What to Do After an Accident With a Commercial Delivery Vehicle in NJ?

Every day, thousands of delivery trucks, vans and vehicles traverse the roads of New Jersey. Unfortunately, many delivery drivers are prone to dangerous actions, such as driving while drowsy or distracted driving. If you get involved in an accident involving a delivery vehicle, it is important to understand your rights and the steps you should take to protect them with the help of a truck accident lawyer in New Jersey.

Check for Injuries

Immediately after the crash, pull over and check yourself for injuries. Once it’s safe to exit your vehicle, check on the others involved, including the delivery driver. If anyone is injured, call 911 to report the accident and request paramedics.

Seek medical attention right away if you have been injured. Keep in mind that you may have injuries that are not immediately apparent due to your adrenaline. For this reason, you should always see a doctor, even if you don’t feel injured. Collect copies of your medical records.

Gather Information

Once the police have been notified of the delivery vehicle accident, exchange information with the other parties involved. Write down the names of the delivery company, the truck driver and any eyewitnesses. Ask the delivery driver for the company’s insurance information.

Take photographs of both vehicles and the crash scene as a whole, being sure to capture any relevant details and road markings. When talking to the delivery driver or the police, avoid admitting fault or responsibility for the crash. Write down the police report number before you go.

File a Claim

Under New Jersey’s no-fault law, you can typically receive payment for your medical bills and health care expenses from your car insurance provider using personal injury protection (PIP), regardless of fault for the accident. If the accident caused significant injuries, however, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver.

Accidents involving commercial delivery trucks can be catastrophic. If you were seriously injured in the crash, you can file a claim with the delivery company’s insurance provider. UPS, USPS, FedEx, Amazon and all other major delivery services in New Jersey have commercial insurance policies to pay for accidents involving their vehicles and drivers.

Protect Your Rights

It is important to realize that, during any car insurance claim, the insurance company is not on your side. Insurance carriers are for-profit businesses that will always put themselves first. They will protect themselves and the delivery company as their policyholder more than you. A car accident attorney in New Jersey is here for you.

Use the following tips to navigate your insurance claim more effectively:

  • Remain polite, but do not trust the insurance claims adjuster assigned to your case.
  • Do not admit fault or speculate as to who caused the delivery vehicle accident.
  • Don’t give too much information away about your injuries.
  • If you are asked to give a recorded statement, politely decline.
  • Don’t accept a settlement offer until you have spoken with an attorney about the value of your claim.

Delivery companies have legal teams that are often aggressive in their defense against liability. You may need to hire a New Jersey personal injury attorney to help you navigate the insurance process and negotiate for fair compensation after a delivery vehicle accident in New Jersey. An attorney can help you protect your health and build the strongest possible injury claim so that you can move forward with confidence.