A newly surfaced video shows New York Jets cornerback Brandin Echols losing control of his Dodge Charger Hellcat at 84 mph, causing a crash that left a motorist partially paralyzed. The incident occurred near the Jets’ practice facility in New Jersey, leading to Echols being suspended for one game in 2023. The victim of the crash, Stephen Gilberg, suffered extensive injuries including broken ribs and spinal surgery, and remains in treatment for his injuries.
Police investigation revealed that Echols was traveling at excessive speeds of up to 111 mph in a 50-mph zone leading up to the crash. Gilberg’s attorney claims that Echols had a history of reckless driving and used a device to conceal his license plate to avoid tolls and speeding tickets. Echols had prior speeding violations and a warning for speeding on the same turnpike, but he entered a pretrial intervention program to potentially dismiss the criminal charges related to the crash.
Gilberg, who has incurred nearly $1 million in medical expenses, is seeking restitution from Echols to cover his out-of-pocket costs. Despite making physical progress, Gilberg continues to suffer from nerve damage and psychological trauma from the crash. The lawsuit filed by Gilberg and his wife alleges assault by auto and negligence by Echols, the Jets, the NJ state Department of Transportation, and other entities, claiming that negligence in the design of the roadway contributed to the crash.
Echols, who did not sustain any injuries in the crash, expressed sadness over Gilberg’s injuries and wished him a full recovery. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for the injured motorist, who remains in treatment for his injuries. Echols, who signed a lucrative contract with the Jets in 2021, had a successful season in 2023 despite the suspension and legal issues stemming from the crash. His attorney emphasized that there were no allegations of substance impairment or intent to harm in the crash.
The incident involving Echols highlights the potential consequences of reckless driving and the responsibility of professional sports teams in ensuring the conduct of their players. Gilberg’s attorney emphasized the need for accountability and remorse from Echols, noting the lack of any acknowledgement or apology from the player. The case has raised concerns about road safety and the need for proper background checks and monitoring of athletes’ behavior by their sports organizations to prevent such incidents in the future.
Overall, the crash involving Brandin Echols and Stephen Gilberg serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of accountability for one’s actions. While Echols may have faced legal consequences and financial obligations following the crash, Gilberg continues to grapple with the physical and emotional aftermath of the incident. The lawsuit filed by Gilberg seeks justice for the injuries and trauma he endured, as well as accountability from Echols, the Jets, and other entities involved in the case.
