Unfortunately, long hours at work and multiple days of back-to-back of driving can lead to fatigue and increase a trucker’s risk of causing a crash. Being too drowsy to drive is worrisome enough that the federal government imposes Hours of Service rules to limit how long truckers can drive. 

Why is exhaustion such a serious safety concern for the commercial transportation industry? 

Fatigue Affects the Body Much as Alcohol Does

It may sound strange, but going for too long without sleep can affect driving much like having too much to drink. An exhausted driver has trouble focusing and staying awake. Decision-making will be harder than it usually is for them, and they may also have increased reaction time. 

The longer someone goes without adequate sleep, the greater those impairments become. Federal trucking laws limit drive times in part to protect the public from the risk caused by exhausted drivers. When a driver violates the Hours of Service rules that limit how long they can be at the wheel or their employer demands that they keep driving until they reach their destination, they may put other people on the road at unnecessary risk. 

Learning more about the rules that apply to the trucking industry could help you pursue a claim after a commercial vehicle crash.

If this happens, it means that someone slept on their job, and you ought to hold them liable for their negligence.

The Law is Very Clear

In regulating the trucking industry, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Authority (FMCSA) has rules that trucking companies, drivers and loading crews need to follow. These regulations detail how cargo should be secured using the proper equipment to reduce the risk of improperly secured loads.

Who is at Fault in an Accident Involving Unsecured Cargo?

All fingers may point to the truck driver if an unsecured load causes an accident, but they may not be the only ones to blame. Other parties may share in the responsibility as well.

For instance, the trucking company may be liable if it violated FMCSA’s cargo regulations by using substandard equipment. Equally, if a loading crew was contracted to load the truck, they could also be liable for the accident caused by the unsecured cargo.

Getting Justice

If you are a victim of an accident caused by unsecured cargo, you need to protect your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

However, you need to know that trucking accident claims are unlike other car accident claims. There could be several liable parties, and the compensation figure may be pretty significant if your injuries are severe. Therefore, it could help your case if you learn more about dealing with such accidents and what you need to do to strengthen your claim.

The best thing to do in a blind spot is to get out of it. Alternatively, try and avoid finding yourself in one. You do not want to be in an area where you are invisible to the driver of an 8,000-pound truck. An accident can be catastrophic, if not fatal.

Avoiding Blind Spots

The simple rule is that if you cannot see the truck driver, they most likely can’t see you. Therefore, it is important not to get too close to all sides of the truck. If you are driving behind a large truck and cannot overtake safely, be sure to maintain a safe distance. Equally, give enough space if you are driving in front of one. The truck driver cannot see the spot directly in front of the vehicle by design.

Who is at Fault in a Blind Spot Accident?

Like all other road crashes, determining fault is not easy, and it depends on the circumstances of the crash. For instance, did you have the right of way? Even if you were in another driver’s blind spot, it does not mean that they are free of responsibility if they were negligent.

Always Be Prepared

Driving near trucks is almost inevitable, which is why you should be prepared for such kinds of accidents. If you find yourself in one, you need to take steps towards protecting your legal rights. Truck accidents are not like ordinary car crashes, and things can get complicated. Anticipating any challenges will put you in a better position when it comes to getting the compensation you need for your injuries and property damage.

Commercial Drivers Can Operate for Up to 14 Hours per Day

On any given day, a driver can be considered on-duty for up to 14 hours. However, that person is only allowed to drive for up to 11 hours during that period of time. Within that window, a commercial motorist is allowed to drive for up to eight consecutive hours. After reaching this limit, he or she must take a break before resuming driving activities for another three hours.

During the other three hours on duty, this individual can perform other tasks that don’t involve operating a commercial motor vehicle, such as inspecting the vehicle or overseeing cargo loading. It’s important to note that a driver cannot begin a new shift until completing a rest period of at least 10 hours.

Weekly Limits Also Apply to Commercial Truck Drivers

A driver is not allowed to work more than 60 hours over a period of seven days. Furthermore, a commercial motorist cannot work more than 70 hours during a period of eight days. If a truck is not in operation every day, the operator of that vehicle must adhere to the rule of 60 hours per seven days. Violating either of these rules may be seen as negligent behavior in a truck accident case.

If you are hurt in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other damages. You may have to prove that the accident was caused by the actions of an irresponsible driver.

How Truck Debris Causes Motor Vehicle Accidents

Trucks carry a number of different materials, and some types are more prone to causing motor vehicle accidents than others. The most common type is plastic, which can cause flat tires or punctured gas tanks if it gets shot into a tire. Other problem debris includes metal shavings and pieces from wood pallets that get stuck between rotors on car brakes. Flying wheels are also a major problem. When trucks are on the road, these items can become projectiles, hurting motor vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and other people.

What you should do to avoid accidents caused by truck debris? Before worrying about how to handle a truck debris lawsuit, you should take the following measures:

Take Precaution

The best way to avoid motor vehicle accidents caused by truck debris is to take precautionary steps when driving near trucks. Keep an eye on any nearby truck for signs of potential problems before anything happens, like old or worn parts. If you see anything that looks suspicious, stop your car and pull over to the side of the road until it’s safe for you to continue driving.

Also, avoid coming close to a truck to see what it’s carrying. Doing so would put you in danger if something were to fall off the back.

Investigate Safely

One of the best ways to avoid motor vehicle accidents involving truck debris is by doing your research before driving around trucks. Know which types of materials they’re carrying so that you’ll know what to look out for.

Finding yourself in a motor vehicle accident caused by truck debris can be a scary experience. However, you can avoid such an accident if you’re informed about them and by taking precautionary steps while driving on the road. Having the right legal representation when you find yourself in such an accident can also help you a great deal.

Trucks Follow the Federal Law

Unlike personal vehicles, commercial trucks follow the rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Both drivers and trucking companies are required to comply with the regulations set by this organization. Failure to do so can result in accidents, and those who violate these rules are held accountable. In the event of a truck accident, the FMCSA mainly checks on violations such as:

• Excess cargo
• Impaired driving
• Logbook violations
• Roadworthiness of the vehicle

To build a strong case, it’s essential that you gather all evidence immediately after the accident. Some trucking companies might try to hide evidence to avoid liability.

Trucks Have Different Insurance Policies

It’s important for you to understand that insurance companies have different coverage for personal cars and commercial trucks. The damage compensation from a commercial policy can be quite high, but most insurance carriers wish to avoid large payouts. Therefore, retaining an attorney may be vital to receiving compensation following a truck accident.

Truck Accidents Often Involve Multiple Vehicles

Most motor vehicle accidents involve the initiating vehicle and a single pedestrian or other car. However, truck accidents often involve multiple cars. Since trucks are large and heavy, drivers are sometimes unable to control them during emergencies. Consequently, a truck may end up hitting several cars, making it complex for investigators to determine the precise chain of events.

Since truck accidents are complex, contact an attorney immediately after the accident. An attorney might help you in negotiating fair compensation.

What’s Causing Delivery Driver-Involved Crashes?

According to a recent report from ProPublica and BuzzFeed News, Amazon’s delivery drivers became involved in 60 separate motor vehicle accidents in the past five years. These accidents caused the deaths of 13 people and contributed to many more injuries.

Executives from Amazon reportedly declined to implement newly proposed safety measures for drivers. These measures called for Amazon drivers to take part in increased safety requirements. There was also a proposal to drug-test all of Amazon’s drivers.

Another possible reason for these delivery driver-involved collisions has to do with Rabbit, Amazon’s GPS app. According to this same investigation, drivers reported that Rabbit would sometimes give incorrect and unsafe directions.

Amazon’s Response to These Allegations

In a statement released to BuzzFeed News, an Amazon spokesperson denied any allegations of the company putting profits over driver safety. This hasn’t been the first time Amazon has had to respond to safety concerns. In 2021, the company responded to a request from senators to safety concerns about its delivery network and stated that safety is “Amazon’s top priority.”

If you were involved in a collision with a delivery driver, it could be wise to get in touch with a car accident attorney. Vicarious liability might apply to the case, meaning you may be able to hold the driver’s employer responsible for your injuries. An experienced attorney may evaluate your case and inform you of your legal options.

A Persistent Problem

Drowsy driving always poses a threat to other road users, but it is especially dangerous when a fatigued individual is behind the wheel of a vehicle weighing as much as 40 tons. Fatigue is a persistent problem for truck drivers because the nature of the work makes scheduling rest periods difficult. Driving a truck can be extremely monotonous, the dining options are often unhealthy, and drivers are under pressure to meet deadlines, which all contribute to fatigue.

Hours of Service Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has regulations that mandate rest at certain intervals and place strict limits on how long truck drivers can spend on the road, and commercial vehicles have electronic logging devices that monitor shifts and journeys. However, these devices do not always tell the whole story. The truck driver involved in the Tracy Morgan accident had an hour left on his 14-hour shift when he crashed, but he drove for 12 hours in his personal vehicle before starting work.

Truck Accident Lawsuits

When their clients have suffered injuries in motor vehicle accidents that fatigued truck drivers may have been caused, experienced personal injury attorneys may check hours of service logs and NTSB reports for evidence that they could use in a civil lawsuit. Lawyers may also use subpoenas to obtain health records that could reveal the driver involved had been prescribed narcotic drugs or diagnosed with a medical condition, like sleep apnea.

Police Reports

The most obvious type of evidence to collect after a trucking accident is the police report. You can request this documentation for your records. An inspector will also look at the truck to determine if there were any mechanical malfunctions or concerns that may have caused the accident to occur.

First-Hand Evidence

Another source of evidence to collect after an accident is that from first-hand accounts. This can include photos of the wreck and of the damages. Witness statements and videos come into play here to give a more accurate account of exactly what happened.

Electronic Logs

Another important piece of evidence is an electronic log. This includes how much driving a trucker does in one span of time without a break. If a person is driving without frequent enough breaks, they are an impaired driver.

Spoliation Letters

A lawyer who has experience handling truck accident cases may create a spoliation letter for your records. This will preserve evidence including:

• Weigh station results
• Electronic logs
• Driver qualifications
• Driving records
• Employer instructions

This letter will hold any evidence you need for your claim. All documentation found here could be crucial to your case.

A personal injury after a truck accident is a common occurrence, and it may cause mounting medical bills and other losses. An experienced lawyer may help guide you through the entire personal injury claim process.

These are some tips to reduce the risk of being in a truck accident:

• Give them space: Trucks are the least agile vehicles on our roads. They take longer to change direction or stop than you do in your car. Allowing them extra room reduces the chance they collide with you.
• Be patient: If you are in a rush to get home, it can be frustrating to get stuck behind a tractor-trailer. It could cause you to overtake when you are not entirely sure it is safe to do so. Getting it wrong will delay you much more than waiting until the road ahead is clear.
• Ensure they know you are there: This does not mean honking your horn or flashing your lights at every truck. Rather, avoid sitting in the significant blind spots that each trucker has. Truck drivers cannot see you if you sit under the cab’s nose or tuck in tight behind them. They have a small blind spot to the left of their cab. They have a much larger one to the right, extending the trailer’s length and into the next lane.

If you are in a truck accident, you will need legal representation. You may be facing considerable medical expenses and loss of earnings due to your injuries. Truck drivers can make mistakes when driving. Staying out of their way reduces the chance their errors affect you.

According to a report by the National Safety Council (NSC), 43% of workers are sleep-deprived. Those most likely to be suffering from lack of sleep are people who work nights or irregular shifts. While their report does not divide people by the jobs they do, it is likely many truck drivers fall into this 43%. What is worse, they found fatigued drivers were three times more likely to crash than well-rested drivers.

Our bodies function best when they have set rhythms to abide by. Before the invention of electric lighting, most people got up with the sun and went to sleep shortly after it got dark. They ate at set times, worked regular hours each day, and got a good eight hours or more of sleep every day.

Think about a truck driver. They eat when they get a chance, their hours vary wildly from day to day, and they often have to grab sleep in chunks of less than eight hours. There is no pattern to the shifts many truckers work, so their bodies never benefit from the natural rhythms they need.

So, next time you are out on New Jersey’s highways, give truckers a wide berth. You never know when they last slept, or how well they slept. They may well be hanging in there fuelled by coffee and energy drinks, in which case their decision making and concentration will be far from optimal. It only takes a second for an 18 wheeler to drift across your lane and send you off the road. If a fatigued trucker crashes into you, seek legal help. 

Unfortunately, all it takes is one unsafe act by a driver (whether that’s the one in the cab of the truck or the one behind the wheel of the smaller vehicle) to cause a major catastrophe. For the most part, truck accidents are caused by these kinds of issues:

1. Driver fatigue: The long hours, physical stress and hectic schedules can leave drivers woefully sleep-deprived, and tired drivers make foolish mistakes behind the wheel.
2. Drugged and drunk drivers: Despite all of the warnings against it and potential consequences, there are truckers who will get behind the wheel while high or drunk.
3. Distracted driving: Truck drivers are just like everyone else — distracted by everything from their own thoughts to their smartphones. Either way, they often don’t have 100% of their attention where it should be.
4. Inadequate training: Truckers are in high demand these days, and that’s prompting some companies to put drivers on the open road before they’re ready.
5. Speeding: The faster that a big rig goes, the more likely the driver will have trouble stopping it or controlling its movements around curves, bridges and valleys. That can easily lead to wrecks, lost loads and rollovers.

Trucking companies are largely responsible for the actions of their drivers, but they don’t like to pay large settlements after accidents. That’s why it’s wise to seek experienced representation for your truck accident claim as soon as possible.

A family returning home from eating out on a Sunday afternoon was struck in an intersection along West Boulevard in Franklin Township. The impact caused both vehicles to veer out of control. They both went off the side of the road and the car flipped and became pinned under the cab of the truck.

The couple’s adult daughter, a 19-year-old, had been driving the car. She and her parents were all pronounced dead at the scene. The son, an 11-year-old boy, was transported to a nearby hospital with multiple injuries. The truck driver suffered what were believed to be minor neck and head injuries. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

No matter how often one hears and pays attention to admonitions to drive carefully, drive defensively or slow down, accidents remain a constant threat on New Jersey’s crowded roadways. As carefully as one may try to foresee every possible eventuality, a tragic truck accident can still happen. The loss of almost an entire family is such a tragic event and the young boy faces a long recovery, both mentally and physically. Nothing can bring back the family who was lost. A civil lawsuit against the party deemed responsible could provide compensation for medical costs, final costs and other verifiable losses.

The accident happened on Cedar Swamp Road. A tractor-trailer was traveling south when it crashed into a car headed north. The truck then crashed into Glory’s Market and came to a stop near the checkout aisle. The employee who was working at the register reportedly saw what was about to happen and yelled ‘run’ shortly before the impact of the crash. The cashier was seriously injured.

The cashier and a customer of the store were both buried under the rubble. Store employees and customers came to the aid of the injured and both were transported to an area hospital. The employee is reportedly in very serious condition and the customer is listed as critical. The drivers of both the truck and the car suffered minor injuries. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Serious and unexpected injuries in New Jersey take people by surprise, and in the shock and confusion that ensues one might not be sure of what steps to take to ensure that physical and property damages are appropriately addressed. Having a conversation with a personal injury attorney can be an important first step. A lawyer can review the facts of a truck accident and help to determine if a civil lawsuit against the party deemed responsible is a possible option. A successfully litigated claim can help with compensation for medical costs and other verifiable losses.

The accident happened about 8:30 on a recent evening in Newark. The young man, a student at New Jersey Institute of Technology, was riding his bike near McCarter Highway and Gouverneur Street when he was hit by the construction vehicle. The young man who died was the son of an area councilman.

The young man was transported to University hospital where he was pronounced dead as a result of his injuries. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Newark Police and NJ Transit Police are all investigating the cause of the accident. No charges have yet been filed against the driver of the construction vehicle.

The sudden death of a loved one in a truck accident, especially a young one whose adult life is just beginning, is hard to bear in New Jersey. While nothing can bring the deceased person back, a family suffering from such a loss may wish to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer can review the facts of the accident and may be able to determine if a civil suit against the parties deemed responsible is a viable option. A successfully litigated claim could assist with medical costs, burial costs and other verifiable losses.

The accident happened during rush hour on Route 1 in Edison. According to witnesses, a string of cars were stopped at a red light when the truck came up from behind and failed to stop. The ensuing collision caused damage to multiple vehicles and injured 10 people, one of them critically. A van carrying a woman and her two daughters received the most damage. The daughters were treated and released at an area hospital, but their mother remains hospitalized in critical condition.

A witness described the accident as resulting from a domino effect of the truck hitting the cars. The impact from the truck pushed the cars into each other. Traffic was delayed for hours. The specific cause of the accident is still under investigation.

When loved ones are injured in a truck accident in New Jersey the first concern will be for the welfare of those who were hurt. As the injured begin to recover, questions may linger as to how the accident happened. A person in such a situation may benefit from a consultation with a personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer can review the circumstances surrounding the accident and can advise his or her client if a civil suit against the parties deemed responsible for the accident is a viable option. A successfully litigated claim can help with medical costs, lost wages and other verifiable losses.

A dump truck traveling on Interstate 78 collided with three cars at about 3 p.m. The skid marks on the road indicate the truck may have lost control and crashed through the median and so collided with cars coming in the opposite direction. The driver of one vehicle was killed. The driver of the truck and the other two vehicles suffered minor injuries.

The accident happened near Berkeley Heights and caused major disruption during the evening rush hour. The backup extended for over five miles. Drivers were stuck in traffic for up to four hours and some traffic lanes were closed for eight hours. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

People are told to drive defensively and be prepared for the unexpected in New Jersey. While a driver may monitor the traffic going in the same direction, it is almost impossible to prepare for a truck accident that comes from the other direction on a divided highway. The shock and grief to a family and loved ones of a person lost in such an accident can be overwhelming and as the feelings of grief subside, family and loved ones may wish to find answers and possibly some closure. Talking to an experienced personal injury attorney may be of help in such a circumstance. A knowledgeable lawyer can review the situation and assist his or her client in determining if a civil suit against the parties deemed responsible is a viable option.

On Thursday, May 17, at about 10:30 a.m., a group of middle schoolers were on their way to Waterloo Village, a restored historic town. The bus they were riding in collided with a dump truck. The school bus was equipped with seat belts. The accident occurred on westbound I-80 near Mount Olive.

A teacher and a student died as a result of the accident. More than a dozen adults and students were transported to area hospitals. Some were seriously injured and required surgery. The school bus was resting on its side as a result of the crash, and the front of the bus was severely damaged. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Parents trust the care and well-being of their children to the bus drivers, teachers and administrators who interact with their children throughout the school day in New Jersey. When the worst happens, and a child or loved one dies as a result of a truck accident, feelings of shock and grief may be overwhelming. In the wake of their shock and grief, people may want to know where to turn for answers. A conversation with an experienced personal injury attorney may prove beneficial. A knowledgeable attorney may be able to advise them on legal avenues that are open to them that may enable them to receive compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, final costs and pain and suffering.

Source: The Washington Post, “New Jersey school bus crash that killed student, teacher under investigation, officials say“, Debbie Truong, May 18, 2018

On a recent Monday morning, an accident occurred involving a dump truck and two other vehicles. It is reported that the two vehicles suffered major damage. The dump truck also suffered damage as it overturned as a result of the accident. A 42-year-old man became trapped in his car during the incident. Emergency crews were able to remove him from the vehicle and take him to the local hospital for treatment.

Unfortunately, the man succumbed to the injuries he suffered from the accident. Other drivers suffered minor injuries in the three-vehicle accident. The crash remains under investigation, though no charges have been filed at this time.

Truck accidents involving other vehicles occur every day, many times with much smaller vehicles. If the evidence suggests that the truck driver was negligent in the truck accident, the family of the deceased may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim. If successfully litigated, the claim can help offset the financial burdens a family may face in the event of an unexpected death. Families facing similar situations can enlist the help of a New Jersey attorney to begin the filing process for a wrongful death claim.

Source: nj.com, “1 dead in crash involving dump truck, 2 other vehicles“, Amanda Hoover, April 30, 2018

During the early afternoon, the vehicle with the two passengers and the dump truck collided head-on. The collision resulted in a large fire, igniting both motor vehicles. The responding firemen did not realize that the accident included one of their own as they responded to the scene. 

A significant portion of the road was closed to traffic to repair damages to the surrounding poles and sections that lost power due to the fire. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. The driver of the truck was not injured and has not been charged with a crime in connection with the incident. 

As two families are likely grappling with the loss of their loved ones in the tragic truck accident, financial burdens can result from an unexpected death. Families can seek the aid of a New Jersey attorney to assess the viability of filing a wrongful death claim in similar cases. With a successful litigated claim, monetary damages may be awarded to help cover funeral and burial expenses and other financial losses.

Source: nj.com, “Firefighter dies in horrific head-on crash with dump truck“, Chris Sheldon, March 26, 2018