Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents: Indictment In Morris County
A New Jersey man was indicted recently after an accident in which three of the passengers in his car were killed. According to the prosecutor in the case, the male driver will be charged with several counts. This is one more example of the devastation that fatal motor vehicle accidents in New Jersey cause, particularly when alcohol is involved.
During Aug. 2013, the accused man apparently rolled his vehicle while presumably intoxicated. At the time of the accident, there were eight passengers in the vehicle of which three passengers were younger than 18 years of age. When the vehicle rolled, some of the passengers were flung from the vehicle. Three of the passengers died as a result.
The three deceased victims included a 62-year-old, a 33-year-old and an 11-year old. The defendant and the rest of the passengers were all injured in the accident. Charges against the defendant include manslaughter, vehicular homicide and endangering a child. Authorities are asking people who may have information on the accident to come forward in order to assist with the case.
Although a criminal case is pending, the legal estates of the deceased may institute a civil claim as well. In New Jersey, wrongful death claims may be filed in the case of fatal motor vehicle accidents. Damages awarded in successfully presented claims may assist the families left behind to recover from unexpected expenses such as burial and funeral costs. Furthermore, should any of the passengers have been seriously injured, they may also elect to institute personal injury claims seeking compensation for any damages suffered by them.
Source: northjersey.com, Jersey City man indicted in fatal Jefferson accident, AIM Jefferson, March 7, 2014
