New Jersey Hit With Numerous Shocking Semi-Truck Accidents

Over the past month, New Jersey has seen a shocking number of serious trucking accidents. These truck accidents have caused numerous injuries and fatalities. The severity of these consequences is not surprising given the size and weight of semi-trucks. However, it is important to remember that semi-truck crashes can easily be avoided with safe driving, adequate maintenance, and proper hiring practices. At the end of the day, human beings caused semi-trucks – not the vehicles themselves. What can you do if you were injured in a New Jersey semi-truck accident?

Motorist Narrowly Escapes Tragedy After Fiery Semi-Truck Accident in New Jersey

In November of 2024, it was reported that a motorist had crashed into the back of a semi-truck parked on the shoulder of I-287. The collision sparked a fire, and the motorist might have perished if he had not been extricated with help from fast-thinking police officers. 

These police officers managed to pull the injured occupant out of the vehicle before it was completely consumed by flames. However, the victim still suffered serious injuries in the crash – and the officers admitted they were not overly confident about his long-term prognosis. Completely unresponsive at the scene, the victim was transferred to a nearby hospital via ambulance. The extent of his injuries is not clear. 

There are also unanswered questions about the parked semi-truck. Did the trucker stop illegally on the side of the highway? Was it a designated rest stop? Did the truck partially obstruct one of the lanes? These may all be valid and important questions as the victim pursues legal action. If the trucker contributed to the accident by parking illegally, he and the trucking company may be liable for the victim’s injuries. 

13 Confirmed Injuries After Semi-Truck Crashes into Bus

That month, another shocking semi-truck crash caused 13 confirmed injuries. The incident involved a broken-down bus stopped on the right-hand lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike. A semi-truck then approached and rear-ended the bus, causing many of its occupants to suffer various injuries. All of these occupants were active service members of the United States military traveling from Maryland. 

Although there were few details about these injuries, a chopper captured footage of at least one service member being carried away from the scene on a stretcher. The exact cause of the crash is unclear, but the semi-truck driver may have been at fault. Although parking on the shoulder is unlawful under normal circumstances, legitimate mechanical issues represent an exception. 

New Jersey Man Accused of Driving Semi-Truck While on Drugs

Also in November, a New Jersey man was accused of driving under the influence after allegedly causing a fatal truck accident. The incident occurred on I-90, and it involved the defendant crashing into the back of a second semi-truck. The impact killed the driver, a Canadian trucker. 

After first responders and police arrived at the scene, they determined that the driver who caused the crash was on drugs – although they did not reveal which specific substances he had taken. He was subsequently charged with “driving while ability impaired by drugs.” 

Drug use among truckers is a serious issue in New Jersey and across the entire nation. These professional drivers may be more vulnerable to substance abuse for various reasons. First, the nature of their work is highly monotonous, and recreational drug use could help many truckers deal with extreme boredom behind the wheel. 

Secondly, drug use is seen by many truckers as an effective way to fight fatigue. Some of the most popular drugs for truckers are amphetamines and other stimulants. These drugs may help truckers stay away for long periods, but they can also affect judgment and reaction times while increasing aggression behind the wheel. 

The safest way to fight fatigue is to pull over and rest. Drug use only exacerbates the issue by creating new safety hazards – and it is an obvious form of trucking negligence. 

Can a New Jersey Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me?

If you were injured in a New Jersey semi-truck accident, an experienced injury attorney may be able to help. Many of these accidents lead to injury claims against trucking companies, and you may walk away with a financial settlement. That being said, it is important to negotiate effectively in this situation – as settlements are often too low to cover medical expenses, missed income, and other damages. In order to ensure optimal outcomes, consider working alongside Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. Book a consultation today to get started.