Injuries Reported After Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-80 in Paterson, NJ

Paterson, NJ (August 5, 2026) – On Wednesday morning, August 5, injuries were reported after a multi-vehicle collision shut down all eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 near mile marker 45, just before the Orange/Paterson split.

Paterson Fire and emergency services were dispatched to the scene. Initial information indicates the vehicles involved included a Hazeltown Transportation bus, a dump truck, and a sedan. 

The number of people who were hurt and the severity of their injuries had not been confirmed at the time of publication.

Emergency units remained at the roadway while crews worked to assist those involved and clear the highway. Traffic came to a standstill as drivers waited for the roadway to reopen.

Investigators continue working to determine what led to the wreck. 

We are thinking of everyone affected and wish those receiving medical treatment a full recovery.

How Can Bus Passengers Seek Compensation After a Crash in Paterson, NJ?

Bus passengers who are injured in New Jersey typically have broader legal options than many people realize because they are rarely responsible for causing the collision. When a commercial bus is involved alongside other vehicles, multiple insurance policies and potentially several liable parties may need to be evaluated before a claim is resolved.

To determine who is legally responsible, a detailed review of evidence may be required. New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence system, but that rule generally has little effect on passengers because they usually did not contribute to the collision. 

Instead, liability may rest with one driver, several motorists, a commercial carrier, or another responsible party. Records from the bus company, witness statements, vehicle data, and photographs can all become valuable when reconstructing what occurred.

Insurance issues are also more complicated when commercial vehicles are involved. A bus operator may carry different coverage than a private driver, while a dump truck owner could have separate commercial liability insurance. 

To sort through these overlapping policies takes careful legal analysis, and a car accident lawyer can help identify available insurance coverage, preserve key evidence before it disappears, and explain what forms of compensation New Jersey law may allow based on the specific circumstances.

If you have questions about your legal options after a vehicle collision, our team at Metro Law can provide you information about the claim process. We can discuss with you how commercial vehicle insurance and passenger claims may apply to your circumstances. 

Every situation is different, and reviewing the available evidence early can help clarify your options. To learn more, contact Metro Law at (800) 469-6476 to speak directly with a member of our team.