Car accidents can severely affect New Jersey individuals’ lives. Even when a motorist is fully functioning, mistakes can still occur. However, when alcohol is consumed before operating a motor vehicle, the outcome of car accidents — and their resultant injuries — can sometimes be even more severe.
A New Jersey man is currently facing serious accusations after allegedly causing a crash that killed another motorist, police say. The man allegedly crashed into a parked car on a recent Thursday afternoon in October. He then fled the scene and evaded the police,. He then collided head-on with another car, resulting in the other driver’s death.
When the police responded to the reported motor vehicle accident, they located a vehicle that had collided with a parked car — the driver appeared to be disoriented, according to the police. The 31-year-old driver would not release the car’s accelerator, so his vehicle was still in contact with the car he had hit. After freeing his vehicle, the man sped away, only to cross the road’s center line a little while later and collide head-on with another car. The 63-year-old driver’s car caught fire, and he was airlifted to a local medical center, where he died.
The other driver has been charged with driving while intoxicated. While he heads to criminal court to answer the formal charge, the victim’s family will be recovering from this tragic accident. Even if the other driver was not impaired, a wrongful death claim may be filed in civil court with regard to this accident. If a New Jersey court makes a ruling that the driver’s negligence caused or contributed to the injuries suffered, then damages may be awarded to the victim’s family. Families of victims of similar car accidents typically choose to consult experienced personal injury attorneys for help exploring their legal options.
Source: Wayne, NJ Patch, “Drunk Driver Kills Man 1 Minute After Fleeing Crash: Cops“, Daniel Hubbard, Oct. 23, 2015