Commercial Truck Accidents in New Jersey

Large commercial trucks are some of the most important vehicles on the roads of New Jersey and the rest of the country. Why? The more of these trucks you see on the roads, the better the economy is performing. But, despite how important these trucks are, they are also quite dangerous. Trucks are large, heavy, wide, and easy to roll when not operated properly. There are various factors that cause truck accidents on the roads of New Jersey, leading to serious injuries and even death.

Inexperienced Truck Drivers

One of the leading causes of truck accidents is having inexperienced drivers behind the wheel of these massive vehicles. Brand new truck drivers are required to go through training to acquire their commercial driver’s license and then drive with experienced drivers for a set period, but not every driver will take the training seriously. It’s not out of the realm of possibility for a newly minted truck driver to be involved in an accident that they cause. Switching from a car or SUV to a tractor trailer can be very difficult to do without making a mistake.

Improperly Maintained Trucks

All vehicles must undergo regular maintenance. This not only extends the life of the vehicle, but also ensures that any broken parts or other issues are repaired before they cause an accident. An improperly maintained truck can lead to serious problems, such as broken wheel axles, blown tires, brake failure, airbrake failure, emergency brake failure and many other problems that could lead to an accident.

Drowsy Truck Drivers

Truck drivers are required to follow the service time laws set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They are not permitted to drive more than a set period of hours without taking a break. Drivers might be pressured by their employers to drive as long as possible so that orders are delivered in a timely manner. Other drivers might simply ignore the service hours rules.  Whatever the reason for a driver skipping a break, he or she is more likely to lose focus and cause an accident.

Uneven or Unsecured Load

An uneven or unsecured load can be disastrous for a truck driver. All truck drivers should check the load on their truck prior to departure. Multiple checks of the load can ensure that it is secured properly and avoid a deadly accident. It doesn’t matter what type of load or how much of it is on the truck, anything that is not secured properly or is uneven can wind up falling off the truck and striking other vehicles. 

Impaired Truck Drivers

Truck drivers, like all other drivers, can drive their rigs impaired. Drugs and alcohol are not to be consumed by truck drivers who are operating their rigs. Even prescription medication can cause a truck driver to become impaired. Truck drivers who are impaired are some of the most dangerous on the roads because of the size and weight of the vehicle they are driving. 

Speeding and Reckless Driving

We’ve all seen truck drivers on the roads of New Jersey who tailgate other vehicles, speed, change lanes often and perform other dangerous maneuvers. These truck drivers are especially dangerous to all those around them on the roads. It takes a truck much longer to stop as compared to a car or SUV.  As a result, truck drivers need to monitor their speed and make decisions quicker than most drivers in order to avoid an accident. 

Contact a Perth Amboy Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Truck Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a truck accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at CourtLaw represent clients injured because of a truck accident in Perth Amboy and throughout New Jersey. Call 732-442-5900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market Street in Perth Amboy, NJ 08861.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.