®Lodi Truck Accident Lawyer
Injured in Jersey? Peter's Got Your Back!
A Lodi truck accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC can help you recover money for medical bills, lost pay, and pain after a crash with a commercial truck.
24/7 Service Available
We know a crash with a tractor-trailer or box truck can turn your life upside down in seconds.
You may be facing surgery, time off work, and calls from an insurance company that wants to close your claim fast. Meanwhile, the trucking company and its insurer may already be building their defense while you are still in the hospital.
Waiting gives them the upper hand. Truck data can be overwritten, witnesses forget what they saw, and New Jersey’s filing deadline keeps running.
That is where our team comes in. As your Lodi personal injury lawyer team based at 72 Essex Street, we take on the trucking company and its insurer so you can focus on healing.
Call (973) 279-7246 or request your free case review today.
When a trucking company or driver owes you compensation
You may have a claim if a truck driver or trucking company acted carelessly and you were hurt as a result. To build your case, we need to prove four things:
- Duty of care: Every truck driver must drive safely and follow traffic laws. Trucking companies also must follow federal safety rules for their drivers and vehicles.
- Breach of duty: The driver or company failed to meet that duty. Examples include speeding, driving too many hours, or skipping brake repairs.
- Causation: That failure caused the crash and your injuries. We use crash data, records, and experts to connect the two.
- Damages: You suffered real losses, such as medical bills, lost income, or pain. Your medical records and bills help prove these losses.
Additional reading: how FMCSA trucking regulations impact your truck accident case
Compensation for serious truck crash injuries
Truck crashes often cause serious injuries, so the losses can be large. Depending on your case, you may be able to recover:
- Economic damages: These cover costs you can add up, like hospital bills, therapy, lost wages, and future care. They also include lost earning capacity if you cannot return to your old job.
- Non-economic damages: These cover pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. If your auto policy has the Limited Right to Sue option, you must show a qualifying injury, such as a displaced fracture or permanent injury, under N.J.S.A. 39:6A-8(a).
- Punitive damages: These may apply when a driver or company showed actual malice or a wanton and willful disregard for safety. In most cases, New Jersey caps them at five times compensatory damages or $350,000, whichever is greater (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.14).
Here are two auto accident results from our case results page:
- $800,000: Auto accident result obtained for a client. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case.
- $700,000: Auto accident result obtained for a client. Every case depends on its own facts, injuries, and insurance coverage.
No lawyer can promise a set amount, but the table below shows how injury severity tends to affect the value of a claim. These are broad patterns under New Jersey law, not predictions.
| Injury category | Common examples | General value range |
|---|---|---|
| Minor injuries that fully heal | Sprains, strains, bruises, minor cuts | Lower, since PIP usually pays the medical bills and the Limited Right to Sue threshold may block pain and suffering claims |
| Moderate injuries | Displaced fractures, torn ligaments, injuries that need surgery | Moderate to higher, based on treatment and time missed from work |
| Serious or permanent injuries | Spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, amputation, severe burns | Higher, especially with future care and lost earning capacity |
| Fatal injuries | Wrongful death claims brought for the family | Often the highest, though New Jersey limits wrongful death damages to financial losses like lost income, support, and services |
New Jersey uses modified comparative negligence, so you cannot recover if you were more at fault than the other side (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1). If you were partly at fault but not more, your award is reduced by your share of the blame.
Hypothetical scenario: A driver is rear-ended on Route 17 by a box truck, and the insurer offers a quick settlement within weeks. Later, the truck’s electronic logging device data shows the driver had been on duty for 15 straight hours.
In a case like that, the claim is no longer just about one careless driver. The company that let its driver run past federal limits may share the blame, which can change the value of the claim.
Drivers, carriers, and other parties behind a truck crash
Truck crashes often involve more than one party at fault. We look at everyone who played a role, including:
- Truck driver: A driver who speeds, texts, or drives while tired can be held responsible. Driving under the influence or ignoring hours-of-service limits also counts.
- Trucking company: A carrier is usually responsible for its employee’s actions on the job. It can also be liable for hiring unsafe drivers or pushing schedules that break federal rules.
- Vehicle manufacturer or maintenance provider: A defective brake, tire, or steering part can cause a driver to lose control. A repair shop that did poor work may also share the blame.
- Cargo loading companies: Shippers and loaders must secure freight so it does not shift or fall. An overloaded or unbalanced trailer can tip over or jackknife.
- Government entities: A town, county, or state agency may be liable for a dangerous road defect or a crash involving a public truck. These claims require a written notice within 90 days (N.J.S.A. 59:8-8).
- Third parties: Another driver who cut off the truck may share fault. A company that leased the truck or hired the carrier may also play a role.
Commercial carriers also carry more insurance than most drivers. For-hire carriers hauling general freight across state lines must carry at least $750,000 in coverage under 49 CFR 387.9, and more for oil and hazardous materials.
Additional reading: who is responsible when brake failure causes a semi truck accident
Our Lodi truck accident lawyers pick up 24 hours a day
We answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can reach our team in the way that works best for you:
- Telephone: Call us at (973) 279-7246, day or night.
- Online form: Share the details of your crash through our contact page.
- In person: Visit our office at 72 Essex Street, Suite 2, Lodi, NJ 07644.
Your first case review is free, so schedule your free consultation today.
Peter N. Davis
Founder & Personal Injury Attorney
Peter N. Davis has spent over 37 years representing injured people across New Jersey. Before starting his firm, he worked in insurance defense, giving him firsthand insight into how insurers evaluate and fight claims. He is licensed in New Jersey, New York, and Colorado and earned his J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law.
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We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us!
Real Clients and Real Reviews
I had a very positive experience with the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates. Nick Barrone handled my case, and I couldn’t be happier with the level of service I received. After my auto accident in Jersey City, NJ, I was dealing with ongoing back and neck pain and wasn’t sure what to expect from the legal process. Nick was professional, attentive, and always made sure I understood each step along the way. He took the time to answer my questions and genuinely cared about my situation. I felt supported throughout the entire process, which made a stressful situation much easier to handle. The firm worked diligently on my behalf and kept me informed the whole time. I truly appreciate their dedication and effort in helping me through this difficult experience. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a reliable and compassionate attorney.
I highly recommend Peter Davis & Associates. In particular, Mr. David Ventoso, Esq. did an excellent job helping and assisting me. Mr. Ventoso was knowledgeable, professional and responsive.
All the staff members at the firm took the time to explain every detail and step of the process; they answered all my questions and were always kind. Special thanks to Ms. Carolyn for doing an amazing job.
If you're looking for an attorney in NJ who is trustworthy and really cares, Peter Davis & Associates is an excellent choice.
I highly recommend the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis.
After I was rear-ended in a car accident and suffered injuries to my neck and back, they provided outstanding representation during a very difficult time in my life.
My attorney, Robert Russotti, and my case manager, Muminah Ramadan, were professional, compassionate, and attentive throughout the entire process. They helped me obtain the medical treatment I needed and were always available to answer my questions and address any concerns I had. Their diligence, communication, and dedication gave me peace of mind while I focused on my recovery.
I am truly grateful for the support and guidance they provided during my hardship. I would not hesitate to recommend the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis to my family and friends.
Thank you so much for your help.
I want to especially thank David Ventoso for always informing me what was going on with my case. He kept up with all my questions and answered every time I called him.
Awesome staff also
Thank you again
Angela Selby
I had a great experience working with David Ventoso at the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis after my motor vehicle accident. I suffered injuries to my knee and lower back, and Mr. Ventoso along with Carolyn guided me through the entire process from start to finish.
They were always responsive to my questions and concerns, kept me informed, and made everything as stress-free as possible. They also referred me to receive the medical treatment I needed, which made a huge difference during my recovery.
Thanks to their hard work and dedication, I was very pleased with my compensation. I highly recommend this law firm to any friends or family in need of a personal injury attorney.
How our Lodi truck accident attorneys take on trucking companies
A truck crash can affect your health, your job, and your family all at once. Our team works to recover money for:
- Medical bills: We pursue payment for emergency care, surgery, therapy, and future treatment. We also gather the records that prove what that care will cost.
- Lost wages: We document the pay you missed while you healed. If you cannot go back to the same work, we seek your lost earning capacity too.
- Property damage: We help you get your vehicle repaired or replaced. This includes personal items damaged in the crash.
- Pain and emotional recovery: We show how the crash changed your daily life, sleep, and mood. Anxiety and fear of driving near trucks are real harms.
- Home changes and long-term care: Serious injuries may require ramps, home help, or nursing care. We work with medical experts to put a value on those needs.
- Every available insurance policy: A truck crash may involve the driver’s, carrier’s, and shipper’s policies. We look for all of them so you are not left with less than you need.
- Dealing with the insurers: We handle every call, letter, and offer from the adjusters. You do not have to speak with the trucking company’s insurer on your own.
Your to-do list after a truck accident
Once you are home and thinking about what comes next, these steps can protect your claim:
- Get in touch with our Lodi truck accident lawyer: The sooner we start, the sooner we can send letters to preserve truck data. Your first review is free.
- Get proper medical care: Keep every follow-up visit, whether at Hackensack University Medical Center or with your own doctor. Gaps in care give insurers a reason to argue you were not badly hurt.
- Get the crash report: The Lodi Police Department’s records division provides crash reports in person at no cost. Bring the report to your first meeting with us.
- Keep a recovery journal: Write down your pain, sleep, and missed activities each day. These notes can help show how the crash changed your life.
- Stay off social media: Insurers check posts and photos for anything they can use against you. Pause posting until your case is over.
- Don’t accept the first offer: Early offers often come before anyone knows the full cost of your injuries. Once you accept, you usually cannot ask for more.
- Be careful what you say to insurers: Do not give a recorded statement or guess about fault. Refer the adjuster to us instead.
- Don’t sign anything without us: Broad medical releases can give insurers access to your full health history. Let us review any form before you sign.
- Save every bill and receipt: Keep records of medical costs, prescriptions, travel to appointments, and help you hired. These costs add up and can be part of your claim.
Additional reading: how to file a truck accident lawsuit in Lodi, New Jersey
How long do you have to file a truck accident claim in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2). If you lost a loved one, the family usually has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
If a public truck or a town, county, or state agency is involved, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days (N.J.S.A. 59:8-8). Missing these deadlines can end your right to recover, so please call us as soon as you can.
Trucking records that can prove your case
Truck cases depend on records that the trucking company controls. We work to gather:
- Police documentation: The crash report, officer notes, and any citations issued. These help show how the crash happened.
- Medical records: Hospital charts, imaging, and treatment notes. These link your injuries to the crash.
- Eyewitness statements: Other drivers and bystanders may have seen the truck before impact. We reach out while their memories are fresh.
- Photo and video evidence: Scene photos, dashcam clips, and nearby business cameras. Footage is often recorded over within days or weeks.
- Your vehicle damage reports: Repair estimates and photos of your car. Crush damage can help show speed and force.
- Truck driver information: Employment records, the driver qualification file, drug and alcohol test results, and hours-of-service logs. These can reveal fatigue, poor training, or a bad driving record.
- Trucking company information: Dispatch records, delivery schedules, and internal crash reports. Tight schedules can show pressure to break safety rules.
- Truck-specific data: Engine control module (black box) data, ELD data, cargo manifests, and maintenance logs. This data can show speed, braking, and whether the truck was overloaded.
Federal rules set how long carriers must keep many of these records. Some windows are short, which is why we send preservation letters right away.
| Record | What it can show | Federal rule |
|---|---|---|
| Hours-of-service logs (ELD records) | How long the driver was on duty and driving | Carrier must keep them at least 6 months under 49 CFR 395.8(k) |
| Driver qualification file | License, driving record, medical certificate, and road test | Kept while the driver works there, plus 3 years under 49 CFR 391.51 |
| Inspection, repair, and maintenance records | Brake, tire, and lighting upkeep | Kept 1 year, plus 6 months after the truck leaves the carrier’s control (49 CFR 396.3) |
| Post-crash alcohol and drug tests | Whether the driver was impaired | Required after fatal crashes and some injury crashes, with alcohol tests within 8 hours and drug tests within 32 hours (49 CFR 382.303) |
| Engine control module (black box) data | Speed, braking, and throttle before impact | No set federal hold period, and the data can be overwritten as the truck keeps running |
Hypothetical scenario: A car is sideswiped on I-80 near Lodi by a tractor-trailer changing lanes. Months pass before anyone asks for the driver’s logs, and by then the carrier’s six-month duty to keep them has run out.
Gathering all of this is hard when you are in pain and trying to get through each day. Let us take that burden off your shoulders while you focus on your recovery.
Additional reading: what is a truck black box
A note on legal fees
You pay nothing upfront to hire us. We work on a contingency fee, which means our fee comes out of the money we recover for you.
If we do not win, you do not pay a fee. New Jersey Court Rule 1:21-7 also caps the fee at 33 1/3% of the first $750,000 recovered, with lower rates on larger amounts.
This lets you take on a trucking company and its large insurer without risking your own savings. We explain the fee agreement in writing before you sign.
The legal steps we take on your truck accident case
Here is how we handle your truck accident case from the first call to the final check:
- Free case review: We listen to what happened and explain your options. There is no cost and no obligation.
- Send preservation letters: We demand that the carrier keep its ELD data, black box data, logs, and maintenance records. This helps stop key evidence from being lost.
- Investigate the crash: We review the police report, photos, and video, and we speak with witnesses. We may also inspect the vehicles before they are repaired or scrapped.
- Check the carrier’s safety history: We review federal safety records, past violations, and the driver’s qualification file. Patterns of unsafe conduct can strengthen your claim.
- Identify every liable party and policy: We look at the driver, carrier, loader, repair shop, and parts maker. Then we find every insurance policy that may apply.
- Work with experts: Crash reconstruction experts can explain how the truck caused the collision. Medical experts can explain your injuries and future care.
- Document your damages: We collect bills, wage records, and doctor reports. This gives a full picture of what the crash has cost you.
- Send a demand and negotiate: We present your claim to the insurers with the evidence to back it up. We push back on low offers.
- File a lawsuit if needed: If the insurer will not offer a fair amount, we file suit before the deadline. Cases from Lodi are often heard in the Superior Court in Hackensack.
- Discovery and depositions: We demand records and question the driver and company under oath. This is where many hidden safety problems come to light.
- Mediation or trial: Many cases settle in mediation with a neutral third party. If yours does not, we are ready to present it to a jury.
- Close out your case: We resolve medical liens and explain each line of your settlement. Then we deliver your share of the recovery.
Additional reading: how are truck accidents different from car accidents
Inside knowledge of how trucking insurers work
Before founding the firm, Peter N. Davis worked in insurance defense. He knows how insurers value claims and the tactics they use to pay less.
Our firm has recovered over $1 billion for clients in over 37 years of practice. We have helped more than 18,000 clients, and we answer calls 24/7.
When you hire a truck accident lawyer in Lodi, NJ, you want someone close by. Our office sits on Essex Street, minutes from Route 17, Route 46, and I-80, where many local truck crashes happen.
Other truck accident lawyers in Lodi, NJ may hand your case to a call center. With us, you get a local team that knows these roads and treats your case as personal.
Local truck accident attorneys with statewide results
Our Lodi truck accident law firm is led by Peter N. Davis, who is licensed in New Jersey, New York, and Colorado. He is also a Certified Contract Advisor with the National Football League Players Association.
Our promise is simple: “Injured in Jersey? Peter’s Got Your Back!” We back it up with hands-on attention from the first call to the final check.
We also invest in the community we serve. We are proud partners of Seton Hall Athletics, the Brooklyn Cyclones, the New Jersey Devils and the Prudential Center, and we support Bucket City Basketball, a youth program in Garfield.
Through our Rise Above Scholarship, we help New Jersey students who have overcome hard times pay for college. We believe in doing what is right, in and out of the courtroom.
General information on truck accidents in Lodi
Lodi sits near some of Bergen County’s busiest freight routes, including Route 17, Route 46, and I-80. Warehouse and distribution traffic across the county keeps tractor-trailers and delivery trucks on local roads at all hours.
Bergen County’s Local Safety Action Plan names NJ-17 through Lodi, Hackensack, and Hasbrouck Heights as a location of concern. The same plan counts 12 fatal or serious injuries in Lodi crashes on county and municipal roads in 2023.
What causes large truck crashes
Across the country, 5,340 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks in 2024, and 70% of them were in other vehicles. In New Jersey, 69 people died in large truck crashes that year.
The most common causes we see include:
- Driver fatigue: Federal rules limit property-carrying drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off duty under 49 CFR Part 395. Drivers who push past these limits react more slowly.
- Distracted driving: Phones, dispatch screens, and GPS units pull a driver’s eyes off the road. At highway speed, even a few seconds of distraction covers a long distance.
- Speeding to meet deadlines: Tight delivery windows push some drivers to speed. A heavy truck needs far more room to stop than a car.
- Improper loading: Cargo that shifts or exceeds weight limits can make a truck tip or sway. Loose cargo can also fall onto the road.
- Poor maintenance: Worn brakes, bald tires, and broken lights cause many crashes. Carriers must inspect and repair their trucks on a regular schedule.
- Wide turns: Trucks swing wide on turns at busy intersections and highway ramps. Drivers who misjudge the turn can trap cars in the gap.
- Inexperienced drivers: Driver shortages can lead carriers to put new drivers on busy routes. Poor training raises the risk of mistakes in heavy traffic.
Types of truck crashes on New Jersey roads
Preliminary New Jersey State Police data shows 42 traffic deaths in Bergen County in 2024. Truck crashes near Lodi take many forms, and our team handles them all:
- Rear-end collisions: A loaded truck needs more distance to stop, so stop-and-go traffic on Route 17 is a common risk. These crashes often cause neck, back, and head injuries.
- Jackknife accidents: The trailer swings out at an angle to the cab, often after hard braking. It can block several lanes and strike multiple cars.
- Underride crashes: A car slides under the back or side of a trailer. These crashes are among the most deadly on the road.
- Blind spot sideswipes: Trucks have large blind spots on all four sides. Lane changes on I-80 and Route 46 can catch drivers in these zones.
- Wide-turn crashes: A truck turning right may swing left first, leaving space for a car to enter. The truck then closes the gap and hits the car.
- Rollovers: Speed on curves, sharp turns, or shifting cargo can tip a truck onto its side. Nearby cars may be crushed or hit by spilled freight.
- Tire blowouts: A failed tire can make a truck swerve without warning. Flying tire debris can also strike other vehicles.
- Delivery truck crashes: Box trucks and vans make frequent stops on local streets. Sudden stops, double parking, and backing up put drivers and walkers at risk.
Our New Jersey truck accident lawyer team handles truck crashes across the state. If your crash involved only passenger cars, our Lodi car accident lawyer team can help.
Additional reading: what are the common types of truck accidents in New Jersey?
How truck crashes injure drivers and passengers
In 2023, an estimated 153,452 people were injured in crashes involving large trucks nationwide. Because of a truck’s size and weight, the injuries we see are often severe:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Concussions and brain bleeds can affect memory, mood, and focus. Some symptoms do not show up for days.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can cause long-term pain, weakness, or paralysis. Many of these injuries require surgery and years of care.
- Broken bones: The force of a truck crash can shatter legs, arms, hips, and ribs. Displaced fractures often need surgery and hardware.
- Crush injuries and amputations: Cars pinned under or against a truck can cause crushed limbs. Some victims lose a limb or need extensive surgery.
- Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding can be life-threatening. They may not be obvious right after the crash.
- Burns: Fuel fires and hazardous cargo can cause serious burns. These injuries often need skin grafts and long hospital stays.
- Neck and back injuries: Whiplash and herniated discs are common in rear-end truck crashes. They can limit your ability to work and sleep.
- Emotional trauma: Many people develop anxiety or post-traumatic stress after a truck crash. Counseling costs and emotional harm can be part of your claim.
No Fee Unless You Win
Learn more about our firm or read about our case wins and community work in our press releases.
No fee unless you win
Learn more about our firm or read about our case wins and community work in our press releases.
Let a Lodi trucking accident attorney take on the trucking company
You do not have to face a trucking company and its insurer alone. Our truck accident attorneys in Lodi, NJ are ready to listen and explain your options.
Call us 24/7 at (973) 279-7246, or send us your details through our online contact form. As your truck accident attorney in Lodi, NJ, we will start protecting your claim right away.
Ready to take the first step? Call (973) 279-7246 for your free case review.
No Fee Unless You Win
Call us 24/7 at (973) 310-6678 or contact us online for your free case review.
No fee unless you win
Call us 24/7 at (973) 310-6678 or contact us online for your free case review.
Lodi Office
Ask a Question,
Describe Your Situation,
Request A Free Case Review
Fill out the form below or feel free to call us at (973) 279-7246(973) 279-7246
Required Fields*
Your Information Is Safe With Us
We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if a truck hit me while I was working?
You can usually file a workers’ compensation claim and a separate injury claim against the trucking company, since workers’ comp does not pay for pain and suffering. Comp covers medical bills and part of your lost wages, but the comp carrier may hold a lien on your injury recovery.
Can I sue a trucking company based in another state?
Yes, if the crash happened in New Jersey, you can usually bring your claim here, even when the carrier is based in another state. Under 49 CFR Part 366, carriers must name an agent in each state where they operate to accept legal papers, which helps us serve them.
What if the truck drove off and I don't know the company?
Your own uninsured motorist coverage may pay if the trucking company is never found, so write down anything you remember, such as the company name on the door, the USDOT number, or the trailer color. We can also look for traffic or business cameras that caught the truck.
Who pays to fix my car after a truck crash?
The trucking company’s insurer should pay to repair your car, or pay its fair market value if it is totaled, and your own collision coverage can pay sooner if they delay. In New Jersey, you generally have six years to bring a property damage claim.
How are my medical bills paid while my truck case is pending?
If you have New Jersey auto insurance, your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage usually pays your medical bills first, no matter who caused the crash, unless you chose health insurance as your primary payer. We help keep your bills with the right payer so collections do not pile up.