During the early morning hours of Nov., a 20-year-old man allegedly caused a car accident in Mahwah that resulted in the injury of two other individuals. The Ramapo College student was reportedly driving on Woods Road when he veered into oncoming traffic and rammed into a southbound vehicle head-on.
The auto accident also resulted in multiple criminal charges for the motorist. He stands accused of being underaged and consuming alcohol before driving, not observing marked traffic lanes and driving recklessly. The accused is set to appear in court on Nov. 12.
After the collision, the man’s passengers were both taken to the hospital for various injuries, but the driver of the other vehicle reportedly sustained no injuries. One passenger, transported to Suffern’s Good Samaritan Hospital, complained of pains in his torso and a gash on his head. The other, who was taken to University Medical Center in Hackensack, sustained a compound hand fracture, a hurt shoulder and an ankle injury of an unspecified nature. Reports did not specify whether the injured also attended Ramapo College.
Students who are involved in accidents involving underage drinking risk compromising their education. These individuals may be suspended by their school, and they could forfeit money they’ve already paid in tuition. If an accident results in a fatality, the victim’s families may be left with high student loans and fees on top of the emotional trauma they experience at the loss of their loved ones. Some of these survivors file wrongful death lawsuits, but these involved proceedings may be difficult for them to manage alone, especially considering their emotional and mental states. Attorneys may be able to help by guiding them through their court cases.
Source: NorthJersey.com, “Two injured, Ramapo student charged with drunk driving in crash”, Allison Fries, November 01, 2013