New Jersey Teenager Dead as A Result of Auto Accident
A passenger in a vehicle that struck a house during the night of July 5 was pronounced dead at the scene, according to local reports. New Jersey police confirmed the death of the teen, whose identity has not been released to the public at this time. However, it has been confirmed that the auto accident claimed the life of a local student. Charges have not been filed at this time.
What Apparently Happened at The Crash Scene?
According to the accident report, around 9:30 p.m. an 18-year-old male was operating a vehicle carrying the juvenile victim and another teen. The vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, which police believe contributed to the accident. The driver attempted to pull around a vehicle attempting to make a left-hand turn and lost control of the vehicle. The car left the road and struck the face of a building before overturning and coming to rest.
The passenger in the rear of the vehicle was ejected on impact. That individual was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and the other passenger were taken to local hospitals for treatment of injuries whose severity was not included in the report. A man inside the building was struck by falling debris caused by the crash, but was not seriously injured. Police say their investigation is ongoing.
Legal Recourse Is Possible for Grieving Families
If New Jersey police determine the auto accident was the result of reckless and/or negligent behavior on the part of the driver, that individual could be subject to criminal charges. Separately, state law allows the family of the deceased passenger as well as the other injured passenger to file civil suits for wrongful death and personal injury, respectively. These suits are handled in civil court and do not require a criminal conviction for the court to award damages to the injured parties.