When a New Jersey traveler pulls up to a gasoline pump, he or she has the right to reasonably expect that the transaction will occur in as safe a manner as possible. While every motorist and vehicle passenger, plus pedestrians, gas station workers, etc., do face a certain amount of risk for injury whenever they are driving, riding or working, they definitely do not expect that stopping for gas will end in a fatality. Tragically, that is exactly what happened to three people on a recent Tuesday.

A 50-year-old man and his 17-year-old son were in their car at a gas station. A 22-year-old gas station attendant was nearby, as well as several other vehicles carrying occupants. Mass damage occurred when a car on the road suddenly hit a guardrail then came barreling into the gas station, hitting the car with the father and son with such force that their roof was torn off from their vehicle.

Sadly, they both died as did the gas station employee. Several people in other vehicles also suffered injuries. The 29-year-old man behind the wheel of the wayward car was said to have been high on drugs at the time. During a recent court hearing, prosecutors recommended that the defendant be ineligible for release while awaiting trial.

When a fatal personal injury occurs in a New Jersey collision, it has far-reaching effects. Lives are forever changed in an instant, and when that type of devastation is deemed to have been caused by an intoxicated driver, immediate family members of deceased victims are able to file wrongful death claims in civil court. Such litigation often leads to court-awarded compensation that grieving families can use to help with funeral expenses and other costs associated with their loved one's tragic deaths.