Suing for Objects Going Through Your Windshield in New Jersey

You are traveling down the highway at full speed when a foreign object smashes through your windshield without warning. In the confusion that follows, you might swerve, crash, and suffer serious injuries. The object itself might impact you or even impale you. Smashed glass could also slice your face and hands, causing serious lacerations or even disfiguring scars. After you receive treatment at the nearest hospital, you might be wondering whether you can sue. How do you move forward with this kind of auto accident lawsuit in New Jersey? What do you need to prove? Who can you sue? To answer these questions, you might want to speak with a legal professional. 

Metal Object Smashes Through Windshield in Fatal New Jersey Turnpike Accident

In March of 2024, it was reported that a passenger had lost their life in a shocking accident on the New Jersey Turnpike. State Police say that some kind of metal object went through the windshield, impacted the passenger, and caused fatal injuries. The driver managed to emerge from the crash unscathed. Additional details of this incident are extremely scarce. It is not clear what this object was or where it came from. Police are investigating this crash, which media sources are calling a “freak accident.”

Random Objects Smash into Windshields All the Time in New Jersey

Was this really a freak accident? Although the chances of this happening are relatively low, impacts with random flying objects may be more common than many New Jersey drivers realize. Within the past few years, numerous similar incidents have been reported across the Garden State. In 2017, a 50-pound dumbbell smashed through a driver’s windshield and caused serious injuries. The driver was traveling down the New Jersey Turnpike – just like the recent incident in March. 

In the winter of 2022, a chunk of ice flew off a vehicle on Route 17 before smashing through another vehicle’s windshield. No one was injured in this specific incident, although it could have easily proven fatal. 

In 2023, a tire smashed through a driver’s windshield – once again on the New Jersey Turnpike. Images from the scene show a completely squashed vehicle. Not only was the windshield smashed, but the roof was also completely caved in by the impact of the tire. Amazingly, the driver suffered only minor injuries – and first responders later stated that they were lucky to be alive. 

Where Do These Objects Come From?

These objects have a few potential sources. Going back to the incident involving the dumbbell, police specifically stated that this object could have been intentionally thrown off an overpass. It goes without saying that such “pranks” are incredibly dangerous – and perpetrators could theoretically face homicide charges. 

However, the most obvious source of these objects is other vehicles. Immediately after the loose tire incident on the Turnpike, police established which vehicle was responsible. Another potential source is a commercial transport vehicle. Random metal objects are particularly likely to fly off the back of open-topped dump trucks. These vehicles often transport scrap metal to and from places like construction sites or recycling centers. 

Ice is a distinct issue that authorities in New Jersey are well aware of. Technically speaking, it is a crime to drive in New Jersey if ice and snow are still present on your vehicle. Chunks of ice can easily fly off vehicles, potentially impacting other drivers and causing catastrophic injuries. Truck drivers often commit this offense, as considerable chunks of ice and snow can easily accumulate on tractor-trailer roofs. 

Can I Sue for an Object Going Through My Windshield?

If you can link the object to a specific act of negligence, you can sue for injuries caused by objects smashing through your windshield. For example, you might sue a trucker for carrying an unsecured load. You might also sue another driver for failing to clear away ice and snow from their vehicle. In addition, you could theoretically sue a driver for failing to properly maintain their vehicle – especially if this failure caused their tire to come loose and impact you. 

Find an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer in New Jersey

If you have been searching for an experienced auto accident attorney in New Jersey, look no further than Lependorf & Silverstein. Over the years, we have helped numerous auto accident victims throughout the Garden State. We know that accidents can sometimes be sudden and unexpected. A foreign object smashing through your windshield might seem like a freak accident, but this situation is more common than many people realize. To discuss your legal options after a car accident, be sure to book a consultation at your earliest convenience.