A fatal car wreck on March 21, 2025, along Interstate 95 in New Jersey has left two young men dead and two others seriously injured. The high-speed crash involved a Mazda that flew off the freeway and landed on Castor Avenue below, after allegedly racing with a Dodge Challenger, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
The deceased victims—a 22-year-old man from Cranbury and a 23-year-old from East Windsor—were both ejected from the rear of the vehicle. Two other passengers, twin 18-year-old brothers also from East Windsor, were rushed to nearby hospitals with life-threatening injuries. In a heartbreaking detail, an unsecured puppy in the car was also thrown from the vehicle and found dead.
Passenger Rights in a Fatal Car Wreck
In a fatal car wreck, passengers have the same legal rights as drivers. However, many injured passengers or their families hesitate to pursue legal action—especially when the driver is a relative or friend.
But civil claims aren’t about blame—they’re about accountability and compensation. Medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering don’t disappear on their own. A skilled New Jersey personal injury lawyer can help surviving passengers or grieving families pursue compensation for their loss.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speed is a leading factor in about one-third of crashes in New Jersey. In this fatal car wreck, witnesses reported racing behavior at dangerously high speeds.
Speed increases both the risk of losing control and the severity of the resulting crash. A vehicle traveling 60 mph takes nearly three times as long to stop as one going 30 mph—and at highway speeds, the force of a crash becomes exponentially more deadly.
If drivers exceed the speed limit or engage in illegal racing, they may be automatically liable under the negligence per se doctrine, which holds drivers accountable for violating safety laws.
Unsafe Roads: The Broken Guardrail
A critical detail in this fatal car wreck is the broken guardrail that failed to prevent the Mazda from flying off the interstate. In cases like this, government negligence can come into play.
If a city or state failed to maintain the guardrail—a ministerial act—they may be liable for the consequences. Contractors hired to repair such safety features may also face claims if they failed to act in time or performed poor work.
These types of road hazard claims are complex due to sovereign immunity laws, but they are winnable with the right legal support.
Comparative Fault in Multi-Party Crashes
One possible legal challenge in this fatal car wreck is the issue of comparative fault. If any of the passengers encouraged racing or distracted the driver, the defense may argue they bear partial responsibility.
New Jersey follows a modified comparative fault rule: injured parties can recover damages only if they were less than 51% responsible. This is crucial in crashes involving multiple vehicles or questionable passenger behavior.
The Role of Unrestrained Pets
This case also highlights a growing concern: unrestrained pets in moving vehicles. Just like distracted driving, a loose pet can contribute to a crash—or, as in this tragedy, become a fatal projectile during a wreck.
Drivers may be held liable if they fail to secure animals properly, especially in accidents involving injury or death.
Need Help After a Fatal Car Wreck in New Jersey?
If your family has been affected by a fatal car wreck, don’t wait. Contact an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney to investigate the case and pursue maximum compensation.
Connect With a Thorough Paterson, NJ County Lawyer
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing.
Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled injury attorneys at CourtLaw NJ Personal Injury Lawyers represent clients injured in accidents in Perth Amboy, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, and throughout New Jersey. Call 732-442-5900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 as well as offices in Jersey City, New Brunswick, Roselle, and East Orange.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
