Man Falls Asleep While Driving, Causes Chain Reaction Accident

New Jersey State Police reported that they believe a chain reaction collision on the Garden State Parkway was caused by a driver from New York City who fell asleep behind the wheel. The accident caused serious injuries to at least one person and required the complete closure of the northbound side of the road for a substantial amount of time.

Allegedly, the 71-year-old driver fell asleep while driving around 8:30 p.m., causing his sedan to collide with another sedan being driven by a 68-year-old Waretown man. The crash caused the second car to run into a third sedan, which then hit a fourth vehicle.

The passenger in the second car, a 66-year-old woman from Waretown, suffered serious injuries in the accident. She was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center for treatment, and reports indicated that she was expected to survive. The man driving that vehicle was also injured, but his wounds were not considered serious. No other injuries were reported. The man who allegedly fell asleep at the wheel has been charged with assault by auto.

Sleeping or distracted drivers may be fully liable for any injuries or other damages that result from their irresponsible actions. An attorney may be able to help someone who has been injured to file a personal injury lawsuit and gain fair compensation. If permanent debility results because of the accident, then payments for the loss of function may be appropriate. A spouse may also press suit against the defendant for the loss of the companionship, support and consortium that they would have otherwise enjoyed.

Source: NorthJersey.com, “Police: NYC man fell asleep at wheel, touched off GSP chain-reaction crash in Woodcliff Lake,” Stefanie Dazio, April 7, 2015