Victims of car crashes on major freeways often suffer catastrophic injuries. When a car accident involves a car and a tractor-trailer, the risk of serious injuries is even greater. In many instances, crashes involving semis end up with fatalities. Whether suffering from injuries and mounting medical bills or the reality of losing someone they love, victims of car crashes in New Jersey need to know their legal options to seek compensation.
On Dec. 27, three people from the same family were killed when a tractor-trailer on the New Jersey Turnpike hit their vehicle. A fourth family member, an 18-year-old girl, survived the wreck and was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to investigators on the scene.
The four-vehicle crash closed the southbound lane of the Turnpike for over five hours. The car crash occurred just after 10 a.m. The tractor-trailer is thought to have hit the family’s Toyota Camry, bumped into a second vehicle, then jackknifed and crushed the Camry.
Investigators announced days after the crash that they believe a fifth vehicle may have contributed to the accident. According to witnesses, a white or light gold SUV came to a stop in the center lane, allegedly causing traffic to slow enough to have been a potential cause of the accident. Police are currently searching for this vehicle.
In cases like this, the people left behind face tremendous pain and suffering as they attempt to rebuild their lives after losing people they loved. These victims need to know their rights, as they may be eligible for compensation for their loss from any driver found to be responsible.
Source: NBC10 Philadelphia, “Police Search for SUV That May Have Contributed to Fatal Tpk Crash,” Danielle Johnson, Tim Furlong and David Chang, Jan. 1, 2013