Top 10 Causes of NJ Truck Accidents

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Truck accidents can have devastating consequences for people who are injured in the crash. Truck accidents can be caused by a wide variety of errors and negligence. In many cases, a truck crash has multiple contributing causes. Here are 10 of the most common causes of truck accidents in New Jersey. 

Overweight Trucks

State and federal laws limit the weight of cargo that a truck can carry. Trucks with too much cargo are considered overweight, and can only be operated on public roads with special permits. An overweight truck is much more difficult for a driver to safely control, especially when driving uphill or downhill or around bends in the road. Overweight trucks are also more susceptible to jackknife or rollover accidents or having cargo fall onto the road.

Illegal Maneuvers

Truck drivers may attempt illegal maneuvers due to carelessness or in an attempt to save time on their route. Examples of dangerous illegal maneuvers by trucks include undertaking, turning from the wrong lane, making illegal U-turns, turning or changing lanes without signaling, or traveling the wrong way down a street or highway access ramp. 

Failure to Keep a Lookout

Truck drivers are trained to maintain a lookout around their vehicles to keep track of other vehicles around their trucks. This helps drivers when they want to change lanes, accelerate, or brake, as trucks have large blind spots that can hide other vehicles on the road. Failing to keep a lookout may result in a driver losing track of a vehicle in their blind spot, potentially leading to a sideswipe, underride, or rear-end accident.

Speeding

Truck drivers are under pressure to meet delivery deadlines and may choose to speed to make up time if they face delays on the road. Speeding can include driving faster than the posted speed limit or driving too fast for road, weather, or traffic conditions. 

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers can become distracted when spending hours per day on the road. Common distracted driving behaviors include cell phone use, adjusting the radio, reading maps, eating or drinking, becoming engrossed in a radio program/podcast/audiobook, or daydreaming. 

Tailgating

Large trucks require a greater distance than other passenger vehicles to come to a stop. If a truck tailgates a personal passenger vehicle, the truck driver may not be able to slow down in time to avoid a rear-end collision if the passenger vehicle brakes. 

Intoxication

Unfortunately, some truck drivers turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with long hours on the road. A truck driver may drink to relieve the stress of their job, or use stimulant drugs to help stay awake. However, alcohol or drug intoxication can negatively impact a truck driver’s capacity to safely operate their vehicle. 

Failure to Yield

Truck drivers may misjudge the distance and speed of other vehicles at intersections, causing them to fail to yield the right of way to an oncoming vehicle. 

Drowsy or Fatigued Driving

Truck drivers can spend nearly a dozen hours per day on duty and behind the wheel, often for several days at a time. Although federal regulations limit the time drivers can spend on duty, they face the risk of becoming fatigued or sleepy while driving. This can impact their perception, reaction time, and judgment. 

Maintenance Problems

Failing to regularly inspect trucks and trailers or to perform recommended and necessary maintenance can lead to mechanical failures that cause a truck to crash. 

Contact a Rochelle Park 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 The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. represent clients injured because of truck accidents in Jersey City, Union City, Bayonne, Hoboken, and throughout New Jersey. Call (201) 380-7687 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 340 West Passaic St., Rochelle Park, NJ 07762.

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.