Who is at-fault for the recent New Jersey Turnpike crash that injured dozens?
A horrific crash between a tour bus and a tractor-trailer left 33 people injured on the New Jersey Turnpike. The accident happened at 12:30 a.m. on a Friday in West Deptford, New Jersey. The accident involved a Panda tour bus with 50 people on board. On its way from New York City to Atlanta, the bus collided with a tractor-trailer, sending the bus rolling onto its side. Thirty-three people aboard the bus were injured and required transport to area hospitals. Now, new details are emerging as to the cause of this accident.
Tour Bus Company Claims the Driver of the Tractor Trailer Caused the Crash
As investigations continue into the bus-truck accident, the supervisor for the bus company has stated that it believes the truck driver is at-fault for the accident. According to the supervisor, it was the truck that rear-ended the bus on the NJ Turnpike. Police have not charged either party with the accident and a formal decision on fault remains outstanding.
Fault in Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end collisions are some of the most common types of accidents and they often lead to personal injury cases. Generally, the driver of the vehicle that rear-ends another vehicle will be considered at least partially at-fault. All drivers have a duty to maintain a safe following distance. You are expected to maintain enough of a distance to prevent an accident in the event of an unanticipated stop.
However, scenarios do exist in which the driver of the lead car, or the car that is rear-ended, will be considered at-fault for the crash. Potential scenarios include if the first car does not have functioning brake lights, reverses suddenly in the roadway, or stops abruptly to make a turn but fails to promptly turn. In any of these situations, it is possible that the driver of the lead vehicle will be deemed at-fault for the accident, rather than the second vehicle.
Accordingly, it is important that every rear-end accident be analyzed closely. Fault should not merely be assumed. Your personal injury attorney will assist you in assessing the crash and uncovering your legal rights.