New Jersey public works truck hits and woman on promenade

In the weeks following the Superstorm Sandy, workers and residents are working to help clean up debris and rebuild after the destruction that the storm caused to New Jersey. The proliferation of work zones brings a rise in truck traffic, which can increase the chances of truck accidents occurring. These large vehicles can cause serious damage to a vehicle and serious injuries to a person in a collision. Vehicles traveling in work zones or in areas frequented by pedestrians have a legal duty to use caution, look both ways and reduce their speeds in accordance with the conditions.

In recent news, a woman was struck and killed by a municipal public works truck in New Jersey. The elderly woman was on the Sea Isle City promenade when the incident occurred. The public works truck was being used to clean up debris on the promenade left by the recent storm. The woman was struck around 1 p.m. and an emergency crew was called to the scene of the incident. She was later pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the accident remains under investigation and no charges have been filed at this time.

The family members of a person killed in truck-pedestrian accident may have the right to assert a wrongful death claim. Funeral costs, medical bills, loss of support and loss of companionship are among the damages recoverable in such a claim.

Pedestrian-truck accidents are often fatal to the pedestrian, so it is crucial that all drivers remain attentive and reduce their speeds in areas where pedestrians are present. In addition, pedestrians should ensure it is safe to cross the road and only go when properly signaled to do so safely.

Source: Press of Atlantic City, “NJ woman struck, killed by public works truck” Jennifer Bogdan and Trudi Gilfillian, Nov 27, 2012