What Are The Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In New Jersey?

By Doug Standriff on June 15, 2025

Truck accidents are often catastrophic, involving serious injuries and extensive property damage. In New Jersey, where busy highways and dense traffic are common, understanding the causes of truck accidents can help drivers stay alert and potentially prevent accidents.

While trucks are essential for transporting goods, their size and weight make them particularly dangerous when accidents occur. We’ll look at the most common causes of truck accidents in New Jersey and how they can be prevented.

Driver Fatigue

Long hours on the road can lead to drowsiness, impaired reaction times, and poor decision-making. Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet tight deadlines, and some may drive beyond the legal hours of service (HOS), resulting in dangerous fatigue.

In New Jersey, the law limits the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road without resting. However, some drivers and companies may push these limits in an attempt to save time. Fatigue can cause a truck driver to lose focus, miss important signs or hazards, or even fall asleep behind the wheel, leading to accidents.

To avoid fatigue-related accidents, trucking companies must monitor their drivers’ hours and promote safety practices. Additionally, drivers must take regular breaks and get sufficient rest to stay alert on the road.

Distracted Driving

While distracted driving affects all motorists, the consequences of distractions are especially dangerous for truck drivers. Trucks require more time and distance to stop, and distracted drivers may not react in time to prevent a crash.

Truck drivers can be distracted by a variety of things, including:

Mobile phone use: Texting or talking on the phone while driving is a dangerous distraction.
Eating or drinking: Taking a hand off the wheel to eat or drink can lead to loss of control.
In-cab distractions: Adjusting controls, talking to passengers, or getting distracted by the radio or GPS can divert attention from the road.

New Jersey has strict laws prohibiting texting and using a handheld mobile device while driving. Trucking companies can also help reduce distractions by educating drivers about the dangers of multitasking and encouraging safe driving habits.

Poor Maintenance

Trucks are complex machines that require regular maintenance to function safely. Unfortunately, poor maintenance is a leading cause of truck accidents. When truck companies or drivers neglect routine maintenance, vital systems such as brakes, tires, or steering can fail, resulting in accidents.

Common maintenance issues include:

Brake failure: Worn-out brake pads or inadequate brake maintenance can lead to a loss of stopping power, especially when driving on busy highways or down steep inclines.
Tire blowouts: Tires that are bald or improperly inflated can blow out while driving at high speeds, causing the driver to lose control.
Engine malfunctions: Failure to address engine problems can cause trucks to break down unexpectedly, leading to accidents.

To prevent maintenance-related accidents, trucking companies must have regular inspection and maintenance schedules in place. Drivers should also be trained to conduct pre-trip inspections and report any issues to their employers immediately.

Speeding

Speeding is another common cause of truck accidents in New Jersey. Because of their size and weight, trucks require much more time and distance to stop than smaller vehicles. When truck drivers speed, they reduce their ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions or road hazards.

Speeding can be quite dangerous when:

Trucks are driving on wet or slippery roads.
The truck is carrying a heavy load.
Drivers are navigating sharp turns, intersections, or construction zones.

To address speeding, New Jersey has laws in place that set speed limits for commercial trucks. However, speeding is often a result of truck drivers trying to meet tight deadlines or pressure from employers. Effective enforcement and the use of technology, such as speed limiters, can help prevent speeding and improve road safety.

Improper Loading

Improper loading of a truck can affect its balance and handling, making it more likely to roll over or tip over, especially in high winds or when navigating sharp turns. Overloading or unevenly distributing cargo can make the truck harder to control, leading to accidents.

Truck drivers and companies need to make sure that trucks are loaded properly. The load should be balanced and distributed evenly to prevent the truck from tipping. In addition, it is important to follow weight limits and ensure that cargo is secured properly to avoid shifting during transport.

Weather Conditions

New Jersey’s weather can be unpredictable, with heavy rain, snow, and ice affecting driving conditions. Poor weather conditions are a major contributor to truck accidents. When roads are wet or icy, trucks have a harder time stopping, and visibility can be significantly reduced.

Truck drivers need to adjust their driving habits when weather conditions worsen. This includes reducing speed, increasing following distance, and exercising extra caution in areas prone to icy or wet roads. Trucking companies must also ensure that drivers are well-trained to handle adverse weather conditions and that they have the right equipment for the job.

Inexperienced or Untrained Drivers

Another contributing factor to truck accidents in New Jersey is inexperienced or improperly trained drivers. Trucking is a specialized skill, and it takes time to become proficient in handling a large vehicle. Drivers who lack the necessary experience may struggle with critical tasks such as maneuvering the truck, reading road conditions, or reacting quickly in emergency situations.

To reduce the risk of accidents, trucking companies must provide comprehensive training for their drivers and ensure they have the experience necessary to operate large vehicles safely. Drivers must also be tested on their knowledge of New Jersey’s trucking laws and regulations.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and dangerous, and it remains one of the leading causes of truck accidents. A truck driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs has impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and diminished attention. The consequences of a DUI truck accident can be catastrophic, as trucks are much harder to control than smaller vehicles.

Trucking companies should conduct regular drug and alcohol testing and implement strict policies to prevent impaired driving. If a driver is found to be under the influence, they should be immediately removed from driving duties.

Injured in a Truck Accident in New Jersey? Get the Compensation You Deserve

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in New Jersey, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer to fight for your rights. At Bergen Law, Douglas Standriff and Marissa Messinger, Esq. bring over 30 years of expertise to personal injury cases, securing millions of dollars in compensation for victims.

From head-on collisions to tire blowouts, our team handles all types of truck accidents and works tirelessly to build strong, effective cases. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation at 201-445-4555 to understand your legal options. Time is limited, so don’t wait. Contact us now to get the justice and compensation you deserve.