Driver falls asleep and causes car accident, several injured
Sometimes the unexpected happens on the roadway. This could amount to the driver getting lost, running out gas or getting a flat tire. Although inconvenient, these events do not often impact the driver and their passengers greatly. However, pulling a car off to the side of the road could create a dangerous situation, especially if traffic is constantly passing by the disabled vehicle. This makes it especially important for the driver to pull completely over and for oncoming traffic to safely maneuver to a lane away from the disabled vehicle.
A car accident recently occurred in Burlington Township and involved a disabled vehicle. Local authorities were called to the scene of the collision that happened around 8:35 a.m. on the New Jersey Turnpike. According to preliminary reports, a driver traveling southbound fell asleep behind the wheel near mile marker 43. This caused the driver to veer off the road, striking a disabled vehicle.
An automobile had pulled off the roadway and parked in the left shoulder to wait assistance. It is not clear how many people were in each vehicle, but the emergency crews that responded to the car accident reported that the motorist awaiting assistance and 11 others were injured.
Investigation of the incident is ongoing and no citations have been issued at this time. The driver that fell asleep while driving could be found negligent and liable for the accident. Those that suffered serious injuries could file a personal injury claim. This could result in compensation to cover costs associated with the accident including medical bills, damages and lost wages.
An accident could happen at any time and anywhere. Drivers and passengers should seek to lower their chances of being involved in an accident by taking certain precautions. Drivers who are fatigued can create a very dangerous situation on the road. They should either avoid driving or have a passenger drive instead.
Anyone who is injured by a negligent driver has options to seek compensation for the injuries and damages that resulted from the accident.
Source: NBC News, “12 injured in Burlington Township accident,” Lisa Irizarry, July 28, 2013
