January 20, 2010

Van Collides with Tractor-Trailer in Mount Laurel

A recent nj.com article discusses an accident along the New Jersey Turnpike in mount Laurel that injured a van and tractor-trailer driver. According to the report, the van, driven by a 67-year-old man, was exiting the James Fenimore Cooper Service Area when it collided with the tractor-trailer driven by a 41-year-old man at 5:45 in the morning.

As a consequence of the collision, the tractor-trailer uncontrollably slid off the road and fell down a steep embankment. The truck driver was stuck for almost two hours before firefighters specializing in “high angle rescues” were able to safely rescue him. However, the truck driver endured a broken leg and shoulder as well as facial injuries.

There is no doubt that auto accidents in New Jersey involving tractor-trailer trucks can have catastrophic consequences. When a motorist is injured in an auto accident at no fault of their own, compensation may be sought from negligent parties responsible for causing the accident and subsequent injuries. Whether your auto accident resulted from another motorist texting while driving, operating his or her vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or driving recklessly, you may qualify to receive compensation for medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and loss of wages. However, in order for such an endeavor to be successful, you may want to consider seeking legal advice and representation from an experienced personal injury attorney.

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December 29, 2009

Paramus Auto Accident Involving Tractor-Trailer Injures One

Most residents of New Jersey are highly aware of large trucks playing a leading role in the state’s economy. According to the State of New Jersey Department of Transportation, 75% of the approximate 600 million tons of goods moved each year are transported by truck. While the NJDOT works to enforce and maintain truck safety initiatives and regulations, some truck drivers are not as familiar with truck operation requirements as they should be. It is for this reason and various others that truck accidents take place in New Jersey.

A recent auto accident in Paramus involved a tractor-trailer and a Honda Accord. According to a northjersey.com article, the driver of the Honda had to be extricated from his vehicle by rescuers. He was then taken to Hackensack University Medical Center. Based on the article, road conditions were wet and caused the driver of the Honda to lose control while driving along a curve. The tractor-trailer then T-boned the vehicle on its passenger side after the Honda crossed into the northbound lane. Alcohol was said not to have been an influencing factor in causing the collision, although the accident is reportedly still under investigation.

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December 8, 2009

2 Middletown Township Public Works Trucks Involved in Accident

Anyone who is trained to operate a public works truck, or even a normal passenger car, knows that there are several potential risks when a collision occurs. Due to the unpredictable nature of items on the road or a driver’s reaction to an accident ahead, multiple vehicles may be involved in a crash. A bayshorenews.com report addresses a recent accident in New Jersey that involved three vehicles, two of which were public works trucks.

It was reported that when one of the trucks made a right turn at an intersection, it clipped a telephone pole. As a consequence, the telephone pole fell down, caused wires to drop onto both the second Public Works truck and a third vehicle which was not identified in the report. All of the drivers were stuck in their vehicles until JCP&L workers arrived at the scene and cut the power on the telephone pole. Fortunately, none of the drivers or any pedestrians nearby were injured, but occupants in the vehicles were taken to a local medical center as a precautionary measure. At the time of the article’s release, the accident was said to be under investigation.

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November 24, 2009

Traffic Increase of Freight Trucks Expected in Morris County

The anticipated increase in the number of freight trucks, tractor trailers and big rigs traveling through Morris County is estimated to rise to as much as 90,000 within twenty years (quite a large jump from the current approximate 20,000 to 30,000 trucks). According to an nj.com article, this shift in truck flow can be attributed to the expansion of the Panama Canal, which will accept much larger vessels and an expectedly huge increase in materials being shipped. Most of these ships transporting goods will come to ports in New Jersey and New York, which is good for business but brings the safety of Morris County’s freight hauling infrastructure to question.

In a large series of efforts being put together well ahead of time, Morris County transit officials have initiated a study of local road and rail systems to ensure that the freight hauling roadways will be ready for as much as triple the amount of powerfully large trucks. As it is, Routes 80 and 287 see a great deal of tractor trailers already, so the presence of more will require motorists to heighten their awareness as well. According to the report, Routes 23, 206, 10 and 46 are also not strangers to the tons of big rigs attempting to find shortcuts through New Jersey to transport freight from Port Newark.

A contract was approved amounting to $239,000 for a traffic consultant and the study is being funded by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. The assistant county transportation director said that the following will be done in accordance with these efforts:

  • Economic impact analysis to include regions in Morris County that are most suitable for freight-related industry

  • Collection of transportation data

  • Short-term and long-term suggestions for highway and rail improvements

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November 19, 2009

Garden State Parkway to Have New Bus and Truck Inspection Facility

According to an app.com article, the construction of a new bus and truck inspection facility should be finished along the Garden State Parkway by June 30, 2011 on the spot of the existing Herbertsville facility. Located at mile marker 94.6 on the southbound side of the highway, the new facility will contain a waiting area for passengers of buses that are determined to be unsafe after being inspected. The executive director of this project stated, “It’s not our intention to delay passengers, but if the bus shows signs of being unsafe, we need to pull it off the road.”

Based on authority reports, the article also mentions that approximately 1,185 buses have been stopped so far this year by State Police from Troop “E” based in Middletown, and 122 buses have been inspected by troopers and the Department of Transportation’s motor carrier and bus inspection unit. And buses aren’t the only vehicles being examined. Apparently 964 trucks out of 7,140 stopped were also inspected by DOT officials and State troopers for appearing to be unsafe.

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October 20, 2009

Greyhound Bus Collides with Tractor Trailer on New Jersey Turnpike

Citizens across the United States put their lives in the hands of bus drivers on a daily basis. Transit companies have the responsibility of properly training drivers to operate their large vehicles efficiently and safely so that passengers and other drivers on the road can travel without harm befalling them. This degree of trust, however, becomes shaken from time to time, as a recent Greyhound bus collision on the New Jersey turnpike demonstrates.

According to an article, the Greyhound bus was carrying five passengers at the time it collided with a tractor-trailer. The bus driver and all passengers were injured, but the condition of the truck driver was not provided. The degree of the bus driver’s injuries is not known at this time; however, she was flown to a hospital after having been trapped inside the bus. It was reported that the passengers’ injuries were not serious.

Although it has not yet been determined what exactly caused the Greyhound bus to crash into the tractor-trailer along the New Jersey Turnpike, contributing factors may have been driver inattention or distraction, dangerous road conditions, or even a defective auto part. Investigators may also examine whether or not cell phone use caused the bus accident. A victim of a bus accident may be able to seek compensation from those responsible for the incident to help pay for costs associated with any injuries sustained. However, in order for a bus accident victim to be successful, the services of an experienced personal injury attorney are usually required.

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October 6, 2009

Tractor-Trailer Strikes Man on Cell Phone

There has been much discussion about the apparent dangers of cell phone use and driving, whether it’s sending a quick text message or answering a call. It shouldn’t be surprising then that pedestrians can be just as distracted when on the phone as drivers are while driving; however, this does not excuse a driver from striking and killing a pedestrian that was texting or talking on the phone at the time of an accident.

A recent article from nj.com reported that a man that was on his cell phone while standing by the side of the road along Route 77 was hit by a tractor-trailer and killed on the morning of September 16, 2009. Apparently, the man stepped into the roadway in front of the tractor-trailer. As of now, charges have not been filed against the truck driver; however, it was reported that the accident is currently still under investigation. Police have not revealed any speculation as to why the man entered the truck’s pathway.

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September 3, 2009

Two New Jersey Residents Injured in Truck Accident

What began as a simple ride on a motorcycle ended with two New Jersey residents being injured during a collision with a pickup truck on New Hampshire’s Route 125. The truck accident occurred in the early evening at the intersection of Route 125 (White Mountain Highway) and Exit 18, which is the on-ramp to the Spaulding Turnpike. The two motorcyclists were thrown from the bike after crashing into the 2000 Chevy S-10 pickup truck. Both remain hospitalized for their injuries. The pickup driver was treated for injuries and released.

Although this truck and motorcycle crash is still being investigated to determine the exact cause, trucks can have devastating effects on smaller vehicles in collisions, especially if a motorcycle is involved. Truck accidents in New Jersey are often caused by driver fatigue or failure to respond in a timely manner to other vehicles on the road. In some cases, even defective auto products may play a significant role in causing a truck accident.

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July 6, 2009

JERSEY CITY COP AND HIS POLICE DOG SURVIVE DUMP TRUCK CRASH

A Jersey City police officer and his canine partner survived after a New York City dump truck plowed into them at the intersection Of Marin Boulevard and 12th Street early on the morning of July 4th.

Police officer Eric C. Petersen, 34, was taken by ambulance to the Jersey City Medical Center with neck and back pains shortly after the sanitation truck slammed into his marked police SUV. Petersen was heading north on Marin Blvd. when the driver of the dump truck ran a red light and crashed into him. Rommel, the 7 year old police dog, was taken to NYC Veterinary Specialists Emergency Animal Hospital, for observation.

Luckily, Rommel the dog appears to be doing fine. Unfortunately, Mr. Petersen may not have held up quite as well. Budgell was issued a summons for failure to observe a signal and careless driving and he admitted the NJ truck accident was his fault, police said.

At this point, it would be quite wise for Officer Petersen to consult with an experienced New Jersey auto accident lawyer as soon as possible. There are several issues that must be explored right away.

To begin with, Officer Petersen has a worker’s compensation case. In New Jersey, if you are injured during the course of your employment, you have the right to three benefits: 1. You get your medical bills paid by your employer. 2. You are paid a portion of your salary while you are out of work. 3. You are entitled to a final permanent disability award. An experienced New Jersey worker’s compensation attorney can assure that these benefits are received and that the numbers are fair. It is not necessary to pay a worker’s compensation attorney as they are compensated by the employer through the case.

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June 29, 2009

TRUCK CRASH ON ROUTE 78 UNION TOWNSHIP

On June 24, State Police units and hazardous materials crews shut down Route 78 in both directions between exits 12 and 17 after a tractor trailer rear-ended a tanker truck carrying compressed liquid oxygen.

The driver of one of the vehicles had to be extricated from his truck and was flown by helicopter to a hospital and treated for injuries following the Union Township Truck Accident.

The tractor trailer struck the tanker truck between exits 12 and 13 of Route 78 West around 10:50 p.m., completely flattening the front end of the vehicle against the back of the oxygen containment tank.

As we have expressed in many of our blogs in the past, we continuously see tragic incidents on our roads and highways in New Jersey involving large trucks. Our smaller cars share the roads with these large vehicles on a daily basis and although we are not saying that truck drivers are bad drivers, we are saying that because of the size and weight of their vehicles, they must drive with extreme caution.

This particular case involved two truck drivers. Both of these drivers, because they were working at the time, may be entitled to worker’s compensation benefits. Worker’s compensation benefits are available to injured workers regardless of who is at fault. These benefits pay for medical treatment, lost time from work and a lump sum amount based on permanent disability.

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June 16, 2009

Railroad Worker Dies after Being Struck by Tractor Trailer

A 53-year-old railroad employee, who was repairing damage from an earlier accident in Middletown died after he was hit by a truck. According to this news report in the Bucks County Courier Times, the man was killed at Big Oak and Township Line roads when a tractor-trailer carrying Keebler cookie products struck him while making a sharp right turn. The worker was apparently crouched down to repair the wiring to the train crossing lights when the large truck made a right turn and struck him.

Local officials told the newspaper that this intersection has been the scene of many accidents. The worker was reportedly wearing all the proper safety clothing including his white helmet. There were also orange cones in the area to warn motorists about the work in progress. Authorities say the driver of the tractor trailer saw the worker, but had not realized that he had hit him. He stopped immediately. The worker died from massive chest and leg injuries.

If you are injured while on the job, you will be entitled to New Jersey workers compensation benefits. If a worker suffers fatal injuries, his family will be eligible to receive workers compensation benefits. However, these benefits are hardly enough to compensate a family for the loss of their primary wage earner.

It is important for the families of deceased workers to contact an experienced New Jersey wrongful death lawyer with a successful track record of handling workers compensation issues and third party claims. In some cases, a third party (other than an employer), can be held liable.

A skilled New Jersey personal injury attorney from Lependorf & Silverstein can help you through this complex legal process and help you secure the compensation you rightfully deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.

June 10, 2009

CONCRETE TRUCKER NEGLIGENCE


On June 4, 2009 a young woman in a truck accident in Hamilton Township, New Jersey narrowly escaped death. Her car was crushed when a an independent trucker who was hauling heavy concrete flanges allowed these flanges to slide off of his truck and crush the helpless car. It is the responsibility for truckers to make sure the loads they are hauling are safe before travel. Despite living in a highly technological world, much of New Jersey’s roads are used to transport heavy industrial materials. And, these roads are used by the trucks that carry these loads and private passenger vehicles that are used to transport our children. Unfortunately, when trucks carrying heavy industrial material and private passenger cars collide, it is the smaller, lighter of the two vehicles that usually ends up suffering the force of the impact and its consequences.

In this case, the private passenger vehicle crushed by the concrete flanges was not occupied. Thankfully, because there was no passenger in the car at the time of the impact, nobody was injured. This usually is not the case. In fact, injuries that occur when heavily loaded trucks strike private passenger vehicles often end up causing catastrophic injuries in New Jersey.

Not only are the truck drivers sometimes at fault, but the companies for whom they are driving can also be held liable for the injuries that result from these crashes. If you have been injured as a result of an accident with a truck, you should contact an attorney to learn your rights. The Princeton, New Jersey truck accident injury law firm of Lependorf & Silverstein can advise you of your rights. Contact an New Jersey truck accident attorney at the law firm of Lependorf & Silverstein for a free consultation today.

June 1, 2009

New Jersey Turnpike Crash Kills Five

A catastrophic car accident in New Jersey which involved a tractor-trailer and ten cars on the New Jersey Turnpike near Mount Laurel claimed the lives of five New Jersey residents and injured several more according to this recent report. New Jersey State Police officials say that the accident occurred around 1:00 P.M. just north of exit 4 when a 2004 Buick LeSabre was stopped in the right lane of traffic and struck in the rear by the tractor-trailer. The collision caused the LeSabre to strike cars in the center lane of the turnpike and after impacting several vehicles, the LeSabre burst into flames killing occupants Jeanette Urbano, 72, and Salvatore Urbano, 74, both of Passaic, N.J.; Anna Kane, 76, Rose Kane, 75, and Francis Kane, 78, all of Kearny, N.J.

The truck driver, Dewey Tyrone Thomas, 40, of Columbus, Ga., was given a blood test to test for intoxicants but has not yet been charged pending test results. Three occupants of a 1999 Jeep Cherokee struck by the LeSabre were transported to area hospitals with undisclosed injuries.

New Jersey car accidents claim the lives of thousands of people each year and result in serious, life-changing injuries for many thousands more. New Jersey auto accidents which involve tractor-trailers are especially deadly and victims are much more likely to be killed or suffer catastrophic injuries. In many cases, the survivors of New Jersey truck accidents face lengthy hospital stays, medical bills which often climb to the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and costly physical rehabilitation.

If you or a loved one has been killed or seriously injured in a New Jersey truck accident, the experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein may be able to help. After a free consultation with their New Jersey truck accident attorneys, they will launch an immediate investigation into the accident, defend their clients’ rights at all times, and work hard to hold those responsible for the accident accountable for their actions. They also help clients receive the compensation they deserve to help offset catastrophically high medical bills. To schedule a free consultation with New Jersey's skilled personal injury lawyers, call them today at 609-240-0040.

May 13, 2009

New Jersey Turnpike Tractor Trailer Accident

Gabariel Koffah Jr., 26 of Newark, was killed in a New Jersey tractor trailer accident on the turnpike in Linden, according to a news report in The Star-Ledger. Koffah was a passenger in the back seat of a Toyota Avalon traveling southbound on the turnpike. The car's driver, 25-year-old Ralph Austin, lost control of the car, struck a guardrail and then crashed into the fuel tank of a big rig driven by 59-year-old Gary Poland. Austin's car spun and crashed into the guide rail. Austin was injured but his life is not in danger, officials said. Another man, 23-year-old Angel Rodriguez, escaped with minor injuries. Poland was uninjured.

Austin has been charged with reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol for causing the serious DUI accident in New Jersey. Police also apparently charged him with drug possession after they found marijuana on him. The accident is still under investigation and officials have not said whether Austin will be charged with vehicular manslaughter.

It is illegal in New Jersey to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you have been injured because of the negligence of a drunk driver or someone operating under the influence of recreational or prescription drugs, they can be held responsible for the accident or injuries. You may be entitled to compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Please contact an experienced New Jersey auto accident lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein to schedule your free consultation and case evaluation.

April 17, 2009

Linden Truck Accident Kills Newark Man

According to this recent article in the Star-Ledger, a Newark man died recently when the car he was riding in crashed into a semi-trailer on the New Jersey Turnpike in Linden. Officials investigating the truck accident in New Jersey claim that Gabariel Koffah, Jr., 26, was riding in the back seat of a Toyota Avalon southbound on the turnpike when the driver, Ralph Austin, 25, lost control of the car.

After Austin lost control of the car, the car struck a guardrail and bounced into the center lane of traffic where it struck the fuel tank of a tractor-trailer driven by Gary Poland, 59. Officials claim that Austin’s car then spun around into the truck’s wheels and then crashed head-on into a guardrail. The medical examiner pronounced Koffah dead at the scene from his injuries.

Austin’s injuries were severe enough to warrant evacuation by helicopter to University Hospital in Newark where he remains with undisclosed injuries. Another passenger in the Avalon, Angel Rodriguez, 23, of Newark, sustained minor injuries for which he was treated and released from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. The truck’s driver was not injured in the accident and was not charged with any traffic violations.

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March 5, 2009

New Jersey Truck Versus SUV Collision On I-295 Injures Two

Two people were injured in a New Jersey truck accident on the Interstate 295 the morning of Feb. 21 in Lawrence after a box truck driver crashed into the rear of a Mercedes Benz sport utility vehicle, according to this news report. The crash apparently ruptured a tank on the truck causing fuel to leak onto the roadway, New Jersey State Police officials said. The driver of the truck was uninjured, but two people who were passengers in the SUV suffered injuries and were sent to an area hospital for treatment. Police said the box truck driver would be issued a ticket for causing the wreckage.

In cases that involve big rigs or commercial trucks, both the driver and his or her employer could be held liable if they cause an injury accident. Where there is a clear determination of fault, injured victims will be able to collect compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of future medical treatment and other damages. But often, the aftermath of a truck accident or an auto accident in New Jersey can be very complex, involving eyewitness testimony, insurance companies and physical evidence.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey auto accident or truck accident, you would be well-advised to retain the services of a top New Jersey truck accident lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein to discuss your case. We will fight to protect your rights and make sure you get the compensation you rightfully deserve. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.

November 17, 2008

Man Killed In New Jersey Truck Accident

A 32-year-old man from Nazareth, Pennsylvania, was killed in a fatal New Jersey workplace accident in Totowa after his dump truck rear-ended a car, which was traveling behind a slow-moving lawn tractor owned by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, police officials said. According to this news report, Robert Berger was driving west on the highway when his dump truck went up a hill and rear-ended a Grand Marquis whose driver, 88-year-old Edward Muldoon, had braked to avoid hitting the tractor.

Berger was killed in the crash. Muldoon suffered a back injury and the driver of the tractor, 47-year-old Ronald Kichko, was taken to the hospital with eye and head injuries, the report said.

Investigators will likely look into why the lawn tractor was traveling so slowly down a hill where motorists behind would have no indication of the slow-moving vehicle. If the driver of the tractor is held responsible for causing this fatal crash, both he and his employer – in this case, the New Jersey Department of Transportation – could be held liable for the accident, injuries and fatality.

The victims in this case would be well-advised to contact an experienced and knowledgeable New Jersey truck accident attorney who will help protect their rights help them secure the compensation they rightfully deserve. Auto accidents, especially those involving multiple parties and governmental agencies, can be complex and challenging. If you or someone you love has been severely injured or killed in a New Jersey auto accident, please call Lependorf & Silverstein to pursue and protect your legal rights.

September 15, 2008

New Jersey Tractor Trailer Accident Leaves Three Injured

Three people, including an on-duty police officer, were injured in a West Deptford semi truck accident July 25 when a tractor trailer forced a car off Interstate 295 into the path of a parked police cruiser and a sport utility vehicle, according to this news report. Officer James Grant Jr., was trapped in his cruiser and had to be extricated from the vehicle and transported to an area hospital. Two other motorists – Jeffrey Weiss, 45, of Woodbury and Lynn Sbraga, 46, of Logan Township were also taken to the hospital with injuries.

Grant was writing a ticket after pulling over one of the motorists, when the truck driver made a sudden lane change, the article reports. The driver of the tractor trailer was released with a citation.

There are close to 130 fatal big rig accidents and nearly 6,000 injury crashes relating to semi trucks in the state of New Jersey, according to U.S. Department of Transportation statistics. Big rigs, especially tractor trailers, can cause remarkable damage to other passenger vehicles and major injuries to motorists because of their significant size and weight. Some big rigs may weigh up to 80,000 pounds.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a big rig accident because of the truck driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your medical bills, loss of wages, pain and suffering. Both the truck driver and the trucking company may be held responsible for the crash. Call the New Jersey truck collision lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein today for your free consultation.

July 10, 2008

Overloaded Dump Truck Loses Control, Kills One and Injures Six

An out-of-control dump truck, which officials say, may have been overloaded with dirt smashed into a Chinatown bus as it came off the Manhattan Bridge. One person was killed and six were injured in the fatal truck accident. According to an article in the New York Daily News, the dump truck started to careen wildly before it hit the back of a Fung Wah bus near the intersection of Bowery and Canal streets, killing 57-year-old Lai Ho and injuring several others.

Investigators are now looking into whether the truck had been loaded with dirt beyond its capacity. News agencies also reported that the truck should never have been in the city because federal officials had banned the New Jersey-based truck company from interstate travel because of too many safety violations.

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