If you’ve been riding your motorcycle through New Jersey—whether on a major highway, in a busy city, or through a quiet neighborhood—and a commercial truck or tractor-trailer suddenly pulls out in front of you, everything can change in seconds. These large vehicles can block your lane, limit your reaction time, and leave you with serious injuries.

After a motorcycle crash like that, one question tends to weigh heavily:

“Am I at fault if I hit a truck that pulled out in front of my motorcycle in NJ?”

The short answer? Not necessarily. In many cases, you may not be at fault at all, even if your motorcycle collided with the side of the truck. Let’s explore why. 

Here’s what New Jersey law says about fault—and what you can do next.

When a Truck Cuts Off a Motorcyclist

Under New Jersey law, drivers entering a roadway from a side street, driveway, alley, or parking lot must yield to oncoming traffic, including motorcycles. That responsibility applies to all drivers, but especially to commercial truck operators, who must exercise a higher standard of care due to the size and danger of their vehicles.

If a truck pulls into your path without allowing enough time or space for you to safely react, the fault may rest squarely on the truck driver.

This is true whether you’re cruising Route 1, navigating the Garden State Parkway, or heading through towns like Newark, Edison, Bayonne, or Trenton. Large trucks pulling across traffic put riders at risk in all types of settings.

But I Hit Them: Does That Mean I’m at Fault?

Not at all.

Many motorcyclists assume they’re automatically to blame if they collided with the truck. But in New Jersey, fault isn’t determined by who hit whom; it’s based on who caused the hazardous situation.

If a commercial truck:

• Pulled out without yielding,
• Obstructed your right of way,
• Misjudged your speed or distance, or
• Blocked your entire lane of travel

…the driver may have acted negligently. Your impact with the side of the truck doesn’t mean you’re at fault. It may just mean you had no other option.

Accidents Aren’t Limited to Highways

While these collisions can happen on major roads like the Turnpike or Route 80, they’re just as likely to occur in urban and residential areas, often with little to no warning.

In cities like Jersey City, Paterson, or Camden, large delivery trucks often emerge from alleys, side streets, or parking lots. In residential areas throughout Middlesex, Monmouth, and Union Counties, garbage trucks, work vans, and box trucks frequently pull out of driveways or construction sites with limited visibility.

These trucks may block your entire lane unexpectedly. This is especially dangerous when buildings, parked cars, or signage make it difficult to see what’s ahead.

In both city and neighborhood settings, motorcyclists are left with almost no time to react. And that’s not their fault.

New Jersey’s Comparative Fault Rule

New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means:

• If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages
• That said, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault

So, if you’re found to be 20% responsible and the other party is 80% at fault, and your damages total $100,000, you can still recover $80,000.

Understanding how this rule applies in your case isn’t always straightforward, especially when commercial insurers try to shift blame. That’s why many riders turn to the Law Offices of Andrew S. Prince—a firm trusted by New Jersey motorcyclists for guidance on fault disputes, insurance pushback, and recovery options.

Challenging unfair blame matters. Your compensation may depend on it.

Why Truck-Motorcycle Collisions Are So Dangerous in NJ

Collisions between motorcycles and commercial trucks are especially serious because of:

• Massive blind spots around trucks
• Slow maneuvering and wide turns
• Limited braking ability on heavy trucks
• The potential for a side underride or full-lane block

When a truck fails to yield or misjudges a gap in traffic, a motorcyclist often takes the full impact. This can result in broken bones, head trauma, road rash, or worse.

These accidents aren’t minor. And neither are the costs that come with them.

Why Your Motorcycle Insurance Doesn’t Cover Medical Bills

Many riders are shocked to learn that motorcycle policies in New Jersey do not include Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Even if you have PIP coverage for your car, it doesn’t apply unless your car was involved in the crash.

Unlike cars, motorcycles are excluded from mandatory PIP benefits. Riders don’t have automatic medical coverage unless purchased separately, and many insurers still don’t offer it.

That means:

• You must use your health insurance to pay for emergency care, surgery, and rehab
• Deductibles and out-of-pocket costs fall on you
• And even if the truck driver is at fault, you may still be left with medical debt unless you pursue compensation through a personal injury claim

It’s a system that often works against motorcyclists, which is why knowing your rights—and getting legal help early—matters.

Already Accepted a Quick Settlement? Don’t Panic—Call First.

Sometimes, a trucking company’s insurer reaches out right after the crash and offers quick cash in exchange for a signature. In the heat of the moment, especially while you’re still in pain, you might accept.

But that release of liability may prevent you from recovering anything more later. Even if you discover additional injuries or financial losses, you may be barred from further compensation.

That said, not all releases are airtight. Depending on how the document was presented or what it covered, there may still be legal options. If you’ve already signed something, talk to an attorney immediately to understand your rights.

What to Do After a Truck Cuts You Off on Your Motorcycle

To protect yourself and your claim, here are the steps to take after the crash:

• Get medical attention right away, even for minor symptoms
• Call the police and ensure the report documents fault clearly
• Photograph everything—your injuries, the scene, the truck’s position, and your bike
• Get the truck driver’s and company’s information, including license, insurance, and employer
• Avoid speaking with the other party’s insurance before consulting an attorney
• Don’t sign anything, even if pressured with a quick payment

Speak to a New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Who Rides

If a tractor-trailer, box truck, or other large commercial vehicle pulled out in front of you and caused a crash, you deserve answers and a lawyer who understands what it means to ride.

At the Law Offices of Andrew S. Prince, we focus solely on representing motorcyclists. Andrew Prince doesn’t just represent riders—he is one. For decades, he’s helped motorcycle accident victims across New Jersey fight insurance companies, challenge blame, and recover the compensation they need to move forward.

From Bergen County to Middlesex, Union, Monmouth, Camden, and beyond—including cities like Elizabeth, Newark, Trenton, New Brunswick, and Toms River—we’re here for riders across the Garden State.

If you were hit because a truck pulled out and blocked your path, don’t wait.

Schedule your free consultation today. Let’s talk about your crash, your injuries, and what you can do next—confidentially and with no obligation.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Every case involves unique facts and circumstances. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Law Offices of Andrew S. Prince. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident or have legal questions, consult a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.