Semi-trucks are complex and large vehicles that are not easy to operate. Everything must go right for the driver to have a safe journey that does not present a danger to others around them on the roadway. The unfortunate reality is that truck drivers often have other considerations on their minds. Accordingly, common causes of truck accidents in New Jersey include the following: 

• Truck driver carelessness: The truck driver may not be fully paying attention behind the wheel, or they may be trying to accelerate their own journey by doing something such as speeding. A truck driver may not be fully focused because they are under pressure from their own employer. Finally, trucking companies are hiring inexperienced truck drivers to fill their numerous vacancies because they do not want to pay the full wages it takes to hire a more seasoned driver.
• Conscious disregard of truck regulations: Trucking companies sometimes pressure their drivers to break the rules in order to keep deliveries being made on time. For example, a truck driver may violate hours of service regulations that govern the amount of time that they can spend behind the wheel because they have fallen behind and do not want to be late.
• Lack of proper maintenance on the vehicle: Trucking companies often do not want to pull trucks from the road because they cannot generate revenue. Even though they are under the obligation to only put roadworthy vehicles on the road, they may cut corners by foregoing certain maintenance when it is necessary, or by not removing the truck from service.
• Negligence on the part of a third party: Trucking companies often contract with third parties to provide vital services, such as cargo loading and maintenance. A trucking company may not necessarily be able to escape responsibility because they have outsourced a function. In these cases, you may be able to hold both the trucking company and the third party liable.