Running for approximately 130 miles, U.S. Route 206 is a critical road in Sussex and Morris counties, as well as other parts of New Jersey. In some areas, the highway is lined on both sides with various types of commercial properties. On the other hand, there are sections that are quite rural. This mix can create problems, particularly when traffic patterns change quickly, and a vehicle is traveling too fast to adjust in time. Not surprisingly, Route 206 has been cited as one of New Jersey’s most dangerous roads. 

Recently, Richard Dudley of Madison died following a collision with a dump truck on Route 206 in Sussex County. This head-on collision occurred in Sandyston, near the Pennsylvania border. According to authorities, the driver of the dump truck suffered minor injuries. 

Fatal crashes involving heavy commercial vehicles raise complex legal and investigative issues that require the immediate assistance of an experienced attorney. Delays can make it difficult or impossible to collect critical evidence such as scene measurements, vehicle damage profiles, skid mark photos and any available dashcam or surveillance footage. Many large trucks are equipped with event data recorders, which can provide important information about a vehicle’s speed and movement directly prior to a crash. 

One of the particular challenges associated with truck accident litigation is that the driver often does not own the vehicle in the crash. Investigation of the vehicle’s maintenance records and payload might indicate that the fleet owner or the business that hired the truck might be appropriate defendants. A review of the driver’s records could show that they lacked proper training or violated rules on required rest, possibly implicating their employer. 

Environmental factors can also contribute to a crash, particularly on portions of highways such as Route 206 that are not sufficiently lit. Poor road conditions and lines that are hard to see could also lead to a head-on crash. If a public entity may is potentially liable for a vehicle accident, it is important to be aware of the strict deadline under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act, which usually requires notice within 90 days of the accident.

Hollander, Strelzik, Pasculli, Vandenberg, Hontz & Associates, LLC works with reconstruction experts and commercial transportation professionals to investigate causation of truck accidents. If you have questions about your rights following a collision on Route 206 or elsewhere in New Jersey, please call 973-737-1023 or contact us online for a confidential consultation Our offices are in Newton and Succasunna.