Truck crashes on the NJ Turnpike or Parkway often cause serious injuries. Taking immediate steps can help protect your health, finances, and legal rights.
Every year, thousands of motorists travel the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway—two of the busiest and most dangerous highways in the state. When a serious truck accident happens on these roadways, the aftermath can be overwhelming. With commercial trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds, the injuries and property damage from these collisions are often catastrophic.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck crash on one of New Jersey's major highways, it’s essential to understand your options and take the right actions to safeguard your well-being and your future.
Why Truck Accidents on the NJ Turnpike and Parkway Are So Dangerous
The NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway are high-speed corridors with limited shoulders, frequent congestion, and dense commercial traffic. These conditions create a higher risk of severe truck crashes—especially near urban centers like Edison, Woodbridge, and New Brunswick. A moment of driver inattention, an improperly loaded trailer, or a sudden lane shift can quickly turn deadly.
Prioritize Your Health and Safety
Your first concern after a truck accident on the NJ Turnpike or Garden State Parkway should be your safety and the safety of those around you. If possible:
- Move to a safe location, away from traffic.
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical help.
- Accept medical treatment at the scene—even if you feel okay. Many serious injuries (like internal bleeding or brain trauma) are often not immediately apparent.
Getting medical documentation from the beginning not only protects your health but also creates a record that may support your injury claim later.
Get a Police Report and Preserve Evidence
Police should arrive at the scene of a truck crash, whether on the NJ Turnpike or Garden State Parkway. The accident report they generate will include crucial details, such as:
- Time and location.
- Driver and witness statements.
- Road and weather conditions.
- Citations issued, if any.
If you’re able, take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage, roadway conditions, signage, and injuries. Gather names and contact information for any witnesses. Truck accident evidence can disappear quickly, so it’s important to act fast.
Injured in a highway truck crash? Call 732-537-8570 now for immediate legal guidance. At The Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr, we respond quickly to protect your rights and preserve critical evidence.
Do Not Discuss Fault or Accept a Quick Settlement
After a truck accident, you may be contacted by the trucking company’s insurer or representatives. While they may seem helpful, their goal is often to limit the company’s liability.
You should not:
- Admit fault or make speculative statements.
- Sign any documents without legal guidance.
- Accept a settlement offer before understanding the full extent of your injuries and damages.
Truck accident injuries often result in long-term medical needs, time away from work, and emotional trauma. An early offer is likely to undervalue your claim.
Understand What Makes Truck Accident Cases Different
Truck accident claims in New Jersey, especially those involving crashes on the NJ Turnpike or Garden State Parkway, are often more complex than a typical car crash. Multiple parties may be responsible, including:
- The truck driver,
- The trucking company,
- Cargo loaders or maintenance contractors,
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers.
Each of these parties may have their own insurance companies and legal teams, and key evidence (like driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records) must be preserved early.
That’s why it's so important to work with a lawyer experienced in serious truck accident cases in New Jersey—someone who understands federal trucking regulations, the intricacies of liability, and the stakes involved in high-impact crashes.
What If the Truck Driver Wasn't at Fault?
Not every truck crash is caused by the driver. Sometimes, faulty brakes, improperly secured cargo, or negligent hiring and supervision practices by the trucking company are to blame. In other cases, another vehicle may have caused the crash, triggering a chain reaction involving the truck.
A thorough investigation can reveal whether liability rests with the driver, their employer, a third party, or multiple entities. This is why you should never assume fault based on appearances—let your attorney gather the facts and advise you on the best course of action.
Contact an Attorney Before Critical Evidence Disappears
Trucking companies often begin investigating an accident right away. Without prompt legal action on your behalf, critical evidence could be lost or destroyed. An attorney can:
- Send a preservation letter to protect evidence.
- Investigate the accident thoroughly.
- Consult with accident reconstruction experts.
- Handle communications with insurers.
The sooner you have representation, the better your chances of protecting your rights and securing the full compensation you deserve. At The Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr, we understand how critical this early window is. Our firm has the resources, experience, and dedication to act quickly, preserve vital evidence, and begin building a strong case on your behalf.
Know the Damages You May Be Entitled To
A devastating commercial vehicle collision can lead to physical, emotional, and financial hardship. With the right legal guidance, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future),
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress,
- Property damage.
If a loved one was tragically killed in a truck crash, you may also be entitled to bring a wrongful death claim to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Speak With a New Jersey Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident on the NJ Turnpike or Garden State Parkway, The Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr is here to help. We bring over 40 years of legal experience to every case, with a strong commitment to helping injury victims in New Jersey get the justice they deserve.
We serve clients in communities including New Brunswick, Edison, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Franklin Township, Highland Park, North Brunswick, and nearby areas across Middlesex, Somerset, Union, Hunterdon, and Mercer Counties. We also represent truck accident victims throughout Central New Jersey and surrounding counties.
Our team understands how devastating a highway truck accident can be, and we offer straightforward guidance, compassionate service, and strategic legal advocacy tailored to serious truck accident claims in New Jersey. Let us help you move forward.
Call us today at 732-537-8570 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please contact an attorney licensed in your state for legal guidance specific to your situation.
