Commercial vehicle accidents are different from typical car crashes. When a delivery truck, work van, utility vehicle, or company-owned car causes a collision, the injuries can be severe — and the legal issues become more complicated. At Morris Downing & Sherred, we help victims throughout Sussex County, Newton, and the surrounding areas pursue justice and compensation after a crash involving a commercial vehicle.
Commercial vehicle accidents often intersect with other types of cases we handle, including Truck Accidents, Motor Vehicle Accidents, and Severe Injuries. These internal connections allow us to build the strongest possible claim for you.
Understanding Commercial Vehicle Accidents in New Jersey
Commercial vehicles—such as Amazon vans, delivery trucks, construction vehicles, corporate fleet cars, and utility trucks—present unique dangers on the road. These vehicles are often larger, heavier, and harder to control than passenger cars, increasing the likelihood of serious injury during a crash.
Examples of commercial vehicles include:
- Delivery vans (Amazon, UPS, FedEx)
- Company-owned sedans and SUVs
- HVAC, plumbing, and contractor vans
- Landscaping trucks
- Utility and service vehicles
- Commercial pickup trucks
- Municipal vehicles
- Construction trucks
Many of these vehicles operate in busy areas of Sussex County and Newton, where narrow roads and high local traffic can increase the risk of collisions.
Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Commercial vehicle accidents often occur due to:
- Distracted driving (texting, GPS use, dispatch messages)
- Fatigue from long hours
- Untrained or improperly supervised drivers
- Aggressive driving or speeding
- Failure to obey traffic signs
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Mechanical defects
- Unsafe road conditions
Because companies are responsible for supervising employees and maintaining vehicles, commercial vehicle cases often involve corporate negligence in addition to driver negligence.
Injuries Resulting From Commercial Vehicle Crashes
Accidents involving commercial vehicles often result in serious or catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Severe fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Burn injuries
- Limb injuries or amputations
- Fatal injuries leading to Wrongful Death
These injuries often require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and significant lifestyle adjustments.
Who Is Liable in a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
Unlike a standard auto accident, commercial vehicle claims may involve multiple liable parties, such as:
- The commercial driver
- The company that owns the vehicle
- The company responsible for maintenance
- The employer of the driver
- The vehicle or parts manufacturer (Product Liability)
- Cargo loading companies
- Municipal entities
These cases often overlap with related categories like Truck Accidents and Construction Accidents, depending on the type of vehicle involved.
Steps to Take After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Sussex County
- Call 911 and get medical attention immediately.
- Gather photos of the vehicles, damages, scene, and injuries.
- Get contact and insurance information from the driver and company.
- Avoid making statements to company representatives or insurers.
- Contact an experienced commercial vehicle accident attorney quickly.
How Our Sussex County Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers Can Help
At Morris Downing & Sherred, we understand how stressful and overwhelming these accidents can be. We manage every part of the legal process so you can focus on healing.
Our attorneys will:
- Investigate the crash thoroughly
- Secure dashcam footage, GPS logs, and employment records
- Review maintenance logs and safety inspection reports
- Obtain black box data (if available)
- Interview witnesses
- Work with accident reconstruction experts
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care
Because commercial cases often involve large insurers and corporate legal teams, having experienced representation is crucial.
New Jersey Laws and Filing Deadlines
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Jersey is generally two years, but evidence in commercial cases should be secured immediately. Companies may attempt to repair or destroy vehicles or overwrite electronic data soon after the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Do commercial driver employers always share liability?
Often, yes. Employers may be liable under “respondeat superior” or for negligent hiring, training, or supervision.
What if the driver was off duty?
Employers may still be liable if the driver was using the vehicle for work-related purposes.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes — New Jersey’s comparative negligence rules may still allow recovery.
Speak With a Trusted Sussex County Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident in Newton, Sussex County, or anywhere in New Jersey, the attorneys at Morris Downing & Sherred are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
