Richard Williams, a semi-truck driver out of Brooklyn, is being held on $100,000 bail after being charged with three counts of death by auto after a fatal semi crash.
Police say Shaqwan Tisdale, 25, was driving his Tahoe at the intersection of Brunswick Pike and Darrah Lane in Lawrence Township, when Williams made an illegal U-turn. The Tahoe slammed in to the side of the tractor-trailer.
Tisdale had four other passengers, his wife 25-year-old Jamella Tisdale, 9-year-old Jaevon Durante, 8-year-old Mellady Durante, and their 3-month-old son Jaden Tisdale.
First responders had to cut away at the vehicle for several hours to remove the survivors from the vehicle. They propped the tractor-trailer up so that in would shift while they were attempting to rescue those trapped.
Jamella, Jaevon and Jaden all died in the crash. Shaqwan and Mellady were treated at the hospital before later being released.
The family was on its way the Tisdale’s album release part when the accident occurred. Tisdale is a gospel artist and songwriter. Friends said Tisdale was inconsolable. “His whole family is torn apart,” friend Deborah Sedam said. “He was crying and asking God for help.”
Those familiar with area said Williams could have gone an extra 100 yards and found a safe, legal and easy place for a U-turn.
If you were injured or have had a loved one killed by the negligent actions of another driver, please contact our firm today at (732) 636-3030 for a free consultation. Truck drivers and companies should be held liable for injuries and damages if they were negligent. Experienced attorneys know what to look for in truck accident cases.
Did You Know?: According to the New Jersey State Police there have been 317 traffic fatalities in 2013.
Spevack Law Firm—Middlesex County truck accident lawyers
