Truck driver killed in New Jersey Turnpike crash

On Behalf of | Oct 6, 2014 | Wrongful Death

A tractor-trailer driver was killed in an early morning crash near the George Washington Bridge Sept. 26. Accident wreckage blocked express and local lanes on the New Jersey Turnpike for several hours following the incident.

New Jersey State Police said a 58-year-old man traveling northbound on the Turnpike lost control of his Jeep and hit the median around 5 a.m. The driver of the tractor-trailer, who was hauling orange juice, could not stop in time and struck the Jeep. The collision caused the truck to break through the median and flip on its side, obstructing three lanes of traffic.

The truck driver, who was unnamed pending notification of family, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 58-year-old Jeep driver, who lives in Keyport was transported to Hackensack Hospital with head injuries. He was listed in stable condition.

When a loved one is lost in a fatal truck accident, the incident can be financially and emotionally devastating. The family of the victim may be facing large medical bills and expensive funeral and burial costs. They also must deal with the loss of current and future income the victim provided.

If it is determined that another driver caused the fatal accident through negligence, such as impaired, distracted or fatigued driving, the family may wish to file a wrongful death lawsuit. An attorney with a background in personal injury claims may be able to use crash scene evidence, witness testimony and police reports to build a strong wrongful death case on behalf of the victim’s family. A successful suit may bring the family compensation for lost wages, funeral costs, lost companionship and other damages.

Source: WABC, “2 lanes reopened after fatal crash at George Washington Bridge Approach “, September 26, 2014