New Jersey Truck Accident Attorneys

Truck accidents in New Jersey are among the most devastating incidents on our roads, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Given the state's dense population and extensive highway system, including major routes like the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, the risk of such accidents is significant. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, understanding your rights and the legal avenues available is crucial.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are among the most severe types of crashes on New Jersey’s roadways. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, especially when loaded, these accidents often result in devastating injuries, significant property damage, or fatalities. Understanding the primary causes of truck accidents not only helps establish liability after a crash but also highlights the importance of safer practices in the transportation industry.

According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, thousands of large truck crashes are reported each year. In 2023, there were over 4,000 truck-related crashes on New Jersey highways, including 55 fatal crashes involving trucks.

Frequent Causes of Truck Accidents in New Jersey

• Driver Fatigue: Commercial truck drivers are often under tight delivery schedules, pushing them to drive long hours. Even with federal regulations limiting hours of service, some drivers or companies fail to comply. Fatigue slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and increases the risk of drifting into other lanes or falling asleep behind the wheel, especially on long stretches like the New Jersey Turnpike or Garden State Parkway.
• Distracted Driving: Use of smartphones, onboard GPS systems, or even eating while driving can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road. Given the stopping distance required for an 80,000-pound truck, even a few seconds of distraction can lead to catastrophic rear-end or side-swipe collisions. Distracted driving remains a top contributor to traffic fatalities in New Jersey. Source: New Jersey Department of Health
• Speeding: Speeding is especially dangerous for large trucks. The heavier the vehicle, the longer it takes to stop and the more force it carries into a collision. In 2023, speeding contributed to many fatal truck crashes across state highways and interstates. A truck traveling even slightly above the posted speed limit poses a massive threat, especially on curves, ramps, or during inclement weather.
• Improper Loading or Cargo Shifting: Improperly secured or overloaded cargo can cause a truck to become unstable. When weight is unevenly distributed or unrestrained, it can lead to rollovers, jackknife accidents, or cargo spills. In urban areas of Newark, Elizabeth, and Camden, tight turns combined with overloaded trailers are especially hazardous. In rural zones, shifting cargo may go undetected until the truck loses control at high speed.
• Mechanical Failures: Mechanical issues such as brake failures, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, or engine trouble are common causes of truck accidents, especially when vehicles are poorly maintained. Trucking companies are legally responsible for conducting routine inspections and maintenance. If they fail to do so, and a mechanical failure leads to a crash, they can be held fully liable.
• Reckless Driving or Aggressive Behavior: Tailgating, frequent lane changes without signaling, road rage, and failure to yield are all forms of reckless driving seen in both passenger vehicles and truck drivers. Due to a truck's limited visibility and wide turns, aggressive driving in congested areas like Route 1, Route 130, or I-287 frequently leads to side-impact collisions or forced run-offs.

When and Where Truck Accidents Occur

Truck accidents in New Jersey are not random; they often follow specific patterns based on time of day, location, and road conditions.

Time of Day:

• A large number of truck crashes occur during early morning hours (midnight to 6 a.m.), when driver fatigue is most prevalent.
• Late-night deliveries also increase risks due to lower visibility, reduced traffic enforcement, and tired drivers returning from long hauls.
• In 2022, a significant number of truck-related crashes occurred during peak commuting hours as well, due to congestion and tighter maneuvering requirements.

High-Risk Areas:

Truck accidents are especially common in the following locations:

• New Jersey Turnpike (I-95): A major corridor for interstate commercial travel, often involving high speeds and dense truck traffic.
• I-295 and I-78: These arteries connect key industrial hubs and distribution centers, increasing truck presence and congestion.
• Route 1, Route 9, and Route 130: These roads are heavily traveled by both commuters and trucks and are frequent locations for rear-end and intersection collisions.
• Urban Delivery Zones (Newark, Jersey City, Camden): Congested city streets with tight turns, pedestrians, and narrow loading areas make these zones high-risk for collisions.
• Industrial Parks and Warehousing Areas: Accidents often occur near distribution centers when trucks are entering or exiting facilities or navigating poorly designed access roads.

Contributing Conditions

• Weather: Snow, ice, heavy rain, and fog all increase braking distance and reduce traction, critical concerns for large trucks. The risk is especially high during New Jersey’s winter months.
• Construction Zones: Lane closures, uneven pavement, and unclear signage in work zones, common throughout New Jersey’s summer months, pose added hazards for trucks.
• Inadequate Driver Training: Poorly trained or newly licensed truck drivers may not know how to handle steep grades, traffic congestion, or emergency maneuvers.

The New Jersey State Police report that the top five reasons that fatal truck accidents occur are:

1. Driver inattention
2. Unsafe speed
3. Improper lane changes
4. Mechanical failure
5. Road/environmental factors

At Mallon and Tranger, we understand the unique dynamics of truck accident cases and the many factors that contribute to these catastrophic events. Whether your accident happened on the Turnpike, a local roadway in Howell, or a highway near Toms River, we will thoroughly investigate every possible cause and build a case that holds negligent parties accountable.

Differences Between Truck Accident and Car Accident Cases

Tractor-trailers, semis, and commercial trucks are obviously much larger than other vehicles, but that is not the only reason that a truck accident case differs from a regular car accident case.

The major legal difference is that truck drivers are subject to a variety of rules and regulations that likely do not apply to the average car driver. These regulations can include things like:

• Restrictions on where the tractor-trailer can drive
• Restrictions on hours driven in one stretch
• Weight regulations and restrictions
• Specific qualifications that the drivers must possess
• Restrictions on the timing that a truck driver can operate
• Equipment regulations (brakes, emissions, hauling equipment, etc.)

A violation of any of these rules could help you prove liability in a truck accident case. If you attempt to assert your rights in a truck accident case alone, you may not realize that the driver has these restrictions or when they have been violated. Overlooking these regulations can lead to lower settlements or an unfavorable legal outcome.

There are some key logistical differences that deal directly with the truck’s size as well, including slower acceleration and longer stopping distance. These factors can result in accidents that would not have occurred in a smaller vehicle.

Another major difference is the insurance company you would have to deal with. It is possible that you would have to talk to not only the driver’s insurance company but also his or her  employer’s insurance company.

You may even have to deal with a different insurance company if another party actually owns the truck. The truck manufacturer may also come into play. All of these potential parties add a unique level of complication to this type of truck accident case.

Common Injuries After a Truck Accident

Truck accidents are vastly more destructive than standard vehicle collisions. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and when it collides with a smaller passenger vehicle, the injuries and physical trauma are often catastrophic. Victims frequently suffer life-altering injuries, long recovery times, and permanent disabilities, especially in high-speed collisions or multi-vehicle pileups on New Jersey highways like I-78, I-295, and the New Jersey Turnpike.

At Mallon and Tranger, we’ve represented clients across Freehold, Monmouth County, and beyond who have suffered devastating injuries after truck crashes. Below are some of the most common injuries we see and why prompt medical and legal attention is essential.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

• These injuries occur when the victim’s head strikes a hard surface, such as a steering wheel, dashboard, window, or flying debris during a crash.
• TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that can impair speech, memory, concentration, or personality.
• Symptoms might include confusion, blurred vision, headaches, nausea, or loss of consciousness.
• Long-term complications may include cognitive decline, emotional instability, and the inability to return to work or independent living.
• TBIs are especially common in rollovers or rear-end collisions where the victim is thrown violently forward and backward.

Spinal Cord Injuries

• Damage to the spinal cord or vertebrae can result in partial or complete paralysis.
• Victims may suffer from:
  • Herniated or bulging discs
  • Chronic back pain
  • Loss of motor function
  • Impaired sensation below the site of injury
• These injuries often require surgery, physical rehabilitation, and lifetime care.
• In New Jersey, spinal cord injuries are among the top injury categories in truck accident claims due to the extreme forces involved in high-speed impacts.

Fractures and Broken Bones

• Bone fractures are common when a truck’s impact crushes or pins the victim inside the vehicle.
• Most frequently fractured bones include:
  • Arms and wrists, especially for drivers bracing for impact
  • Legs and knees, which can become trapped under the dashboard
  • Ribs, often from seatbelt force or steering wheel impact
  • Pelvis, particularly in side-impact or underride accidents
• Some fractures are compound or displaced, requiring surgery, metal pins, or long-term immobilization.
• Recovery time can be months or longer, often involving extensive physical therapy.

Internal Injuries and Organ Damage

• Internal bleeding or organ damage is not always visible after a crash, but it can be deadly if untreated.
• Commonly injured organs include the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs.
• Symptoms may include abdominal pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or fainting.
• Internal injuries may require emergency surgery and can lead to long-term health complications, especially if diagnosis is delayed.

Lacerations, Burns, and Soft Tissue Injuries

• Lacerations are deep cuts caused by shattered glass, torn metal, or broken vehicle components.
• Burns may result from fuel leaks, engine fires, or battery explosions, common in high-impact truck crashes.
  • Burns can lead to disfigurement, nerve damage, and life-threatening infections.
• Soft tissue damage, including torn ligaments and tendons, is often overlooked at first but can cause chronic pain and reduced mobility.
• Many victims require skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, or scar revision procedures for severe burn or laceration injuries.

Psychological Trauma

• Surviving a truck accident can be an emotionally harrowing experience, particularly if the crash resulted in fatalities, serious injury, or permanent disability.
• Victims often report symptoms of:
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety or panic attacks
  • Flashbacks and nightmares
  • Driving phobias
  • Depression or withdrawal
• Emotional trauma can last months or years and frequently requires mental health counseling or therapy.
• Psychological injuries are especially common in multi-vehicle pileups or head-on truck collisions, where the fear of death or severe injury is intense and immediate.

Why Medical Documentation Is Critical

Many of these injuries, especially internal damage, TBIs, or emotional trauma ,may not present obvious symptoms immediately after the crash. That’s why it’s crucial to:

• Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel okay at the scene
• Follow all prescribed treatment plans and therapy sessions
• Maintain detailed records of your medical care, bills, and pain levels
• Work with a skilled New Jersey truck accident attorney to ensure your injuries are fully documented and valued in your claim

At Mallon and Tranger, we work closely with medical experts to evaluate, document, and present injury evidence that supports your case. Whether your injuries occurred in a collision on the New Jersey Turnpike, in Oakhurst, or on a rural road near Howell, our team of attorneys is here to fight for the compensation you need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in New Jersey?

Establishing liability in a New Jersey truck accident is more complex than in a typical car crash. That’s because trucking operations often involve multiple individuals and entities, each with different legal responsibilities. When a serious truck accident occurs on roads like the New Jersey Turnpike, I-295, or Route 130, determining exactly who is at fault requires thorough investigation and legal analysis.

Related: Evidence needed for your truck accident claim

In many cases, more than one party may be responsible for the accident. Under New Jersey’s comparative negligence laws, fault can be shared among multiple parties, and each is held liable in proportion to their role in causing the crash. As long as a victim is found to be less than 51% at fault, they may still recover damages, though their award will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common parties who may be held liable:

Truck Drivers

Truck drivers can be directly liable if they acted negligently or recklessly behind the wheel. Common examples of driver negligence include:

• Fatigued driving, especially when violating Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations
• Distracted driving, including texting, eating, or using GPS while in motion
• Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications
• Speeding or driving too fast for road or weather conditions
• Tailgating, unsafe lane changes, or aggressive driving

In many New Jersey truck accident cases, the driver’s own conduct is the first area of scrutiny. If a driver fails to follow traffic laws or safety standards, they can be held personally liable.

Trucking Companies (Motor Carriers)

Trucking companies have a legal duty to ensure safe hiring, training, and supervision of their drivers, as well as to maintain their fleets properly. They may be liable for:

• Negligent hiring (e.g., hiring drivers with poor driving records or no commercial driver’s license)
• Inadequate training on cargo securement, braking systems, or defensive driving
• Pushing unrealistic delivery schedules that force drivers to violate federal rest requirements
• Failing to inspect or maintain brakes, tires, or lights
• Allowing trucks to operate with known mechanical problems

In many New Jersey truck crash lawsuits, trucking companies are named as defendants under the doctrine of vicarious liability, meaning they are responsible for the acts of their drivers performed within the scope of employment.

Cargo Loaders and Shipping Companies

Improperly loaded or secured cargo is a major cause of truck accidents, particularly rollovers, jackknifes, or spilled cargo that causes secondary collisions. Liability may fall on third-party contractors or loading personnel when:

• The truck is overloaded or exceeds legal weight limits
• Cargo is improperly balanced, causing the vehicle to sway or tip
• Items shift or fall off due to inadequate restraints or tie-downs

In warehouse hubs like Elizabeth, Newark, or South Jersey, these accidents often happen when goods are hastily loaded during high-volume delivery cycles.

Truck and Component Manufacturers

When a mechanical failure or defective part plays a role in a crash, the truck or parts manufacturer may bear responsibility. This is known as product liability and can involve defects such as:

• Brake system failures
• Blown tires due to manufacturing flaws
• Faulty steering columns or axle shafts
• Malfunctioning electrical systems that affect headlights or signals

If a manufacturing defect caused or worsened the accident, victims may pursue a claim against the vehicle manufacturer or parts supplier.

Maintenance Providers and Repair Shops

Sometimes, the company responsible for maintaining or servicing the truck contributes to the crash by failing to identify or correct dangerous mechanical issues. This may involve:

• Neglecting to replace worn brake pads or tires
• Incorrectly repairing safety-critical systems
• Failing to detect fluid leaks or steering problems during inspections

These third-party service providers may be held liable if their negligent repair or oversight directly led to the collision.

Other Potentially Liable Parties

In some cases, additional parties may share liability, such as:

• Government agencies or road contractors responsible for unsafe road conditions, unmarked hazards, or poor signage
• Trailer or vehicle leasing companies that failed to ensure roadworthiness
• Fleet management companies tasked with monitoring truck safety compliance

How Comparative Negligence Affects Your Case

Under New Jersey’s comparative negligence rule (N.J.S.A. § 2A:15-5.1), each party’s share of liability impacts the final compensation award. For example:

• If a trucking company is found 70% at fault and the truck driver 30% at fault, both may be held financially responsible according to those percentages.
• If the injured plaintiff is 20% at fault, their total recovery will be reduced by 20%.

This rule makes it crucial to work with an experienced New Jersey truck accident attorney who can:

• Identify all responsible parties
• Accurately determine the extent of each party’s fault
• Defend against attempts by insurers to shift blame onto the victim

At Mallon and Tranger, we conduct thorough investigations using crash reports, black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and expert analysis to determine who should be held accountable. Whether your accident occurred in Monmouth County, Ocean County, or any major New Jersey highway, we are committed to building a strong case and helping you secure the full compensation you deserve.

How Can an Attorney Help After a New Jersey Truck Accident?

The aftermath of a truck accident is often overwhelming. Victims face severe injuries, mounting medical bills, lost income, and pressure from insurance companies. Unlike typical car accidents, truck crashes usually involve multiple liable parties, federal and state regulations, and complex evidence such as black box data and service logs. Without legal guidance, important details can be missed, and victims may settle for far less than they deserve.

At Mallon and Tranger, our New Jersey truck accident attorneys have the resources, experience, and dedication needed to thoroughly handle your case and protect your rights.

Here’s How We Help:

1. Comprehensive Investigation

We conduct an in-depth investigation to uncover the full story behind your crash. This may include:

• Obtaining and analyzing driver logs and hours-of-service (HOS) records
• Reviewing black box (event data recorder) data to understand speed, braking, and vehicle behavior before the crash
• Collecting maintenance records to determine if the truck was roadworthy
• Interviewing witnesses and reviewing traffic or dashcam footage
• Consulting with accident reconstruction specialists to establish liability

These steps are critical to building a solid foundation for your claim.

2. Identifying All Liable Parties

Truck accident cases often involve more than just the driver. We work to identify every responsible party, including:

• Truck drivers
• Trucking companies or motor carriers
• Vehicle maintenance providers
• Cargo loaders or shippers
• Truck manufacturers or component suppliers
• Government entities (if unsafe road conditions played a role)

By identifying all liable parties, we help you pursue maximum compensation from all available insurance policies.

3. Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Insurance carriers representing trucking companies are aggressive and often have teams of adjusters and defense lawyers working to minimize payouts. We protect you by:

• Handling all communications and negotiations on your behalf
• Countering lowball settlement offers with documented evidence of your damages
• Challenging insurers’ attempts to shift blame to you or downplay injuries
• Ensuring that your voice is heard and your recovery is prioritized

We don’t let insurers take advantage of our clients, especially during such a vulnerable time.

4. Filing a Lawsuit and Going to Trial (if necessary)

While many cases settle out of court, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial when needed. Litigation may be required if:

• The insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation
• Multiple parties dispute their share of fault
• Liability is denied entirely
• Damages are extensive or involve wrongful death

Our attorneys will represent you confidently before a judge or jury and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Every truck accident case is unique, but victims in New Jersey are often entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, mobility aids, and future medical needs.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work, as well as loss of future earning capacity if you are permanently or temporarily disabled.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and trauma related to the crash and injuries.
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and reimbursement for any personal property damaged in the crash (e.g., electronics, luggage, tools).
• Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, such as drunk driving or reckless disregard for safety regulations.
• Wrongful Death Compensation: For families who have lost a loved one in a truck accident, damages may include:
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of companionship and emotional support
  • Medical bills incurred prior to the victim’s passing

We work with injured victims throughout Ocean County, Monmouth County, and all of New Jersey in a wide array of personal injury cases, including: 

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Public transportation accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• And more

At Mallon and Tranger, we work closely with medical providers, financial experts, and accident investigators to document every aspect of your loss and pursue the full value of your claim. If you have lost a loved one in a New Jersey truck accident, our team is also here to help you pursue damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. 

Contact Mallon and Tranger After a New Jersey Truck Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in New Jersey, you don’t have to handle the legal system alone. Trucking companies and their insurers act fast to limit their liability and you should have someone on your side who acts just as quickly and aggressively to protect your interests.

At Mallon and Tranger, we understand how devastating a truck crash can be. We’ve helped clients across Freehold, Point Pleasant, and throughout the state get the compensation they need to move forward after life-changing collisions.

Why Choose Mallon and Tranger?

• Decades of experience in complex truck accident litigation
• Deep knowledge of both New Jersey law and federal trucking regulations
• Access to top experts in accident reconstruction and injury evaluation
• Compassionate, personalized legal support every step of the way

If you've been injured in a truck accident or lost a family member in a fatal crash, call Mallon and Tranger today at 732-780-0230 or connect with us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Information in New Jersey

• IIHS Fatality Facts: Large Trucks, 2023: Authoritative IIHS summary of national large truck crash statistics using FARS data, including 4,354 deaths in 2023, trend charts back to 1975, breakdowns by truck type, and where and when these crashes occur, updated July 2025.
• Dimensional and Weight Limits for Vehicles on New Jersey Roads (N.J.S.A. § 39:3-84): New Jersey Revised Statute § 39:3-84 sets the maximum legal size and weight for vehicles on state roads, including semi-trucks. It covers limits for width, height, length, and axle weight, while outlining exceptions for permits, farm equipment, tow trucks, and other special vehicles. Violations can result in enforcement and penalties.
• Large-Truck Crash Causation Study: NHTSA’s study examines serious truck crashes from 2001–2003, highlighting driver errors, vehicle issues, and environmental factors that cause semi-truck collisions, providing key insights for prevention and safety improvements.