5 Teens From New Jersey High School Injured in Car Crash

Five teenagers from Mainland Regional High School were injured on Aug. 30 when an accident occurred in Hamilton Township. The five girls were traveling to a charity soccer game when the Route 40 collision happened. One girl reportedly suffered serious injuries.

The wreck in South Jersey took place at about 8:45 a.m. near Pittsburgh Avenue when a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado allegedly crossed the center line and went into oncoming traffic. The Chevy hit a box truck that then struck a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, and the Chevy caught fire after leaving the road and colliding with multiple trees.

Four of the teens in the Jetta were released to their parents after evaluation at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center. A 14-year-old passenger suffered serious injuries and went to the city division of AtlantiCare by medevac. She was on life support in critical condition as of Aug. 31. The 48-year-old male driver of the box truck was transported to the hospital for observation, and the 39-year-old Chevy driver was not believed to be injured. Police are investigating the cause of the crash.

Those who suffer injuries in a car accident may be able to seek damages for medical expenses from those who were responsible by filing a personal injury claim in civil court. Parents may wish to speak to an attorney when a child or dependent is hurt, and claims may go to trial or be settled out of court. As in this case, the results of the police investigation might reveal that one of the drivers was responsible for this crash, and a suit in civil court can be filed even if the police do not press charges. One may be liable for a crash when speeding, tailgating or ignoring traffic signs.

Source: NBC Philadelphia , “14-Year-Old Seriously Injured in New Jersey Chain-Reaction Crash “, Dan Stamm and Alison Burdo, August 31, 2014