Tractor-Trailer Caused 4-Vehicle Crash; Minor Injuries Reported
A tractor-trailer losing control on a busy freeway is the stuff nightmares are made of, but the good news is that nobody was killed in a recent multi-vehicle crash in New Jersey. Those involved suffered minor injuries.
A Freightliner tractor-trailer lost control on the New Jersey Turnpike on the morning of July 22. This caused a four-vehicle crash in Teaneck. The accident happened in the northbound express lanes near milepost 119.2.
According to New Jersey State Police, the tractor-trailer lost directional control, causing it to hit the center median and an IHC box truck. The impact pushed the IHC truck into a Cadillac SUV. The SUV then rear-ended a Hyundai box truck.
The drivers of the Freightliner, IHC box truck, and Cadillac SUV suffered minor injuries. They were taken to a local hospital for medical treatment. There were no other injuries reported.
The accident caused debris to scatter across the left lanes of the Turnpike. There was major damage to both the Freightliner and IHC box truck. The accident is still under investigation.
Dangers of Out-of-Control Semi Trucks
An out-of-control semi truck can become one of the most dangerous vehicles on the road. Because these vehicles weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, tractor-trailers have far more momentum than a passenger vehicle, making it difficult to stop or maneuver during an emergency. When a truck driver loses control, the consequences are often severe.
Several factors can contribute to a truck becoming uncontrollable, including:
- Excessive speed
- Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo
- Brake or tire failure
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Poor weather conditions
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Sudden evasive maneuvers
- Mechanical defects
Semi trucks can cause catastrophic injuries and even fatalities. Here are some other dangers associated with an out-of-control semi truck:
- Longer stopping distances. If the driver loses control due to speeding, brake failure or slippery roads, the truck may be unable to stop before striking other vehicles, pedestrians or roadside objects.
- Jackknife accidents. A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings outward, forming a sharp angle with the cab. This can block multiple lanes of traffic and lead to chain-reaction crashes.
- Rollover crashes. High centers of gravity make semi trucks more likely to roll over during sharp turns, sudden steering maneuvers or when traveling too fast for road conditions. A rollover can crush nearby vehicles.
- Cargo spills. An out-of-control truck may lose part or all of its cargo. Debris scattered across the road can create hazards for other motorists, leading to secondary collisions. Hazardous materials may also pose fire, explosion or environmental risks.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
An out-of-control semi truck can cause a lot of damage. While multiple vehicles were involved in this crash, the good news is that there were only minor injuries, which is rare in such accidents.
If you have been injured in any kind of truck accident which was caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another party, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages. A Morristown truck accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff can help with investigations, presentations, arguments, and negotiations. To schedule a consultation, call (973) 455-1567 or fill out the online form.
Source:
newjersey.news12.com/video-shows-aftermath-of-nj-turnpike-crash-sparked-by-out-of-control-freightliner
