East Orange, NJ (May 27, 2025) – Evening commuters experienced significant delays today after a vehicle collision occurred along the Garden State Parkway southbound in East Orange, located in Essex County.
The crash was first reported shortly after 5:00 p.m. on May 26 and involved multiple vehicles. According to early reports, the incident took place near a busy stretch of the parkway and resulted in at least one person being hurt. Emergency medical teams responded to the scene to assess injuries and transported the victim or victims to nearby hospitals for further evaluation and treatment.
Police officers were also at the site, working to clear the wreckage and manage traffic congestion while beginning an investigation into the cause of the accident. Lane closures were implemented in the area to allow for safe emergency response and cleanup, which caused a traffic backlog during rush hour.
Officials have not yet confirmed how many people were involved or the full extent of the injuries, but updates are expected as the investigation continues. For now, the exact circumstances surrounding what led up to the collision remain under review.
We hope those injured in this accident recover quickly.
Car Accidents in New Jersey
Car accidents across New Jersey are unfortunately all too common, especially in densely populated counties like Essex. According to recent data, New Jersey sees over 270,000 crashes each year, many of which result in injuries or worse. From city intersections to major highways, drivers must always stay alert. Even in the most careful scenarios, accidents can still occur due to the actions of others.
In the wake of this East Orange collision, here are some important reminders about common causes of traffic accidents:
- Tailgating and Following Too Closely: Rear-end collisions are often the result of drivers following too closely behind others. In fast-moving or congested traffic, maintaining a safe distance can make the difference between avoiding a crash and causing one. Sudden stops are not uncommon on highways, and tailgating reduces a driver’s ability to respond safely.
- Distracted Driving: Distractions—whether from a mobile device, GPS, or even a conversation—can take a driver’s eyes off the road long enough to cause a crash. In New Jersey, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of injury accidents.
- Changing Lanes Unsafely: Drivers sometimes change lanes without signaling or checking blind spots, which can lead to sideswipe crashes or more severe multi-vehicle incidents. This is especially hazardous on highways like the Garden State Parkway.
- Fatigue and Drowsy Driving: Fatigue can impair judgment and reaction time just as significantly as alcohol. Drivers who are too tired to focus pose a serious threat, especially on long commutes or nighttime drives.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash, contacting a car accident attorney as soon as possible is essential. An attorney can help you understand your rights and whether you’re entitled to compensation. Insurance companies often move quickly to settle claims—but their interests aren’t always aligned with yours. By reaching out early, you increase the chances of preserving important evidence and protecting your ability to recover financial support. Whether it’s medical expenses, time off work, or pain and suffering, legal representation can make all the difference.
At Metro Law, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of an accident can be. Our team, led by Robert Solomon and Richard Weinbaum, brings nearly four decades of legal knowledge to each case we handle. We’ve fought for victims across New Jersey and New York and recovered millions on their behalf.
At our Newark and New York offices, we offer free consultations to help guide you through your options. Spanish and Portuguese speakers are available in-house, and evening and weekend appointments are offered for your convenience. If you’ve been injured, call Metro Law at 800-469-6476 to get started today. Let Metro Law be your bridge to justice.