Questions remain about fatal New Jersey Turnpike truck accident

The New Jersey Turnpike is a well-known roadway that residents, locals and travelers in the region frequently use. Whether it is during the early or late hours, increasing traffic on the roadway makes it more likely that truck accidents and multi-vehicles collisions occur.

Late last week, a collision occurred on the New Jersey Turnpike between a tractor-trailer and an automobile carrying four people. A small sedan was traveling on the turnpike when it was hit from behind by a tractor-trailer. Emergency crews responded to the collision and found that three of the four passengers within the Camry died as a result of the accident. The fourth passenger suffered minor injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment.

The accident remains under investigation and details surrounding the cause of the accident have not been reported at this time. Preliminary investigation revealed that the tractor-trailer also struck another vehicle traveling on the turnpike but no details have been provided about that collision. Authorities question the conditions on the road and whether traffic was slowing down or bringing vehicles to a halt on the turnpike when the collision occurred.

When fatal accidents happen without a clear explanation, it can be difficult for family members and friends of the victims. Police investigations can provide some answers, but law enforcement officials may not fully pursue an investigation if it is clear that no criminal conduct was involved. Some immediate family members of car accident victims may choose to pursue a civil action in the form of a wrongful death claim to find answers about the causes of the accident and to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Source: Philadelphia Post-Inquirer, “3 family members from Georgia killed in N.J. Turnpike crash” Kathy Boccella, Dec 27, 2012