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Guide · After a specific accident · New Jersey

After a truck accident in New Jersey: insurance, rules and deadlines

Updated By Spencer, editorEvery fact cites a sourceGeneral information, not legal advice

Federal rules require for-hire interstate trucks hauling general freight to carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage. Drivers' hours are limited, and carriers must keep duty records for at least 6 months. If you were in a car, your own PIP pays your medical bills first. Checked October 12, 2026.

Sources: 49 CFR 387.9; 49 CFR 395.3(a); 49 CFR 395.8(k)(1); N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-5(g)

Who pays your bills first

A truck crash starts like any New Jersey crash. Your own auto policy's PIP pays medical bills first, whoever caused it, up to $250,000 unless a lower amount was chosen in writing.

  1. On foot or on a bikeA commercial truck isn't an automobile under the PIP law. Its own policy must carry PIP for pedestrians it hurts, and a pedal bike rider counts as one.Source: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4; N.J.S.A. 39:6-86.7; N.J.S.A. 17:28-1.3; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-2(h)
  2. Bills past your PIP limitsThey can be claimed from the person at fault, along with deductibles and copayments through a driver's secondary insurance coverage.Source: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-12; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-2(k)
Source: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-5(g)

The truck's insurance

Federal rules set minimum liability coverage for trucking companies that haul for others across state lines. A minimum is a floor; a policy can be higher.

General freightAt least $750,000

For-hire interstate trucks with a weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more.

Some hazardous loads$5,000,000

Such as hazardous substances carried in bulk in cargo tanks.

Source: 49 CFR 387.9

The rules a truck driver follows

For drivers hauling property, federal rules limit how long they drive.

  1. 10 hours off firstA driver can't drive without first taking 10 consecutive hours off duty.Source: 49 CFR 395.3(a); 49 CFR 395.8(k)(1)
  2. A 14-hour windowNo driving after 14 consecutive hours from coming on duty.Source: 49 CFR 395.3(a); 49 CFR 395.8(k)(1)
  3. 11 hours of drivingAt most, within that window.Source: 49 CFR 395.3(a); 49 CFR 395.8(k)(1)

The trucking company must keep each driver's duty records for at least 6 months. After that, they may be gone.

Source: 49 CFR 395.3(a); 49 CFR 395.8(k)(1)

NJHow a claim works

NJPain and suffering

If your policy has the lawsuit limit, a claim needs one of the injuries the law lists, like a displaced fracture or a permanent injury.

Source: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-8(a); N.J.S.A. 39:6A-2(i); N.J.S.A. 39:6A-8.1(b)
NJYour share of the fault

It cuts what you recover. Above 50%, you recover nothing.

Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1; N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.2
NJThe deadline to sue

Generally 2 years after the injury.

Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2(a)
NJA town, county or State truck

Written notice of a claim is due within 90 days.

Source: N.J.S.A. 59:8-8; N.J.S.A. 59:8-9

Sources

General information, not legal advice. We don't know the facts of your claim. A lawyer can review them, and most injury lawyers offer a free consultation.

What to do next

Questions people ask

How much insurance does a truck have to carry?

Federal rules require for-hire interstate trucks of 10,001 pounds or more hauling general freight to carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage. Some hazardous loads need $5,000,000.

Who pays my medical bills after a truck hits my car in New Jersey?

Your own auto policy's PIP pays first, whoever caused the crash. Bills past your PIP limits can be recovered from the person at fault.

How many hours can a truck driver drive?

For drivers hauling property, 11 hours, after 10 consecutive hours off duty, and not after 14 hours from coming on duty.

How long do trucking companies keep drivers' logs?

At least 6 months, under federal rules.

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