Truck Maneuvers That Commonly Cause Collisions

Large commercial trucks are essential for transporting goods across New Jersey, but they also pose significant risks on the road. Due to their massive size and weight—often exceeding 30,000 pounds when unloaded—even a minor maneuvering mistake can lead to devastating collisions. According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, truck-involved accidents result in hundreds of injuries and fatalities annually. Understanding which truck maneuvers are most likely to cause accidents can help drivers stay vigilant and safe.

In many cases, truck accidents are preventable. The key is ensuring that truck drivers receive proper training and adhere to safety protocols. However, despite stringent federal and state regulations, accidents still happen, often due to reckless or negligent maneuvers. When such accidents occur, the victims are usually occupants of smaller vehicles, as they bear the brunt of the impact.

Trucking Maneuvers That Create a High Risk of Collision

Wide Turns

Unlike passenger vehicles, large trucks require extra space to complete turns. Right turns, in particular, pose significant dangers because trucks often need to swing left before turning right. This maneuver can lead to:

• Side-impact collisions with vehicles attempting to pass on the right.
• Crashes with pedestrians or cyclists caught in the truck’s blind spot.
• Rear-end accidents when following vehicles fail to anticipate the truck’s wide turn.

New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-127) requires trucks to make turns safely and prohibits excessive encroachment into adjacent lanes. However, some truck drivers miscalculate turns, leading to preventable crashes. Additionally, poor road planning and the presence of construction zones can make it difficult for truck drivers to execute turns safely, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Lane Changes and Merging

Commercial trucks have substantial blind spots, also known as “no-zones,” making lane changes particularly hazardous. Common causes of lane-change collisions include:

• Failing to check blind spots properly.
• Not using turn signals in advance.
• Merging too quickly into another lane.

Because truck blind spots extend on both sides and behind the trailer, other drivers should also be cautious when passing or driving alongside large trucks. Defensive driving techniques, such as avoiding prolonged time in a truck’s blind spot and maintaining a safe distance, can help mitigate these risks.

Jackknifing and Overcorrections

Jackknifing occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out at an acute angle to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. Overcorrection—a sudden steering reaction—can also cause loss of control. These accidents are frequently caused by:

• Sudden braking on slippery roads.
• Excessive speed while navigating curves.
• Improperly balanced or unsecured cargo.

New Jersey roads, such as the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, are common sites for jackknifing incidents due to high-speed traffic and sharp curves. Winter weather conditions can further exacerbate the risk of jackknifing, making it essential for truck drivers to adjust their speed accordingly and maintain control of their vehicles in adverse conditions.

Backing Up Accidents

Backing up a large truck is inherently risky, especially in busy areas like parking lots, rest stops, and loading docks. Even with mirrors and backup cameras, blind spots can obscure pedestrians or vehicles. Common scenarios for backup collisions include:

• Failing to use a spotter when reversing in tight areas.
• Backing up too quickly without checking surroundings.
• Ignoring posted signs that prohibit reversing in certain areas.

Pedestrians and smaller vehicles are particularly vulnerable in these situations. Many truck accidents involving backing maneuvers occur in urban areas, where space is limited and the risk of striking someone is higher. Businesses and warehouses should implement clear guidelines for truck drivers, requiring them to take extra precautions when maneuvering in congested spaces.

Improperly Executed U-Turns

U-turns are challenging for semi-trucks due to their size and turning radius. While legal in some areas, improper U-turns can cause severe accidents by:

• Blocking multiple lanes of traffic.
• Surprising approaching vehicles with limited reaction time.
• Causing rear-end collisions when traffic is forced to stop abruptly.

New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-125) prohibits U-turns on curves, hills, and other areas where visibility is limited. However, some truck drivers disregard these restrictions, increasing the risk of accidents. U-turns should only be attempted in designated areas where trucks have adequate space to maneuver safely.

Rolling Over Due to Sharp Turns or Speeding

Tractor-trailers have a high center of gravity, making them susceptible to rollovers, particularly when drivers:

• Take curves too fast.
• Oversteer on highway ramps.
• Carry an unbalanced or improperly loaded trailer.

New Jersey’s high-risk rollover zones include the Pulaski Skyway and sections of Interstate 78, where tight curves and heavy traffic contribute to dangerous conditions. Proper load distribution and adherence to posted speed limits can significantly reduce the risk of rollovers.

Recovering from a Truck Accident: Why Hiring a Lawyer Matters

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in New Jersey, legal representation is crucial for securing compensation. Truck accident cases are complex due to:

• Multiple liable parties (the truck driver, trucking company, or cargo loader may share responsibility).
• State and federal regulations governing trucking operations.
• Insurance companies that aggressively defend against claims.

Under New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2), victims typically have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Delaying legal action can jeopardize your ability to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Get the Legal Support You Deserve

At Rosengard Law Group, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a truck accident can take. Our dedicated legal team fights for maximum compensation to help victims recover. 

Contact us today at (856) 284-6446 to book a free consultation. We don’t charge any fees unless we win your case.