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Truck accidents remain a serious concern on New Jersey’s roads. While the most recent nationwide data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reflects some improvement in overall traffic safety, crashes involving large trucks continue to cause devastating injuries and fatalities, especially in high-traffic areas like Essex, Bergen, and Middlesex counties.
At Nagel Rice LLP, we help clients understand not only what happened in their crash but also why and who should be held accountable. Below, we break down the latest truck crash trends using NHTSA’s 2023 statistics and explain what they mean for New Jersey drivers in 2025 and beyond.
Truck Crash Data from the Latest NHTSA Reports
NHTSA’s finalized 2023 data shows some progress in reducing crash fatalities, but truck-related incidents remain alarmingly common:
- 5,472 people were killed in large-truck crashes in 2023 (down 8% from 2022)
- Roughly 70% of those killed were in other vehicles, not the truck
- An estimated 153,000 people were injured in truck-involved crashes
- Large-truck crashes now account for 1 in 10 fatal traffic accidents nationwide
Even with a slight decline, the long-term trend remains upward: since 2009, fatal truck crashes have increased by more than 60%.
What the 2023 NHTSA Report Reveals About Road Safety
NHTSA’s crash statistics for 2023 provide important context for anyone sharing the road with commercial vehicles:
- Total highway deaths fell to 40,901 nationwide, a 4.3% decrease from 2022
- Truck-involved fatalities decreased by 8.3%, but their impact remains disproportionate
- Most fatal truck crashes (76%) occurred on weekdays, often during business hours
- 27% of deadly truck crashes happened on interstates, where higher speeds increase danger
These figures indicate that while road safety efforts may be yielding results in some areas, large trucks continue to pose a significant risk, particularly during routine weekday driving.
The Leading Risk Factors Behind Truck Collisions
Based on recent studies and NHTSA data, several key issues contribute to serious truck accidents:
- Driver fatigue: Long hours and poor sleep are major contributors. Studies show more than half of long-haul drivers may have sleep apnea or related fatigue issues.
- Distracted driving: GPS systems, phones, and in-cab distractions reduce reaction time.
- Speeding: Heavy trucks require more time to stop, and high speeds result in a greater impact force.
- Poor maintenance or overloaded cargo: Equipment failures and shifting loads increase the risk of accidents.
These factors, especially when combined with high speeds on highways or poor weather conditions, can turn minor errors into life-altering crashes.
Truck Accidents in New Jersey: 2025 Risk Outlook
While national data is still being compiled for 2024, local crash trends indicate that New Jersey remains a hotspot for serious truck accidents. Commercial traffic and congestion are common on major arteries such as:
- I-80 and I-287
- Garden State Parkway
- New Jersey Turnpike
- Routes 1 & 9, and 17
In densely populated counties such as Essex, Bergen, and Middlesex, these trucks travel near schools, businesses, and residential areas, increasing the stakes for every collision.
We expect 2025 to continue many of the same risk patterns: weekday crashes, highway impacts, and injuries affecting non-truck occupants.
Why These Trends Matter for Crash Victims
Understanding the data helps us fight for our clients more effectively. The numbers make one thing clear: truck accidents are rarely minor. They often involve:
- Catastrophic injuries and long-term disability
- Multiple at-fault parties (driver, carrier, manufacturer)
- Complex investigations involving federal trucking laws and company records
- Insurance companies aggressively defending high-dollar policies
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a truck crash, you’re not just up against another driver. You’re up against a commercial entity with a team of lawyers and insurers trying to minimize your claim.
Why Choose Nagel Rice LLP for Truck Accident Representation
At Nagel Rice LLP, we’ve spent decades holding trucking companies and insurers accountable in some of New Jersey’s most challenging injury cases. Our firm offers:
- Over $1 billion recovered for injury victims
- Trial-tested litigators who know how to challenge trucking companies
- In-depth knowledge of federal and state commercial vehicle regulations
- Local experience in courts across Essex, Bergen, and Middlesex counties
We don’t back down. If your case deserves compensation, we’ll build the strongest case possible and fight for every dollar.
Contact a New Jersey Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you were injured in a truck accident in New Jersey—on a highway, local road, or rural route—don’t wait for the insurance company to do the right thing. They’re already working to protect their bottom line. Let our experienced team review your case, explain your rights, and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Call Nagel Rice LLP today for a free consultation.