An enormous multi-car collision occurred during adverse weather events on the New Jersey Turnpike on Feb. 9. A 52-year-old man from Bordentown was pronounced dead by authorities responding to the collision, and at least 15 other people suffered injuries that required medical attention.

The chain-reaction car collision involved 40 vehicles on the southbound side of the New Jersey Turnpike near Cranbury. It happened at 9:11 p.m. near mile marker 71.4. The State Police stated that the road conditions were icy on both lanes of the highway at the time, hindering efforts of drivers to avoid the growing wreck. At least two tractor-trailer trucks were involved in the massive collision.

The man who was killed was in a Toyota Corolla on the outside lane of the highway when multiple sets of collisions trapped him inside his car. None of the other people who were hurt received injuries that were considered life-threatening. The interstate was closed for some time as emergency response personnel helped the injured and cleared the area.

Victims who are injured in a motor vehicle accident may be entitled to compensation if it was caused by the negligent actions of another driver. An attorney may be able to help the plaintiff with a personal injury suit. If the police have filed criminal charges against someone who was involved in the wreck, then it may be possible to bring evidence to the civil suit that was introduced into the public record at the criminal proceedings. Damages from a successful lawsuit can include the costs of medical treatment as well as wages lost should the victim miss a period of employment.

Source: South Brunswick Patch, “South Jersey Man Dies In 40-Car Pile-Up On Slick New Jersey Turnpike”, Carly Kilroy, Feb. 10, 2015