T-Bone Accident in Little Falls Leaves 2 Dead

Little Falls, NJ (August 20th, 2022) – On the night of Friday, August 19th, a two-vehicle accident on the Newark Pompton Turnpike in Little Falls resulted in the fatal injuries of two young adults.

Just before 10:40 p.m. a serious accident near Woodhull Avenue was reported to authorities.  According to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, two residents from Paterson, New Jersey were tragically killed in what turned out to be a two-vehicle collision. The serious accident also resulted in the devastating injuries of two other individuals.

Based on police reports, the fatal incident happened at the intersection of Newark Pompton Turnpike and Woodhull Avenue and it involved a Mercedes C300 and a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Little Falls Police Department Chief Brian Prall and Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdez stated that the two fatally wounded victims were rushed to the hospital before they succumbed to their injuries. The two deceased victims were said to be traveling in the Mercedes C300 and they have been identified as 19-year-old Shakeel Ali and Shahriyar Ahmed, also 19.

The person driving the Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as other passengers traveling in the Mercedes C300 were rushed to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center. They were treated for what is being reported as “various injuries”, according to a police report.

An eyewitness video taken at the scene of the accident shows the Jeep with significant damage to its front end, which came to a rest by a nearby curb. Near the Jeep, a Mercedes can be seen sitting on a lawn with both of its side doors missing. It is unknown if the doors were removed during first responder rescue efforts or if the impact of the accident caused this vehicular damage.

At this time, authorities have not released the names of the other parties who were injured or involved in the accident.

The cause of the two-vehicle collision remains under police investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the t-bone accident or has information regarding this fatal collision is being asked to contact the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.

T-bone collisions, commonly referred to as side-impact collisions, happen when a vehicle’s front end collides with the side of another car. These types of accidents are notorious for being some of the most dangerous types of accidents a person can be involved in. Unlike other accidents, T-bone accidents will usually result in serious injuries because while other accidents happen near the vehicle’s engine, trunk, or bumper, T-bone accidents happen right where passengers are located and where they generally have the least amount of protection. In most other types of accidents, a vehicle’s frame will absorb a majority of the impact from the collision, which is untrue for T-bone accidents.

When it comes to T-bone accidents, there are several factors that can affect the severity of the collision. Factors such as the types of vehicles involved and their speeds at the time of the collision can affect the outcome of the accident. For instance, if the vehicles were traveling at high speeds before the impact, the accident is more likely to result in serious to fatal injuries. Also, if one vehicle was significantly larger than the other, this too will have an effect on the outcome of the collision.

T-bone accidents are not generally categorized as being common types of accidents. Still, these accidents happen many times throughout the year in New Jersey. Common causes of these types of accidents can include drivers making improper left turns and motorists who run stop signs or red lights. Other causes of T-bone accidents include brake failure, driving while distracted, speeding, and driving while under the influence.

T-bone accidents can lead to an array of injuries that can range from mild to life-threatening. By far the most common injury caused by T-bone accidents is whiplash. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, whiplash is a soft-tissue injury and while these injuries can be minor at times, they can also be catastrophic. In severe cases, a whiplash injury can lead to a spinal cord injury, it can lead to cognitive conditions, and psychological conditions. Other injuries commonly associated with T-bone collisions can also include nerve damage, broken bones, facial disfigurement, burn injuries, amputation, traumatic head trauma, and mental illness as it relates to the trauma.

As serious as these injuries are, it is important to remember that like most other traffic accidents, T-bone accidents are generally avoidable accidents. In New Jersey, the law protects those who are injured as a consequence of another’s negligent actions. Although it may be obvious that the other person caused the accident, proving negligence is not always easy. Taking a few simple steps can help safeguard the validity of a claim. These include calling 9-1-1 as soon as the accident happens, obtaining a medical evaluation right away, taking photos of the scene, and talking to others who have witnessed the accident.

Experiencing a T-bone collision can be a frightening and traumatic experience. After an accident, it may be possible to obtain compensation aside from what is obtained through the Personal Injury Protection program. To ensure you receive the highest amount of compensation available, speak to a well-established personal injury attorney who can review the facts of your case, answer your questions, and fight for your case.

The dedicated legal team at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. have many years of experience handling a wide range of traffic accidents, including T-bone accidents. At Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. the law firm understands that T-bone accidents can have a serious impact on not only the victim’s life but the lives of their close friends and relatives as well. After an accident, a victim can experience debilitating injuries and overwhelming financial burdens. For this reason, the law firm is prepared to handle the case and ensure their clients receive the money they are owed for their damages. After you were injured in a T-bone collision, consider allowing the attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. to fight for your case while you focus on what is most important – your rest and recovery. You can schedule a complimentary case evaluation with the legal team today by completing the contact form found here.