Man Killed in Wrong-Way Crash on Rte 21 in Passaic, NJ

Passaic, NJ (July 6, 2026) – A man died early Monday morning, July 6, after a wrong-way driver struck him while he was on his way to work on Route 21 in Passaic.

The wrong-way collision happened around 5:20 a.m. near Exit 12 for Dayton Street, in the roadway's southbound lanes. The other driver had been traveling against traffic before the two vehicles met head-on.

The man did not survive his injuries. His identity had not been released as of Monday morning, and it remains unclear what led the other driver onto the wrong side of the road.

All southbound lanes were closed for several hours while Passaic Police worked the wreck. 

Our condolences go out to the man's family as they cope with this sudden loss.

What Happens When a Wrong-Way Driver Causes a Fatal Crash in Passaic, NJ?

When a wrong-way driver causes a deadly collision, the at-fault driver's auto insurance is typically the first source of recovery, though New Jersey also requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage in case that policy proves insufficient. 

Surviving family members in a case like this usually have to deal with funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional toll of losing someone suddenly and without warning.

Because a wrong-way crash frequently leads to a criminal investigation as well as a civil claim, records from that investigation, including toxicology results or citations, can become important evidence later on, and a wrongful death lawyer can help a family track down and preserve that information before it becomes harder to obtain.

New Jersey's Wrongful Death Act allows a deceased person's family to seek compensation for their loss, and a related survival action can address any pain the victim experienced before death. Both claims generally must be filed within two years, and New Jersey's comparative negligence rule can still come into play if any dispute arises over how the crash occurred.

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a fatal wreck in New Jersey, Metro Law is available to speak with families in order to guide them through the legal journey. We can explain what information to gather early and how to proceed.  

To talk through your options, you can reach Metro Law at (800) 469-6476. We are ready to listen and help you.