Pedestrians Killed by Tractor-Trailer in Union County

Two pedestrians were hit and killed by a tractor-trailer while crossing an intersection in Union County Sunday. An Elizabeth County spokesperson said the truck stopped for a red light and began moving when the light changed, striking the pedestrians.

The driver, uninjured, remained at the scene. No further information was provided, and an investigation into the accident is ongoing.

Sunday’s accident marks the second fatal crash in less than two weeks at the same intersection. In the prior, a cyclist was struck and killed by a speeding car in the intersection while crossing the road.

Nationally, approximately 16 percent of all annual fatal tractor-trailer accidents involve pedestrians. Overall, 97 percent of truck accidents result in fatalities, including occupants of passenger vehicles. Pedestrians struck by semi-trucks rarely survive. Driver inattention is the most common factor in all state and national truck accidents.

New Jersey laws state that pedestrians have the right of way at all intersections, including unmarked crosswalks when crossing a major roadway while traffic is stopped or crossing on a green signal. Drivers are required to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians crossing in marked crosswalks in the same lane, the lane a driver is turning into, or when the traffic light turns green while crossing.

Fully loaded tractor-trailers can weigh 80,000 or more pounds, which produces a devastating impact in a collision. Even at low speeds, truck accidents typically cause severe.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, contact Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. at 732-247-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.