A recent study has found that wrong-way crashes have increased by as much as 34% nationwide. There have been a number of wrong-way crashes making headlines in New Jersey recently, emphasizing that these kinds of crashes are becoming a growing problem. The study also found that these crashes are more likely to occur when a driver is under the influence of alcohol, driving alone, or is elderly. These accidents are highly likely to result in fatalities as the amount of force is doubled when drivers collide head-on. Drivers who survive are likely to suffer significant injuries and may be overwhelmed by debilitating physical conditions and medical bills. They may find that the best way to recover financially from an accident of this nature is to bring a personal injury claim against the responsible driver.
Anthony Varvaro Killed in Wrong-Way Crash
A former MLB baseball player who became a beloved community leader and port authority officer in New Jersey was tragically killed in a wrong-way accident. A Toyota Rav 4 driven by a 30-year-old New Jersey man was traveling on the New Jersey Turnpike when he crossed lanes and collided head-on with the vehicle driven by Anthony Varvaro. Both men were killed as a result of the injuries that they sustained in the crash. The community is mourning Varvaro, whose decision to leave major league sports in order to pursue a career in law enforcement was widely publicized and inspirational to many. Varvaro was on his way to man a post at the 9/11 memorial at the time the accident occurred.
Woman Killed in Fatal Wrong-Way Speeding Accident
A 20-year-old man from Old Bridge, New Jersey was driving his Dodge Charger on Amwell Road in Hillsborough, when he began speeding in an attempt to pass the vehicle in front of him, despite it being a no-passing zone. He passed into the other lane to try and pass the vehicle but ended up colliding head-on with a BMW. The driver of the BMW suffered serious injuries and the 74-year-old passenger riding in the BMW died at the hospital as the result of injuries sustained in the crash. The driver of the Dodge Charger was also brought to the hospital after complaining of hip pain. Witnesses stated that he was driving well above the 35-mile-per-hour speed limit on Amwell Road. The county prosecutor’s office reconstructed the scene and determined that he must have been driving nearly twice the legal limit, estimating that he was driving between 65 and 67 miles per hour when the legal speed limit was 35. He has since been charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and fourth-degree assault by auto. If convicted, he could serve 5-10 years in prison.
Can I Sue for a Wrong-Way Car Crash?
If you have been injured in a wrong-way vehicle crash, the damages and injuries can be monumental. If someone else caused the accident, you can hold them accountable for the injuries that you have suffered by bringing a personal injury claim against them. In order to do this, you must be able to show that the other driver was negligent in causing the crash. Many wrong-way vehicle crashes are caused because one driver is under the influence and is driving above the legal limit. If this is the case, they will be considered negligent per se. This means that you will not have to establish negligence and causation, and will only have to demonstrate that you suffered physical and financial injuries as a result of the accident. If you are able to do this and succeed in your personal injury claim, you will be entitled to compensation for all expenses and financial damages incurred as a result of your injuries. This includes compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs and losses due to the accident. You will also be able to receive compensation for pain and suffering, intended to compensate you for the physical and emotional suffering that you experienced as a result of the accident. Other factors, such as the severity of your injury and how long it is expected to last, will also affect the amount of damages that you are entitled to, so the best way to get an idea of how much your claim is worth is to consult with an attorney.
Schedule a Consultation with Lependorf & Silverstein
If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a New Jersey vehicle collision, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein will fight to get you the justice and compensation that you are entitled to. Contact Lependorf & Silverstein today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you.
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