Driver Charged After Fatal Accident on Route 206 in Morris County

Route 206 is one of many New Jersey highways that feels like a quiet, winding country road in some parts and serves as the main thoroughfare through a busy downtown in others. This means that speed limits and traffic patterns can vary. When a motorist fails to adjust to the applicable traffic rules and conditions, a serious accident can occur. 

Tragically, an August collision in Chester Township where Route 206 meets Lamerson Road and Fox Chase Road left one woman dead and another facing serious criminal charges. Police say Ana-Maria Ciofu of Brooklyn was speeding shortly before 6 p.m. when her Lexus hit the Toyota driven by local resident Celia Kole. A passenger in Ciofu’s car was injured, and Kole, 76, did not survive the crash. 

According to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Ciofu has been charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and disorderly persons assault by auto. Along with possible criminal consequences, Ciofu might also be the defendant in civil wrongful death and personal injury cases. 

A wrongful death case stemming from an auto accident must be filed by the personal representative for the decedent’s estate. Recoverable damages under New Jersey law include reimbursement of burial costs and funeral expenses. Other types of economic losses can be compensable as well, including income that the victim would have earned or the value of services, such as childcare provided to loved ones. In personal injury claims, non-economic damages, including pain and suffering experienced by the defendant, are available in addition to economic damages like healthcare expenses and lost wages. 

New Jersey generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations on wrongful death and personal injury claims, making timely action critical. If you were hurt, or a family member was killed, in a car crash caused by someone else, there are several steps you can take to bolster a potential legal claim, such as:

• Seeking prompt medical evaluation
• Preserving evidence, including photographs, dashcam footage and debris from the scene
• Identifying witnesses and obtaining their contact information
• Contacting an experienced attorney and speaking with them before giving any statement to an insurance company or opposing counsel

Kevin T. Kutyla, Esq., assists families and injured victims with immediate evidence preservation, coordination with investigators, insurance claims, and, when appropriate, wrongful death and personal injury litigation. If you or a loved one was affected by a vehicle crash in North Jersey, I can advise you on your legal rights, timelines and next steps. Call 973-940-8970 or contact me online to schedule an appointment at either my Succasunna or Newton location.