NFL Player Sued for Causing Essex County Crash

In the United States, everyone is equal under the law. It does not matter whether you are an actor, an athlete, or even the President of the United States. If you cause a crash and someone gets hurt, you will be held accountable. A recent case in New Jersey makes this basic democratic principle clear. This lawsuit involves an NFL player accused of causing a car accident in Essex County that left one person injured. If you were injured in a car accident, consider working with an experienced personal injury lawyer to pursue the compensation you deserve. 

NFL Cornerback Was Traveling at “High Rate of Speed” Before Crash

In April of 2024, it was reported that the New York Jets and one of their cornerbacks were being sued in connection with a car accident in Essex County. The crash occurred two years prior, and it allegedly involved the cornerback traveling at a “high rate of speed.” After reaching a high velocity, the NFL player reportedly lost control of his vehicle and crashed into another car.

The impact was of such a high magnitude that it sent the plaintiff’s vehicle “catapulting” through the air. As the car flew through the air, it went over the guardrail and down an embankment. Finally, it came to rest in a marshy area down below. The plaintiff’s account is very similar to the police report provided by the local authorities. Police say they arrived to find the defendant’s crashed Dodge Charger, and the plaintiff’s vehicle upside down 50 feet away from the collision in a marsh. 

After the collision, the NFL player was arrested and charged with numerous offenses, including speeding and reckless driving. According to the lawsuit, this was not the first time the NFL player had been cited for reckless driving – and he had a history of speeding. 

This questionable driving history is why the New York Jets have been dragged into the lawsuit. The plaintiff argues that the NFL franchise should have been aware of their player’s driving record and that they should have prevented him from getting behind the wheel. In other words, they are suing the New York Jets for negligent hiring practices. According to the plaintiff, the Jets should have conducted a criminal background check and reviewed the athlete’s driving record before hiring him. Interestingly, the plaintiff is also suing the Department of Transportation – claiming that it should have installed better curbs and guardrails in the area of the collision. 

The plaintiff reportedly suffered life-altering injuries in the collision. Two years after the incident, he still requires ongoing and extensive medical treatments. 

Pursuing Compensation for Ongoing Medical Expenses After a Car Crash

Plaintiffs should strive to cover not only their current and past medical expenses but also their future medical costs. It may be difficult to predict how an injury will affect you in the future, however. For example, your doctors might inform you that there is a 50/50 chance you will eventually walk again. You might then spend the next few years going through rehabilitative treatment and physiotherapy. How do you know how much compensation you will need in this situation? If you regain the ability to walk, you might live a somewhat normal life. If not, you might need assistance with basic daily tasks for the rest of your life. 

In this situation, it might be best to wait until you reach your maximum medical improvement – otherwise known as “MMI.” When you reach this point in your recovery process, doctors will inform you that your condition will not improve any further. In other words, they have done the best they can. Whatever progress you have made upon reaching MMI, you will have to live with it for the rest of your life. After you reach your MMI, it is easier to accurately calculate the true cost of your injuries. 

Find an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in New Jersey

If you were hurt by a negligent driver, it does not matter who they are. Whether they are an A-list actor, a professional athlete, or a politician – you can always hold them accountable if they caused your crash. In fact, a high-net-worth individual should be more capable of covering your damages compared to the average New Jersey resident. To discuss your legal options in more detail, reach out to Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. We will fight for your rights as an injured plaintiff – and we have a track record of achieving multi-million settlements in New Jersey car accident lawsuits. Book your consultation today.