Hamilton Twp, NJ – Teen Killed, Another Critically Injured in Crash on Rte 130

Hamilton Twp, NJ (April 15, 2026) – A crash on Sunday, April 12, left a Lakewood teen dead and another person critically injured on Route 130 in Hamilton Township.

A Mazda CX3 and a U.S. Postal Service tractor-trailer collided on Route 130 at around 4 a.m. Emergency units responded after receiving reports of the incident.

Authorities confirmed that the passenger of the Mazda, 18-year-old Eliyahu Schepansky of Lakewood, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, 19-year-old Mordechai Sokol, also of Lakewood, was taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton in critical condition.

The investigation into the cause of the deadly collision remains ongoing.

We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Eliyahu Schepansky.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. Individual family members cannot file the claim directly on their own. The personal representative acts on behalf of the estate and eligible survivors.

The personal representative is typically named in the deceased person’s will. If no will exists, a court appoints someone to fill this role. This person carries legal authority to move the claim forward.

New Jersey law identifies specific family members who may benefit from a wrongful death claim. These beneficiaries generally include a surviving spouse, children, and parents. Other dependents may also qualify depending on their financial relationship with the deceased.

When no immediate family members survive the deceased, more distant relatives may be considered. The court evaluates dependency and financial ties when determining eligibility. Extended family members do not automatically qualify without meeting these conditions.

Compensation recovered through a wrongful death claim is distributed among eligible beneficiaries. The amount each person receives depends on their level of financial dependency on the deceased. Courts review the specific facts of each case before any distribution is made.

New Jersey law sets a two-year deadline for filing a wrongful death claim. Missing this deadline can prevent surviving family members from recovering any compensation. Acting promptly helps preserve evidence and meet all required legal timelines.

A wrongful death attorney can identify eligible beneficiaries and gather supporting documentation. A lawyer can also handle communication with insurance companies. Our team at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq handles wrongful death cases across New Jersey, including those involving fatal highway crashes. We review case details, explain available options, and guide you through the claims process.

If you lost a loved one in a crash, you can contact Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq at (800) 923-3456 to speak with our attorneys and discuss your rights and available options.

secondary sources like police and fire accident reports, news articles, and eyewitness testimonies. We have not independently verified this information at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq. If you find inaccuracies, please contact us for correction. To request post-removal, please inform us, and we will promptly comply.

Disclaimer: This content is not a business solicitation, and none of the information provided should be construed as legal or medical advice. Additionally, the featured image in this post is not from the actual accident scene.