NJ Truck Rear-end Crash Causes Chain Reaction Involving Six Vehicles
On March 28, 2025, a serious NJ truck rear-end crash on westbound Interstate 80 near Exit 35 triggered a devastating crash in NJ involving six vehicles. According to New Jersey State Police, the chain reaction began when an International tractor-trailer slammed into the rear of a GMC dump truck as traffic slowed.
The impact forced the dump truck to crash into a pickup, which was pushed into a box truck. The dump truck continued forward, hitting the back of a Toyota, which then struck the rear of a Chevrolet hauling an enclosed trailer.
The dump truck’s driver and passenger suffered serious injuries after being ejected from the vehicle.
Injuries Caused by a NJ Truck Rear-end Crash
When a fully-loaded NJ truck weighing over 80,000 pounds is involved in a rear-end crash, the resulting force can cause:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Sudden head movement causes the brain to hit the skull walls. These injuries are often permanent.
- Severe Burns: Diesel fuel is highly flammable. Crashes involving fuel leakage can result in catastrophic burns.
- Complex Fractures: Crushed or broken bones often require surgery and metal implants, followed by long-term rehab.
New Jersey hospitals are among the most expensive in the country, and burn victims may spend over 30 days in intensive care. These medical expenses make legal compensation even more important.
Why Rear-end Crashes Happen with NJ Trucks
Rear-end crashes involving NJ trucks are often due to:
- Inadequate following distance
- Driver fatigue or excessive hours
- Distraction by devices or GPS
- Brake failure or poor maintenance
Truck drivers are held to a higher duty of care than noncommercial drivers. In New Jersey, they are considered “common carriers” and must operate with utmost caution. Even a minor mistake may be grounds for legal liability in a crash in NJ.
Legal Responsibility in a NJ Truck Rear-end Crash
New Jersey law allows victims of a rear-end crash to claim damages if they can prove the truck driver was negligent.
Strong evidence includes:
- Crash reports and witness statements
- Event Data Recorder (EDR) info showing speed, brake use, etc.
- Video footage from dashcams or nearby surveillance
- Truck inspection logs and hours of service records
An experienced NJ truck accident lawyer will use this data to establish fault and hold both the driver and their employer accountable.
Vicarious Liability in Commercial Trucking Crashes
Even if the truck driver in the NJ truck rear-end crash is an independent contractor, their employer can still be held liable under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior.
If the trucking company controlled the load assignment or delivery instructions, they may be responsible for:
- Employer negligence (hiring or supervision)
- Pressuring drivers to skip rest breaks
- Poor vehicle maintenance policies
This allows victims to pursue a more substantial insurance claim beyond the individual driver’s coverage.
Injured in a NJ Truck Rear-end Crash? Here’s What To Do
After a crash in NJ, victims should:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even for minor symptoms.
- Preserve photos, video, and contact information from the crash site.
- Contact an experienced NJ personal injury attorney for a free case review.
Legal compensation may include:
- Emergency and ongoing medical costs
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Wrongful death (if applicable)
Contact a Newark NJ Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Rear-end collisions involving NJ trucks often result in more than just wrecked vehicles — they can upend lives. If you or a loved one were injured in a truck crash in NJ, reach out to CourtLaw Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We’ll help you navigate the legal process and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Reach Out to a Newark, NJ County Lawyer
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a truck accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing.
Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled injury attorneys at CourtLaw NJ Personal Injury Lawyers represent clients injured in accidents in Perth Amboy, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, and throughout New Jersey. Call 732-442-5900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 as well as offices in Jersey City, New Brunswick, Roselle, and East Orange.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
