Man Killed After Hit by Multiple Vehicles
Sometimes it’s hard enough to get out of a vehicle after it’s been parked. As you can imagine, it’s especially dangerous to exit a vehicle that is in motion. A New Jersey man proved this point. He was hit by several vehicles, killing him.
The fatal accident occurred on the evening of February 14 on the Garden State Parkway in Middletown. The 33-year-old man from Plainfield was riding as a front seat passenger in a Honda Pilot. The SUV was heading south in the Parkway express lanes near milepost 112.8 when the man got out of the moving vehicle for unknown reasons.
The man was then hit by multiple vehicles. None of the drivers stopped to help. The man died at the accident scene.
The crash is still under investigation. New Jersey State Police are looking for any witnesses.
Why Would a Person Exit a Moving Vehicle?
A person might exit a moving vehicle for several reasons, including:
- Emergency situations. If a car is on fire, toxic smoke can quickly fill the cabin, making an immediate exit a matter of survival. In cases where a vehicle is sinking in water, waiting too long to escape can result in drowning due to water pressure preventing door movement. Also, a malfunctioning accelerator or brake failure might lead someone to jump out to avoid an imminent crash.
- Panic or fear. A person experiencing extreme anxiety, claustrophobia, or hallucinations (possibly due to a medical condition or substance use) may irrationally jump out of a vehicle. A passenger in an abusive or violent situation within the vehicle might see exiting as their only escape.
- Law enforcement pursuits. Suspects attempting to evade police often jump out of moving cars and flee on foot to avoid capture. Carjackers may leap out if they realize they are about to be caught or if a pursuit becomes too risky. In tactical situations, law enforcement officers may exit a moving vehicle to take cover or engage in a pursuit.
- Accidental falls. If a vehicle’s door is faulty or not properly closed, a person might fall out unexpectedly. Standing in the back of a truck, hanging out of a window, or riding without proper restraints can lead to unintentional ejection. Young children or distracted passengers might open the door without realizing the danger.
- Extreme sports or stunts. Activities like “car surfing” or jumping from moving cars for social media trends have led to injuries and fatalities. Stunt performers in movies or professional extreme sports deliberately exit moving vehicles as part of their routine, but they are highly trained.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
When a person exits a moving vehicle, it greatly increases their chances of injury and fatality. However, for multiple vehicles to hit him and no drivers to stop and help is truly a tragedy.
Both drivers and pedestrians have legal rights. A Morristown pedestrian accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff can analyze your case and advise you of the next steps. To schedule a consultation, call (973) 455-1567 or fill out the online form.
Source:
patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/man-hit-multiple-cars-parkway-middletown-none-stopped
