18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Camden County, NJ | Attorney911

The impact crumpled steel at 65 miles per hour. An 80,000-pound tractor-trailer versus a 4,000-pound sedan on I-76 near Camden isn’t a collision—it’s a catastrophe. In that split second, everything changed. The medical bills started climbing. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster called before you even reached the hospital. And somewhere in Camden County, critical evidence sits in a truck’s black box, waiting to be overwritten.

We’ve seen what happens next. For over 25 years, Attorney911 has fought for families across Camden County who’ve faced exactly this nightmare. Ralph Manginello built this firm in 1998 to stand up to trucking companies and their armies of lawyers. We’ve recovered millions for accident victims—including a $5 million settlement for a traumatic brain injury victim and a $3.8 million recovery for a client who lost a limb. When you’re staring down an 18-wheeler corporation with $750,000 to $5 million in insurance coverage, you need more than a lawyer. You need a fighter who knows their playbook.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. We answer 24/7. The clock started ticking the moment that truck hit you.

Why Camden County 18-Wheeler Accidents Demand Specialized Legal Experience

Camden County isn’t just another stretch of highway. Sitting across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, this region serves as a critical logistics corridor for the entire Northeast. The Port of Camden handles millions of tons of cargo annually. I-76, I-676, the New Jersey Turnpike, and I-295 converge here, creating one of the densest trucking routes in the Mid-Atlantic. When an 18-wheeler jackknifes on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge approach or loses control on an icy stretch of I-295 in Cherry Hill, the results devastate local families.

Trucking companies know Camden County’s value. They move freight through our port facilities, distribution centers in Pennsauken and Gloucester City, and the industrial parks lining Route 130. They also know that accidents here trigger complex jurisdictional questions—New Jersey law applies, but federal FMCSA regulations govern the trucking industry. That intersection of state tort law and federal transportation rules requires attorneys who understand both. Ralph Manginello brings federal court admission in the Southern District of Texas and over two decades navigating these exact regulatory mazes. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years defending insurance companies before joining Attorney911—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them.

Every trucking accident in Camden County involves multiple potentially liable parties. The driver who ran the red light on Admiral Wilson Boulevard. The trucking company that pushed him past federal hours-of-service limits. The cargo loader who failed to secure 40,000 pounds of freight at the Port of Camden. The maintenance contractor who skimped on brake inspections. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations like BP after their refinery explosions killed 15 workers and injured 170 more. We bring that same tenacity to holding trucking companies accountable on Camden County roads.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Under 49 CFR § 387.303, commercial trucks must carry minimum insurance coverage of $750,000 for general freight, $1 million for oil and hazardous materials transiting through our industrial corridors, and up to $5 million for certain cargo types. That coverage exists because catastrophic injuries require catastrophic compensation. Traumatic brain injuries range from $1.5 million to $9.8 million in settlements. Spinal cord cases reach $4.7 million to $25.8 million. Wrongful death recoveries in Camden County trucking accidents have secured between $1.9 million and $9.5 million for families we’ve represented.

But here’s what trucking companies don’t tell you: that money disappears fast if you don’t act within 48 hours. Electronic Control Module data—the black box proving whether the driver was speeding or asleep at the wheel—overwrites within 30 days. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) mandated under 49 CFR § 395.8 track hours-of-service violations, but carriers only retain those logs for six months unless litigation looms. We send spoliation letters immediately to freeze this evidence. As client Chad Harris told us after we handled his case, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s the Attorney911 difference—treating your Camden County case like it matters, because it does.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Crashes in Camden County

Physics doesn’t negotiate. A fully loaded tractor-trailer weighs 80,000 pounds—twenty times the mass of a typical passenger vehicle. When that weight collides with a family sedan on the Admiral Wilson Boulevard or Route 70 in Cherry Hill, the force generates devastating trauma. We’ve seen the aftermath in Camden County trauma centers: traumatic brain injuries from heads striking windshields, spinal cord damage from rollovers, traumatic amputations when passenger compartments crumple, and burns from punctured fuel tanks.

The accident types plaguing Camden County reflect our unique geography. We’re simultaneously a major port city, a dense urban corridor, and a winter weather zone. Jackknife accidents occur when truckers brake hard on wet or icy stretches of I-295, causing trailers to swing perpendicular across multiple lanes. Underride collisions—where passenger vehicles slide beneath trailer beds—prove especially deadly on secondary roads like Route 130 where older trailers lack updated rear guards. Rear-end collisions dominate the I-76 and New Jersey Turnpike corridors where stop-and-go traffic catches fatigued drivers violating 49 CFR § 395.3’s 11-hour driving limit.

Blind spot accidents plague Camden County’s urban intersections. An 18-wheeler’s “No-Zone” extends 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and along both sides—particularly dangerous on narrow city streets in Camden and Collingswood. Wide turn accidents injure cyclists and pedestrians when trucks swing left to make right turns at congested intersections near the Port of Camden. Brake failures on long descents from the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge create runaway truck situations. Cargo spills from improperly secured loads—violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136—close highways and trigger multi-vehicle pileups.

Winter amplifies everything. When ice coats the I-676 curve near the Ben Franklin Bridge, 18-wheelers lose traction. Their 525-foot stopping distance at 65 mph—nearly two football fields—becomes infinite on black ice. We’ve handled cases where truckers failed to adjust for Camden County weather conditions, violating 49 CFR § 392.14’s requirement to exercise extreme caution in hazardous conditions.

The injuries these accidents cause change lives forever. Traumatic brain injuries require lifetime cognitive rehabilitation. Spinal cord damage demands home modifications, wheelchairs, and 24-hour attendant care. Amputation victims face prosthetics costing $50,000 every few years plus occupational therapy. Internal injuries from deceleration forces require multiple surgeries. Wrongful death leaves Camden County families grieving while facing funeral costs and lost income.

Donald Wilcox, one of our clients, came to us after another firm rejected his case. “One company said they would not accept my case,” he recalled. “Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” That’s what happens when you have a team that refuses to back down.

FMCSA Regulations That Prove Trucking Negligence

Federal law, not just New Jersey statutes, governs every commercial truck on Camden County roads. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes mandatory safety standards in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). When trucking companies break these rules—and they often do—we use those violations to prove negligence and maximize your recovery.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Driver fatigue causes 31% of fatal truck crashes. Federal regulations limit driving time to prevent exhausted operators from killing Camden County families:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: No driver may operate a commercial vehicle more than 11 hours following 10 consecutive hours off duty (49 CFR § 395.3(a)(1))
• 14-Hour Duty Window: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty (49 CFR § 395.3(a)(2))
• 30-Minute Break: Mandatory break after 8 cumulative hours of driving (49 CFR § 395.3(e))
• 70-Hour Weekly Limit: 70 hours in 8 days, then required 34-hour restart (49 CFR § 395.3(b)(2))

Since December 18, 2017, Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) automatically record this data. We subpoena ELD records to prove Camden County truckers exceeded legal limits. When a driver falls asleep on the New Jersey Turnpike and crosses into oncoming traffic, these logs provide irrefutable evidence of negligence.

Driver Qualification Failures (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must verify their drivers are qualified before handing them keys to 80,000-pound weapons. Under 49 CFR § 391.51, motor carriers must maintain Driver Qualification (DQ) Files containing:

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) verification
• Medical examiner’s certificates (proving physical fitness)
• Three-year driving history from previous employers
• Road test certifications or equivalent
• Pre-employment drug test results

We’ve uncovered Camden County cases where carriers hired drivers with suspended licenses, failed medical exams, or histories of DUIs. That constitutes negligent hiring under New Jersey law, and we hold them accountable.

Vehicle Maintenance Neglect (49 CFR Part 396)

Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. FMCSA requires systematic maintenance:

• Pre-trip Inspections: Drivers must verify vehicle safety before each trip (49 CFR § 396.13)
• Post-trip Reports: Written documentation of defects (49 CFR § 396.11)
• Annual Inspections: Comprehensive 16-point inspections required every 12 months (49 CFR § 396.17)
• Brake Systems: Must meet specific adjustment standards (49 CFR § 393.48)

When a truck’s brakes fail descending into Camden from the Walt Whitman Bridge, we immediately demand maintenance records. Deferred brake jobs, skipped inspections, or ignored driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) prove the carrier prioritized profits over Camden County safety.

Cargo Securement Failures (49 CFR Part 393)

Improperly loaded cargo shifts weight, causing rollovers. FMCSA mandates tiedowns withstand specific forces:

• Forward: 0.8 g deceleration
• Rearward: 0.5 g acceleration
• Lateral: 0.5 g side-to-side force
• Aggregate Working Load Limit: Must equal at least 50% of cargo weight (49 CFR § 393.102)

When a Port of Camden container spills onto I-676 because of inadequate securing, these regulations establish liability.

Drug and Alcohol Violations (49 CFR § 392.4-392.5)

Federal law prohibits commercial drivers from:

• Using alcohol within 4 hours of driving (49 CFR § 392.5)
• Driving under influence (0.04% BAC, half the standard limit)
• Possessing Schedule I substances while on duty

Random testing requirements under 49 CFR Part 382 keep impaired drivers off Camden County roads. Positive post-accident drug tests create automatic liability.

Every Liable Party in Your Camden County Trucking Case

Most law firms sue the driver and trucking company, then settle for policy limits. That’s malpractice. We investigate every potential defendant because more liable parties mean more insurance coverage means higher compensation for your Camden County family.

The Truck Driver: Direct negligence for speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. We pull cell phone records, ELD logs, and driving histories.

The Motor Carrier: Under respondeat superior, employers answer for employees’ negligence. Plus direct liability for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance. We examine their FMCSA CSA scores, accident history, and safety culture.

The Cargo Owner/Shipper: Companies loading at the Port of Camden or regional distribution centers may provide improper loading instructions, demand overweight transport, or fail to disclose hazardous materials.

The Loading Company: Third-party warehouses in Pennsauken or Gloucester City physically secure cargo. When they fail to use adequate tiedowns or overload trailers beyond GVWR ratings, they share liability.

Truck/Trailer Manufacturers: Design defects in brake systems, stability control, or underride guards cause accidents independent of driver error. We research recall histories and similar defect complaints.

Parts Manufacturers: Defective tires, brake components, or steering systems trigger product liability claims.

Maintenance Contractors: Third-party shops in Camden County contracted for fleet maintenance may perform negligent repairs or return vehicles to service with known defects.

Freight Brokers: These intermediaries arrange transportation. If they negligently selected a carrier with poor safety ratings or inadequate insurance to handle Camden County routes, they’re liable.

Truck Owner: In owner-operator arrangements, separate from the motor carrier, the owner may bear responsibility for vehicle maintenance and negligent entrustment.

Government Entities: Poor road design, inadequate signage on I-76 curve modifications, or failure to maintain safe roadway conditions can create liability against NJDOT or Camden County municipalities—though sovereign immunity rules apply.

The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis

Trucking companies deploy rapid-response teams within hours of Camden County accidents. Their investigators photograph the scene, interview witnesses, and download ECM data before families even choose a funeral home. Meanwhile, critical evidence disappears every hour you wait.

The Black Box Threat: Electronic Control Modules record speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. This data overwrites within 30 days—or sooner if the truck returns to service. It proves whether the driver was traveling 75 mph in a 55 zone or never touched the brakes before impact.

ELD Destruction: While FMCSA requires 6-month retention, carriers “lose” data unless litigation forces preservation.

Dashcam Deletion: Forward-facing cameras capture the final seconds before impact. Footage typically deletes within 7-14 days.

Witness Amnesia: Memories fade within weeks. Independent witnesses to accidents on Routes 38 or 70 disappear.

Physical Evidence: Skid marks wash away. Damaged trucks get repaired or sold for scrap within days.

That’s why Attorney911 sends spoliation letters within 24 hours of engagement. These formal legal notices demand preservation of:

• ECM/EDR downloads
• ELD logs for 6 months pre-accident
• Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Dashcam footage
• Drug/alcohol test results
• GPS and telematics data
• Dispatch communications
• Cell phone records

Once we serve notice, destruction becomes spoliation of evidence. New Jersey courts impose sanctions, adverse jury instructions (“you must assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable”), or default judgment against carriers who destroy proof.

As client Angel Walle noted: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” Speed matters. Evidence preservation wins cases.

Catastrophic Injuries and Their Real Costs

We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for Camden County victims because trucking accidents cause multi-million dollar harms.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Ranging from concussions to severe diffuse axonal injury. Victims face cognitive rehabilitation, lost executive function, personality changes, and inability to work. Settlement range: $1,548,000 to $9,838,000+.

Spinal Cord Injury: Paraplegia or quadriplegia requiring wheelchairs, home modifications ($100,000+), vehicle conversions, and lifetime attendant care. Settlement range: $4,770,000 to $25,880,000+.

Amputation: Traumatic limb loss from crush injuries. Prosthetics require replacement every 3-5 years at $5,000-$50,000 per limb. Phantom pain and body image trauma require psychological care. Settlement range: $1,945,000 to $8,630,000.

Severe Burns: From post-collision fires or hazmat spills. Third-degree burns require skin grafting, contracture release surgeries, and scar revision. Infection risks persist for years.

Internal Organ Damage: Blunt force trauma ruptures livers, spleens, and kidneys. Surgical removal affects lifelong health.

Wrongful Death: When trucking negligence kills Camden County residents, families lose income, companionship, and guidance. Funeral costs reach $15,000-$30,000. Settlement range: $1,910,000 to $9,520,000.

Glenda Walker, another satisfied client, put it simply: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our promise to every Camden County family.

New Jersey Law and Your Camden County Case

New Jersey’s legal framework affects your trucking accident claim:

Statute of Limitations: You have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2). For wrongful death, two years from the date of death. Wait longer, and you lose all rights—no matter how severe your injuries.

Modified Comparative Negligence: New Jersey follows a 51% bar rule (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1). You can recover damages if you’re 50% or less at fault, but your percentage of fault reduces recovery. If you’re 20% responsible, you collect 80% of damages. If you’re 51% responsible, you collect nothing. Trucking companies and their insurers will try to shift blame to you—having 25 years of experience fighting these tactics matters.

Punitive Damages: New Jersey caps punitive damages at the greater of $350,000 or five times compensatory damages (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.14). These apply when trucking companies show reckless disregard for safety—like knowingly keeping dangerous drivers on the road or falsifying logbooks.

No-Fault Insurance: New Jersey’s unique auto insurance system requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, but commercial trucking cases typically bypass no-fault restrictions due to the severity of injuries and out-of-state carrier involvement.

Frequently Asked Questions: Camden County 18-Wheeler Accidents

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Camden County?
Call 911. Seek medical evaluation at Cooper University Hospital or Virtua Camden—even if you feel okay, as adrenaline masks injuries. Photograph all vehicles, the scene, and your injuries. Get the truck’s DOT number and company name. Contact Attorney911 before speaking to any insurance adjuster. Call 888-ATTY-911.

How long do I have to file a claim?
Two years under New Jersey law. But waiting is catastrophic—evidence disappears. We recommend calling within 24 hours so we can send spoliation letters preserving black box data.

Who can I sue besides the driver?
The motor carrier, cargo owner, loading company, maintenance contractors, parts manufacturers, and potentially the Port of Camden if improper loading contributed. We investigate every party to maximize your recovery.

What if I was partially at fault?
Under New Jersey’s modified comparative negligence law, you can recover if you’re 50% or less at fault. Don’t let insurance adjusters tell you otherwise. We fight fault attribution with ECM data and accident reconstruction.

How much is my case worth?
Depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Camden County trucking cases typically involve $750,000 to $5 million in coverage. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for brain injury and amputation victims.

Why do I need a lawyer with federal court experience?
Interstate trucking involves federal regulations and federal court jurisdiction. Ralph Manginello’s admission to the Southern District of Texas and 25+ years of experience navigating FMCSA rules gives us an advantage in complex cases.

What does “contingency fee” mean?
You pay nothing unless we win. Our standard fee is 33.33% pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. We advance all costs—expert witnesses, accident reconstruction, court filings. You never receive a bill.

Do you speak Spanish?
Sí. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation to Camden County’s Hispanic community without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

What is a nuclear verdict?
Recent trucking cases nationwide have seen jury awards exceeding $10 million, $50 million, even $100 million when carriers act recklessly. While every case differs, these verdicts show what happens when companies are held fully accountable.

Will my case settle or go to trial?
98% settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies know which attorneys actually try cases—and they offer better settlements to those lawyers. With our track record including the $10 million University of Houston hazing case and BP explosion litigation, carriers know we mean business.

Why Camden County Families Choose Attorney911

We’ve handled cases other firms rejected. We’ve won when trucking companies swore they’d never pay. Our 4.9-star Google rating from 251+ reviews reflects how we treat clients—as family, not file numbers.

Ralph Manginello’s 25-year career includes federal court litigation against Fortune 500 companies. Lupe Peña brings insider knowledge from his years defending insurance companies—now he uses that playbook against them. We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and we serve Camden County clients with the same aggressive advocacy.

Currently, we’re litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for fraternity hazing resulting in kidney failure. We took on BP after their Texas City refinery explosion killed 15 people. We don’t back down from powerful defendants.

Hablamos Español. For Camden County’s Spanish-speaking community, Lupe Peña provides culturally competent representation. No interpreters. No confusion. Just justice.

The trucking company called their lawyers immediately after your accident. They’re building their defense right now. Meanwhile, black box data ticks toward deletion. Medical bills stack up. You need someone fighting for you today.

Don’t wait. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Free consultation. No fee unless we win. 24/7 availability.

(888) 288-9911

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm
Fighting for Camden County Trucking Accident Victims