Allendale, NJ (October 8, 2024) – A serious DWI crash occurred on October 5, resulting in injuries to two police officers and three civilians. The incident took place shortly after 10:30 p.m. on RTE 17 during a traffic stop conducted by Saddle River Police Officer John Latka, with assistance from Allendale Police Officer Mark Dunn.
According to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella, the officers had their emergency lights activated when an SUV driven by 18-year-old Joseph Ford of New York approached at a high rate of speed. Reports indicate that Ford was intoxicated when he lost control of the SUV, veering onto the shoulder and crashing into Officer Dunn’s patrol car, which initiated a four-car chain reaction.
Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, where fire personnel were involved in extracting the vehicles and ensuring the safety of those involved. Officer Dunn sustained the most serious injuries and was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center for treatment. Officer Latka was treated for his injuries at the scene and later released. The three civilians involved in the crash were also taken to the hospital, but their injuries were not considered life-threatening.
After the collision, Ford attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by police from neighboring towns, aided by a drone launched by Mahwah police and a helicopter from the New Jersey State Police. Authorities worked to control traffic in the area, ensuring the safe passage of emergency vehicles.
Our thoughts are with the injured officers, civilians, and their families during this difficult time.
Injury DWI Car Accidents in Allendale: A Growing Concern
In Allendale, as in many communities across the nation, driving while intoxicated (DWI) remains a significant public safety issue. According to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, in 2022, over 20% of all fatal crashes involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. This statistic underscores the dangerous consequences of impaired driving, which not only jeopardizes the lives of the intoxicated driver but also poses a grave risk to innocent motorists and pedestrians. 
The impact of DWI-related accidents extends beyond physical injuries, often resulting in emotional and financial burdens for victims and their families. In 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that approximately 37% of all motor vehicle fatalities involved alcohol-impaired drivers. As Allendale continues to see a rise in DWI incidents, community awareness, and preventive measures become increasingly critical to ensure safer roadways.If you find yourself involved in a DWI-related accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention for any injuries and report the accident to the authorities. Gather evidence, such as photos and witness statements, to support your case. You may wonder if you can file a personal injury claim if injured by an intoxicated driver. The answer is yes; if you were hurt due to the negligence of an intoxicated driver, you may have grounds to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.If you or a loved one has been involved in an Allendale car accident, a knowledgeable New Jersey car accident attorney from Metro Law is ready to assist you and yours today. With an unwavering dedication to client advocacy and a proven track record of success, our law firm offers personalized legal representation to individuals injured due to negligence.To speak with our lawyers about your Allendale car accident, call Metro Law at (800) 469-6476 to schedule a free initial consultation. Our efficient legal team is ready to guide you through the intricate claims process and ensure that your rights and interests are fiercely defended.
