Careless, Reckless, and Drunk Drivers Face Consequences in New Jersey

New Jersey roads are plagued by a growing number of careless, reckless, and intoxicated drivers. Each week, these negligent individuals cause serious crashes that injure or kill innocent people. Three notable incidents from the past week highlight the severity of this issue. If you have been harmed by a negligent driver in New Jersey, you may be facing various losses and psychological challenges. An experienced auto accident lawyer in New Jersey may be able to help you pursue compensation for these damages.

Driver Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison After Causing Child’s Death

In May of 2025, a family finally achieved some sense of justice after the driver who caused their son’s death was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The defendant was intoxicated when he lost control and slammed into a parked car in Absecon, New Jersey. An eight-year-old child was sleeping inside the parked vehicle, and he lost his life in the collision.

Authorities later determined that the man had been drinking heavily before the crash. His BAC level was twice the legal limit. At the time of the collision, his vehicle was traveling at 107 miles per hour. In the end, the defendant took a plea deal and accepted a 15-year prison sentence for aggravated manslaughter. The victim’s family took turns confronting the defendant during an emotional sentencing hearing.

Driver Faces Charges After Vehicle Goes Airborne, Killing Passenger

Also in May, a driver faced serious charges after causing a massive accident in Lakewood. Authorities say that the vehicle flew almost 200 feet into the air before hitting a utility pole. The vehicle then crashed to the ground, landing on its roof. These impacts caused the death of a 52-year-old female passenger. Authorities also say that the driver crossed over the median before the impact.

Initially, no one knew that the accident had occurred. The vehicle landed in a ditch, obscured by the vegetation in this rural, heavily wooded area. It was only when crews arrived to fix the utility pole and downed wires that someone noticed the heavily damaged vehicle.

As a result of this incident, the driver faced various charges. Police also discovered that he was driving on a suspended license. He seems to have refused a breath test, so the authorities obtained a warrant to test his blood. He was hospitalized after being pulled out of the heavily damaged vehicle, so perhaps he was too injured to participate in a breath test.

Motorist Ticketed for Using Autopilot Before Crash

At around the same time, police in South Brunswick determined that a driver had been using Tesla’s “Autopilot” feature moments before crashing into a parked minivan. Video footage from the Tesla shows the vehicle turning into a private driveway, straight into the back of the minivan. The impact caused the glass windows in both vehicles to shatter, and it sent the minivan careening into a closed garage door.

The driver quickly admitted that they were not in control of the vehicle when the accident occurred. A preliminary investigation determined that the Tesla somehow detected a white SUV approaching from the other side of the street. The software apparently determined that this white SUV was a threat and sent the Tesla into the back of a minivan in an “evasive maneuver.”

The owner of the minivan says that he was sitting beside the garage door doing gardening work when the accident occurred. In other words, he was just a few feet away from the impact. While the man was uninjured, this accident could have been much worse. As a result of the crash, the Tesla driver received a ticket for careless driving.

This situation is notable because even if you are not in control of your vehicle, you can still face consequences for reckless driving in the State of New Jersey. Tesla drivers know that they can take back control of their vehicles at any point by simply grabbing the wheel.

Can a New Jersey Auto Accident Lawyer Hold Reckless Drivers Accountable?

An experienced New Jersey auto accident attorney may be able to help you hold negligent drivers accountable. These reckless drivers often escape criminal consequences due to a lack of evidence, and a civil injury claim might be the only remaining way to achieve a sense of justice. With help from these lawyers, you can also pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, emotional distress, and other damages. Schedule your consultation with Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., to learn more about the next steps.