18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Bergen County, NJ
If you were injured in a collision involving a large commercial truck on Route 17, the New Jersey Turnpike, or any of the heavily traveled corridors throughout Bergen County, the physical, financial, and emotional toll can be overwhelming. 18-wheeler and tractor-trailer accidents often produce catastrophic injuries because of the sheer size and weight of these vehicles, and the resulting legal claims can be complex — involving multiple potentially responsible parties, federal trucking regulations, and active insurance carriers. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and his Of Counsel team concentrate a substantial portion of their personal injury practice on helping Bergen County residents pursue meaningful recovery after serious trucking collisions. For a consultation about your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
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ToggleWhat an 18-Wheeler Accident Claim Means in Bergen County
Bergen County is New Jersey’s most populous county, and its dense highway network — including I-80, the Garden State Parkway, Route 4, and Route 17 — carries a high volume of interstate commercial trucking traffic every day. An 18-wheeler accident in this region can involve not only the truck driver and the trucking company but also a shipper, a loading contractor, a maintenance provider, or even a parts manufacturer. Sorting out liability requires a careful investigation that looks beyond the police report and into federal hours-of-service records, vehicle maintenance logs, and electronic logging device data.
Personal injury claims arising from trucking collisions in Bergen County are filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division — Civil Part (Bergen County), located at 10 Main Street in Hackensack. New Jersey applies a modified comparative fault rule under the New Jersey Comparative Negligence Act, meaning an injured person may still recover damages as long as they are not more than 50 percent at fault. Importantly, New Jersey does not cap compensatory damages in most personal injury cases, so the full measure of medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses can be presented. The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in New Jersey is two years from the date of the injury. Missing that deadline can bar the claim, so early action is essential.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle 18-Wheeler Accident Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring extensive combined legal experience to truck-accident litigation. Our approach begins with a thorough evaluation of the collision — we work with accident reconstruction professionals when necessary, obtain the truck’s black-box data and maintenance records, and identify every potentially liable party. Because New Jersey’s verbal-threshold insurance framework and the “limited right to sue” option can affect what damages are recoverable, we also analyze the full insurance coverage stack available to the injured person, including underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage.
Once liability and damages are investigated, we typically present a detailed demand package to the responsible insurers. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to litigate the case in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division — Civil Part (Bergen County). Mandatory non-binding arbitration applies to cases under a certain value threshold, but many truck-accident claims exceed that threshold and proceed directly to trial by jury. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel keep the client informed and focused on the goal of obtaining full compensation for their injuries. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and he has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris has a thorough understanding of courtroom advocacy and how the opposing side builds a defense. His legislative work includes testifying before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Alongside Mr. Sris, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute substantial practical experience in complex civil litigation and personal injury matters. This team model allows the firm to serve clients in Bergen County and across all of New Jersey with a depth of resources typically associated with larger firms, while maintaining the close attorney–client communication that people expect after a serious accident. Our New Jersey location is by appointment; please call to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident claim in Bergen County?
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from 18-wheeler accidents, is two years from the date of the injury. The deadline can be shorter if a government entity is involved — for example, a 90-day notice requirement may apply under the Tort Claims Act. Because evidence degrades quickly and insurance carriers begin building their defense immediately, contacting an attorney promptly is critical. Missing the limitations period will generally bar the claim entirely, so anyone injured in a truck collision should seek legal advice without delay.
What should I do after an 18-wheeler accident in Bergen County?
First, seek medical attention — even if you feel fine, because some injuries are not immediately apparent. If you are able, document the scene with photos of vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, and the truck’s DOT number. Obtain contact information for the truck driver and any witnesses. Report the accident to law enforcement and request a copy of the police report. Avoid discussing fault with anyone at the scene or with insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney. Then reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Early investigation can be the difference between a full recovery and a compromised claim.
What compensation can I recover after an 18-wheeler crash in New Jersey?
You may be entitled to recover medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases involving catastrophic injury, such as spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injury, future medical care and long-term rehabilitation costs can also be pursued. New Jersey law does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury actions, though your own insurance coverage and the at-fault parties’ policy limits will influence what is practically recoverable. Results may vary. A consultation with our firm can help you understand the potential value of your specific claim.
How does a personal injury lawsuit for an 18-wheeler collision work in Bergen County?
A lawsuit is filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division — Civil Part in Hackensack, and proceeds through discovery, which often includes independent medical examinations, depositions, and mandatory arbitration for cases under a certain dollar amount. Most truck-accident cases exceed that threshold, so they move toward a trial date after discovery. Many claims settle at some point before trial, but being prepared to present a case to a Bergen County jury is essential to achieving a fair result. Our team handles each phase of the process, from investigation to verdict or settlement.
Do I need a lawyer for an 18-wheeler accident claim in New Jersey?
While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, the complexity of truck-accident litigation — including federal regulations, multiple defendants, and active insurance defense — makes experienced legal representation extremely important. An attorney can secure critical evidence, engage trucking-safety and accident reconstruction professionals, and negotiate with insurers who often try to minimize payouts. A misstep early in the process can severely limit your recovery. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team offer a consultation to help you understand your rights and options before you make any decisions.
What makes an 18-wheeler accident case different from a car accident case?
Commercial trucking collisions are governed by an additional layer of federal regulations, including hours-of-service limits, vehicle inspection and maintenance requirements, and stricter driver qualification standards. Moreover, liability is often shared among the driver, the motor carrier, the truck’s owner, and sometimes a shipper or broker. The insurance coverage is typically much larger, and the defendants’ legal teams are prepared to fight liability actively. These differences demand a law firm that understands both the logistical and legal dimensions of the trucking industry.
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Last reviewed: July 2026
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder
Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York
Practicing since 1997
Disclaimer: Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.