Driver faces multiple charges in serious crash that killed 1
A 55-year-old male truck driver was arrested July 31 on multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, stemming from a fatal accident on the New Jersey Turnpike on June 9. According to the report, the crash was believed to have been caused by the truck driver as he was using his mobile phone device.
The chain-reaction collision occurred in Carlstadt around 5 p.m. when the truck driver who was heading southbound in his 1996 Kenworth rig rear-ended a car that had slowed down for heavy traffic. As a result of the initial crash, other vehicles were also struck and several motorists were injured. One motorist, a 43-year-old Harrison man, died from the injuries he suffered in the accident.
The report noted that on March 22 police ticketed the truck driver for driving while using his mobile phone device. His driving record indicated that he was cited 19 times in the past for various driving violations such as careless driving, unsafe operation of a motor vehicle, speeding and operating while suspended.
Investigators who were working on the case for several months used evidence from the trucker’s cell phone and calling records that indicated he had been texting and talking while driving, which is illegal in New Jersey. The county prosecutor said that the truck driver drove recklessly and caused the crash because he was distracted with his cell phone. After the suspect posted a $50,000 bail, he was released from the Bergen County Jail, as reported.
Following a deadly car accident caused by a reckless driver, surviving family members of the decedent may choose to file a wrongful death claim against the driver. Using evidence from a police reports and the driver’s criminal charges, an attorney may be able to substantiate the family’s claim that the driver should be held liable for their accident-related losses because of his negligent actions in causing the crash.
Source: NorthJersey.com, “Trucker charged with vehicular homicide after alleged cellphone use led to fatal crash in Carlstadt“, Stefanie Dazio and Abbott Koloff , August 01, 2014
