NEW JERSEY TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS

The Numbers of Trucking Accidents Are on the Rise

Over 500,000 trucking accidents occur yearly in the United States alone. Tragically, between 2009 – 2017, the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes increased by 42%, and in 2017, trucking-related accidents were responsible for 11% of all roadside fatalities. 

Trucking accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

• Driver fatigue: Driver fatigue is one of the major risk factors for commercial motor vehicle crashes, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. 

• Drivers on a tight schedule: Although they are required by law to rest and take breaks, most truckers are expected to work 70 hours a week for eight days at a stretch.

• Drug use: In multiple studies conducted in the United States, as many as 91% of drivers interviewed admitted they drank on the job, and 82% admitted to using amphetamines while driving. In 2017, the percentage of truck drivers with blood alcohol content of .08 or higher that were involved in fatal crashes was 20% in New Jersey. 

• Inappropriate driver training: Trucking companies are responsible for hiring drivers that meet all certifications and training requirements. If the driver involved in your accident was not properly certified or trained, the company may be liable for damages.

• Mechanical breakdowns: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Fatal Causation Study found that in 55% of truck accidents the truck had at least one mechanical failure.

New Jersey Sees an Increase in Commercial Trucking

New Jersey freight shipments are among the highest in the United States, and are expected to increase at rates among the fastest in the United States. A new report by TRIP (National Transportation Research Nonprofit) states that the value of freight moved by trucks in the state of New Jersey will increase by 93% by 2045. This means a large increase in the number of trucks on New Jersey’s heavily congested highways. 

In New Jersey, trucks are 20% more likely to be involved in a fatal collision than cars. In 2020, it is predicted that there may be up to 133 truck-related deaths in the state of New Jersey. In previous years, Middlesex, Bergen, and Burlington counties have had the highest rate of trucking-related deaths. 

Deadly Truck Accident 

What Types of Injuries Can Occur From a Trucking-Related Accident?

Injuries sustained in a trucking accident can be numerous and devastating. The most common types of injuries include:

• Whiplash: This occurs when a car stops suddenly and the driver or passenger’s neck “whips” back and forth rapidly. While many cases of whiplash heal over time, some can have long lasting effects.
• Spinal cord injuries: When an accident causes the vertebrae of your spine to be damaged, you can surfer a devastating spinal cord injury. A spinal cord injury can result in muscle weakness, loss of motion, and difficulty breathing. 
• Organ damage: Internal bleeding, lacerations, and organ failure can all be caused by traffic accidents.
• Broken bones: Trucking accidents often involve multiple broken bones caused by the force of the crash. 
• Head injury: This can include a concussion, or a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Over half of all reported TBI’s are a result of an automobile accident. 

When to Seek Damages for a Trucking-Related Accident

We understand that dealing with a car or truck accident is never easy, and may even result in life-long disabilities, or the loss of a loved one. As an experienced car accident lawyer, Richard Hollawell has helped clients win six-figure and seven-figure settlements from negligent drivers that cause serious physical injuries and property damage.

If you have questions about your accident, do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced legal team.  Contact our lawyers today at 1-800-681-3550 or by using the form below for a free consultation.