Allegedly drugged driver causes fatality on icy Garden State Parkway

March 26, 2013

Allegedly drugged driver causes fatality on icy Garden State Parkway

On an blustery winter New Jersey Saturday afternoon in March 2013, ice caused many accidents along the Garden State Parkway in the vicinity of Lacey Township. One young driver lost control of her car in the icy conditions, ending up on the shoulder of the busy toll way. The kind driver of a passing van stopped to help her, and he and his three passengers got out to push her stopped vehicle over to safety.

Then the unthinkable happened -- a Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by a young man in his 20s also slid out of control and caused a motor vehicle accident in which he hit and killed one of the passengers who was pushing the first driver's car.

According to The Press of Atlantic City, the driver of the Chrysler who struck the decedent was charged with causing death or injury while driving unlicensed and under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance, also called a CDS; and with obstruction.

The Garden State Parkway

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority Operations Department's Garden State Parkway Division reports that in 2010, 8,401 motor vehicle accidents happened on the parkway, 25 of them causing fatalities. That translates to about 23 accidents every day somewhere on the parkway, and that was three years ago.

Of course, drivers must exercise reasonable caution and care when they navigate the heavy traffic of this busy toll road so as to avoid accidents that could hurt others.

Evidence in a car accident suit

If a driver like the one charged in the recent Good Samaritan fatality is found to have been in violation of New Jersey traffic laws when an injury accident happens, that conviction would be important evidence in a personal injury lawsuit against that driver by anyone harmed as a result. In particular, a driver who negligently or recklessly gets behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol would be legally responsible for property damage or bodily harm he or she causes in a crash.

Seek experienced legal counsel

Anyone harmed in a New Jersey motor vehicle accident caused even in part by another driver should speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney about potential legal remedies to recover damages for property damage and injuries. Likewise, if a loved one is killed in such a collision, the survivors should obtain the advice of a wrongful death lawyer with auto accident experience.

Article provided by The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall
Visit us at www.caraccidentlawyersnj.com