Hunterdon County, NJ (May 13, 2026) – A serious three-car crash on Interstate 78 left four people injured in Hunterdon County early Tuesday morning, May 12. The accident occurred at approximately 12:55 a.m. near milepost 11, where three westbound vehicles became involved in a chain-reaction collision.
A yellow Ford SUV, a gray Toyota, and a blue Honda sedan were all traveling west on I-78 when the Toyota struck the back of the Ford. The impact caused the Ford to veer off the highway and hit the guardrail.
After the initial crash, the Toyota came to a stop on the highway. The Honda then struck the disabled Toyota from behind, involving a third vehicle in the collision.
The driver and passenger of the Toyota suffered serious injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital. The driver and passenger of the Honda sustained moderate injuries. No injuries were reported among the occupants of the Ford.
New Jersey State Police are asking the public for any information related to the crash. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident.
Our thoughts remain with all those injured as they receive care and work toward recovery.
How Is Fault Determined in a New Jersey Car Accident?
In New Jersey, fault in a car accident is determined by examining evidence from the crash scene, police reports, witness statements, and applicable traffic laws. The state follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means more than one driver can share responsibility for a collision. A driver found to be more than 50% at fault generally cannot recover compensation from the other parties involved.
Insurance companies typically conduct their own investigations after a crash. Adjusters review the available evidence, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any available camera footage. In a chain-reaction accident like a rear-end collision involving multiple vehicles, establishing which driver triggered the sequence of events becomes a key part of determining liability.
Injuries in multi-car crashes on highways can be severe. High speeds increase the force of impact, raising the risk of spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and internal trauma. Some injuries may not be immediately obvious after the accident, which is why a medical evaluation right after a crash is important even when a person feels relatively fine.
When multiple drivers share fault, calculating compensation becomes more complex. Each party’s insurance coverage, the degree of fault assigned to each driver, and the severity of injuries all factor into what compensation may be available. A car accident lawyer can review the details of the crash and explain how comparative negligence may apply to a specific situation.
At Metro Law, we have experience reviewing multi-vehicle accident cases in New Jersey and explaining how fault and insurance coverage work under state law. With years of experience examining injury cases, we can clarify what options may be available based on the circumstances of your crash.
Contact Metro Law at (800) 469-6476 to speak with our team and learn more about what may apply to your situation.
