New Jersey man charged in crash that killed Florida woman

A 41-year-old Thorofare man has been charged following a fatal car accident in South Jersey that took the life of a Florida woman on Jan. 27. The accident occurred around 11:30 p.m.

According to authorities, the suspect was driving without a license when his Ford pickup truck collided with a Saturn on Route 206 in Shamong. The Saturn’s passenger, a 23-year-old West Palm Beach woman, was trapped in the vehicle and had to be freed by emergency crews. She was taken to Cooper Medical Center in Camden where she later died from her injuries. The Saturn’s driver, a 27-year-old South Plainfield woman, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Virtua Memorial Hospital.

The suspect was placed under arrest and was treated for minor injuries at Vetrua Memorial Hospital in Mount Holly before being taken to Burlington County Jail. Police said he had outstanding traffic violation warrants in Berlin and was on parole. He faces multiple charges, including causing injury while driving without a license and unsafe lane changing. He is being held on $20,000 bail.

When a negligent driver, such as an unlicensed or reckless driver, causes a car accident that takes someone’s life, the victim’s family may be able to file a civil claim against the responsible party seeking compensation for their loss. With the help of an attorney, the family could use police reports, accident investigation results and other evidence to prove the at-fault driver is liable for the death of their loved one. A successful claim could bring a financial settlement for damages, including medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, pain and suffering before death, loss of income and loss of companionship. Anyone who has lost a family member in similar circumstances may wish to consult with a lawyer to discuss their legal options.

Source: nj.com, “Parolee charged in South Jersey crash that killed Florida woman,” Craig McCarthy, Jan. 28, 2015