Case Study: National and New Jersey Truck Accident Trends 2014 to 2018
Over 35 years of experience. Over $100 million recovered for clients.
Abstract
Trucking accidents are on the rise across the country and in New Jersey. Statistics from the National Highway Safety Administration reflect the increasing trend in accidents each year nationwide. According to the Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash Comparative Data Report for the State of New Jersey 2018, compiled by the New Jersey State Police, shows that New Jersey fatal truck accidents are following national trends. An examination of data from 2014 to 2018 shows a steady increase in fatal truck accidents in the United States. Families of victims of fatal truck accidents and those injured in truck accidents can seek help from personal injury attorneys. Plaintiffs can seek compensation for medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, lost income, and more.
Data Collection
The data used for this report was taken from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the American Trucking Association (ATA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), and the New Jersey State Police.
Trucking Industry Overview
According to numbers provided by the American Trucking Association (ATA), there are approximately 8.7 million people employed by the trucking industry. This includes 3.5 million professional truck drivers in the United States. Truck drivers combined drive over 400 billion miles every year, according to the ATA. The trucking industry transports over 10 billion tons of freight each year. According to data provided by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), there were 151,605,435 total registered trucks in 2017. The nation's roads and highways are crowded with trucks ranging from large semi-trucks to 18-wheelers.
Whether loaded or not, big rigs can weight up to 30 times as much as regular passenger vehicles. Moreover, trucks are taller and have more ground clearance, which can result in smaller vehicles under-riding trucks in collisions. Passenger vehicles are at an increased risk severe injuries, damages and even death in case of an accident.
National Truck Accident Trends
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in 2017, there were approximately 1,889,000 injury crashes for all motor vehicle crashes and 34,246 fatal crashes for all motor vehicles. More specifically, for truck accidents, the FMCSA reported that in 2017 there were 4,237 fatal crashes involving large trucks and 102,000 injury crashes involving large trucks.
Between 2016 and 2017, the United States saw that large trucks involved in fatal crashes increased 10 percent. The number of large trucks involved in injury crashes increased by 5 percent in that same time period. There were 13 fatal large truck crashes per million people in the United States in 2017, a 23 percent increase from 2010.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2018 there were 33,654 fatal crashes across the United States. More specifically, there were 19,775 light trucks and 4,862 large trucks involved in fatal crashes across the United States. According to NHTSA, 36,560 people were killed. The data shows that large trucks were involved in 9.4 percent of fatal wrecks in 2018.
Alcohol
Alcohol remains one of the largest contributors to traffic accidents in New Jersey and across the nation. Alcohol impairs a driver's balance, vision, motor skills, cognitive thinking skills, and their ability to act reasonably. When a driver is under the influence of alcohol, they are also more inclined to drive at unsafe speeds, which increases the likelihood of a crash.
Distracted Driving
Any activity that takes the driver's attention away from the primary task of driving is distracted driving. While grooming, eating, reading, or talking to passengers are forms of driver distraction, texting while driving is by far the most alarming form of driver distraction because it takes the driver's eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, and their attention away from driving.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the greatest contributors to car accidents. The higher the speed, the less control a driver has over a vehicle and therefore the higher the chances of a collision. As speed increases, so does the risk of severe bodily injuries or death for those involved in the accident.
Automotive Defects
As a consumer, we expect that automotive products have been designed to keep us safe and will not pose a danger to us. When auto products that are designed to protect us do not function properly, it can result in severe injuries. Car manufacturers have a duty to provide their consumers with safe products. Sadly, many automotive products are responsible for many deadly car accidents.
Dangerous Roadways
Car accidents involving dangerous roadways usually result in legal action against a government agency like a state or federal transportation agency. Lawsuits against government agencies are complex because they proceed according to different rules than lawsuits against private citizens. There are strict time limitations to place the governmental agencies on notice for these types of claims. In New Jersey, pursuant to NJSA Title 59 statute, there is a 90 notice requirement of your intentions to bring a claim. It is wise to seek legal counsel from car accident lawyers with experience in these types of cases promptly so that your rights can be protected and preserved.
We often work with transportation engineers and accident reconstructionists to develop a clear picture of how the presence of dangerous conditions on the road contributed to the accident and resulting injuries or death. We work diligently and we do not rest until we have put forth our best effort to get our clients the compensation they need after being hurt in a car accident.
Examples of poor road conditions include:
- Potholes
- Bad drainage systems, such as not having an adequate cross-slope to keep water off the road
- Water on the road which can lead to hydroplaning
- Ice on the road
- Drop-offs
- Incorrect or missing signage
- Dangerous curves
- Inadequate median dividers or guardrails such as defective attenuators
It is critical following a potential road defect accident case that all of the appropriate evidence is collected and analyzed such as the police investigative materials, fatal accident reports, photographs, measurements, CAD reports, witness statements, surveys of the road, and other key information.
Uber / Lyft accident injuries
Snow, ice, sleet, freezing rain, and heavy winds all increase the risk of accidents for cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, and other vehicles traveling throughout New Jersey. White-out conditions are especially dangerous, Once an Uber or Lyft driver accepts a passenger, he or she must have a commercial car insurance policy with at least $1.5 million in liability coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damage. They must also provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in an amount of at least $1.5 million, which covers all who occupy the vehicle if another motorist causes an accident and does not have any insurance, or does not have sufficient insurance.
When not providing a pre-arranged ride, an Uber or Lyft driver must maintain liability insurance for at least $50,000 for death or bodily injury, per person, and $100,000 for death or bodily injury per incident, and $25,000 for property damage.
If you’ve been seriously injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, contact our team of experienced New Jersey Uber / Lyft Accident Attorneys at (973) 920-7900.
Types of Car Accidents
Car crashes come in many forms and have a variety of root causes. Some of the most common types of car accidents we've seen include:
Distracted Driving
Texting while driving is one of the most well-known and dangerous types of distracted driving. It is not just irresponsible; in our state, it is illegal. Many experts have compared its impairment and slowed reaction times to those of drunk driving. A person who chooses to send a text while driving is making a reckless decision that endangers every other motorist and pedestrian on the road. If their actions lead to a car accident that causes property damage, injury, or even death, then they deserve to be held accountable. Beyond that, any and all victims deserve compensation for their loss and suffering.
Head-on Collisions
These are some of the most dangerous types of accidents because of the general speed involved when the collision occurs. A head-on collision is one where the front ends of two vehicles collide, and these types of accidents usually occur when one vehicle strays into the path of an oncoming vehicle. The root cause can be a steering overcorrection, drunk driving, speeding, or distracted driving.
Rear-end Collisions
This is an accident where a vehicle crashes into the vehicle in front of it. Common causes of rear-end collisions include tailgating, driver inattention, distracted driving, and panic stops. While the typical consequences of a rear-end collision include whiplash or herniation, in the case of minivans and the rearmost passengers, the injuries can be fatal because of the short rear crumple zone.
Multi-vehicle Collisions
Also known as a pile-up, this is a traffic accident involving many vehicles. Pile-ups generally occur on highways and they are one of the deadliest forms of traffic accidents. Causes of multi-vehicle collisions include low-visibility conditions, black ice, and/or other road hazards that drivers encounter unexpectedly rounding a curve or the crest of a hill. Determining the cause can be very difficult for investigators and it can often be impossible to tell if negligence was the cause of the crash.
Side Collisions
These are a type of vehicle crash where the side of one or more vehicles is impacted. They usually occur at intersections when two vehicles pass a roadway that has multiple lanes. They are common when a driver runs a red light or a stop sign and fails to yield the right of way. An occupant in a side-impact crash can sustain far more severe injuries than in a rear or front-end collision because of the lack of protection that is otherwise provided by the front- and rear-end of a vehicle.
Snow and ice accidents
Snow, ice, sleet, freezing rain, and heavy winds all increase the risk of accidents for cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, and other vehicles traveling throughout New Jersey. White-out conditions are especially dangerous, making visibility poor and travel treacherous. According to the American Journal of Public Health, traffic accidents caused by poor weather conditions result in an estimated 1.5 million accidents every year with injuries in the 800,000 range.
When drivers are dealing with icy road conditions (such as black ice on the road), the risk of a spinout and/or losing control of your vehicle is much higher than normal. Ice spinouts occur when the tires of the vehicle lose traction with the road because of ice on the road's surface. In some cases, the spinout only affects one vehicle. In other cases, a number of vehicles can be impacted, potentially causing a multi-vehicle pileup.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving accidents can occur at any time with devastating consequences. In 2011, drunk driving accidents claimed the lives of almost 10,000 Americans and injured another 350,000. When looked at closer, that would equate to even more than one fatality per hour. Clearly, drunk driving is a nationwide threat devastating the lives of victims and their families.
Drunk driving accidents are set apart from other accidents because, rather than being caused by simple negligence, they find their origin in outright recklessness. It is against the law to drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs. When one person disregards those laws and causes an accident due to being intoxicated, it can change the lives of many people forever.
While law enforcement agencies work to reduce the hazard of drunk driving on our New Jersey roads and the criminal justice system prosecutes those drunk drivers they are able to catch, there are still many serious drunk driving accidents and deaths. Our New Jersey drunk driving car accident lawyers are here for the victims and their families in order to help them rebuild their lives. Drunk drivers should not only be prosecuted criminally, but we believe very strongly they should compensate the actual victims of their accidents as well.
We will investigate your drunk driving accident and obtain all of the police investigative materials including the report, witness statements, surveillance footage, breathalyzer readings, and other related evidence. We work very closely with various experts, including bar experts on the standard of care for bartenders and bars, toxicologists, and accident reconstructionists to determine who the responsible parties are. We also explore whether or not you have a viable claim against any bar(s) that may have served the drunk driver. We will fight to protect your rights and make sure that the person responsible for your injuries is held accountable for their actions. Our New Jersey car accident attorney, Todd Leonard, has been recognized by New Jersey's Super Lawyers® magazine for his ability to successfully represent drunk driving accident victims just like you.
Our car accident attorneys will be able to help you determine what the cause of your car accident was, as well as what its direct consequences will be. For many people, the most drastic result of their car accident is the injuries they must now deal with.
Mr. Leonard’s law firm constantly kept in touch and on top of my problems. They were quick to respond to my legal needs and were very attentive and showed real concern to my issues. I highly recommend them to anyone needing legal representation.
– L.W. November 21, 2017
Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can often cause serious injuries requiring hospitalization, permanent disability, or can prove to be fatal. Some of the other injuries we’ve seen in our more than 30 years of helping people after being hurt in car accidents include herniated discs, brain injuries, nerve injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries. We have helped our clients and their families following a wide variety of car accident-related injuries. If you have been seriously injured in an auto accident, the assistance of an experienced New Jersey auto accident attorney is critical to assist you throughout your long recovery process.
Serious Car Accident Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Fractured Bones
- Nerve Injuries
- Herniated Discs
- Amputations
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries
The state of New Jersey requires motorists to carry at least $15,000 in insurance to register their vehicles. However, this is often insufficient to cover the injuries and damages that arise after serious car accidents. If you were hurt in a car accident by a driver who carries inadequate insurance coverage, or worse, none at all, our car accident attorneys will determine where compensation is available and will fight on your behalf to help you get the restitution you need.
A history of results
When someone is injured in a car accident, they are dealing with an insurance company that is more concerned about minimizing its own losses than is about compensating the injured person fairly. Your legal right to seek financial compensation after a car accident in New Jersey depends on the type of insurance coverage you have, and may also depend on the other driver's coverage. Your car insurance includes either a limitation on the right to sue or no limitation on the right to sue. We can explain your insurance policy to you in clear terms that will help you gain a complete understanding of your legal options after a car accident.
It is also important to seek legal advice immediately after a car accident because there may have been factors contributing to the accident. At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we have substantial experience handling complex car accident cases. There are many benefits to speaking with a car accident lawyer after an injury.
Legal Advice
From the moment you are involved in an accident, you will need sound legal advice. What should you say to the adjuster? Where do you seek medical treatment? Do you use your own health insurance? Are you entitled to noneconomic damages? Where should you get your car fixed? Our car accident attorneys will answer your questions and advise you accordingly.
Guidance
Since New Jersey follows a "no-fault" system when it comes to auto insurance, we will provide you with guidance and direction on how to get your medical bills paid. We will also evaluate all of the auto insurance policies available from not only yourself and family but also the responsible driver.
Advocacy
Once you retain an experienced New Jersey car accident lawyer from the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, your attorney will be your voice during the legal process, and they will advocate on your behalf, ensuring that you are not taken advantage of or treated unfairly by the insurance company. Your auto accident lawyer will handle all communication with the insurance company for you so you can focus on your recovery.
Realistic Assessment
Auto insurance carriers are in the business of paying out as little as possible in claims. When victims attempt to handle their own claims, they are often in a money pinch and eager to settle. Since the average person has no concept of how much their claim is worth, the insurance company gains the upper hand and convinces the victim that their case is worth very little. We will assess all aspects of your personal injury claim, including obtaining all of your medical bills, medical reports and records, wage loss documents, and often hire experts to obtain medical reports, and/or testimony to explain the nature and severity of your injuries and losses.
Negotiating Skills
The majority of personal injury claims settle outside of court. However, when there is a large discrepancy between how much we're asking and how much the insurance company is offering, it may be necessary to take the case to court. While we always strive to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company, when we fail to reach a compromise, we are not afraid to take a case to trial. Sometimes the difference between a jury verdict and what the insurance company originally offered can be significant. Our New Jersey car accident attorneys have been privileged to represent thousands of our clients and have obtained millions of dollars in recoveries.
Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions
Contact a New Jersey Car Accident Attorney
Talk to a Car Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a car accident, you may be experiencing a lot of anxiety. The New Jersey car accident attorneys of the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm can help alleviate the stresses that come with dealing with your insurance provider, medical care facility, and holding the person who hurt you accountable for what they did.
Certified Civil Trial Attorney
Our lead attorney, Todd Leonard, is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Certified Civil Trial Attorney and has been acknowledged as a top attorney in the state of New Jersey. Our firm can help you recover the damages you need to get your life back on track after suffering a serious car accident injury. Contact us for a free consultation today.