Police in New Jersey recently responded to the scene of a single-vehicle accident near Clinton Township. One individual is said to have died in the wreck, while the driver and a teenager reportedly suffered serious injuries. Authorities do believe that impairment contributed to this event. The results of this crash are not uncommon for drunk driving accidents.
According to a local report, a 35-year-old female was driving a minivan on the I-78 when she lost control, veered off the roadway and flipped the vehicle. A 32-year-old male was thrown from the van. He is said to have died at the scene of the crash. A 16-year-old male — who was riding in the front passenger seat — was injured and transported to an area hospital, as was the driver. Their current conditions are unknown.
The individual deemed responsible for this collision was tested for impairment shortly after the crash — which is standard procedure. It was reported that her blood alcohol level was elevated, though, the exact level was not released. She has since been charged with DUI. It is unknown if any further charges will be filed in this case.
Drunk driving accidents occur fairly frequently in New Jersey and elsewhere. Victims of such incidents or their surviving family members may, in accordance with the laws of the state, have legal recourse. In this particular case, the injured passenger and the loved one’s of the deceased may file civil claims against the driver believed responsible for any damages they have personally sustained. If negligence can be established in court, monetary judgments may be awarded for any losses that are deemed legally recoverable.
Source: Bernardsville, NJ Patch, “Details Released In N.J. Fatal Highway Crash; 1 Thrown From Car, Child Hurt“, Tom Davis, Aug. 22, 2016