Pedestrian Killed in Fatal Car Accident on Route 9 in Toms River, NJ
A Neptune City woman tragically died after she was struck by two cars while walking on Route 9 in Toms River, New Jersey.
The fatal pedestrian accident occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Route 9. There were two vehicles involved in the accident: a 2000 Dodge pickup truck traveling southbound on Route 9 and an unidentified car traveling northbound on Route 9 at the same time. The victim was in the process of walking across the highway when she was hit by the pickup truck. The force of impact threw the victim into the opposite lane on the roadway, where she was hit by the other motor vehicle.
After the accident, both motorists dialed 911 to alert authorities. Additionally, both motorists remained at the scene of the crash until law enforcement arrived.
Emergency medical responders rushed to the area, but they were unable to save the victim’s life. She was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The victim, who resided in Neptune City, NJ, was 44 years old when she died.
Civil Liability and Criminal Charges for Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in New Jersey
The driver of the pickup truck was a 55-year-old man from Lawrenceville, Georgia, while the driver of the other car involved in the auto accident was a 31-year-old man from Waretown, New Jersey. Both drivers were reportedly cooperating with police in the aftermath of the accident.
Several law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the fatal car crash, including the Toms Rivers Police Traffic Safety Unity, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, it is possible that one of the motorists, or both motorists, could be cited for traffic offenses. In the extreme case of an accident resulting in the death of a motorist or a pedestrian, prosecutors can decide to file criminal charges for vehicular manslaughter. At this time, neither driver involved in the fatal crash on Route 9 has been arrested or charged with a crime.
Regardless of the outcome of the official police investigation into the crash, it is possible that the family members of the victim may be able to file a wrongful death claim that names one motorist or even both motorists. That’s because New Jersey law allows a survivor of someone who died as a result of someone else’s negligence to pursue damages in civil court – and civil liability is not necessarily connected to criminal liability in these cases.
For additional information, see the NJ.com article, “Woman Dies After Being Struck by 2 Cars While Crossing Route 9.”
If you lost a loved one in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you should talk to an experienced personal injury and wrongful death lawyer. New Jersey personal injury victims have been relying upon the expertise of attorneys at Drazin and Warshaw, P.C. for more than 70 years. We have vast experience helping victims in these types of cases. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
