Suspected Wrong-Way Driving Leads to Serious Traffic Accident in Hamilton Township, New Jersey

Hamilton Township, NJ (November 29th, 2020) – New Jersey State Police Sergeant Phillip Curry of the Public Information Bureau reported that around 6:00 a.m., a serious traffic accident was reported on State Highway 29 northbound milepost 1 in Hamilton.

The preliminary investigation indicates that Sharon Shelton, 57 of Trenton, was traveling south on the northbound lanes in Highway 29. Shelton, who was driving a Toyota at the time of the accident, collided with the front of a Ford traveling northbound on Highway 29. As a consequence, the Ford driver, Priscila Martins 33 of Philadelphia, ran off the road to the right side of the highway and struck a guardrail. The Ford vehicle overturned and struck a tree. Both of the drivers suffered serious injuries and were transported to local hospitals.

State Highway 29 was closed on the northbound lane at milepost 1 for 5 hours, which resulted in minor traffic congestion. The New Jersey State Police is conducting the investigation and there is no further information at this time.

While wrong-way driving accidents are not common, they almost always have devastating consequences. The Federal Highway Administration reports that on average, about 400 people die each year as a result of wrong-way traffic accidents. The administration defines wrong-way driving as a motorist traveling in the direction that is opposite of the legal flow of traffic on an otherwise divided road. One of the primary reasons behind wrong-way driving, according to the Federal Highway Administration is driver error.

There are multiple ways driver error can lead to a wrong-way driving accident. In many cases, these accidents are caused by impaired driving, which is caused by drugs and/or alcohol. When a motorist is under the influence of an intoxicating substance, his or her reaction time, judgment, and vision will all be severely impaired. Drivers who make the decision to drive while intoxicated may not realize they are driving down the wrong way until it is too late.

Two other reasons behind wrong-way driving accidents are distracted driving and driver confusion. When a driver is talking to another person in the vehicle or is unfamiliar with the area, the driver can become unaware of his or her surroundings. This lack of awareness may cause the driver to enter the road the wrong way unintentionally.

It is important to recognize that there are third-party reasons why wrong-way driving collisions may occur. For example, a driver may inadvertently enter a road the wrong way as a result of inadequate roadway lighting, which causes poor visibility. Moreover, improperly marked ramps and inaccurate or misplaced road signs may also make it difficult for even the most cautious drivers to enter or exit a road safely. Unkempt roads can also lead to wrong-way driving accidents.

Wrong-way driving accidents will usually lead to serious injuries that may result in the inability to return to work while in recovery. Additionally, the injuries sustained in these types of accidents will generally lead to significant medical costs and associated expenses. Fortunately, the opportunity to recover from the damages may be possible with the support of a well-versed auto accident attorney.

If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries after a wrong-way driving accident, it is important to seek proficient legal representation as soon as possible. Full compensation for the loss of wages, medical treatment costs, and emotional distress can be recovered from the negligent party with the support of a well-versed attorney.

For more than two decades, the New Jersey accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. have successfully championed on behalf of injured auto accident victims. After being involved in a wrong-way driving auto accident, discuss your case with an attorney who has the right skills and experience. Consider scheduling your free initial consultation with Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. by calling (609) 240-0040 today.