New Jersey Turnpike Truck Accident Causes Fire, Kills

A dump truck travelling southbound on the New Jersey Turnpike in Linden August 4 reportedly overturned underneath an overpass and caught fire. The truck driver was killed in the accident, which closed the Turnpike for close to 12 hours. The reason why the accident happened remains unknown.

Smoke was visible for miles after the crash. As a precaution, authorities closed the overpass due to concerns about its structural integrity, as support beams were in contact with the fire and may have been weakened. Underground utilities were also damaged, leaving some residents in the area without power. Traffic was likewise heavily impacted by the closure, with vehicles backed up for miles even though authorities attempted to divert them from the section of highway.

The dangers of truck accidents

Statistics show that commercial vehicles like the dump truck involved in this recent crash cause significantly more damage than passenger vehicles when they are involved in accidents. In the last year for which data is available, 4,000 people were killed in the United States and 104,000 people injured in collisions involving large trucks. In multiple-vehicle crashes, commercial trucks are significantly more likely to involve a fatality, as well.

The reasons for this are often a matter of simple physics, as commercial vehicles are larger and heavier. In fact, some commercial trucks may weigh in excess of 100,000 pounds with their loads and can span more than 60 feet in length. When confronted with an emergency situation, such as the one that conceivably faced the dump truck driver, it takes more time to slow down or change direction to avoid a collision.

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident and you believe another party was at fault, speak with an experienced New York City personal injury attorney at [ln::firm_name] for further guidance on your next steps.