New Jersey Sees Several Shocking Semi-Truck Accidents

Over the past few weeks, numerous semi-truck accidents have occurred in New Jersey. These incidents have involved commercial vehicles crashing into buildings, setting on fire, and striking teens riding dirt bikes. Unfortunately, these incidents are nothing new – and they will not surprise residents who understand how dangerous the trucking industry has become. At least one of these incidents is leading to justice for the victims, however. If you were injured in a New Jersey truck accident, an injury lawyer may be able to help you pursue similar levels of closure, accountability, and compensation. 

Semi-Truck Bursts Into Flames on New Jersey Turnpike

In January of 2025, MidJersey News reported that a semi-truck had burst into flames on the New Jersey Turnpike. The incident occurred just outside East Windsor Township in Mercer County and involved a semi-truck and a box truck. Police say that the semi-truck impacted the box truck, causing the latter to become “fully engulfed in flames.” 

Images from the scene are shocking, showing plumes of smoke billowing into the air. Emergency vehicles surrounded the wrecked box truck, and first responders were able to extricate the driver before the flames claimed his life. However, he still suffered unspecified injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. First responders later confirmed that this driver was entrapped within the wreckage while it burned.

Local authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the crash. However, a witness at the scene described the incident as a “hit-and-run.” Conflicting information suggests that the first truck may have been involved in an initial collision before being struck by the approaching semi-truck. Either way, this incident could have been much worse, especially if the fire had caused an explosion.

Teen Dirt Biker Killed in Head-On Collision With Garbage Truck

Also in January, it was reported that a teenager had lost his life after a head-on collision with a garbage truck. The teen was reportedly riding his dirt bike at the time of the crash, which occurred in Cape May County. The municipal waste disposal truck was making a right-hand turn when it collided with the dirt biker, who was riding along the shoulder of Bayshore Road. 

When questioned about the incident, the truck driver stated that he saw the dirt biker approaching “at a high rate of speed” on his right side. After noticing the teen, the truck driver attempted to slam on the brakes to avoid an impact. However, the lumbering vehicle was too slow, and the teen collided with the side of the dump truck as it turned into his path.

Local witnesses seemed to support the trucker’s version of the events. However, it is important to note that when making right-hand turns, drivers are typically required to conduct mirror or shoulder checks before maneuvering. The fact that this truck seemed to notice the rider during his turn implies that he did not check his mirrors until he was already turning his wheel. As a result, he slammed on the brakes far too late to avoid an impact.

Family Claims Trucker Was Looking at His Phone Before Fatal Crash

In other news, the family of a New Jersey man is claiming that the trucker who killed their loved one was distracted at the time of the fatal crash. This accident occurred in December 2023 on I-95. The lawsuit states that the victim – also a truck driver – exited his vehicle at a rest stop and walked up to a “gore area” near the exit. While the victim was standing near his truck, another semi-truck approached.

The driver then suddenly veered into the victim with no warning, causing fatal injuries. Although he was transported to a nearby hospital, he ultimately succumbed to multiple blunt-force injuries to the head, neck, torso, and extremities. It is not clear why, but the family seems convinced that the trucker was distracted by an electronic device moments before the crash. Cell phone records may help prove this allegation. 

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

With so many commercial trucks crashing in such spectacular fashion, the need for justice has never been clearer. Although lawsuits cannot reverse injuries or deaths, they may provide meaningful compensation for victims and their families. In addition, they may succeed in holding negligent trucking companies accountable for the damage they have caused. If you find yourself recovering from a truck accident in New Jersey, consider calling Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., for further legal guidance. Our truck accident lawyers may be able to help you pursue justice.