Woman killed in car accident at farmers market

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A 58-year-old woman died in a car accident at a New Jersey farmers market on Aug. 10. In connection with the crash, a 48-year-old man has been charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident and vehicular homicide. The incident occurred around 2:10 p.m. when, according to authorities, a pickup truck traveled through a barricade and struck three people at the Hawthorne farmers market. A local woman was dragged for three blocks after the initial collision; she died of her injuries. The other two people who were hit also suffered injuries, and at least one of them was transported by ambulance to a hospital. The farmers market had been scheduled to close at 2 p.m., so only a few customers were present at the time of the crash. One vendor reported hearing the truck crash through the barricade and then hearing screams. A second witness chased after the vehicle yelling at the driver to stop because there was a person under the truck. Authorities said that there were no obvious signs of drug or alcohol impairment. A local resident speculated that the driver's size and physical condition may have contributed to the fatal car accident. The driver's bail was set at $200,000. In addition to the criminal charges, he may also be named as a defendant in one or more civil cases arising out of the incident. The family of the woman who died may, for example, choose to pursue a claim for wrongful death in civil court. The injured parties in a case like this may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering or other damages. Evidence and testimony presented during criminal proceedings may be admissible during civil proceedings as well. A personal injury attorney may be able to assist the injured parties by reviewing and organizing documentary evidence or by negotiating with insurers. Source: CBS New York, "Driver Charged In Crash That Killed Woman At NJ Farmers Market", August 11, 2014