Tractor-Trailer Injury Crash at E Newton Rd & US-13 in Bridgeville, DE: What You Need to Know
A tractor-trailer accident can be a life-altering event. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles often lead to devastating consequences for those involved, especially occupants of passenger vehicles. If you or a loved one has been involved in a tractor-trailer injury crash at E Newton Rd & US-13 in Bridgeville, DE, understanding your rights and options is crucial.
The Scene: E Newton Rd & US-13 in Bridgeville, DE
Bridgeville, Delaware, a town in Sussex County, sees its fair share of truck traffic due to its location on U.S. Route 13, a major north-south highway. The intersection of East Newton Road and US-13 is a known area for accidents. According to a news report from October 11, 2025, a recent crash involving a tractor-trailer and another vehicle occurred at this intersection, prompting a response from Sussex County emergency services. This highlights the potential dangers present on this stretch of road.
Why Tractor-Trailer Accidents Are Different
Tractor-trailer accidents are not the same as typical car accidents. Here’s why:
- Severity of Injuries: Due to the size and weight disparity, injuries in truck accidents are often more severe, leading to long-term medical care, disability, and even death. In 2023, large truck crashes in the United States resulted in 5,078 fatalities and 86,842 injuries.
- Complex Regulations: The trucking industry is heavily regulated by both federal and state laws. These regulations cover everything from driver hours of service to vehicle maintenance and cargo loading.
- Multiple Liable Parties: Unlike a typical car accident where the at-fault driver is usually the primary party, truck accidents can involve multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and even manufacturers of defective parts.
Common Causes of Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Understanding the common causes of these accidents can shed light on potential negligence and liability:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often face pressure to meet tight deadlines, leading to fatigue and drowsy driving. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations limit the number of hours a driver can operate a truck, but these rules are sometimes ignored.
- Distracted Driving: Like all drivers, truck drivers can be distracted by cell phones, GPS devices, and other in-cab technologies. Texting while driving makes a truck driver 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash.
- Speeding: Speeding is a significant factor in large truck accidents. Drivers may speed to make up time or due to pressure from their companies.
- Improper Loading: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift, causing the truck to become unstable and leading to accidents.
- Mechanical Failures: Lack of maintenance and faulty parts can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues that contribute to accidents.
- Driver Inattention: Driver inattention was found to be a factor in 28% of truck accidents.
What to Do After a Tractor-Trailer Injury Crash
If you’ve been involved in a tractor-trailer accident, here are crucial steps to take:
- Ensure Safety: Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
- Call the Police: Report the accident to the police and ensure a police report is filed.
- Gather Information: Exchange information with the truck driver, including their name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details. Also, get the trucking company’s name and USDOT number.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel immediately injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be apparent right away.
- Contact a Delaware Truck Accident Lawyer: Truck accident cases are complex, and an experienced attorney can protect your rights and help you navigate the legal process.
Legal Considerations in Delaware
- Statute of Limitations: In Delaware, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit.
- Comparative Negligence: Delaware follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages as long as your percentage of fault is not more than 50%. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- No Damage Caps: Delaware generally does not have caps on the amount of damages you can recover in a personal injury case. This means you can potentially recover the full amount of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Delaware is a fault-based insurance state but requires drivers to carry no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP can cover medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer
A Delaware truck accident lawyer can help you in several ways:
- Investigating the Accident: Attorneys know what evidence to look for and which questions to ask in truck accident cases. They can investigate the accident scene, review police reports, and examine truck driver logs and maintenance records.
- Identifying All Liable Parties: A lawyer can help identify all parties who may be liable for your injuries, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and manufacturers of defective parts.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts in truck accident cases. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and protect your rights.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, an attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
- Understanding FMCSA Regulations: Truck accident attorneys are well-versed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) and can use violations of these regulations to strengthen your case.
Seeking Justice and Compensation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a tractor-trailer injury crash at E Newton Rd & US-13 in Bridgeville, DE, remember that you have rights. Contacting a qualified Delaware truck accident lawyer is the first step toward protecting those rights and seeking the compensation you deserve.