N.J. State Senator, Pedestrian He Injured Settle Lawsuit

July 25, 2007

A New Jersey state senator has reached a $1.175 million settlement with a pedestrian who was critically injured by his vehicle two years ago in Jackson.

Lawyers for state Sen. Robert W. Singer and the pedestrian, Barbara Sara, agreed to the settlement on Monday, the day Sara’s lawsuit against Singer was scheduled to go to trial.

There was no admission of fault in the settlement reached before Superior Court Judge Thomas O’Brien.

Two insurance companies will be responsible for paying the settlement, according to Sara’s lawyer, Norman K. Hobbie.

“Although the settlement award of $1.175 million may seem like a significant amount of money to my client Barbara Sara, who suffered the severe injuries, no amount of money can take the place of her health,” Hobbie told the Asbury Park Press.

Neither Singer, R-Ocean, nor his lawyer, Martin McGowan, could be reached for comment on Monday by the newspaper.

The accident happened on June 15, 2005. Sara, then 74, was struck by Singer’s sport utility vehicle as she tried to cross the street at the intersection of Routes 528 and 547.

Sara, who has since moved to New Hampshire, suffered a fractured arm, leg, ankles and a concussion, her lawyer said.

Singer 59, pleaded guilty in municipal court in December 2005 to failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk and careless driving. He was ordered to pay fines and court costs.

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