Common Safety Violations That Cause 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents

Sharing the road with commercial trucks is part of daily life in New Jersey. But that doesn’t make it any less stressful, especially when you’re driving next to a 40-ton vehicle at highway speeds.

Still, what you don’t have to accept is the idea that truck accidents “just happen.” They don’t. Most truck crashes are preventable; when they happen because of negligence, the victims have every right to seek compensation.

As seasoned NJ truck accident attorneys, we know that getting full compensation starts with proving exactly what went wrong. That means identifying the cause—and more often than not, that cause is a preventable safety violation.

Below are some of the most common violations and driver behaviors that lead to serious 18-wheeler accidents in New Jersey.

Truck Driver Negligence

The #1 cause of truck accidents? Truck driver negligence. Whether it’s due to pressure from their employer, lack of training, or careless driving habits, unsafe behavior behind the wheel puts lives at risk.

Here are some of the most frequent driver-related violations that cause devastating crashes:

1. Hours of Service (HOS) Violations

Federal regulations limit the hours a truck driver can be on the road without rest to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Despite these regulations, some drivers exceed these limits to meet tight delivery schedules.

Fatigued driving is a leading cause of accidents involving 18-wheelers. Tired drivers are scientifically proven to have slower reaction times and impaired judgment.

2. Speeding and Reckless Driving

Due to their size and weight, commercial trucks require more time and distance to stop than passenger vehicles. Truck drivers exceeding speed limits or driving recklessly increase the likelihood of accidents.

Speeding trucks can easily lose control, especially on New Jersey’s wet or icy roads. Reckless driving behaviors like tailgating or improper lane changes can also lead to collisions.

3. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a significant issue for all drivers, including those operating big rigs. Common distractions include the following:

• Cellphones
• Eating
• Adjusting the radio
• Using a GPS device

Even a momentary lapse in attention can result in a devastating accident, especially given the size and momentum of a fully loaded truck.

4. Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and extremely dangerous. Yet some truck drivers still engage in this behavior.

Substance abuse impairs a truck driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely, leading to slower reaction times, poor decision-making, and a much higher risk of accidents.

5. Failure to Follow Traffic Laws

In New Jersey, truck drivers must obey all traffic laws, including obeying traffic signals, stopping at weigh stations, and adhering to posted speed limits.

Failure to follow these laws can lead to accidents. For example, running a red light or failing to yield can result in severe collisions with other vehicles.

Vehicle Maintenance Issues

Maintenance is important for any vehicle. But for commercial trucks, it’s essential.

Sadly, many trucking companies fail to properly maintain their vehicles, which routinely leads to semi-truck accidents.

Here are some examples of truck maintenance issues that can lead to injuries:

6. Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance

Mechanical failures like brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and steering issues are often the result of inadequate maintenance.

Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are in good working condition, but some neglect that duty to save time and money. And that puts everyone on the road at risk.

7. Faulty Lighting and Reflectors

Proper lighting and reflectors are essential for the visibility of 18-wheelers, especially at night or during poor weather conditions. Faulty or missing lights and reflectors can make it difficult for other drivers to see the truck, increasing the risk of accidents.

The trucking company and driver are responsible for ensuring that all lights and reflectors function correctly and are in compliance with safety standards.

Trucking Company Violations

Commercial trucking companies have to follow specific rules, guidelines, and laws. When they don’t, they put all drivers at risk.

Here are some ways trucking company negligence can lead to big rig accidents:

8. Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo

A truck’s cargo must be properly loaded and secured to prevent shifting during transit.

Overloaded trucks or those with improperly secured cargo can become unstable, making it difficult for the driver to maintain control. This situation is exacerbated during sudden maneuvers or in adverse weather conditions, leading to rollovers, jackknifes, and other serious accidents.

9. Inadequate Driver Training

Operating a semi-truck requires specialized training and skills. Inadequate training or lack of experience can lead to mistakes on the road.

Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure their drivers are properly trained and competent to handle their vehicles under various driving conditions.

Injured in a Truck Accident? Call Rosengard Law Group

Dozens of safety violations can cause trucking accidents in New Jersey, but the end result is nearly always the same: An innocent driver is hurt and needs compensation.

And, under New Jersey law, drivers in that situation are entitled to compensation if someone else’s negligence led to their commercial trucking collision. But often, those drivers need the help of an experienced New Jersey truck accident lawyer to get the compensation they’re owed.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler in New Jersey, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options. The experienced attorneys at Rosengard Law Group can help you navigate the complexities of truck accident claims and fight for the compensation you deserve. Ready to discuss your case? Contact Rosengard Law Group today to schedule your free consultation. Call us at 856-284-6446 or reach out online.