A Rahway woman has been charged with vehicular homicide after killing a man in an accident on October 10 while she was texting and driving. According to prosecutors, Jennifer Sahoye, 35, was driving in an express lane of Route 1 & 9 in Newark when she crossed over lanes and collided with a truck driven by Carlos Carvalho, 58. The collision forced Carvalho’s truck to overturn and he was ejected onto the road, suffering fatal injuries.
Authorities told ABC 7 News that they had sufficient evidence to prove Sahoye was texting at the time of the accident. Sahoye is the first person in Essex County to be charged with homicide in connection to a texting and driving incident.
Sahoye is in Essex County jail on $50,000 bond and will face up to 10 years in prison if she is convicted.
In 2012, almost 900 people were killed in New Jersey accidents due to cell phone use, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation. That year, a total of almost 2,000 accidents occurred due to cell phone use. In New Jersey, it is illegal to text and drive, and a recent court case ruled that those who knowingly text drivers could be held partially responsible for any accident that occurs due to distracted driving.
Negligent driving can cause serious and sometimes fatal accidents. The attorneys at Spevack Law Firm will work tirelessly to bring those who cause New Jersey accidents to justice. We understand the complex legal issues that can arise when a loved one is killed due to a negligent driver, and we will fight for the compensation victims and their families deserve. If you or a loved one have been injured in a New Jersey accident, our attorneys can help you put the pieces back together. Contact our Middlesex County trial lawyers today for a free consultation, or call us at (732) 636-3030 to discuss your case.
Spevack’s Did You Know: The first offense for texting and driving in New Jersey is a fine of $200- $400.
Spevack Law Firm- Middlesex County personal injury lawyers
