Manchester, NJ (December 3, 2025) – A three-vehicle crash on Tuesday morning, December 2, injured one driver in Whiting, according to local police. The collision happened around 9:43 a.m. at the intersection of Route 70 and Hilltop Road. When officers arrived, they found three damaged vehicles spread across the area. A gray Toyota Camry sat in the westbound lane with heavy front-end damage. A silver Dodge Caravan suffered major front and rear damage in the eastbound lane. A gray Hyundai Accent had left the road and stopped in a wooded area south of the highway.
Early findings show that the Dodge Caravan traveled westbound and slowed to make a left turn. The Toyota Camry then struck it from behind. The force pushed the Dodge into the eastbound lane, where it hit the Hyundai Accent. After that impact, the Hyundai left the roadway and came to rest in the woods.
Police say the Toyota driver, a 36-year-old man from Lakewood, did not suffer injuries. The Dodge driver, a 22-year-old man also from Lakewood, reported minor injuries but declined treatment. The Hyundai driver, an 85-year-old man from Manchester, went to Community Medical Center with injuries that doctors described as not life-threatening.
Firefighters, emergency medical crews, and the New Jersey Department of Transportation workers helped at the scene. Officers believe that following too closely and wet road conditions may have played a role.
We wish the injured driver a full and steady recovery as authorities continue to investigate the crash.
Car Accidents in New Jersey
Crashed windshield seen from inside the vehicle
The mix of fast traffic mixed with turning vehicles can raise the risk of multi-car crashes, especially during morning hours. Rear-end impacts are common on roads like this because many drivers expect steady speed and do not anticipate sudden slowing near intersections. When one vehicle hits another from behind, the crash can quickly spread into nearby lanes.
Police already noted two likely contributing factors here, but several common issues often lead to three-vehicle collisions on major highways in New Jersey. Understanding these causes can help drivers stay alert.
Possible reasons these crashes may happen include:
- Following too closely: When drivers leave little space, they cannot stop in time if traffic slows, which can trigger a chain reaction.
- Wet or slippery road surfaces: Rain reduces tire grip and increases stopping distance, so even careful drivers may slide into others.
- Sudden left turns at busy intersections: Turning vehicles often slow quickly, and drivers behind them may react too late.
- Driver distraction: A short glance at a phone, dashboard, or roadside can cause a missed brake moment and a rear-end hit.
- Speed that does not match conditions: Driving at normal highway speed during rain or congestion can make any mistake far more dangerous.
After a crash, injured people may deal with pain, medical visits, and time away from work. They may also feel stressed trying to sort out who caused what, especially when multiple cars and lanes are involved.
A car accident lawyer can investigate the scene, review traffic reports, and speak with witnesses to clarify fault. That support can help victims focus on healing while a legal team handles insurance pressure and paperwork.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash like this in New Jersey, we are ready to help. At Metro Law, we take time to listen and explain your options in a clear way.
Call Metro Law today at (800) 469-6476 for a free consultation with a compassionate lawyer.
