If you have ever asked yourself, āwhat should I do if Iām hit by a delivery truck?ā, you are not alone. Delivery trucks, including those from major companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS, are a common sight on New Jersey roads.
While most drivers follow the rules, truck accidents happen, and when they do, they can cause serious injuries and disrupt your life. Knowing the right steps to take immediately after an accident is critical to protecting your health, your legal rights, and your financial future.
At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., attorneys Jared Glugeth and David Pierguidi understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a delivery truck accident can have on you and your family.
With decades of combined experience, we carefully listen to your story, investigate every detail, and build a strong strategy to pursue maximum compensation.Ā
We have New Jersey offices in Jersey City and Hoboken but handle delivery truck accidents all over New Jersey.
Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the aftermath of a delivery truck accident in New Jersey.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should always be your top priority. Even minor accidents can result in hidden injuries like spinal trauma, internal bleeding, or concussions.
Seeking medical care right away is not only important for your well-being but also creates a documented record of your injuries, which can support a legal claim.
- Call 911 immediately if anyone is seriously injured;
- Visit an emergency room or urgent care center for evaluation; andĀ
- Keep all medical records, bills, prescriptions, and therapy documentation, as these are key pieces of evidence for your case.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of traumatic injuries in the U.S., highlighting the importance of early medical intervention.
In New Jersey, your initial medical bills are typically covered by Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, regardless of who caused the accident.
If you have your own auto policy, your PIP coverage usually applies first, even though you were hit by a delivery truck. If you donāt have coverage, other policies may apply depending on your situation. Understanding how this works early can help you avoid delays in treatment or unexpected out-of-pocket costs.Ā
2. Document the Scene of the Accident
After ensuring your safety and receiving medical attention, focus on gathering evidence. Strong documentation can make a significant difference in holding the responsible parties accountable.
- Take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries;
- Collect the delivery truck driverās information, including their license number, company name, and insurance details;
- Gather witness names and contact information; witnesses often provide independent accounts that support your claim; and
- New Jersey law requires drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury to report the incident to the police.
Even small details, such as the truckās position or road conditions, can help establish negligence.
Nervous about dealing with insurance after a delivery truck accident?
Our New Jersey delivery truck lawyers have your back. If youāre feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what comes next, weāre here to help you feel heard, supported, and informedāevery step of the way.
Schedule Your Free Consultation3. Figure Out Who Can You Hold Liable
In New Jersey, multiple parties may be responsible for your injuries:
- The delivery truck driver. If the driver was negligent, speeding, distracted, or violating traffic laws, they can be held responsible.
- The delivery company. Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for the actions of their employees performed within the scope of their employment, meaning the delivery company may also be liable.
- Vehicle maintenance providers. If poor maintenance contributed to the accident, a third-party maintenance company could share liability.
- Contractors or subcontractors. Companies like Amazon often employ independent contractors for deliveries. Determining liability in these situations can be complex and requires careful legal review.
Identifying all liable parties is necessary to pursue the full amount of compensation available. Our New Jersey Amazon truck delivery accident lawyers have experience in handling these complex cases.
4. Track Your Injuries and Losses
In addition to immediate physical injuries, delivery truck accidents often cause long-term impacts, including financial, emotional, and lifestyle-related issues. Documenting these effects helps your attorney demonstrate the full scope of your damages:
- Medical bills, including emergency care, hospital stays, and follow-up appointments;
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity due to missed work;
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation expenses; and
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress.
In New Jersey, your ability to recover damages for pain and suffering may depend on your insurance election and whether your injuries meet the stateās āserious injuryā threshold.
However, in delivery truck cases, multiple parties may still be held liable, including the driver and the company responsible for the vehicle and its operation. Recording every impact ensures your claim reflects the true cost of the accident.
Contact a New Jersey Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer
Navigating insurance claims and legal responsibilities after an accident can feel overwhelming. Speaking with a New Jersey delivery truck accident lawyer early helps protect your rights and strengthens your case. Attorneys can:
- Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf;
- Investigate the accident, including reviewing driver logs, GPS data, and company policies;
- Determine all responsible parties and calculate full damages; andĀ
- Negotiate fair settlements or represent you in court if necessary.
If your accident involved a major delivery service like Amazon, having experienced New Jersey Amazon truck delivery accident lawyers is critical. Liability in these cases is often disputed due to contractor relationships and corporate policies, and skilled attorneys know how to hold companies accountable.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes After a Delivery Truck Accident
Even well-intentioned actions can harm your case. Here are common mistakes to avoid after a delivery truck accident:
- Admitting fault at the scene. Even a casual apology can be misconstrued as an admission of responsibility.
- Delaying medical attention. Early medical documentation is vital for both treatment and legal purposes.
- Talking to insurance adjusters without counsel. Insurance companies often attempt to settle quickly for less than you deserve.
- Failing to keep records. Losing receipts, bills, or emails can weaken your claim.
By taking the right steps from the start, you position yourself for the best possible outcome.
What is the New Jersey Statute of Limitations?
Time is a critical factor. In New Jersey, you must file personal injury claims from vehicle accidents within two years of the accident.
Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation entirely. Contacting an attorney promptly ensures that all deadlines are met and your claim is properly preserved.
Why Choose Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C.?
Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., provides direct, responsive guidance to help you focus on recovery while we manage the legal complexities.
- We carefully listen to your story and evaluate your case;
- We investigate every detail and hold all responsible parties accountable; andĀ
- We advocate strategically to pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
With more than three decades of combined experience, attorneys Jared Glugeth and David Pierguidi have built a reputation for delivering strong results through preparation and courtroom readiness. We guide you through the legal process, so you can focus on healing while we fight for justice.
What Should I Do if Iām Hit By a Delivery Truck? Contact Us
After a delivery truck accident, every decision matters. Document your injuries, report the incident, and reach out to a trusted attorney as soon as possible.
If youāre unsure where to start, contacting Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. is the first step toward protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
You do not have to navigate this alone; we step in early, build your case thoroughly, and are prepared to take it to trial if needed. Contact us today to get started.
David Pierguidi and Jared Glugeth understand how hard it may be for you and your family following an accident resulting from someoneās negligent actions. Get the medical treatment you need right away and then call our law firm at any time of day for answers to your questions.
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