By AB Wire
A New Jersey woman has sued Edison’s Indian American Mayor Sam Joshi and the township for a car crash that took place last year in which Joshi was driving a township vehicle.
The woman has alleged that Joshi was “negligent and careless” and the township was negligent in entrusting the vehicle to Joshi, local newspaper Patch reported.
On Dec 9, 2022, Sobia Qaiser was traveling south on Talmadge Road when she was struck by Joshi who was traveling eastbound on Hoey Drive.
In her lawsuit, Qaiser says she suffered “severe, serious and permanent injuries” due to the crash.
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“She was caused to incur medical expenses and will, in the future be caused to incur medical expenses; she has been and will in the future be disabled and prevented from attending to her necessary affairs and business,” the lawsuit said.
Qaiser is seeking damages, interest, cost of the lawsuit and a trial by jury. The plaintiff is also seeking any insurance agreements or policies that may be liable.
“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,” a spokesperson for the Township told Patch.
“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.”
Last year, Joshi became the first South Asian American and the youngest mayor of the fifth-largest municipality in New Jersey.
He has been involved in local government since age 14. “A dedicated public servant, Joshi was the youngest to serve on the Fair Rental Housing Authority and the Zoning Board of Adjustment,” says his profile on his official Facebook page.
He was elected as an at-large Council member at 27 years old, making him the youngest elected official in Edison’s history.
Since joining the Edison Township Council in 2017, Joshi has worked to keep taxes low, help women and minority-owned businesses get on their feet, and promote green energy throughout the township, according to the profile.