New Jersey Big Rig versus Auto Accident Kills New York Resident
A woman, who died in a recent automobile accident on the New Jersey Turnpike when the sport utility vehicle she was in got struck by a big rig, has been identified as 68-year-old Ruby Riggins. According to this report, Riggins, a Brooklyn resident, was a passenger in the SUV that was being driven by Mellie Riggins, 68, also of Brooklyn.
The tractor-trailer accident happened near the Exit 5 interchange when the truck that was trying to make a right turn and drive across the lanes of the highway to get to the exit ramp crashed into the SUV. Mellie Riggins had stopped the SUV on the left shoulder when the tractor-trailer driver, Christian Campagna, 28, of Sicklerville, slammed right into the vehicle, officials said. The impact overturned the truck spilling its load onto the highway causing the southbound side of the turnpike to be closed. Ruby Riggins died at the scene of the auto accident while Campagna and Mellie Riggins suffered injuries.
From the report, it appears that police are still investigating the big rig versus car accident and charges have not been filed yet against anyone involved. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) statistics, in 2007, there were 146 large trucks involved in fatal accidents and 1442 big rigs involved in auto accidents in New York. Occupants of smaller vehicles are more likely to suffer major injuries or death in these large truck accidents. This is supported by studies that estimate 25% of all vehicle related deaths in the United States are the result of large trucks that account for only 3% of all registered vehicles.
If you have been injured or have lost loved ones in a New York truck accident, you would be well-advised to consult with the reputed law firm of Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro. Our skilled New York truck collision attorneys will investigate your case, determine who was negligent and hold them accountable for causing the accident. We have the resources to bring in experts, examine evidence and get the facts promptly. Call us to secure your free case evaluation.
