Red Cross Assists Families After Dump Truck Destroys Home in New Jersey

In September of 2025, Patch reported that a dump truck had severely damaged a home in West Orange. This incident displaced two families, and all eight victims received assistance from the Red Cross. This incident highlights the danger and frequency of dump truck crashes. These vehicles are always dangerous, and they create heightened hazards when they smash into occupied buildings. What can you do if you were injured by a dump truck crash in New Jersey? Is it possible to pursue compensation alongside a personal injury attorney?

West Orange Fire Department Reports “Structural Damage” After Dump Truck Crash

The West Orange Fire Department states that the recent dump truck crash caused “structural damage” to the home, necessitating the evacuation of eight people. Two families were affected by the collision, and they were left homeless. Volunteers from the Red Cross immediately stepped in, offering the victims clothing, food, and lodging.

The exact circumstances of the dump truck crash are not clear, and Patch did not clarify whether the local authorities were considering criminal charges or citations for the dump truck driver. That said, one has to wonder how an accident like this could have happened. The crash must have been quite severe to warrant the evacuation of two families, which suggests that it probably occurred at high speed.

Not far from this accident, another dump truck crash in the Empire State ended more tragically. Like the New Jersey incident, this crash involved a dump truck crashing into someone’s home in September. The impact then sparked a fire within the home, and this fire claimed the life of an 89-year-old senior citizen who could not escape the blaze.

Local authorities say that this incident occurred after two dump trucks inexplicably collided with each other. This collision was allegedly caused by a mechanical issue on one of the trucks, suggesting that the company operating the vehicle may not have been carrying out proper maintenance. These kinds of situations can easily lead to truck accident lawsuits in New Jersey.

This fatal incident also highlights the fact that the New Jersey dump truck crash could have been much worse. If the dump truck had burst into flames after impacting the home, all eight victims could have suffered life-threatening burn injuries and smoke inhalation.

Why are Dump Trucks So Dangerous in New Jersey?

Dump trucks are heavy, cumbersome vehicles with poor handling and sluggish braking performance. They also tend to carry heavy, unbalanced loads that increase the chances of rollover accidents. Unlike other types of commercial trucks, dump trucks frequently travel through residential areas. These trucks may need to drop off gravel and other material at residential construction sites. They might also remove junk from similar construction sites.

The presence of dump trucks in quiet, narrow streets leads to inevitable accidents. These accidents often involve dump trucks crashing into occupied homes, but they might also involve impacts with pedestrians, cyclists, and smaller vehicles.

The threat posed by dump trucks does not simply involve the physical attributes of these heavy vehicles. Hazards may arise from the negligence of dump truck drivers. These individuals may operate dump trucks while intoxicated, distracted, or sleep-deprived. All kinds of negligence behind the wheel can increase the chances of major collisions.

Often, the companies behind dump trucks also contribute to these accidents. Dump truck companies may fail to properly vet new truckers, allowing unqualified individuals to get behind the wheel and cause all kinds of accidents. They may also fail to terminate truckers after they cause accidents or engage in other misconduct.

Finally, dump truck companies may become liable for accidents after failing to carry out basic maintenance on their vehicles. Many dump truck accidents occur due to mechanical issues, and these incidents can be avoided if companies simply follow proper maintenance guidelines. If you believe that a dump truck company contributed to your injuries, you may be correct.

Can a Truck Accident Lawyer in New Jersey Help Me?

A truck accident lawyer in New Jersey may be able to guide you toward the compensation you deserve after an incident involving a dump truck. Whether a dump truck smashed into your home or struck you in the street, you have the right to pursue justice and accountability. Compensation could help you access vital medical care, address lost income, and achieve a sense of closure as you face psychological challenges. To learn more about the next potential steps, consider a consultation with Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C.