Most truck accidents in New Jersey occur on urban two-lane roads with speed limits between 45-50 mph, not on highways, as many people assume. Areas such as US-1 in Middlesex County, NJ-17 in Bergen County, and Route 287 in Morris and Somerset counties experience some of the highest rates of truck crashes in the state.
Understanding where these accidents happen and why can help you stay alert on the road. And if you are involved in a crash, a New Jersey truck accident lawyer at Munley Law can help you understand your options. Contact us today to speak with an experienced truck crash attorney.
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Call Us At 844-686-5397 Where Do Most Truck Accidents Happen in New Jersey?
Some people may find it surprising that most truck accidents don’t happen on the highway. Still, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that accidents occur most frequently in zones with posted speed limits of 45-50 mph. Even though that speed limit is common on roadways, this suggests that accidents occur more frequently on non-highway, non-residential roads.
According to NJ Gov, the speed limit is 25 mph in school zones, business, or residential areas. Some lower-density areas may have posted limits of 35 mph, but all other roadways are 50 mph, and 55 or 65 mph on some state highways.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report indicates that truck accidents in New Jersey are most frequently reported in urban areas. The most recent reports show that 89.7% of accidents happen in these more densely populated areas. Of the 858 reported accidents, the data show that 451 occurred at a non-junction or at an intersection.
The data also indicates that most accidents occur on two-lane roads rather than on highways. This tends to make sense when considering that most driving on multi-lane roads and highways is straight, with very few stops, and more room to circumvent or maneuver around obstacles.
Additionally, two-lane roads tend to be slimmer and may have steep curves or shoulders. These characteristics make it critical for drivers to stay well-centered in the lane and avoid drifting or overcorrecting.
Specific High-Risk Areas in New Jersey
Any road can be dangerous under the right conditions, but some areas of New Jersey seem to have more accidents and fatalities than others. These include:
- US-1 in Middlesex County
- NJ-17 Bergen County
- I-78 Hunterdon County
According to New Jersey 101.5, truck accidents in New Jersey are down, but fatalities are up. In addition to the above problem areas, they identify Route 287 in Morris and Somerset Counties as one of the top 12 most dangerous areas.
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What Makes Some Roads More Dangerous For Trucks?
Several factors affect how often truck accidents occur in different areas:
- Rural vs. urban location: Urban roads have more congestion, while rural roads often see higher speeds.
- Speed limits: Higher speeds increase both the likelihood and severity of crashes.
- Number of lanes: More lanes mean more lane changes and merging conflicts.
- Road quality: Poor pavement, narrow shoulders, and inadequate signage contribute to accidents.
Despite being one of the most densely populated states, New Jersey has a relatively low traffic fatality rate. With around 8 million registered vehicles and 606 traffic-related deaths in the most recent reporting year, the state’s fatality rate is 7.1 per 100,000 drivers—below the national average, according to the NSC and U.S. Department of Energy data.
How Route Restrictions Help
In addition to federal restrictions on trucking companies to ensure driver and road user safety, New Jersey has implemented state-specific laws that address public safety and environmental concerns.
According to Title 16, Chapter 32, certain areas of New Jersey prohibit trucks weighing over 13 tons from using residential roads, except when necessary for pickups or deliveries. These include all residential areas and any environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, flood hazard areas, riparian corridors, and significant fish and wildlife habitats.
Additionally, large trucks and commercial vehicles are banned from the Garden State Parkway north of Exit 105 due to the Parkway’s design and intended purpose as an attractive residential road, as well as the noise and increased wear and tear they cause on the roadway.
Common Causes of New Jersey Truck Accidents
Federal and state agencies have been searching for ways to reduce truck accidents. In a Large Truck Crash Causation Study conducted by the FMCA, researchers identified several key causes of accidents. These include:
- Non-performance: where the driver fell asleep, suffered a medical event, or was otherwise impaired for another reason
- Recognition: where the driver was distracted by something or otherwise inattentive, causing them to miss early indicators or adequately react to a hazard
- Decision: when the driver made a decision that led to the accident, such as driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, or violating commercial truck laws and guidelines
- Performance: when a driver overcompensated, panicked, or otherwise exercised poor directional control
These are considered the primary causes of accidents. However, this study also considers external factors such as brake problems, unfamiliarity with the area, or other roadway issues. In a personal injury lawsuit, the attorneys at Munley Law may also investigate other points of liability, such as dock workers, mechanics, or even city contractors.
How to Protect Yourself on New Jersey Roadways
It’s impossible to predict an accident with 100% certainty, but there are some warning signs that you may want to keep your distance from a vehicle.
Truck drivers are often, but not always, responsible for accidents they are involved in, meaning that other drivers on the road may need to consider factors beyond the driver’s behavior when trying to anticipate the risk of an accident.
When you are looking for driver-related indicators to give space, you may want to look for a truck that is having trouble staying in its lane. An exhausted or intoxicated driver may be drifting into another lane or off the road. Similarly, a truck that seems to be following too closely is more likely to hit you in the event of a sudden stop.
Other indicators of a problem that may indicate an impending accident beyond the driver’s control include noticing the trailer is wobbling. This can cause the trailer to swing into other lanes of traffic. This may occur due to road issues, a blown tire, or improperly loaded cargo that has shifted suddenly.
One of the most obvious indicators is when a truck driver uses their horn. In situations where they are unable to avoid cars or stop, they may use their horn to signal to vehicles to get out of the way.
Safe Driving Practices
Vigilance while driving is always your first line of defense when it comes to avoiding an accident. However, in more congested parts of New Jersey, like Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, or Hudson Counties, they may be unavoidable. Thankfully, some driving practices can mitigate the damage:
- Give trucks space when turning
- Allow extra room before merging in front of them
- Stay aware that they have much larger blind spots, and try not to drive in them
- Drive predictably
- Adjust for weather and conditions
The data referenced above indicate that New Jersey truck accidents are more common on roads with poor conditions or heavy snow. Just like cars, trucks often need additional space when the roads are wet or icy, and staying vigilant, cautious, and predictable can be a critical protective factor.
Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents in New Jersey
Every civil case in New Jersey is subject to a statute of limitations. After a truck accident, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit in most cases. Some extenuating circumstances may toll or pause this time period.
Additionally, if your lawsuit is against a government agency or entity, you may have less than two years to file your claim. The only sure way to know is by contacting an attorney as soon as possible.
You may feel like two years is plenty of time to decide if you want to sue, but waiting to call an attorney puts you at a disadvantage compared to the trucking company, which has a team of experts to build its case. Strong cases are built by thorough investigation and expert aid, and we work with accident reconstruction and medical experts to bolster your case.
Truck Accident Cases Can Take Longer Than Expected
The longer you wait to begin building your case, the more difficult it can become to obtain the valuable information, such as driver logs and vehicle safety standards, needed to build your argument. In most accidents, you begin the process by trying to negotiate with the other party and only pursue a lawsuit when it is clear they will not provide a fair settlement offer.
The investigation and negotiation process can take months, which is a key reason to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Talk To a Munley Law NJ Track Attorney Now
Call Munley Law for the Representation You Need
Truck accidents can become complicated incredibly quickly due to the number of parties involved. When a truck accident leaves you injured, you are at an immediate disadvantage against a large company with significant resources.
Early and thorough investigation is often an integral step in a successful claim. Contact Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation and explore your options for the compensation you deserve.
