lutz page header

What Should I Do if I’m Involved in a Collision with a Semi-Truck?

Get A Free Consultation!

Being involved in an accident with a semi-truck can be devastating. When you are hit by a truck while in a passenger vehicle, your chances of sustaining catastrophic injuries drastically increase due to the immense size and weight of these vehicles. Even accidents that occur at low speeds can still lead to life-altering injuries. As such, it is imperative to know what to do immediately after the collision to ensure your well-being and safeguard your rights. Please continue reading as this blog explores the steps you should take and how a skilled Morris County Truck Accident Attorney can guide you through these difficult times.

What Steps Should I Take After a Semi-Truck Accident?

When you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck in Morris County, whether on I-287, I-80, or local roadways, it’s critical to understand that your first priority should always be to ensure your health and well-being following a collision, followed by the preservation of evidence. Unfortunately, trucking companies and insurers will often move very quickly following a collision in an attempt to reduce or minimize compensation.

Step 1. Protect Your Health and Establish Medical Documentation

After a collision with a semi-truck in New Jersey, the first thing you should do is seek immediate medical attention. Not only can this help ensure your health and well-being, but it can also help establish immediate documentation of your injuries, which can be beneficial when filing a claim.

Step 2. Call Police and Make Sure a Report Is Created

It’s in your best interest to call the police to the scene to ensure that a formal report of the accident is created. This can help serve as evidence that the accident did occur, ultimately serving as the foundational document in a personal injury claim.

Step 3. Document Evidence At the Scene

If you are physically able to, taking photos and videos at the accident scene can be incredibly beneficial for your case, as it can help provide important evidence. As such, you should take photos and videos of the following

Step 4. Collect Correct Information

Because truck companies generally involve more parties than a standard collision involving two passenger vehicles, understanding the information you should obtain at the scene is critical. This includes:

You should also gather the contact information and statements of any witnesses who saw the collision occur.

Step 5. Report the Collision

At the scene, it’s important to avoid saying anything that could be twisted as fault. This includes apologizing, saying you are fine, or even speculating about the cause of the collision.

Additionally, you’ll need to report the collision to your insurance company. When doing so, it’s important to limit your statements to avoid assuming liability for the accident. As such, you should not provide recorded statements until you have consulted an experienced attorney.

Why Semi-Truck Claims are More Complicated Than Car Accidents

It’s necessary to understand that an accident involving a semi-truck is not simply a larger-scale car accident. Due to the nature of these vehicles, there are often multiple parties that may face liability, meaning there are different layers of insurance to consider.

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Morris County

Who May Face Liability Besides the Truck Driver?

While in many truck accidents in New Jersey, the driver of the vehicle may face liability, there are other parties that could potentially share responsibility for the collision. This includes the trucking or logistics company, as they may be responsible for:

Other liability parties may include:

How Comparative Negligence Can Affect a New Jersey Truck Accident Case

Under NJ Rev Stat § 2A:15-5.1, the state adheres to a modified comparative negligence statute. This essentially means that:

In short, if you are found 10% responsible for the collision, your compensation award will be reduced by 10%. However, if you are found 51% responsible, you will be unable to recover compensation for your damages.

What Compensation Can I Recover?

If you are injured due to the negligent actions of a truck driver or their company, you may sustain serious and life-altering injuries. As such, understanding the compensation you can seek is critical to reducing the financial burden you’ve experienced due to the negligent actions of another party.

Common Recoverable Damages After an NJ Truck Accident

Should I Consult a Lawyer?

Nevertheless, seeking professional guidance is crucial to navigating the complexities of a trucking accident claim. A knowledgeable attorney can assess the details of your case, guide you through the legal process, and help you make informed decisions.

Steps a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Quickly Take

Contact Our Morris County Personal Injury Team Today

If you’ve been seriously injured in a semi-truck accident, Lutz Injury Law is here to help. Our experienced legal team is prepared to help you fight for the maximum compensation to which you are entitled. Connect with our firm today to discuss your legal options.

© 2026 Lutz Injury Law. All rights reserved. Attorney advertising.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this or associated pages, documents, comments, answers, emails, or other communications should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information on this website is not intended to create, and the receipt or viewing of this information does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

Advertising Disclaimer ⁄⁄ This website constitutes an advertisement. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Before making your choice of attorney, you should give this matter careful thought. The selection of an attorney is an important decision.