle repair estimates and invoices.
• Pay stubs or employer letters showing lost wages.
• Emails or letters from insurance companies.

The more complete your documentation, the stronger your case will be when your attorney negotiates with insurers or presents evidence in court.

6. Understand the Complexities of Truck Accident Cases

Commercial truck accident claims are far more complex than standard car accident cases because they often involve:

• Multiple Liable Parties: The driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and maintenance contractors.
• Strict Federal and State Trucking Regulations: Violations that may help establish liability.
• Specialized Evidence: Information such as electronic logging device (ELD) data, GPS records, and maintenance logs.
• Aggressive Defense Strategies: Efforts to minimize liability, such as the dedicated legal teams that trucking companies often have working to reduce payouts.

Successfully navigating these challenges requires an attorney who knows how to uncover hidden evidence, identify all responsible parties, and hold them accountable.

7. Contact a Lawyer as Soon as Possible

Time is critical in truck accident cases. Key evidence, like driver logs, dashcam footage, black box data, and vehicle maintenance records, can be lost or destroyed swiftly. The sooner you have legal representation, the greater your chances of preserving this evidence and building a strong claim.

At Bramnick, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC, we have decades of experience representing truck accident victims throughout New Jersey. We know how to handle the unique challenges of these cases and are committed to helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Speak With a New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck accident in NJ, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Our team at Bramnick, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC works with clients across New Jersey, including Essex, Passaic, and Camden counties, to protect their rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and help them focus on recovery.

Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and handle the legal process so you can focus on your health and your family.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique, and the outcome will depend on the specific facts and circumstances. For advice regarding your situation, please contact a qualified New Jersey truck accident lawyer.