Driver of 18-Wheeler Causes Deadly Accident

When traveling on a New Jersey roadway, drivers must share the road with different types of vehicles. The size of motor vehicles ranges from the two-wheel motorcycle up to the 18-wheeler. With a large range of sizes, the risk of an accident rises if drivers are unaware of their surroundings or break the traffic laws. Unfortunately, when a large vehicle collides with a smaller, the accident can cause serious injury or death.

In late February, a 52-year-old tractor-trailer driver attempted to make an illegal U-turn in the middle of a road. As he was making the U-turn, he struck a 25-year-old motorcyclist. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, the motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries soon after the accident.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was ticketed with two traffic citations: careless driving and improper U-turn. In addition to the fines, the driver will likely receive hefty points on his driving record. The accident is still under investigation and currently, the tractor-trailer driver has not been charged with any criminal charges.

An 18-wheeler driver who is oblivious to other surrounding vehicles or otherwise negligent may be making a deadly mistake. Regrettably, a family lost a loved one due to the poor judgment of a trucker on the road. New Jersey families who have suffered a loss of a family member in similar circumstances can file a wrongful death claim with the help of an experienced attorney. With a successfully litigated claim, there can be financial recompense to cover burdens of the sudden costs of medical or end-of-life expenses, along with other damages recognized by applicable laws.

Source: njherald.com, “Truck driver ticketed in Hampton fatal crash“, Lori Comstock, March 14, 2018