4 Killed in Wrong-Way Crash on New Jersey Turnpike
It can be easy for a driver to end up in the wrong direction on the freeway. This is especially true late at night, when low visibility, fatigue, confusion, and drunk driving may all play a role.
Sadly, four people were recently killed in a wrong-way crash on the New Jersey Turnpike. All were young adults.
The accident occurred just after midnight on October 19 on the southbound side of the New Jersey Turnpike, near mile marker 1.3 in Carneys Point. A 41-year-old man from Colorado was driving a Dodge pickup truck northbound in the southbound lanes when he collided with a Mazda SUV. After that initial crash, the Mazda was then hit by a Freightliner tractor trailer that was in the right lane, behind the Mazda.
All four occupants of the Mazda were killed. They include the driver, a 19-year-old man from Lakewood, as well as two 18-year-old men from Lakewood and an 18-year-old man from New York. All were Yeshiva students on school break.
The driver of the Dodge suffered serious injuries in the crash. The driver of the tractor trailer, a 29-year-old man from Nova Scotia, was not injured.
Legal Consequences of Wrong-Way Accidents
When a driver travels the wrong way and causes a crash, serious criminal charges may apply. A person may face vehicular homicide charges to some degree, which can result in many years in prison, as well as license revocation and possible fines.
If their license is not revoked, then they will see points on their driving record. They will get eight points for leaving the scene with injury or death, and two points for property damage only.
In wrong-way crash scenarios, certain factors make outcomes more severe. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an example, as authorities consider DUI as evidence of reckless driving under vehicular homicide statute. High speeds, head-on collisions, multiple fatalities, or serious injuries raise the charging severity as well. Also, failure to stop or attempting to flee the accident scene can result in a separate charge.
Civil liability can come up as well. A wrong-way driver may be presumed negligent simply for entering oncoming traffic. For example, a driver traveling against traffic may be presumed negligent unless they can show some external cause. Victims’ families may bring wrongful death lawsuits, and injured parties may bring personal injury claims.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Car accidents can be deadly, especially when wrong-way driving and multiple vehicles are involved.
Car accidents are an everyday occurrence in New Jersey. If you have been affected, get the help you need from a Morristown car accidents attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. We have more than 40 years of experience helping clients to recover the compensation they need and deserve for car accident injuries in towns across New Jersey. Schedule a consultation today by calling (973) 455-1567 or filling out the online form.
Source:
yahoo.com/news/articles/fatal-accident-jersey-turnpike-4-140447608.html
