Jeff Varcadipane
March 4, 2026

Driving alongside massive commercial trucks can feel intimidating, especially on New Jersey’s busiest highways. These roadways see thousands of vehicles daily, including large trucks hauling goods across state lines. When these vehicles collide with passenger cars, the results can be devastating. Families can face medical bills, lost wages, and life-altering injuries after truck accidents while trying to piece together what happened and who is responsible.
What Makes Route 17, I-80, and the Garden State Parkway Dangerous for Truck Accidents?
These three highways carry heavy commercial traffic through Bergen County and beyond, which increases accident risk. Route 17 runs through densely populated areas with frequent exits, lane changes, and merging traffic, creating opportunities for collisions. Interstate 80 serves as a major cross-country trucking route, bringing high volumes of long-haul trucks through New Jersey. The Garden State Parkway, although it restricts commercial vehicles in some sections, still sees truck traffic where permitted, particularly near industrial areas.
How Common Are Truck Accidents?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 5,472 people lost their lives in traffic crashes involving large trucks in 2023; 70 percent of those killed were occupants in other vehicles. Recent data is not yet available, but with more and more delivery trucks on New Jersey roads, those numbers may rise.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents on Route 17, I-80, and Garden State Parkway?
Truck driver fatigue ranks among the leading causes, as these workers often drive long hours despite federal regulations limiting that time. Distracted driving also contributes, whether drivers are checking phones, adjusting GPS systems, or eating while behind the wheel. Speeding becomes particularly dangerous when trucks cannot stop quickly due to their weight, especially on highways like I-80, where traffic moves fast; improper loading can shift cargo and cause trucks to tip or lose control during sharp turns on Route 17’s frequent exits.
Where Do Most Truck Accidents Occur on These Routes?
Accidents happen most frequently in construction zones, where lanes narrow and traffic patterns change suddenly. Entrance and exit ramps present another high-risk area because vehicles merge at different speeds. The junction where Route 17 meets Interstate 80 in Hasbrouck Heights sees heavy truck traffic and frequent lane changes, while the Ridgewood area on Route 17 has multiple shopping centers with turning vehicles, creating conflict points. On the Garden State Parkway, the Paramus area near the shopping districts experiences congestion that can lead to rear-end collisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Most Common Injuries People Face From Truck Accidents?
Traumatic brain injuries develop when the head strikes objects or experiences violent motion during impact, which can lead to lasting cognitive and physical impairments. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, altering lives permanently; broken bones, internal bleeding, and severe lacerations are also common.
How Long Do Accident Claims Take to Resolve?
Cases typically take several months to over a year, depending on injury severity and liability disputes. Settlement negotiations may resolve matters quickly, while contested cases requiring litigation extend timelines.
What Should Someone Do Immediately After a Truck Accident?
Call 911 to report the crash and request medical assistance for anyone injured, even if injuries seem minor initially; if possible, move your vehicle to the highway’s shoulder and put on your hazard lights.
Our Experienced Bergen County Truck Accident Lawyers at Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. Stand Ready to Fight for Your Recovery
If you need a comprehensive legal consultation after a crash, contact our Bergen County truck accident lawyers at Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. Call 201-588-1500 or complete our online form today for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout New York, New Jersey, and Florida, and have offices conveniently located in Manhattan, Paramus, and Jacksonville.
Jeffrey W. Varcadipane
Jeffrey W. Varcadipane is a Certified Civil Trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey and a Founding Partner of the Firm. He handles a variety of matters including civil and commercial litigation, appellate practice, real estate, and business law.
University: J.D. Fordham Law School
Bar Number: 29472005
Locations: New Jersey, New York, and Florida.
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