It seems sometimes as though the news is full of stories about tragedy and crime; however, every once in a while a story reminds us that people can truly do courageous, unselfish deeds. Such was the case recently on the New Jersey turnpike when several good Samaritans risked their own lives to rescue a man from a burning vehicle.
According to a news report, Greg Nelson, who is a semi-professional football player, and his cousin were stranded in his car on the side of the turnpike on the evening of Sept. 19, when another car plowed into them. Both vehicles then burst into flames as a result of the impact. Amazingly, several good Samaritans stopped and pulled both Nelson and his cousin from the burning vehicle. Although not all of the rescuers have been identified, police say that Fidel Ortiz Jr. of California was among them.
Nelson was sent to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital with burns on his hands, chin, and neck. He also suffered an arm injury. “I was sitting on the side of the road, next thing I know, I was being pulled out of a burning vehicle,” he said. He also thanked his rescuers, saying “I don’t even know them. [I want to] just thank them and thank God he was there.”
The driver of the other car was charged with driving under the influence. He also is accused of being involved in three hit-and-run accidents prior to the collision with Nelson’s car.
New Jersey Drunk Driving Accidents
A drunken driver puts everyone on the road at risk. Despite efforts by private and public groups to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving, drunken driving continues to be a leading cause of injury accidents.
In 2010, 556 people lost their lives as a result of New Jersey motor vehicle accidents. Of those fatal accidents, 153 were related to alcohol-impairment, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Twenty-eight percent of all driving related fatalities were caused by drunken drivers.
Legalities of a Drunk Driving Crash
New Jersey, like all states, makes it a crime to operate a vehicle while intoxicated. The driver in last week’s fiery crash faces criminal charges; however, the outcome of that prosecution will not compensate the victims. A criminal prosecution in a drunken driving case focuses on punishing the driver, not compensating the victim. For the victim of a drunken driver, or the surviving family members of a victim in a fatal crash, the criminal court system is of little help.
A victim does, however, have the option to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit in the appropriate civil court. Even if the defendant is not convicted in a criminal prosecution, a victim may still be able to secure compensation through the civil court system. The victim may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical bills and vehicle repairs as well as for the emotional trauma caused by the accident. Surviving family members may also be entitled to similar compensation that represents the loss suffered as a result of the accident.
Get a Free Consultation from a New York/New Jersey Accident Attorney
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a New Jersey drunk driving accident, contact the New York/New Jersey drunk driving accident attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez & Winograd to find out what legal options you may have. With six offices conveniently located in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, we have an office near you.
For your free consultation, contact the firm today by calling 888-446-2783 or filling out our online contact form.