$950,000 Settlement After Tragic Trucking Accident in New Jersey
A New Jersey family has reached a settlement of $945,038 in a wrongful death lawsuit following a fatal motor vehicle accident that claimed the life of 80-year-old Qaneta Zafar. The incident occurred on December 8, 2021, when a tractor-trailer veered across the centerline on Route 31 in East Amwell and collided with Zafar’s car. The impact forced her vehicle off the road, down a ditch, and into the woods, resulting in catastrophic injuries that led to her death at the scene.
The truck involved was operated by Frank S. Patullo and was part of the fleet owned by Gerber Metal Supply Co. The accident investigation revealed that Patullo had allegedly fallen asleep at the wheel earlier that day and had not taken appropriate actions to prevent further incidents. The second occurrence of him falling asleep led to the fatal collision.
Following the accident, Zafar’s family initiated a wrongful death lawsuit in Hunterdon County Superior Court against Patullo, Gerber Metal Supply, and several other defendants, including the new owner of the business, All Metals Industries, and its private equity owner, Salt Creek Capital II.
The settlement was finalized at $945,038, the remainder of Gerber’s $1 million insurance policy after deducting expenses for environmental cleanup required by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The Hunterdon County Presiding Chancery Judge approved the allocation of the settlement, which included legal fees and costs, survivor claims, and wrongful death damages distributed among Zafar’s surviving family members.
This case underscores the importance of accountability and thorough legal representation in wrongful death claims stemming from motor vehicle accidents. For those who find themselves in similar tragic circumstances, seeking qualified legal assistance can be crucial in navigating the complexities of such cases and securing just compensation for the loss of a loved one.
Seeking Legal Help for Trucking Accidents
Cycling accidents involving large vehicles can be particularly devastating. Victims of such accidents should seek expert legal advice to secure the compensation they deserve. For those involved in trucking accidents, TruckingAccident.com offers a free attorney matching service to help connect injured parties with experienced attorneys who specialize in trucking and traffic accident settlements.
