Jury: Trucker Who Waved in Car Liable in New Jersey Crash

A truck driver who waved a car into traffic just before it collided with a motorcycle has been ordered to pay half of the $1.5 million in damages awarded by a New Jersey jury this week.

According to testimony, the June 2006 crash on Route 33 in Neptune occurred after David Carhuamacca of Queens, N.Y. waved in Thurman Baker of Neptune, who was in a doughnut store lot.

As Baker crossed the highway, his car collided with the motorcycle ridden by Michael Lewis of Asbury Park. Lewis sustained a concussion, a permanent arm injury and cracked five teeth.

Carhuamacca had denied that he waved Baker into traffic, but a police officer said the trucker told him otherwise at the scene.

The verdict reflects a provision in state law which holds drivers liable if they negligently wave others into traffic.
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Information from: Asbury Park Press