Crashes Moments Apart on Garden State Parkway Leave 2 Dead

Garden State Parkway, NJ (October 24th, 2022) – On the morning hours of Monday, October 24th, 2022, two people were tragically killed in separate collisions on the Garden State Parkway. One of these accidents resulted in a hit-and-run collision.

According to State Police Trooper Charles Marchan, the first collision happened just before 6 a.m. on the northbound lanes of Route 20 near Exit 156. In this accident, a BMW X5 careened off the road to the right of the highway, colliding with multiple trees and the guardrail before it re-entered the road. A total of three passengers were ejected from the SUV.

First responders declared one of the three victims dead at the scene. The other two passengers were immediately rushed to local hospitals with what is being described as severe injuries.

The identities of those involved in this accident are not being disclosed by authorities at this time. The cause of the accident is also not being released by authorities while the investigation continues.

The second fatal accident also happened just before 6 a.m. The accident was reported on Route 80’s northbound lanes near Exit 160. In this tragic accident, an undescribed vehicle struck a person walking on the roadway and did not stop to render aid.

According to State Trooper Charles Marchan, a second vehicle, a BMW 330, also struck the victim. This driver, however, waited for authorities to arrive.

A description of the first vehicle was not provided by the police.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. State Trooper Marchan did not release the identities of the deceased victim or the individual driving the BMW 330.

The reasons behind why the victim was walking on the highway also remain unknown and are currently under police investigation.

Both of these tragic accidents created delays for miles in both directions of the Garden State Parkway during the Monday morning rush hour.

According to state police records, the fatalities marked the 30th and 31st deaths of the year on the Garden State Parkway.

Traffic Accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury or death in the State of New Jersey. The state’s Department of Transportation has declared that more than 275,000 collisions were reported across the state in 2019 alone. Most of these injuries resulted in severe, life-changing injuries.

Studies indicate that fatal traffic accidents in the state are largely caused by distracted driving. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nine people are killed every day across the nation involving at least one distracted driver.

According to the CDC, there are three types of distraction while driving: visual, manual, and cognitive.

Visual distraction refers to any behavior that diverts the driver’s focus off the road ahead. Whether the distraction comes from a text message or looking at a billboard, driving while distracted can lead to serious, and even fatal car accidents.

Cognitive distraction is caused when a driver’s attention is not entirely on the road. For instance, this can happen whenever a driver is thinking about what to cook for dinner or what plans he or she has for later that day. Sadly, this type of distraction is far too common for drivers who spend an overextended period of time on the road, such as commercial drivers.

The final form of distraction highlighted by the CDC is Manual distraction. This type of distraction happens whenever a driver removes his or her hands from the steering wheel. It is important to note that this type of distraction is unfortunately very common.

Distracted driving is a preventable, yet concerning issue and it is the leading cause of millions of accidents across the nation each year. Although a majority of drivers acknowledge the dangers of driving while distracted, many drivers also admit to having engaged in this type of reckless driving.

Whenever an innocent person is injured because of a distracted person, the consequences can be life-changing. Among its many consequences, distracted driving can lead to broken bones, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, amputation, disfigurement, disability, loss of employment, loss of quality of life, and much more.

The consequences of driving while distracted are often costly and for this reason, it is very important for victims to understand that legal recourse may be available to them after an accident. Depending on the facts of the case, those injured may be eligible for monetary damages that could include compensation for hospital bills, surgery costs, loss of income, property damage, future medical costs, and more.

When the victim perishes as a result of the accident, the victim’s survivors may be eligible for compensation through a wrongful death claim.

If you were recently hurt in a traffic accident caused by a distracted driver, you should know that you may have grounds for legal action. Current state law indicates that most victims of traffic accidents have two years from the date of the accident to bring a case forward. To ensure you receive the compensation you are owed, act quickly to secure important evidence. Consult with a practiced injury attorney who can competently advocate on your behalf.

The attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. are experienced in a wide range of traffic accident cases, including traffic accidents caused by distracted driving. The compassionate attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. understand the frustration that stems from knowing that the accident could have been completely prevented. When you are involved in an accident caused by another’s negligent and careless actions, you are in your right to be angry. The attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. are here to advocate on your behalf and help you win the monetary compensation you are owed.

Consider allowing Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. champion on your behalf. You can arrange a no-cost case evaluation today by completing the online contact form found here. In a successful claim, you may be eligible for monetary compensation to cover your medical expenses, property damages, and more. Act quickly and allow Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. to help you get justice today.