On Sept.18, a hospital spokesperson confirmed that a Sussex woman injured in a highway crash on Route 565 on Sept. 4 still lies in critical condition two weeks after the accident. The car accident occurred at around 9 p.m. near milepost 10.6 when a 21-year-old man heading south drove his Mitsubishi Lancer into the northbound lane, according to a state police sergeant. The 42-year-old woman was airlifted to a medical center and remains in treatment in the intensive care unit.
The Lancer’s driver reportedly fractured his leg in the head-on collision. His wounds were not as serious as the Sussex woman’s injuries, but he was taken to a Patterson hospital for surgery and was released five days later. Screws and plates were required to repair the shattered bones, and a rod was placed inside his tibia. The Lancer’s three passengers, ages 20, 21 and 23, also suffered injuries and received medical attention.
As of Sept. 18, police have not issued any charges to the Lancer driver. The man’s attorney released a statement claiming the driver was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He also says the driver cooperated with police after the accident and has not heard from county or state law enforcement since the incident.
A person who has suffered catastrophic injuries in a car accident may be forced to cope with physical limitations for the rest of his or her life. A lengthy hospital stay can drain finances, and the severity of some injuries may also prevent a victim from working, creating financial burdens for that person’s family. However, if another driver who negligently crossed into oncoming traffic caused the accident, the injured victim might be able to pursue compensation for the financial damages stemming from the incident. When filing a claim, a plaintiff may be able to use witness statements and police reports that suggest that the defendant was negligent and is liable.
Source: NJ.com, “Woman still in critical condition weeks after Sussex crash“, Justin Zaremba, September 19, 2014