Metuchen woman sues Edison Township, claims mayor was 'negligent and careless' in crash
A Metuchen woman has sued Edison Mayor Sam Joshi and the township for "severe, serious and permanent injuries" caused in an auto accident last year in which the mayor was driving a township-owned vehicle.
The lawsuit charges the mayor was “negligent and careless”, and Edison was negligent in entrusting the vehicle to Joshi.
"Mayor Joshi publicly disclosed that he had been in a minor car accident immediately after it occurred last year and used it as a teachable moment to encourage residents to drive safely during the busy holiday season,” township spokesman Philip Swibinski said in a statement. “Township attorneys are reviewing this lawsuit and will respond appropriately in order to reach an outcome that is fair and equitable to all parties and protects Edison taxpayers.”
An Edison police report indicates that around 5 p.m. Dec. 9, 2022, Joshi was driving a township-owned 2020 black Ford Explorer, attempting to turn left onto Talmadge Road from Hoey Drive. A police diagram of the intersection shows a stop sign at the intersection.
The police report indicates traffic traveling southbound in the right lane of Talmadge Road yielded for Joshi as he began to enter the roadway, where he struck another vehicle traveling southbound in the left lane.
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The township-owned SUV was driven away from the scene, while a 2016 Cadillac SRX driven by Sobia Qaiser, then 49 and a resident of Flushing, New York, was towed away, according to the police report.
No charges or summonses were listed on the police report.
Qaiser was taken to a hospital with complaints of pain to the abdomen or pelvis, according to the police report, and both drivers were wearing seatbelts.
In the lawsuit, which lists Qaiser as a Metuchen resident, she alleges Joshi "was negligent andcareless in the operation, maintenance, and/or control of his vehicle so as to strike and collide" with hers.
The lawsuit says she suffered "severe, serious and permanent injuries" in the crash.
"She has been and will in the future be disabled and prevented from attending to hernecessary affairs and business," the lawsuit says.
A certification from the doctor who treated Qaiser following the crash indicates she underwent MRI and CAT scan testing, which led to a diagnosis of post traumatic disc herniation at levels associated with symptoms consistent with cervical radiculopathy, as well as a post traumatic disc bulge associated with lumbar radiculopathy.
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"It is my opinion within a reasonable degree of medical probability my patient has sustained permanent injuries that will have permanent residual effects in the future," Dr. Donald Antonelli said in his certification. "It is my further professional opinion that within a reasonable degree of medical probability, that although further treatment in the future may alleviate some symptomatology, the permanent residuals of the injury cannot be completely resolved by way of further medical treatment interventions and there will always be some aspect of residual permanent injury experienced for the balance of the patient's lifetime."
Qaiser is seeking damages, interest, the cost of the lawsuit and trial by jury. She's also seeking any insurance agreements or policies that may be liable. The police report indicates the township-owned vehicle is self-insured.
The lawsuit requests the township provide the amount of all insurance coverage, the police and accident reports, copies of any and all photographs, motion pictures, video, films, drawings, diagrams, sketches of the accident and property damage.
It adds that Qaiser objects to the taking of any photographs, X-rays or other reproductions concerning her injuries at the time of any defense examinations, and she is not obligated to bring any records, diagnostic films or other items to defense medical examinations.
Email: srussell@gannettnj.com
Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Edison NJ Mayor Sam Joshi sued over car crash
