Five people were hospitalized in a violent rollover crash on Route 4 that was caused by a DWI driver Tuesday morning, April 7.
According to reports from Paramus Police, 22 year-old Michael Brennan from Ridgewood was drifting in and out of consciousness while driving his Toyota Camry on Route 4, causing it to collide into several vehicle on the westbound side of the highway, in the vicinity between the Garden State Parkway and Paramus Road at around 11 a.m.
Brennan’s vehicle collided into a Buick Lacrosse which then struck a tree and several parked vehicles, rolled over and ignited. Paramus police and firefighters quickly extinguished the flames and extricated two Maywood women, one 91 and the other 57, inside the vehicle.
Brennan’s car also struck a Toyota Highlander occupied by a 46 year-old woman from Englewood and a 25 year-old woman from Teaneck.
The 91 year-old woman sustained serious injuries. Her 57 year-old companion suffered moderate injuries. Both were taken to Hackensack University Medical Center. The 46 year-old woman and her 25 year-old companion both sustained moderate injuries and were taken to The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood.
Brennan had to be revived with Narcan before he was taken to New Bridge Medical Center. Police say Brennan overdoes on heroin, causing the crash.
Brennan was charged with aggravated assault with a motor vehicle, drug possession, driving while under the influence of drugs, reckless driving and using a phony driver’s license.
We would like to send our sympathies to the victims injured in this crash. We hope all the victims recover from their injuries quickly.
Vehicular Accidents
Vehicular crashes are one of the most common causes of injuries and fatalities in the state of New Jersey. In a report published by the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accidents Investigation Unit, there were 591 recorded fatal crashes that occurred in 2017, which caused 624 fatalities.
In 158 of the 591 crashes, Driving While Intoxicated (alcohol and/or drugs) was listed as the major contributing factor. There were 174 people killed as a result of these 158 crashes. Speeding was another major contributing factor to these crashes being listed as a factor in 61 of the crashes. Driving while distracted seems to be the biggest factor as it was listed as a cause for 196 crashes.
We urge drivers to observe and follow the laws while driving, and to remain focused while driving so that they can react accordingly to situations that may suddenly pop up on the roadway. Drivers should be more careful when driving while visibility is low, and they should also check their car before going on the roadway. Being more diligent and prepared can help lessen accidents on the roads of New Jersey.
If someone you care about was killed or severely injured in an accident, there may be a lot going through your head. The NJ injury attorneys of Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers have helped people like you fight for justice. We will discuss all of your legal options with you, free of charge. Call (973) 364-8300 to get in touch with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.
Note: This blog reports on the types of cases our firm has extensive experience handling. It is painful to learn of the prevalence of these serious accidents, and it is our sincere hope that future catastrophes can be avoided. Our blog posts are written from scouring recent news stories. As more information is revealed, these stories may be updated. If the information in this blog article is outdated or false, please let us know so we can add updates or corrections.
Disclaimer: By showing the frequency of these serious accidents, Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers hopes that more will be done to prevent them. Another aim is to give readers information that can be used to help them reduce the likelihood they are involved in a serious accident. Content on our blog is not legal advice.