Egg Harbor, NJ – Three Injured in Three-Car Crash near Ocean Heights Ave & Chelsea Ave

Egg Harbor, NJ (February 16, 2023) – Police in Egg Harbor Township say an injury car crash happened on the morning of Thursday, February 16. Three people were hurt in the accident that occurred just before 6:00 a.m. 

Sources report the wreck took place near Ocean Heights and Chelsea Avenue. Police say a 2002 BMW sedan driven by 41-year-old Donald Defeo of Somers Point was headed south on Ocean Heights Avenue. For unknown reasons, Defeo crossed the center line and into the opposing lane of traffic, causing a head-on crash with a 2020 Hyundai sedan. 

The Hyundai was operated by 29-year-old Zachary Lantin of Egg Harbor. The BMW then spun counterclockwise and struck a 2019 Chevrolet SUV identified as a Human Services Police Vehicle, operated by 54-year-old Egg Harbor resident Robert Penven. 

Defeo became trapped inside his vehicle and had to be extricated by fire crews from Bargaintown and Scullville. He was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center-City Campus to be treated for injuries he sustained in the accident. 

Penven and Lantin were also transported to area hospitals with injuries. Traffic on Ocean Heights Avenue was delayed for approximately four hours while crews worked at the scene. 

Authorities in Egg Harbor are investigating. 

We hope for the full recovery of those with injuries. 

New Jersey Car Accidents

Auto accidents have become a serious issue in the United States in the past decade. On average, the United States sees over 6 million car crashes per year that cause injuries to more than 3 million people. Sadly, car crashes end the lives of approximately 40,000 Americans per year. 

In New Jersey, hundreds of thousands of accidents injure countless people every year. The main reason the majority of car wrecks happen in the Garden State is currently driver negligence/error. Driver negligence comes in many dangerous forms, including distraction, fatigue, speeding, and intoxication. 

When negligent drivers cause accidents that end in injuries, the injured parties have the option to file personal injury claims for compensation. Compensation can aid in their recoveries in numerous ways. Medical care, vehicle repair costs, wage loss, and more may be paid for by way of financial compensation. The severity of the aftermath of a severe accident can be greatly reduced when a crash victim works with an auto accident attorney. 

If you or someone you love were hurt in a car accident, a car crash lawyer in Egg Harbor could greatly benefit you in your ability to recover. Oftentimes, insurance companies attempt to get injured accident victims to accept settlements that barely cover the costs related to medical care. Several damages may result from a car crash which goes beyond just medical expenses, such as vehicle repairs, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more. 

Call the law office of Metro Law if you believe you were injured by a negligent driver. You can reach our office by calling (800) 469-6476 to learn more about your ability to recover.