Residents of Toms River may recall the sudden and tragic death of a 26-year-old man involved in a fatal car accident that happened just over a year ago. Earlier this month, the driver who was responsible for the auto accident stood before the court and was sentenced to three years in prison. Prior to his sentencing, he pleaded guilty to the charges of causing a death while driving on a suspended license.

The incident occurred on Route 537 in Plumsted as the young victim was driving home from work at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson. Just a few minutes prior, the victim had been on the phone with his father discussing Christmas plans.

The defendant was also sentenced to serve a consecutive 180 days in prison for habitually driving with a suspended license -- the fatal accident was his fifth offense. While the 29-year-old Atlantic City defendant has been convicted twice for drunk driving, alcohol did not play a factor in this accident.

When a motor vehicle accident results in personal injuries or loss of life, victims and families want to know what happened. They also often want to know that the person responsible will be held accountable for his or her actions. When the actions of one person, in part or in total, result in the injury or death of another not only are criminal proceedings possible but civil actions may also be a course of action for victims and families. Civil actions for a wrongful death in Toms River may result in compensation for victims or their families to help pay for medical costs, funeral expenses and lost wages.

Source: The Asbury Park Press, "Driver with suspended license gets 3 years in fatal crash," Kathleen Hopkins, Dec. 2, 2011