Teaneck, NJ (June 8, 2026) – A 23-year-old man was charged with DUI Friday morning, June 5, after he lost control of his vehicle on Interstate 80 eastbound in Teaneck. The crash injured four passengers, including a child. The crash occurred near milepost 68 shortly after 6 a.m.
Blakedimil De Los Santos, of New York City, was driving an Acura east on I-80 when he veered to the right and struck a concrete barrier. New Jersey State Police said the car caught fire following the collision. De Los Santos and all four passengers were taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.
De Los Santos was charged with DUI, four counts of assault by auto, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. The crash remains under investigation.
We hope all those hurt make a full and smooth recovery.
How Can Children Seek Compensation After a Crash in Teaneck, NJ?
In New Jersey, a child hurt in a traffic crash cannot file a personal injury claim independently. A parent or legal guardian must bring the claim on the child’s behalf. This applies whether the child was a passenger in a vehicle driven by a drunk driver, an uninvolved party, or anyone else whose negligence contributed to the collision.
One important consideration for families in New Jersey is the statute of limitations. For adult victims, the deadline to file a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the crash. For minors, however, the clock typically does not begin running until the child turns 18, which means they may have until their 20th birthday to file on their own. This extended window can provide some flexibility, but it is rarely advisable to wait since evidence gathered early is almost always more useful than evidence collected years later.
Children hurt in crashes can face a range of physical and emotional consequences. Even injuries described as minor at the time can require follow-up care, physical therapy, or psychological support as the child grows. Medical documentation from the time of the crash forward plays a significant role in connecting those needs to the collision and supporting any future claim.
When a crash involves a drunk driver, additional legal avenues may be available. A drunk driving accident attorney can help families assess what compensation may be sought, what insurance coverage applies, and how to navigate a case that may run parallel to any criminal proceedings against the driver.
If your child was hurt in a crash in New Jersey, Metro Law can help you understand what options may be available. We can review your case and evaluate what legal path may fit the specific details of your situation.
Call Metro Law at (800) 469-6476 to speak with our team and learn more.
