Newark, New Jersey has seen a rise in devastating 18-wheeler wrecks over the past few years. These huge commercial trucks, also known as semi-trucks or big rigs, can cause massive damage when involved in accidents on Newark’s crowded highways and streets.
According to statistics from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, there were over 150 reported semi-truck crashes in Newark in 2021 alone. These wrecks resulted in over 70 injuries and 10 fatalities.
Contributing factors to 18-wheeler wrecks include truck driver fatigue, reckless driving, poorly maintained trucks, and hazardous road conditions. The size disparity between passenger vehicles and massive 18-wheelers also increases the damage and injury risks in any accident.
Survivors of Newark semi-truck wrecks can suffer life-altering injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or amputations of arms or legs. Medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering damages can mount into the millions for victims.
Advocates are calling for increased oversight and regulation of trucking companies and drivers to improve safety. Suggested actions include reducing truck driver hours, enhancing truck maintenance requirements, adding more truck inspections, and redesigning highways to separate cars from commercial vehicles.
Victims of 18-wheeler accidents in Newark should seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer can help victims recover compensation to cover damages, medical bills, and other losses. With compassion and dedication, attorneys can support accident survivors and their families during difficult legal processes.
Though challenges remain, residents are hopeful that increasing awareness and advocacy will spur progress toward safer streets in Newark. Careful precautions by trucking companies and sensible regulations can help reduce the dangers posed by massive 18-wheelers sharing Newark’s roads.
Top Newark Truck Accident Lawyers
- The Law Offices of James C. DeZao, P.A. – They are known for handling personal injury cases, including truck accidents.
- Ginarte Gallardo Gonzalez & Winograd, LLP – This firm has multiple lawyers who specialize in personal injury law, including truck accidents.
- Todd J. Leonard Law Firm – This firm also handles personal injury cases and has a strong reputation in the Newark area.
- Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP – Known for its large verdicts and settlements in personal injury cases, including those involving trucks.
- Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari – This firm has been around for decades and has considerable experience in personal injury cases, including those involving 18 wheeler wrecks.
Here is some background information about Newark, New Jersey:
- Newark is the largest city in New Jersey and the second-largest in the New York metropolitan area after New York City. It is located in Essex County.
- Newark was originally founded in 1666 and was named after the English city of Newark-on-Trent. It was incorporated as a city in 1836.
- Newark was an industrial boomtown around the turn of the 20th century and was home to factories producing leather, jewelry, machinery, and chemicals. Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal is one of the busiest ports in the US.
- Key industries today include transportation, logistics, healthcare, education, retail, and technology. Major companies headquartered in Newark include Prudential Financial, PSEG, Panasonic, Audible.com, and Manhattan Beer Distributors.
- Newark Liberty International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the country. The Port of Newark and Newark Light Rail provide transportation links.
- Newark is very diverse – over 50% of residents are African American and over 36% are Hispanic or Latino. There are sizable communities with Italian, Portuguese, Brazilian, and Central American roots.
- The city struggles with issues of poverty and unemployment but has made progress in revitalization and development in recent years. Efforts have focused on downtown, the waterfront, arts/culture, and transportation.
- Newark is home to five institutions of higher education including Rutgers University – Newark, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Seton Hall Law School. Attractions include the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark Museum, and Prudential Center sports arena.
