Personal Injury Law

Big Rig versus Car Accident Kills 5, Injures 3 in New Jersey

Five people were killed in an auto accident after their car was struck by a tractor trailer in the New Jersey Turnpike and burst into flames, according to this Associated Press news report. The car had apparently been stopped in traffic in the right southbound lane in Mount Laurel when it was struck by the big rig. The car shot into the center lane with its occupants trapped inside triggering a chain reaction crash involving six other vehicles.

The article identifies the deceased victims as follows ? Jeanette Urbano, 72, Salvatore Urbano, 74, Anna Kane, 76, Rose Kane 75 and Francis Kane, 78. Three New York City area residents were also seriously injured in this fatal car accident. Police are looking into whether the driver of the tractor trailer was under the influence of alcohol, which is a routine part of the investigation.

Tractor trailer accidents in New York can have devastating effects on those involved, particularly occupants of passenger vehicles as evidenced in this auto accident. This is because these are large, heavy vehicles that can be hauling up to 80,000 pounds. If the big rig accident is caused by driver error, poor vehicle maintenance or an impaired driver, then both the driver and his employer, the trucking company, could be held liable.

It is very important that injured victims and families of decease victims contact an experienced New York auto accident attorney to find out more information about their legal rights and options. They could be entitled to significant compensation. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a New York auto accident, please call Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP for a free consultation.

Full post as published by New York Injury Talk Blog on May 06, 2009 (boomark / email).