Having to deal with the aftermath of a truck accident is physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a truck-related crash, a Phillipsburg, NJ, truck accident lawyer can take the necessary steps to pursue a claim and protect your legal rights.
Large commercial trucks pose serious risks on New Jersey roads, especially for those individuals who regularly commute on Route 22. When these types of collisions happen, the outcome is usually severe and life-altering.
The Frank Santini Law Firm was founded in 2017 by Frank Santini, who transitioned from corporate defense to helping injury victims after a personal family tragedy occurred in Phillipsburg. He has more than 16 years of legal experience and is a Phillipsburg native.
Mr. Santini’s background includes litigating in federal courts and winning appellate-level cases. When you work with our firm, you’ll work directly with him. That means getting his personal phone number so you can stay updated during the entirety of the legal process.
Mr. Santini knows firsthand the devastation personal injury cases can have on the entire family, so he treats every client with the compassion and care they deserve. He works hard to support his local community and fights to make sure the residents of Phillipsburg are safe.
Phillipsburg truck accident cases are more complex than regular car crashes. The majority of deaths and injuries in these types of cases happen to those who are not in the truck. In 2023, 5,472 people died in large truck crashes in the United States.
The size, mass, and operational risks of commercial vehicles mean that the damages involved are often extensive. Commercial trucks can reach up to 60,000 pounds, whereas a standard car weighs around 4,000 pounds.
Phillipsburg sees consistent truck traffic due to its proximity to major highways like I-78, U.S.-22, and County Route 519. In 2023, a local resident in Harmony Township shared a harrowing account of a tractor-trailer accident along County Route 519, just a quarter mile from Harmony Elementary School.
The truck veered off the road, destroying a mailbox and dragging a trellis across a front yard. Emergency responders, including five police units and a large tow truck, were called to the scene, which caused significant traffic disruption.
This incident followed a similar crash near Phillipsburg High School and has raised growing concerns about increasing heavy truck traffic in residential and school zones. In 2022, Warren County had 2,109 total crashes.
New Jersey applies a comparative negligence system to truck accident claims. If a person is found partially at fault for the crash, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. Victims who are found more than 50% responsible cannot recover damages.
For example, if a person is hit by a speeding truck while they are changing lanes without signaling, a jury might assign 30% fault to the driver and 70% to the truck operator. In that case, the injured person could recover 70% of their damages.
There are also important deadlines for filing a claim under New Jersey law. Claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident, or the victim cannot seek compensation.
If the truck driver acted with extreme recklessness or malice, additional money may be awarded to the victim. An example would be driving under the influence and causing a crash. The court might award extra compensation to punish that behavior and discourage others from doing the same.
Frank Santini has over 16 years of trial experience, and he has handled hundreds of personal injury claims. The Frank Santini Law Firm has extensive experience in recovering damages for victims. In one case, he secured a mid-six-figure settlement for a family who suffered serious back and neck injuries after being rear-ended by a semi-truck.
This was despite challenges in locating the trucking company and driver, both of whom had disappeared, and overcoming the insurance company’s initial denial of coverage. He achieved this result through two years of investigation and legal action.
Mr. Santini is known for being direct, responsive, and hands-on throughout a case. He loves his community and works hard to secure the justice they deserve. He offers initial consultations to victims and their families throughout Warren County.
Truck accident settlements in New Jersey often exceed those for standard car crashes. This is due to the severity of injuries and the higher insurance policies commercial carriers are required to maintain. The exact value of a settlement depends on:
Most personal injury lawyers in New Jersey work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only receive payment if your case wins. If they don’t win, you will not be charged for their services. The Frank Santini Law Firm offers transparent pricing expectations during your initial consultation.
To successfully prove that a truck driver was negligent in a New Jersey truck accident case, your lawyer must establish four specific elements:
Choosing the right lawyer means finding one with deep experience in personal injury cases, knowledge of trucking laws, and strong negotiation skills. Look for board certification and good reviews. They should communicate clearly and put your needs first. Clients of The Frank Santini Law Firm have the benefit of working directly with our attorney throughout their entire case.
After a truck accident, take immediate steps to protect your health and preserve your legal rights. Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Then, hire a truck accident attorney. If you or a family member has been injured in a truck accident in New Jersey, contact The Frank Santini Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.
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