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Negligence in the trucking industry can take many forms. It might be as simple as failing to maintain a vehicle. Carriers may hire unqualified or even unlicensed drivers. Truckers themselves may be guilty of intoxicated, reckless driving, or distraction behind the wheel. But even the simplest acts of negligence can lead to serious and deadly accidents. This was made adamantly clear after a truck owned by a New Jersey company exploded in June of 2023, causing an entire section of the I-95 to collapse and claiming the life of one victim. Questions have been raised about this trucking company and the decisions that may have led to this terrifying accident. If nothing else, this accident highlights just how dangerous truck accidents can be.
If you have already been injured in a trucking accident, you need no reminders of the dangers involved. You may be struggling with medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and a range of other damages. Unfortunately, these stories are becoming all too common in New Jersey and across the entire nation. Fortunately, victims of truck accidents are not alone. If you find yourself in this situation, you can work with Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. to pursue compensation for your injuries and hold negligent trucking companies accountable.
Everything We Know About the I-95 Collapse
On June 11, 2023, a tanker truck carrying 8,500 gallons of gasoline crashed on an I-95 off-ramp. The crash ruptured the tanker truck, causing it to leak gasoline across the roadway. The gasoline then ignited, creating a fire that firefighters struggled to contain. The blaze was so out of control that it caused all northbound lanes of the I-95 overpass to collapse onto the wrecked tanker truck. The driver was killed in the incident.
The collapse was so intense that it sparked a major supply chain issue for the entire nation. The I-95 is considered a major artery for transport across the east coast of the United States, running through New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and many other states. The beams of the I-95 were destroyed by the intense heat of the fire and were no longer suitable to support roadways. As a result, the destroyed section must be completely demolished before normal transport and traffic can resume. Repairs were expected to take several days to complete, during which detours were put in place. This, of course, compounds existing supply chain issues that the nation continues to struggle with even after the pandemic, including a nationwide trucker shortage.
The Trucking Company Behind the Accident
Serious questions have been raised about the trucking company that operated the tanker truck that exploded. This company was involved in a very similar incident back in 2015. This incident involved a tanker truck losing control and overturning on a ramp near the Betsy Ross Bridge. This crash also resulted in a serious blaze. Although the fire did not cause the complete destruction of a major transport artery, it caused over $1 million in damages and closed down a busy highway ramp for quite some time.
In light of this prior accident, authorities and journalists are taking a closer look at this trucking company. The trucker behind the wheel survived the 2015 crash and blamed it on “black ice,” but the authorities later determined that he had been speeding. Not only that, but he was found with multiple driver’s licenses, suggesting at least one of them was fraudulent. Journalists then determined that the trucking company was not even authorized to transport cargo across state lines.
Whether any of these issues contributed to the most recent crash is unclear, but these issues highlight how negligent trucking companies can play a central, contributing role when it comes to serious accidents across New Jersey and the entire nation. Licensing requirements and permits are in place for a reason – they help regulate the industry and ensure safety standards are met. When these regulations are violated, accidents become inevitable.
Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Truck Accident Attorney in New Jersey?
If you’ve been searching for an experienced truck accident attorney in New Jersey, look no further than Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs across the Garden State, including those who have been injured by truck accidents. We know how deadly, explosive, and traumatic truck accidents can be, and we are ready to guide victims toward fair compensation and justice. Book your consultation today to learn more about your legal options and get started with an effective action plan.
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