Truck accidents frequently happen when truck drivers violate traffic laws or trucking companies violate motor carrier regulations, such as by overloading trucks or improperly failing to supervise their drivers.
If you suffered injuries in a Hackensack trucking accident, the skilled legal team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., is here for you.
Our attorneys can promptly investigate your accident, gather documentation, and take the appropriate legal steps on your behalf – all while you recover from your injuries. We will aggressively fight to protect your legal rights and maximize the compensation you recover for your losses.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Hackensack truck accident attorney, please call our office at (201) 292-8182 or contact us online today.
Key Takeaways
📄 Legal Context & Incident Overview
- Hackensack sits at a critical hub near the Garden State Parkway, Route 17, and major commercial routes, leading to frequent heavy-truck traffic and related accidents.
- New Jersey’s “serious injury” threshold applies; minor injuries are usually handled via insurance, but serious harm qualifies for full liability claims.
- Truck accidents often involve multiple parties—drivers, carriers, shippers, loading companies, and municipal agencies.
🔗 Cases We’re Currently Accepting
- Claims involving:
- Severe bodily harm, such as fractures, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), internal organ damage
- Wrongful death due to catastrophic truck crashes
- Pedestrians or cyclists struck by commercial trucks
- Underride or jackknife collisions involving semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, or delivery vehicles
📅 Recent Trends & Local Data
- Strong emphasis on black-box data, ELD logs, and GPS tracking for reconstructing events and proving driver fatigue or HOS violations
- Courts are increasingly holding carriers strictly liable for maintenance failures, log tampering, or falsified records
- Rising number of underride guard non-compliance cases, which frequently lead to catastrophic outcomes
⚖️ Litigation Positions
- Plaintiffs: Allege driver negligence (speeding, fatigue, improper loading), carrier liability, and regulatory breaches—all seeking compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and permanent disability
- Defendants/Insurers: Frequently argue plaintiff fault, challenge the severity of injuries, invoke comparative negligence, or rely on federal preemption in regulatory compliance cases
💰 Settlement Potential
- Minor injuries (soft-tissue): $30K–$80K
- Fractures or surgical procedures: $150K–$400K+
- Severe injuries (TBI, paralysis): $500K–$2M+
- Wrongful death: Commonly exceeds $1M, depending on victim’s age, earning potential, and familial dependence
- Key value drivers include quality of electronic data, degree of fault, and available insurance coverage
⚠️ Critical Considerations
- Immediate data preservation is essential—secure logs, dashcam footage, inspection reports, and photos at the scene
- Comparative negligence may reduce recovery unless plaintiff’s share of fault remains below 51%
- Multi-party liability enhances recovery potential—cases may involve carriers, freight loaders, parts manufacturers, and others
- NJ Statute of Limitations: 2 years for most injury or wrongful death claims—strictly enforced
Why Choose Our Hackensack Truck Accident Lawyers?
Trucking accidents can result in debilitating injuries that leave victims incapacitated – sometimes permanently. If you suffered injuries in a recent Hackensack trucking accident due to the driver or trucking company’s negligence, you want an experienced team of attorneys advocating for you.
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., our lawyers have more than 90 years of combined experience successfully taking personal injury cases to trial. Additionally, we have recovered more than $300 million on behalf of our injured clients over the years.
Our relentless truck accident attorneys are prepared to aggressively fight for your rights and, if necessary, pursue a favorable result in the court system on your behalf.
You can see our most recent client reviews and case testimonials on this site. Our office is conveniently located at Court Plaza South, 21 Main Street, Suite 206, Hackensack, NJ 07601.
Mr. Michael Maggiano is an outstanding attorney who uses his many years of experience and wisdom to put forth a solid representation of his client. In my particular case, Mr. Maggiano showed compassion, caring, and commitment in order to bring about a successful resolution involving a local municipality. My case seemed to be unique in that it’s not often that there is a successful pursuit of justice when a municipality is involved. I was lucky to find Mr. Maggiano through the recommendation of other outstanding attorneys, and he certainly measured up to every expectation. Mr. Maggiano’s thoroughness and drive to seek a justifiable agreement in my favor cannot be under-stated; he met with me and my husband day or night, weekend or weekday; he always gladly returned calls and emails promptly. The devotion Mr. Maggiano and his staff displayed to us made us feel that we were his sole priority; simply stated he makes you feel special. While being reassuring and kind, Mr. Maggiano leaves no stone unturned in his research, preparation, and presentation. His vast knowledge works to his client’s advantage, and he is revered by fellow attorneys and judges in New Jersey and New York.
In addition, the staff at Maggiano, DiGirolamo, and Lizzi always represented the highest caliber of professionalism. Office staff, legal assistants, and the firm’s attorneys were always diligent while being respectful, polite, and caring. It is without hesitation that I give Mr. Maggiano my highest praise and recommendation.
Words cannot express how tremendously grateful I am to Mr. Lizzi for his sincere compassion and legal assistance during one of the most challenging times in my life. While coming highly recommended to me, Mr. Lizzi’s level of expertise and professionalism surpassed my greatest expectations. Regardless of the time or the importance of my matter, every phone call and email was promptly and personally returned. With each circumstance that arose, Mr. Lizzi gave practical advice and supplied necessary information to allow me to make my own informed decisions. The paralegals working with him kept in constant contact if any issues arose. Your office has been able to answer all of my questions and made me feel that I am important.
Simply put, lawyers like Mr. Lizzi are truly and exceptionally rare. I give the law firm of Maggiano, DiGirolamo, & Lizzi my highest recommendation, and should my family or I ever need assistance in the future, I will definitely give them a call.
I cannot express how grateful and pleased I am to have had Christopher DiGirolamo and his paralegal Christine Carrino represent me in connection with my personal injury action.
What had happened to me was an event that was about to completely change my life.
Initially I was unable to go to the offices of Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi because of my injuries. I had been hit by a motor vehicle while walking in a crosswalk. Christopher came to me. He offered not only expert legal advice but helped significantly with other things like obtaining police reports, how to handle telephone calls, photographing the scene and even advice about warding off “adjusters” who came knocking on my door. Most importantly, Christopher listened. His compassion, knowledge and understanding cannot be overstated.
I, as a lawyer with medical knowledge who needed a lawyer, would consider myself to be somewhat of a challenging client. Christopher took all this in stride and was fearless in offering guidance and advice when I was having difficulty looking at things objectively. Christopher allayed my anxieties and made me feel better each and every time we spoke. He put things in perspective for me while at the same time, not sugar coating the difficult days ahead that were in store for me, both physically and throughout the legal proceedings. Christopher asked me about my preferences and my choices. He was always interested in my ideas and my point of view. Christopher balanced my convictions with his undeniable objectivity and expertise.
Throughout the protracted course of discovery and pre-trial conferences, Christopher went out of his way to communicate with me and keep me informed. When Christopher was in court we engaged in many real time texting sessions. He respected my decisions about strategy and was constant in upholding his integrity. With Christopher’s tenacity and wit, the case was ultimately resolved without trial.
Christopher and the law firm of Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. made every effort to accommodate me in whatever way they could. I offer my thanks and gratitude.
How Much Is My Hackensack Truck Accident Case Worth?
If you suffered an injury in a truck accident in Hackensack, New Jersey, due to the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company, the amount of compensation you can receive depends on several factors. These can include the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
New Jersey follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning that in most cases, after an accident, your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays for your medical bills and certain other expenses, regardless of who caused the crash. However, the no-fault system does not apply to commercial trucks.
Consequently, truck accident victims can file a third-party claim or lawsuit directly against the at-fault truck driver, trucking company, or other responsible parties.
Trucking accidents often involve catastrophic injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or even fatalities. In general, the more severe your injuries, the higher your potential compensation.
You can recover both economic and non-economic damages through legal action.
- Economic damages include past and future medical expenses, lost income, and any costs associated with long-term disability or rehabilitation.
- Non-economic damages cover the emotional and psychological effects of the accident, which can be substantial in severe cases.
- If the trucking company or driver acted with extreme malice, punitive damages may punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
Insurance policies for commercial trucks typically have high coverage limits, which means that victims of truck accidents can recover significant compensation. However, trucking companies and their insurers often fight claims aggressively, making legal representation invaluable in your case.
Most Common Locations for Truck Accidents in Hackensack
Trucking accidents in Hackensack, New Jersey, often occur in areas with heavy traffic, complex intersections, and highways with high speeds.
As a busy city in Bergen County, Hackensack has several major roads and highways that see many truck accidents due to congestion, driver error, and roadway conditions.
One of the most common locations for trucking accidents in Hackensack is Interstate 80 – a major east-west highway that runs through the area. This interstate is frequently used by commercial trucks transporting goods across the state and beyond.
The high traffic volume, combined with frequent lane changes and merging vehicles, increases the risk of collisions. During rush hours, congestion on I-80 can make it difficult for large trucks to stop quickly, leading to rear-end accidents and jackknife incidents.
Another high-risk area is Route 4, a major highway that runs through Hackensack and connects to other key roads in northern New Jersey. This highway experiences heavy truck traffic, especially near busy intersections and on-ramps.
The combination of fast-moving vehicles and sudden slowdowns can create dangerous conditions, particularly for truck drivers who need extra time to react.
Accidents on Route 4 often involve sideswipes, rollovers, and crashes resulting from improper lane changes by truck drivers.
The New Jersey Turnpike, which passes near Hackensack, is another hotspot for trucking accidents. This toll road is one of the busiest highways in the state, with a constant flow of commercial trucks traveling long distances. Due to the turnpike’s multiple lanes and high-speed limits, severe truck accidents often lead to multi-vehicle pileups.
Poor weather, truck driver fatigue, and mechanical failures contribute to the frequency of crashes in this area.
Local roads in Hackensack, such as River Street and Essex Street, also see truck accidents, especially at intersections where visibility may be limited.
Trucks making wide turns or struggling to navigate tight spaces can collide with smaller vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. Construction zones and loading docks in commercial areas further increase the risk of accidents.
Most Common Types of Hackensack Trucking Accidents
Trucking accidents in Hackensack, New Jersey, often happen because of negligence by truck drivers or trucking companies. The size and weight of commercial trucks can lead to serious injuries and property damage.
Some of the most common trucking accidents in Hackensack occur on busy highways like Interstate 80, Route 4, and the New Jersey Turnpike, as well as on local streets where truck drivers must navigate tighter spaces.
- One of the most frequent types of trucking accidents is the rear-end collision. These happen when a truck crashes into the vehicle in front of it, often because the truck driver was speeding, distracted, or following too closely. Trucks require a much longer stopping distance than smaller vehicles, so if a driver is not paying attention or is driving aggressively, they may be unable to stop in time.
- Jackknife accidents may occur when the trailer swings out to the side and forms a sharp angle with the cab. This can happen if a truck driver brakes too suddenly or loses control on a slippery road. Jackknifing is dangerous because it can block multiple lanes of traffic and cause chain-reaction crashes.
- Rollover accidents also pose a major threat, especially when a truck carries a heavy or unbalanced load. If a driver takes a turn too fast, shifts lanes abruptly, or drives on uneven pavement, the truck can tip over. Negligence by the trucking company, such as failing to properly load cargo or maintain the vehicle, can increase the risk of rollovers.
- Underride accidents are some of the deadliest trucking collisions. They occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer. These often happen when a truck stops suddenly or a driver makes an unsafe lane change without first checking blind spots.
- Wide-turn accidents are common in urban areas like Hackensack, where trucks need extra space to turn. If a driver fails to signal properly or does not check for nearby vehicles, they can collide with cars, bicyclists, or pedestrians.
Most Common Hackensack Truck Accident Injuries
Trucking accidents in Hackensack, New Jersey, often result in severe injuries due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks. When these accidents occur because of negligence by a truck driver or trucking company, victims can suffer life-changing harm.
One of the most common types of injuries in trucking accidents is whiplash, which happens when a sudden impact forces a person’s head and neck to snap forward and backward. This can cause pain, stiffness, and long-term mobility issues. Whiplash is especially common in rear-end truck collisions, which occur when a truck crashes into a smaller vehicle from behind.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are also a major concern in trucking accidents. When a person’s head strikes a hard surface or experiences a violent jolt, it can cause concussions, brain bleeding, or permanent cognitive damage. TBIs can lead to memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and personality changes, affecting a victim’s ability to work or live normally.
Spinal cord injuries are another serious consequence of trucking accidents. These injuries can range from herniated discs to complete paralysis, depending on the effect and location of the injury. A truck’s sheer force can crush a smaller vehicle, leaving victims with permanent disabilities that require lifelong medical care.
Broken bones are also common, as the force of a trucking accident can be strong enough to fracture arms, legs, ribs, or even the pelvis. In severe cases, surgeries and physical therapy are necessary to regain movement.
Internal injuries can be life-threatening, as blunt-force trauma from a crash may cause damage to organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs. Internal bleeding is especially dangerous because symptoms may not appear right away, delaying treatment.
Burn injuries can occur if a truck carries flammable cargo or if a vehicle catches fire after a crash. Severe burns can lead to scarring, infections, and long recovery periods.
When trucking accidents happen due to negligence, victims may face long-term pain, expensive medical bills, and emotional distress, making legal action necessary to recover compensation.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Hackensack Truck Accident Case
After a trucking accident in Hackensack, New Jersey, dealing with the insurance company can be overwhelming. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, even when the truck driver or trucking company is clearly at fault.
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., our truck accident attorneys are prepared to fight for you, ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to protect their profits. They may try to pressure you into accepting a low settlement or use tactics to deny your claim altogether. They may also downplay the severity of your injuries or delay the process to make you give up.
Our experienced attorneys are well aware of these tactics and will not let the insurance company take advantage of you.
We begin by thoroughly investigating the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage.
If necessary, we work with accident reconstruction experts to prove exactly how the crash happened and who was responsible. We also obtain medical records and consult with doctors to show the full extent of your injuries and how they affect your life.
When negotiating with the insurance company, we aggressively push for a settlement that covers all your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any long-term care you may need. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights before a judge and jury.
Trucking accidents can leave victims with serious injuries, financial stress, and emotional trauma. With our legal team on your side, you can focus on healing while we handle the fight for the compensation you deserve.
Verdicts and Settlements
$1,478,000 - Tractor Trailer Accident
To a 41 year old police officer injured off duty in his own parked car when a tractor trailer hit the officer’s open driver’s side door, forcing the car up onto the sidewalk.
$6,200,000 - Truck Accident
A commercial truck driver disabled after a crash which resulted in a traumatic brain injury.
$1,067,000 - Truck Collision
To a female truck driver who suffered fibromyalgia following a multi-vehicle accident.
Most Important Steps to Take after a Hackensack Truck Accident
After being involved in a truck accident in Hackensack, New Jersey, taking the right steps is important to protect your health and legal rights. The aftermath of a trucking accident can be overwhelming, but acting quickly can help strengthen your claim for compensation.
One of the first steps is obtaining a copy of the police report. When law enforcement arrives at the scene, they will document key details about the accident, including witness statements, road conditions, and any violations by the truck driver. This report is valuable evidence when proving fault and negotiating with insurance companies.
It’s also essential to follow your healthcare provider’s treatment recommendations. Even if you do not feel seriously injured, some injuries take time to appear.
Attending all medical appointments, following prescribed treatments, and adhering to any physical therapy plans can demonstrate the seriousness of your injuries and prevent insurance companies from arguing that you are not hurt.
Gathering copies of your medical records, medical bills, and any other accident-related evidence is another important step. These documents establish the financial effects of the accident and ensure that you seek full compensation for your losses.
Finally, speaking with a knowledgeable Hackensack truck accident lawyer at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., as soon as possible can make a significant difference in your case.
Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the legal process, handle negotiations with insurers, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact an Experienced Hackensack Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., our attorneys are prepared to fight for your rights and maximize the compensation you receive in your truck accident claim or lawsuit. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Hackensack truck accident lawyer, please call our office at (201) 292-8182 or contact us online for more information.
