1 Person Killed, Another Seriously Injured in Accident in Southampton Township

Southampton Township, NJ (March 12th, 2022) – According to authorities, a man was tragically killed and another was seriously hurt in a head-on collision that happened on the morning of March 11th, 2022.

It is reported that a GMC Silverado heading south on Route 206 crossed the center divider near milepost 18.3. The vehicle entered Route 206 northbound lanes and ultimately collided with a Jeep Patriot just after 6:10 a.m., state New Jersey State Police.

The deceased victim has been identified as 62-year-old Daryl Akers Jr. and according to an accident update, he was a senior public safety telecommunicator with the New Jersey State Police. He was driving the Jeep that was struck by the Silverado. New Jersey State Police indicate that Mr. Akers was declared dead at the scene.

Following the collision, the individual driving the GMC was transported by air to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. The exact condition of the driver remains unknown at this time.

The collision remains under police investigation.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation states that head-on accidents can happen whenever two motor vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide with one another. This can happen when at least one of the vehicles crosses the centerline of a road or at least one vehicle travels on the wrong side of the road.

There are many reasons these accidents can happen, including driver intoxication, confusion, insufficient street lighting, lack of posted street signs, and even vehicle malfunction.

Sadly, a vast majority of these accidents could have been prevented since most of these accidents are caused as a result of driver negligence or carelessness.

Most head-on collisions have catastrophic consequences. Since these vehicles collide head-on usually at high speeds, these types of accidents usually have deadly consequences. As a result of the raw force of the accident, a head-on collision can lead to injuries including broken bones, whiplash, traumatic brain injury, severe cuts and lacerations, damage to internal organs, and spinal cord injury.

Head-on auto accidents are typically regarded as some of the most dangerous types of accidents that can happen on the road. Data from the New Jersey Department of Transportation indicates that although head-on collisions only account for about 2 percent of all auto accidents, these accidents account for roughly 10 percent of all auto accident-related deaths.

Determining fault for a head-on collision can oftentimes be straightforward. For one, these accidents are usually caused by reckless drivers that enter the wrong side of the road as a result of driver distraction, fatigue, intoxication, deliberate action, or other forms of negligence. When a head-on collision is caused as a result of driver negligence, the at-fault driver can be held legally responsible for the victim’s injuries and losses incurred by the accident. It is important to note, however, that it can sometimes be difficult to determine what exactly caused the accident, and the case may require a closer look into the factor in order to establish liability.

Aside from driver negligence, a head-on accident can also be caused by third-party negligence. A common example of this is vehicle malfunction. In order to properly operate a vehicle, the parts and design of a motor vehicle must work as it was designed to operate. Unfortunately, many manufacturing companies illegally cut corners and install defective auto parts that cheapen the overall design of the vehicle and place the lives of vehicle operators at risk of serious injury. When this happens, the vehicle manufacturer or retailer can be held responsible for the damages caused by the accident.

Determining fault in a head-on collision can sometimes be a challenge. Regardless of this, it is still important to recognize that additional damages can be obtained from the party that caused the accident. As a result of New Jersey’s Personal Injury Protection insurance coverage, injured auto accident victims do not have to establish responsibility for the accident in order to receive compensation for their injuries. Following an accident, victims can report their injuries to their own auto insurance coverage and receive compensation to pay for their medical expenses. Regrettably, head-on collisions often result in catastrophic injuries, which may require additional compensation that is not covered by the Personal Injury Protection insurance coverage. Consequently, injured persons can seek additional monetary compensation from the party that caused their injuries in the first place.

If you or someone you love was recently hurt in a head-on accident, it is important to obtain the legal support of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who has experience in handling these types of devastating accidents. Head-on accidents can require an extensive investigation in order to determine who was at fault for the accident. Even when liability is established, the at-fault party can sometimes attempt to shift the blame onto the victim in order to avoid legal responsibility. The State of New Jersey observes the theory of comparative fault, meaning the injured victim can face sharing responsibility with the other party, which means the victim will receive a reduced amount of compensation. If the victim, however, is found to be more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, he or she will be ineligible to receive any compensation from the other party.

Over the years, the responsive and proficient attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. have provided resilient legal representation to many clients who suffered serious injuries at the hands of negligent drivers. The team has fought aggressively on behalf of clients to ensure their rights are protected and liable parties are held responsible for the damages their negligent actions have caused. The attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. work tirelessly to help victims establish liability in their accidents and secure the highest amount of compensation available to them.

If you were injured in a head-on collision or lost a loved one in this type of accident, take swift action and contact the legal support of the attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. You can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation by completing the online contact form here.