Are Truck Rear-End Collisions More Dangerous Than Regular Car Accidents?
Posted on: October 11, 2025
Due to the size and speed of commercial vehicles, a rear-end collision with a truck can traumatize and catastrophically injure its victims, especially those in passenger cars. If you were rear-ended by a truck, you need dedicated legal representation to protect your rights, your health, and your financial future. Let our Freehold truck accident lawyers at Ellis Law tell you what you need to know.
Commercial trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, while the average car weighs approximately 4,000 pounds. This enormous weight differential means that trucks need much more time and distance to stop, and can create much more damage when these efforts fail. About 32% of truck accidents result from speeding, with driver fatigue, inadequate training, mechanical failures, and following too close behind.
What Should You Do Immediately After Being Rear-Ended by a Truck?
Immediately after your accident, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Do not assume that you are ok because you feel fine. The adrenaline and shock you feel after an incident could mask certain symptoms.
Move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic, and call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance.
Take pictures of the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles, and any visible injuries. Note down your experiences on a notepad or via a voice memo, and report your collision to your insurance company.
What Compensation Might You Be Entitled to After Being Rear-Ended by a Truck?
Truck accident victims often face long-term health issues and significant medical expenses, with common injuries including whiplash and neck injuries, back and spinal cord damage, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), broken bones, internal organ damage, severe lacerations and scarring, and psychological trauma, which includes Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Truck accident victims in Freehold can claim insurance compensation for various collision-related costs, which typically include the following:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Why Should You Hire a Lawyer After Being Rear-Ended by a Truck?
Usually, because of New Jersey’s no-fault insurance laws, you usually need to cover your collision-related costs via your own personal insurance policy. However, if you sustain catastrophic injuries, including disfigurement, loss of limb, or permanent scarring, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault truck driver or company.
Truck accident claims involve complex federal and state regulations, and multiple parties—including the trucking companies, maintenance crew, and the driver themselves—may share liability. Commercial insurance policies typically contain much larger and more complex terms. Plus, trucking companies typically employ teams of powerful lawyers to protect their interests.
A seasoned truck accident lawyer in Freehold, like those at Ellis Law, can help you collect important evidence to corroborate your claim and help you collect the compensation that you deserve. Additionally, they can negotiate on your behalf with the insurance companies, help you calculate all the necessary costs for your accident, and defend you in court.
Protect Your Future With the Freehold Truck Accident Lawyers at Ellis Law
If a truck has rear-ended you or a loved one, contact the Freehold truck accident lawyers at Ellis Law. We remain available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With a proven track record of helping victims, we will dedicate ourselves to understanding your needs and serving you. Call 732-308-0200 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. We have offices in New Jersey, including Freehold, as well as New York, and serve clients throughout Monmouth County and the surrounding areas.
