Truck Accidents

Union County Truck Accident Lawyer

Serving 18-Wheeler Accident Victims Throughout New Jersey

New Jersey is a major source of commercial truck activity. That activity is a prime reason for our traffic congestion, and it can also lead to truck accidents. When you’re injured in one of those crashes, the consequences can be serious. Depending on the circumstances, you may have the right to compensation.

Whether or not you get the settlement you deserve might come down to the ability of your lawyer to navigate what can be a complex legal landscape. Attorney Michael Chelland works with injured plaintiffs throughout Union County, Essex County, and all of the North Jersey Region. Whether you were injured on the I-78, the New Jersey Turnpike, or on a smaller road, we can help you.

Get a free consultation, either in person or virtually, by calling (908) 948-8395 or by reaching out with our online contact form. Let our semi-truck accident attorney in Union County, NJ, guide you.

Understanding Truck Accident Liability in Union County

Depending on the circumstances, these cases can be complex, as liability isn’t always as straightforward as it might be in a standard car accident.

When it comes to big rig accidents, the stakes are usually higher due to the severe damages and injuries involved. These vehicles are much larger and heavier than standard cars, which means that accidents often have catastrophic outcomes. Proper legal guidance is crucial in such scenarios to ensure every party responsible is held accountable. Multi-party liability is common, and identifying all liable parties can significantly impact the settlement amount.

Multiple parties could bear, or even share responsibility for a big rig accident:

The truck driver. If they were speeding, distracted, driving under the influence, or violating hours-of-service regulations, they could be held accountable.
Trucking companies. They may also bear responsibility if they fail to properly train their drivers, ignore federal safety standards, or impose unrealistic delivery schedules that encourage dangerous practices, such as driving while fatigued.
Truck part manufacturers. If a defective component, such as faulty brakes or tires, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be liable.
Cargo loaders. Cargo loaders may share the blame if an improperly secured load caused the truck to overturn or lose control.
Third-party maintenance companies. Maintenance companies could face liability if they neglected needed repairs or inspections.

Properly identifying the right defendant is crucial for securing a settlement in truck accident cases. Evidence like driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, and surveillance must be carefully reviewed. Trucking companies often investigate to minimize liability, making an experienced Union County truck accident lawyer essential.

The Role of Federal Regulations in Trucking in Union County

Federal regulations exist to facilitate safety on the nation’s roads, particularly given the size and weight of commercial trucks. Agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversee and enforce these rules to minimize accidents caused by driver behavior, mechanical failures, and cargo-related issues.

Examples of truck regulations include:

Hours of Service (HOS) rules: These limit how long a truck driver can be on the road without taking breaks, aiming to prevent fatigue-related crashes, one of the most common causes of serious truck accidents.
Vehicle maintenance standards: Regular inspections and repairs are mandated to help trucks remain in safe working condition. Components such as brakes, tires, and lighting systems must meet strict standards, reducing the risk of mechanical failures that could result in catastrophic accidents.
Cargo loading and securement: Rules around loading and securement are designed to avoid cargo shifts, which can cause trucks to roll over or jackknife. For example, loads exceeding a truck’s weight limit can strain braking systems, making it difficult for drivers to stop in time to avoid a collision.

When these regulations are violated, the legal ramifications in a truck accident case can be significant. Understanding these federal regulations is imperative in building a strong legal case. Federal regulations provide a framework for accountability, and leveraging them may hold the key to unlocking justice in truck accident claims.

Compensation in New Jersey Truck Accident Claims

After a serious collision with a commercial vehicle, many people want to know what types of compensation might be available and how New Jersey law treats these losses. While every case is different, injured individuals may be able to pursue compensation for economic and non-economic damages.

Compensation after a truck accident can include:

Medical expenses
Future medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Property damage

A truck accident attorney in Union County can explain how these damages are evaluated and what documentation will be most useful in presenting your claim. By taking a comprehensive approach we aim to maximize your compensation.

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Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

Any accident can be scary, but a collision with a truck can be particularly traumatic. It’s possible that plaintiffs might be too injured or traumatized to direct their own actions in the immediate aftermath of the accident.

However, if you are physically able, taking the following steps can protect both your personal health and your legal interests:

See a doctor. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, get medical attention. Sometimes, injuries take time to manifest. From a legal perspective, the doctor’s report is a respected source of evidence.
Document the scene. Use your phone to take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, debris, and any visible injuries. If there are traffic signs, signals, or weather conditions that may have contributed to the crash, include those in your documentation.
Gather contact information. Witness statements can help corroborate your version of events. Also, make sure to obtain the truck driver’s employer information and insurance details. Get their statements if you can, and our office will follow up for more testimony.
File a police report. Law enforcement will create an official record of the incident, which can serve as important evidence in your case.

Throughout the process, it’s important to remember that silence is a virtue. It’s easy to say words to the effect of “I’m okay,” or to use language that might be interpreted as either an admission of fault or absolving another party of fault. All of this, no matter how innocently it might have been said, can come back to haunt you in negotiation or litigation. Saying as little as possible is your best approach.

Following these steps after a truck accident can put our Union County truck accident lawyer in a better position to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. As you focus on your recovery, our tractor-trailer accident attorney in Union County handles communication with insurers, collects evidence, and works for the compensation you deserve.

Better Days Are Closer Than You Think

With Michael Chelland, You Have A Warrior On Your Side

We genuinely care about you—your journey, your recovery, and making sure you’re supported every step of the way. Here's what sets us apart.

Personal Attention

We understand how overwhelming this time can be. We take the time to listen and address your concerns with care and understanding.
Strategic Advocacy

We focus on creating practical solutions tailored to your unique situation, keeping your needs at the forefront of everything we do.
Relentless Pursuit of Justice

Our compassionate care turns into steadfast persistence with insurance companies, working toward fair compensation.
Guidance You Can Trust

We guide you through every step of the process with transparency and clear communication, allowing you to focus on recovery.

Tailored Advocacy from a Big Rig Accident Lawyer in Union County

After enduring the physical and mental trauma of a truck accident, it’s important to know that your lawyer is in your corner, with interests directly aligned with yours. That’s why Attorney Michael Chelland works on contingency—we only earn a fee if we get you a settlement.

Other reasons to hire us include:

24/7 availability
No fees unless we win
Tailored guidance
Over two decades of experience

When you need a Union County truck accident attorney, you can trust us. With our team, you can discuss what happened, learn about your options, and get guidance on next steps before making any decisions about your case.

Contact our office at (908) 948-8395 today for the kind of diligent and zealous advocacy you can trust. Our 18-wheeler accident attorney in Union County, NJ, can help you.

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"I Felt Like A Priority"
Michael made the entire process seamless. Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable, but he also demonstrates genuine compassion for his clients.

- Tasha D.
"Helpful And Knowledable"
Extremely professional, very helpful and knowledgeable. Mr. Chelland provided me with excellent legal counsel on multiple occasions and I highly recommend!

- Former Client
"Absolute Game-Changer"
His strategic approach, attention to detail, and communication instilled confidence in me throughout the entire process. I felt empowered and supported every step of the way.

- Vanessa P.