A 19-year-old New Jersey man who authorities say was intoxicated when he became part of a fatal crash with motorcyclists is free on bail until his next court appearance. Police say the man hit a couple riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle in front of him when they slowed down to execute a turn.
The wife died as a result of the head trauma she suffered in the accident. The husband sustained serious injuries in the crash.
Police charged the 19-year-old man with vehicular homicide, driving under the influence and assault by auto. Officers say that the driver failed the field sobriety tests given to him at the scene. The results of the blood test given to the man on the night of the accident are not yet available.
The prosecutor’s office in Gloucester County wanted the driver held in jail until time to settle the case. The argument made by the prosecutor’s office is that the defendant is facing a long prison term and is possibly a flight risk. The prosecutor’s office also argued that the public is at risk of another drinking and driving episode by the man. The prosecutor informed the court that the man has involvement with two prior accidents as well as tickets for delaying traffic and speeding.
A defense attorney for the man countered that her client received no charges for the previous accidents and that there is nothing to show that he was at fault on either occasion. The 19-year-old man is a truck driver by trade.
Victims of a car accident can see their lives change in the blink of an eye. A personal injury attorney may help individuals involved in an accident to protect their rights and ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve for their own injuries or for the death of a family member.