The major highways that run through North Jersey never sleep. Though the heaviest traffic might be during the morning and evening rush hours, there are always cars and trucks on roads like the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Interstates 78, 80 and 287. Sadly, this means that when one vehicle makes contact with another, it can turn to a major collision involving three or more vehicles, no matter what time it is.
Shortly before 2 a.m. on August 30, Genna Spina was a passenger in a Ford heading westbound on I-78 in Hillside. The vehicle carrying the 21-year-old from Denville was traveling behind a Honda. When the Honda tried to change lanes, it struck a Toyota. With the Honda off course, the Ford hit it and overturned. Finally, a Chevrolet ran into the Ford. Tragically, Spina was killed and the Ford’s driver was seriously hurt. Individuals in the Toyota and Chevrolet also suffered injuries.
Multi-vehicle, chain-reaction collisions raise complex questions of fault, causation and insurance coverage. While early reports can provide a timeline, a thorough investigation is often needed to determine how and why the sequence unfolded, whether any drivers drove carelessly and whether speed, lighting, roadway conditions or mechanical issues played a role. In some cases, more than one party might be at fault for an auto accident, and New Jersey law allows victims to seek damages from multiple defendants.
While enforcing your legal rights might not be the first thing on your mind after a serious vehicle collision, you should hire an experienced injury attorney as soon as possible, particularly in a potentially complex case. Your lawyer can get to work right away obtaining relevant evidence, such as 911 audio, dispatch logs and police reports. Footage from an exterior surveillance camera or a dashcam could provide a clear perspective on what started a chain reaction accident. Many cars and trucks also have event data recorders that detail the movement of a vehicle right up to the moment of impact.
Under New Jersey law, Genna Spina’s estate may bring a claim under the New Jersey Wrongful Death Act for losses to statutory beneficiaries and a Survivor’s Act case if she incurred any medical bills or experienced conscious pain and suffering prior to passing away.
Seigel Law in Ridgewood coordinates investigations with accident reconstruction experts, advises on insurance coverage and pursues full compensation for clients in all types of auto accident cases. If you or your family has been affected by a vehicle crash, we are here to help—compassionately and decisively. Contact us for a free consultation by calling 201-444-4000 or contacting us online.