A tragic collision involving a sanitation truck and an e-bike rider in Union City has once again raised important questions about commercial vehicle safety in New Jersey. While investigators continue working to determine exactly what happened, the incident serves as an important reminder that crashes involving garbage trucks, delivery vehicles, utility trucks, and tractor-trailers often present unique legal and insurance issues that go far beyond a typical car accident.

According to News 12 New Jersey, the collision occurred on Bergen Turnpike near John F. Kennedy Boulevard and remains under investigation by the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit and the Union City Police Department. At this time, authorities have not announced any conclusions regarding fault.

Rather than speculate about the cause of this crash, it is more valuable to understand why commercial vehicle accidents require immediate action, what evidence can disappear within days, and what injured victims and their families should know about protecting their legal rights.

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, commercial vehicle accident, or any other personal injury accident in New Jersey, call (201) 944-9200 or use our Online form for a free consultation. Hablamos español.

Emergency crews investigate a fatal commercial garbage truck collision on Bergen Turnpike in Union City. The crash highlights the serious risks associated with commercial vehicle accidents and the importance of a thorough investigation

Quick Answers

Can I file a personal injury claim after a truck accident in New Jersey?

Possibly. If another person's or company's negligence contributed to the crash, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Why are commercial truck accident cases different?

Unlike ordinary car accidents, commercial vehicle crashes often involve multiple insurance policies, company-owned vehicles, maintenance records, electronic driving data, and federal safety regulations.

How soon should I speak with a lawyer?

The sooner evidence is preserved, the better. Commercial vehicle evidence such as electronic data, surveillance footage, inspection records, and maintenance logs may become more difficult to obtain as time passes.

What happened in the Union City garbage truck accident?

According to publicly available reports, the fatal collision involved a Rivoca sanitation truck and an e-bike rider during the early morning hours on Bergen Turnpike in Union City. Authorities remained at the scene for several hours while documenting evidence, and the investigation is ongoing.

Although the facts are still being gathered, this tragedy illustrates why collisions involving commercial vehicles deserve careful legal and factual analysis before responsibility is assigned.

For additional information about claims involving large commercial vehicles, visit ourNew Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer page.

Why are garbage truck accidents often more dangerous than regular car accidents?

Garbage trucks are among the largest vehicles operating on neighborhood streets every day. They make frequent stops, reverse into confined areas, navigate residential communities, and often begin routes before sunrise when visibility may be reduced.

Because of their size and weight, even a collision at relatively low speeds can result in catastrophic injuries.

Victims commonly suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal organ damage
• Permanent disabilities

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has consistently reported that crashes involving large trucks are more likely to result in severe injuries because of the significant difference in size and weight between commercial vehicles and passenger cars. 

If you've suffered serious injuries after a commercial vehicle collision, our New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer page explains the legal options that may be available. 

Who can be held responsible after a commercial vehicle accident?

One of the most common misconceptions is that only the truck driver can be held responsible.

In many commercial vehicle cases, several parties may potentially share liability depending on the evidence uncovered during the investigation.

These may include:

• The commercial driver
• The sanitation company
• The company that owns the vehicle
• A maintenance contractor
• A vehicle manufacturer
• Another negligent motorist
• Other responsible entities based on the specific facts of the crash

Determining liability often requires reviewing records that are not typically available in an ordinary car accident investigation.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes safety regulations governing many commercial motor carriers, including driver qualifications, vehicle inspections, maintenance requirements, and hours-of-service rules. Depending on the type of commercial vehicle involved, these records may become critical evidence. 

If multiple vehicles contributed to the collision, our New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer resource explains how fault may be evaluated under New Jersey law. 

What evidence can disappear after a truck accident?

Many people believe the police report tells the entire story.

In reality, some of the most valuable evidence exists outside of the accident report and may only be available for a limited period.

Depending on the circumstances, investigators may seek:

• Electronic control module ("black box") data
• GPS location records
• Vehicle inspection reports
• Maintenance logs
• Driver qualification files
• Dash camera footage
• Nearby surveillance video
• Witness statements
• Cell phone records

Preserving this evidence early can make a significant difference when determining how a collision occurred.

OurNew Jersey Truck Accident Lawyerteam understands the importance of acting quickly to protect evidence before it is lost or overwritten.

Why do commercial truck accident investigations take longer?

Unlike many passenger vehicle crashes, commercial vehicle collisions often require investigators to examine company records, vehicle maintenance histories, electronic driving data, inspection reports, and insurance coverage from multiple parties.

For that reason, these investigations can take considerably longer than a standard motor vehicle accident.

The important takeaway is that victims should focus on receiving appropriate medical treatment while ensuring their legal rights are protected during the investigation.

If your injuries prevent you from returning to work or enjoying everyday activities, you may also benefit from reviewing our New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer resources to better understand the claims process.

Can I recover compensation after a garbage truck accident in New Jersey?

One of the first questions injury victims ask is whether they have a case.

The answer depends on the specific facts of the accident, but if another person or company acted negligently, you may be entitled to seek compensation for damages such as:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospital bills
• Future medical care
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Every case is different, which is why it's important to understand your rights before accepting a settlement. Our New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer resource explains the types of compensation that may be available after a serious accident.

What if I was riding an e-bike or bicycle?

As more people use e-bikes and bicycles throughout New Jersey, collisions involving commercial vehicles have become a growing safety concern.

Whether you were riding an e-bike, bicycle, scooter, or walking as a pedestrian, you may still have legal rights if another party's negligence contributed to the crash.

According to News 12 New Jersey, the recent Union City collision involved an e-bike rider and a sanitation truck, highlighting the importance of understanding how vulnerable road users can be seriously injured when large commercial vehicles are involved.

If you were struck while walking or riding, you may also find our New Jersey Pedestrian Accident Lawyer resource helpful.

What if the truck driver wasn't ticketed or arrested?

Many people believe that if the police do not issue a citation, there is no case.

That simply isn't true.

Traffic citations and civil injury claims are two separate matters.

A civil claim focuses on whether someone acted negligently and whether that negligence caused injuries or damages. Even if no criminal charges or traffic tickets are issued, an injured person may still have the right to pursue compensation depending on the evidence.

That's one reason commercial vehicle investigations often continue long after the roadway has reopened.

Should I talk to the trucking company's insurance adjuster?

After a serious commercial vehicle accident, insurance companies often begin their investigation immediately.

You may receive calls requesting a recorded statement or asking you to sign documents before the full extent of your injuries is known.

Before providing detailed statements or accepting a settlement, make sure you understand your legal rights and the potential value of your claim.

Our New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer page explains why early decisions can affect the outcome of a commercial vehicle case.

How long do trucking companies keep important evidence?

Many people are surprised to learn that certain evidence may only be retained for a limited period.

Depending on the circumstances, important evidence could include:

• Electronic control module ("black box") data
• GPS records
• Dash camera footage
• Driver inspection reports
• Vehicle maintenance records
• Driver qualification files
• Cell phone records
• Surveillance video

The sooner an investigation begins, the greater the opportunity to preserve evidence before it is overwritten, deleted, or becomes unavailable.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes recordkeeping requirements for many commercial motor carriers, making these records especially important during truck accident investigations.

What should I do after a commercial truck accident?

Every accident is different, but there are several steps that can help protect both your health and your legal rights.

If possible:

• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Report the accident to law enforcement.
• Take photographs or videos of the scene.
• Obtain contact information from witnesses.
• Keep copies of your medical records and bills.
• Avoid discussing fault on social media.
• Be cautious when speaking with insurance representatives.

You can also learn more about protecting your rights after a serious collision by visiting our New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer resource.

Why are commercial truck accident cases often more complicated?

Unlike ordinary passenger vehicle accidents, commercial vehicle crashes frequently involve multiple insurance policies, corporate defendants, maintenance contractors, and extensive documentation.

Investigators may need to review:

• Vehicle maintenance histories
• Company safety policies
• Inspection reports
• Driver training records
• Electronic driving data
• Employment records
• Witness interviews
• Crash reconstruction findings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continues to emphasize the increased risks associated with large commercial vehicles because of their size, weight, and stopping distance.

How can Khorozian Law Group help after a truck accident?

Commercial vehicle accidents require careful investigation and a thorough understanding of New Jersey personal injury law.

At Khorozian Law Group, we help clients understand their legal options after serious accidents involving:

• Garbage trucks
• Delivery trucks
• Utility vehicles
• Box trucks
• Tractor-trailers
• Construction vehicles
• Municipal vehicles
• Other commercial vehicles

Whether you're dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, or questions about the claims process, our goal is to provide clear guidance and dedicated representation.

Additional resources you may find helpful include:

• New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer
• New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer
• New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer
• New Jersey Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
• Hudson County Personal Injury Lawyer
• Contact Khorozian Law Group

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in New Jersey?

Most personal injury claims are subject to legal deadlines, but the timeframe may vary depending on the facts of the case and the parties involved. Speaking with an attorney promptly can help protect your rights.

Can more than one company be responsible for a truck accident?

Yes. Depending on the circumstances, liability may involve the driver, the trucking or sanitation company, a maintenance contractor, another motorist, or other responsible parties.

What if my injuries didn't seem serious right away?

Some injuries, including concussions, neck injuries, and soft tissue injuries, may not become fully apparent until hours or days after a collision. Seeking prompt medical evaluation is important.

Does a police report automatically determine who was at fault?

No. A police report is an important piece of evidence, but it is only one part of a broader investigation that may include witness statements, surveillance footage, electronic data, and expert analysis.

Contact a New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer

A serious commercial vehicle accident can change your life in an instant. While investigators determine exactly what happened, protecting your health and understanding your legal rights should remain the priority.

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, commercial vehicle accident, or any other personal injury accident in New Jersey, call (201) 944-9200 or use our Online form for a free consultation. Hablamos español.