Manchester, NJ (July 8, 2025) – Two young residents of Brick Township were left seriously injured after a two-vehicle collision on Sunday evening that required an extensive emergency response and an airlift to the hospital. The crash occurred on July 6 at approximately 8:38 p.m., according to Capt. Albert Vega of the Manchester Police Department.
Investigators say Briana Rodriguez, 23, was behind the wheel of a blue 2021 Jeep Cherokee with passenger Anthony Fernandez, 21, traveling south on Burnside Street when she failed to stop at a posted sign at the intersection of Broadway Boulevard. The Jeep crossed directly into the path of a gray 2015 Toyota Camry driven by Jun-Jun Zheng, 38, of Toms River. The resulting impact was forceful enough to flip the Jeep onto its passenger side, coming to rest on the front lawn of a nearby home.
Emergency crews, including the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, Ridgeway and Manchester Volunteer Fire Companies, paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, and LifeFlight medevac helicopter personnel, worked together to extricate Rodriguez and Fernandez from the overturned vehicle. Both were airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where they were listed in stable condition. Fortunately, Zheng did not sustain any injuries in the crash. Patrolman Brendan Brush of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit is continuing to investigate this collision.
We hope Briana Rodriguez and Anthony Fernandez recover quickly and fully from their injuries.
Car Accidents in New Jersey
Car accidents are an unfortunate reality on New Jersey’s roadways, with thousands of collisions occurring each year across both rural roads and busy intersections. According to state data, more than 250,000 crashes take place annually, causing significant injuries and far too many lives lost. Drivers in New Jersey must remain vigilant and obey traffic signs to help prevent tragic incidents like the one on Broadway Boulevard in Manchester.
When considering how to stay safer on the road, it’s helpful to understand the common causes of serious car accidents:
- Running Stop Signs and Red Lights: Failing to stop at posted signs is a frequent contributor to intersection crashes. Drivers who disregard traffic controls place themselves and others at serious risk of T-bone collisions, rollovers, and life-threatening injuries.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication can significantly impair reaction time and judgment. Impaired drivers are more likely to run signs and signals, drift into other lanes, or miss critical hazards ahead.
- Fatigue: Driving while overly tired can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. Fatigued drivers often have slower reflexes and may even fall asleep at the wheel, leading to devastating crashes.
- Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Excessive speeding, tailgating, and unsafe passing maneuvers increase the likelihood of losing control of a vehicle or being unable to stop in time to avoid a collision.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Younger or less experienced drivers may misjudge distances or speeds, or fail to scan intersections properly. Education and defensive driving practice can help reduce these preventable mistakes.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a serious crash, contacting a knowledgeable car accident attorney can be a critical first step. An attorney will help you gather important evidence, manage complex insurance claims, and fight for the compensation you need to focus on recovery. Acting quickly can make a significant difference in your case.
At Metro Law, our trusted car accident attorney knows how difficult it can be to heal after a serious wreck. For decades, our firm has stood beside individuals and families when they need it most, helping them hold negligent drivers accountable. We believe every injured person deserves dedicated legal support.
If you’ve been in a crash, don’t face the aftermath alone. Call Metro Law today at 800-469-6476 for a free consultation. Let’s talk about how we can help you move forward toward the justice and peace of mind you deserve.
