Intoxicated Driver on Suspended License Kills Three on Route 80

Three people are dead after a recent collision on Route 80 in Rockaway Township. One driver faces a multitude of charges after the three-vehicle accident.

Bhavuk Uppal, a 22-year-old man from Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, stands accused of causing the death of two adults and an infant, as well as injuries to two other people.

Uppal was allegedly driving a Cadillac Escalade when he slammed into the back of a Kia which had been stopped in traffic. This caused the Kia to strike a Jeep SUV in front of it.

The three passengers of the Kia were killed when the vehicle burst into flames. The vehicle was carrying a man, a woman and a baby. The woman was later determined to be 18-weeks pregnant at the time of the crash. Authorities have not yet released their names or identifying information. It is unknown if their relatives will bring wrongful death claims.

The Jeep in front of the Kia was forced off the roadway and overturned on the side of the road. The passengers inside were both from the Bronx. They received hospital treatment at Morristown Medical Center for injuries that were not considered life-threatening. They were later released.

Uppal has a previous driving record consisting of multiple offenses including reckless driving, driving with a suspended license and using fake license plates. He also has a criminal history including six arrests in the past six years.

After being treated for unspecified injuries, Uppal was transferred to the Morris County Correctional Facility. Authorities may charge the defendant with additional crimes, but for now he is accused of:

  • Death by auto (three counts)
  • Assault by auto (two counts)
  • Driving while intoxicated
  • Causing death or injury while driving on a suspended license
  • Drug paraphernalia possession

Police have not specified the type of intoxication that Uppal is charged with, but there has been no official mention of alcohol. He was found with drug paraphernalia and has previously been arrested on drug-related charges. Police do not believe the vehicle he was driving belonged to him.

Seigel Law in Ridgewood represents families who have lost a loved one in a car accident. In cases involving intoxicated drivers, our attorneys seek punitive damages as a method of deterring others from getting behind the wheel after using alcohol or drugs. To schedule a free consultation with a compassionate and skilled New Jersey wrongful death attorney, call us at 201-444-4000 or contact us online.

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