An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances that led to the deaths of five people in Rutherford. Investigations of deadly car accidents in which there are no survivors are typically more complicated. Reportedly, this tragedy occurred late on a recent Sunday night on Route 3.
According to a preliminary accident report, the New Jersey crash happened on the highway in the westbound lanes in an area in which road construction was underway. An SUV with five occupants smashed into a front-end loader at the construction project. Reportedly, the construction vehicle was in operation at the time of the accident.
The report states that only one westbound lane was open for traffic due to the ongoing construction. The names of the deceased SUV occupants were not immediately released, although it was noted that a toddler was one of the victims along with three women and one man. Paramedics reported that some of the crash victims were ejected from the vehicle and landed on the roadway.
When lives are lost in car accidents that resulted from the negligence of other parties, the surviving family members can typically pursue claims for financial relief. In a case such as this one, the skills of an experienced New Jersey car accident attorney would likely be necessary to establish who was at fault. It could be the SUV driver or the construction vehicle operator and his or her employer, or some combination. Damages typically documented for monetary judgment on behalf of the estates of the deceased victims include the expenses of end-of-life arrangements, loss of income, pain and suffering of the surviving loved ones, and more.