Most New Jersey drivers understand the importance of paying attention to other moving vehicles using the same road. But what about those moments when travel comes to a halt, either for a traffic control or to allow another vehicle to enter the stream of traffic? A recent multi-vehicle collision in Stafford Township shows that serious accidents can occur even when vehicles have come to a complete stop.
The accident
Police said they responded to a report of an accident at 10:28 a.m. on Route 27 at Marsha Drive. A 2000 Mazda Miata had stopped for a red light. While waiting for the light to change, the Mazda was struck by a 2001 Nissan Altima. The Nissan was driven by an 82-year-old man from Ship Bottom, and the Mazda was driven by a 61-year-old woman.
After the two vehicles collided, they both skidded into a 2016 Honda CR-V that was also stopped at the light. The drivers of the Mazda and the Nissan both suffered serious injuries and were transferred to the Atlantic City Trauma Center.
Who is liable?
Sorting out liability in any multi-vehicle accident can be a complex task, especially if the principal drivers have been severely injured and cannot describe what they remember to investigating officers. In this cases, the fact that the Mazda was not moving when the initial collision occurred supports the argument that the person at fault was the driver of the Nissan. The Honda also appears to have not been moving when it was struck. Further investigation could show that either the Mazda or the Honda did not have functioning signals or that either was in the wrong lane.
Now what?
Anyone who has been injured or lost a loved one in a multiple vehicle accident may wish to explore the possibility of making a claim for damages against any driver who may have been at fault. In such cases, the assistance of an experienced accident attorney may be the key to obtaining a good result. A capable lawyer can provide a helpful evaluation of the evidence, suggest legal arguments to support a claim for damages, and estimate the likelihood of recovering damages for medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering.