The Dangers of Commercial Trucking Accidents in Massachusetts

Commercial trucking accidents are among the most dangerous and devastating crashes on Massachusetts roadways. Major highways such as Interstate 95 (Route 128), the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), Route 9, and I-290 carry a constant flow of tractor-trailers traveling through Boston, Newton, Framingham, Worcester, and surrounding communities. When something goes wrong, the size and weight of a commercial truck can turn an ordinary traffic incident into a catastrophic event in seconds.

A recent crash on I-95 in Newton highlights just how quickly these accidents can shut down major transportation corridors and place motorists at serious risk.

I-95 Tractor-Trailer Crash in Newton Underscores Serious Risks

According to several news reports, a serious wreck involving a tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle shut down a busy stretch of northbound Interstate 95 near mile marker 38 in Newton late Friday morning. Video footage showed the tractor-trailer jackknifed across all travel lanes while a heavily damaged car sat crumpled against the concrete median barrier. Massachusetts State Police and emergency crews were forced to close the highway, prompting MassDOT to warn drivers to expect significant delays and seek alternate routes.

While initial reports did not immediately confirm the extent of injuries, crashes of this magnitude frequently result in severe harm. Jackknife accidents, in particular, are notorious for causing life-altering injuries or fatalities due to the uncontrolled force of a swinging trailer blocking multiple lanes of traffic.

Why Truck Accidents Are More Dangerous Than Typical Car Crashes

Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, far outweighing passenger vehicles. When a tractor-trailer collides with a car, SUV, or motorcycle, the occupants of the smaller vehicle are far more likely to suffer traumatic injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, head injuries, or internal organ injuries. These accidents often occur at highway speeds on roads like I-95, I-93, or I-90, multiplying the severity of the impact.

In congested areas like Newton and Boston, truck crashes can also trigger multi-vehicle pileups, leaving several innocent motorists injured and facing long recovery periods.

Common Causes of Massachusetts Trucking Accidents

Truck accidents in Massachusetts are rarely unavoidable. Many are caused by negligence, including distracted driving, driver fatigue, speeding, or unsafe lane changes. In some cases, trucking companies contribute to crashes by failing to properly train drivers, pressuring them to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, or neglecting vehicle maintenance. Mechanical failures such as faulty brakes or worn tires are especially dangerous on busy highways running through Framingham, Worcester, and the greater Boston area.

Identifying the exact cause of a trucking accident is critical for injured victims seeking compensation.

Compensation Available to Truck Accident Victims

Victims injured in a commercial trucking accident may be entitled to financial compensation for a wide range of losses. This can include reimbursement for medical bills, emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and future medical treatment. Injured motorists may also pursue compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity if their injuries prevent them from returning to work.

In addition to economic damages, Massachusetts law allows accident victims to seek compensation for pain and suffering. This includes physical pain, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life caused by serious injuries. In catastrophic cases, families may also have grounds for wrongful death claims.

How an Experienced Massachusetts Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

Trucking accident cases are far more complex than standard car accident claims. An experienced Massachusetts personal injury attorney or trucking accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who was at fault. This often involves obtaining truck driver logbooks, black box data, maintenance records, company safety policies, and crash scene evidence. Witness statements, accident reconstruction, and compliance with federal trucking regulations all play a critical role in substantiating an injury claim.

Trucking companies and their insurers aggressively defend these cases to limit payouts. Having a skilled attorney advocating for you helps level the playing field and protects your right to full and fair compensation.

Protecting Your Rights After a Truck Accident in Massachusetts

If you are injured in a trucking accident on I-95 in Newton, on Route 9 in Framingham, on I-290 in Worcester, or anywhere else in Massachusetts, it is critical to understand that you have legal rights. Insurance companies are not on your side, and early missteps can significantly impact the value of your claim.

Consulting with an experienced Massachusetts truck accident lawyer as soon as possible can help preserve evidence, identify all responsible parties, and ensure your claim is handled properly from the start. Commercial trucking accidents are dangerous, complex, and life-changing – but injured victims do not have to face the aftermath alone.