A New Jersey lawsuit alleges reckless emergency driving led to a collision and injuries.
Jackson, NJ – A Jackson Township woman has filed a civil lawsuit alleging a police officer caused a crash that left her injured after attempting to pass her vehicle at high speed. The complaint, filed Monday in Ocean County Superior Court, claims the officer crossed double yellow lines before striking her car as she made a left turn.
Plaintiff Yateisha Pierce alleges the crash occurred on August 25, 2025, at the intersection of East Veterans Highway, South Street, and Royal Grove Drive. According to the filing, Pierce was stopped and waiting to turn when Officer Daniel J. Scharff, driving a township police vehicle, attempted to pass her on the left. As the traffic signal changed, her vehicle was struck on the driver’s side.
Key Points
- Lawsuit alleges police officer caused crash while passing vehicle at high speed
- Plaintiff claims injuries, medical costs, and vehicle damage from collision
- Township previously denied liability through claims administrator
Claims of negligence and reckless driving
The complaint accuses Officer Scharff of failing to follow traffic laws and operating the police vehicle in a careless and reckless manner. It states he crossed double yellow lines and entered the intersection without ensuring it was clear.
“Defendant Officer Daniel J. Scharff negligently operated his motor vehicle,” the complaint alleges, citing failures including not maintaining control, not keeping a proper lookout, and disregarding traffic signals.
Pierce claims she suffered bodily injuries, required medical treatment, and incurred financial losses, including out-of-pocket expenses and property damage.
Emergency response under scrutiny
The lawsuit acknowledges representations that Scharff may have been responding to an emergency call at the time. However, it argues that even under those circumstances, he was required to act with due regard for public safety.
The filing alleges the officer’s conduct rose beyond negligence, stating he acted with “reckless disregard for the safety of others,” including operating at excessive speed and passing in a no-passing zone.
Township liability and prior denial
Pierce is also seeking to hold Jackson Township and its police department liable under respondeat superior, asserting Scharff was acting within the scope of his employment. The complaint further alleges failures in training, supervision, and vehicle management.
According to the filing, Pierce submitted a notice of claim on September 26, 2025, as required under state law. The township, through its claims administrator QualLynx, denied liability on October 22, 2025.
The lawsuit seeks damages for injuries, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic losses, and includes additional unnamed defendants whose identities may be determined during litigation.