The New York Jets and cornerback Brandin Echols face a lawsuit over a car accident that occurred near the team’s training facility in Florham Park two years ago, resulting in injuries to an Essex County man.
According to court documents filed by Stephen J. Gilberg of Livingston, the incident took place on April 26, 2022, when Echols collided with Gilberg’s vehicle while driving east on Columbia Turnpike (County Road 510) near Airport Road at a high speed. The collision caused Gilberg’s car to veer off the road, striking a curb, and ultimately overturning into a marshy area.
Echols, 26, was subsequently arrested and charged with multiple violations, including speeding and reckless driving. The lawsuit alleges that Echols has a history of reckless driving and accuses the Jets of negligence for failing to conduct proper background checks before allowing him to drive, thus endangering other motorists.
The suit, filed in Superior Court of Morris County, further states that Gilberg sustained serious injuries from the accident, requiring ongoing medical care and treatment. Echols entered a pretrial intervention program during a court hearing on Feb. 28, 2023, as reported by The Daily Record.
Gilberg and his wife, Cheryl, are suing Echols, the New York Jets, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, and other entities for assault by auto and negligence. Additionally, the suit alleges negligence on the part of the state Department of Transportation for the design and installation of curbs and guardrails at the crash site. The Department of Transportation declined to comment on pending litigation.
