New Jersey Truck Accident Attorney: How to Handle Override Collisions and Maximize Your Compensation

Understanding Override Collisions in New Jersey

🚛 What is an Override Collision?
An override collision occurs when a large truck runs over a smaller vehicle due to the height difference. These accidents often result in severe or fatal injuries due to the sheer weight and force of the truck.

⚠ Causes of Override Accidents
- Truck driver negligence: Speeding, distracted driving, or reckless maneuvers.
- Brake failure: Poor maintenance leading to malfunctioning brakes.
- Reduced visibility: Large trucks have significant blind spots.
- Sudden stops: Smaller vehicles stopping too quickly can lead to an override collision.

💡 Who is Liable for an Override Truck Accident?
Determining liability in these crashes can involve multiple parties:
- The truck driver, if reckless or negligent.
- The trucking company, if it failed to enforce safety regulations.
- Vehicle manufacturers, if a defect caused the crash.
- Maintenance companies, if improper servicing contributed to the accident.

Steps to Take After an Override Collision

📞 Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if injuries aren't apparent, getting a medical evaluation is crucial for both health and legal purposes.

📸 Document the Accident Scene
- Take photos of vehicle damages, skid marks, road conditions, and injuries.
- Collect witness statements if possible.

🚔 Report the Accident
A police report serves as an essential piece of evidence when filing a claim. Ensure that you obtain a copy.

📝 Avoid Admitting Fault
Do not make statements that could be misinterpreted as an admission of liability. Stick to the facts when speaking with police or insurers.

👨‍⚖️ Consult a New Jersey Truck Accident Attorney
A legal expert can help navigate complex liability issues and maximize your compensation.

Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims

💰 Types of Damages You May Be Entitled To
Victims of override collisions may receive compensation for:

🏥 Medical Expenses: Covers hospital bills, surgery costs, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.

🚗 Vehicle Repairs or Replacement: Compensation for damage to your vehicle or other property.

💼 Lost Wages: Covers income lost during recovery and potential loss of future earnings.

😞 Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.

💔 Wrongful Death Benefits: If a loved one was fatally injured, families may claim funeral costs and loss of companionship.

Legal Strategies to Maximize Compensation

🔍 Gather Strong Evidence
Your attorney will collect:
✅ Black box data from the truck
✅ Surveillance footage if available
✅ Expert witness testimonies

📑 Negotiate Effectively With Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters may offer low settlements. A skilled lawyer ensures that victims are not pressured into unfair compensation agreements.

⚖ File a Lawsuit if Necessary
If negotiations do not result in fair compensation, your attorney can take the case to court to fight for a just settlement.

Common Defenses Used by Trucking Companies

⛔ Comparative Negligence Claims
New Jersey follows modified comparative negligence laws. Trucking companies may try to argue that you were partially at fault to reduce their financial liability.

📋 Denial of Liability
Some trucking companies attempt to shift blame onto third parties, such as vehicle manufacturers or road conditions, to evade responsibility.

⌛ Delays in Processing Claims
Insurers may use delay tactics in hopes that victims will settle for lower amounts out of desperation. Hiring an experienced attorney prevents these strategies from succeeding.

Preventing Override Collisions in the Future

🚦 Safety Tips for Drivers
- Maintain a safe following distance from large trucks.
- Avoid driving in a truck’s blind spots.
- Use headlights and signals appropriately to increase visibility.
- Be cautious when merging or braking near trucks.

📢 Advocating for Stricter Trucking Regulations
Holding trucking companies accountable for safety standards through legal actions can lead to better industry-wide regulations, reducing future accidents.