>According to police reports, a 51 year-old woman from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania was traveling on the eastbound on the westbound lanes of I-78 at around 2 a.m. when she side swiped a pickup truck. She then struck another vehicle head-on.
Two passengers in the vehicle that was struck head-on, a 16 year-old boy and a 25 year-old man were ejected from the vehicle, causing serious injuries. Both passengers, as well as the 41 year-old driver had to be airlifted to Morristown Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries. One was listed in stable condition, while the other two remains in critical condition.
The wrong-way driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to St. Luke’s University Hospital, while the 52 year-old pickup driver was taken to Hunterdon Medical Center with minor injuries.
No charges have been filed and police are still investigating the crash.
We would like to send our sympathies to the victims injured in this crash. We wish all the victims a speedy recovery.
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.
Written by: Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Last Updated : February 8, 2022