A spokesman with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office reported that a head-on collision that occurred on Dec. 14 claimed the life of a woman. The accident occurred around 8:25 a.m. on Route 66.
A 24-year-old Neptune man was allegedly driving east on the road in a Nissan Altima. He reportedly crossed over the center line, striking a Chrysler Sebring being driven by the 80-year-old woman in the westbound lane.
Responding emergency personnel transported the woman to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. After her arrival at the hospital, the woman was pronounced dead. The 24-year-old man was also transported to the hospital. Neither vehicle had any passengers. It is unclear what caused the man to allegedly cross the center line. The road was closed for several hours following the accident. The investigation is still ongoing and no charges have been filed in connection with it.
A car accident can be caused by distracted driving if the driver is not paying attention or is looking down. If a driver is distracted and then crosses the center line, causing a fatal car accident as a result, the family of the person killed may be able to hold the driver civilly liable even when no criminal charges are filed. The burden of proof in a civil case is lower, making it more likely for people to prevail even if the driver is not criminally penalized. Through a wrongful death civil lawsuit, the family of a victim may be able to recover for losses such as medical expenses, property losses, lost income and inheritance rights, loss of companionship and other damages. A personal injury attorney can provide counsel to family members in this regard.
Source: NJ.com, “Woman, 80, killed in Neptune crash, authorities say“, Ashley Peskoe, December 15, 2014