Bayonne, NJ (May 27, 2026) – Four vehicles were involved in a chain-reaction crash that left one man dead and another injured on Tuesday morning, May 26, at the eastbound Hudson Bay Extension of the New Jersey Turnpike near milepost 2.8 in Bayonne. New Jersey State Police reported the pile-up at approximately 11:07 a.m
According to a preliminary investigation, a Freightliner tractor-trailer struck the rear of an Acura SUV driven by Timothy S. Roufaeal, 64, of Boonton. The force of that initial hit pushed the Acura forward into a Jeep SUV before the car veered right and struck a concrete barrier. The Jeep was then driven into the back of a Toyota pickup truck.
Roufaeal was pronounced dead as a result of the collision. A passenger in the front seat of his Acura was taken to a hospital with moderate injuries. No one in the tractor-trailer, the Jeep, or the Toyota was hurt.
Detectives continue to piece together the sequence of events that led to the wreck.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Timothy S. Roufaeal and wish the injured passenger a full recovery.
What Damages Are Available in a Fatal Accident Case in Bayonne, NJ?
In New Jersey, the family of someone killed in a fatal crash may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim. This type of claim can seek compensation for funeral and burial costs, lost financial support the deceased would have provided, and the loss of services, guidance, and companionship.
A separate claim, that is called a survival action, may also be filed on behalf of the deceased’s estate to recover for pain and suffering experienced before death, as well as any medical expenses incurred. Fatal crashes on high-traffic corridors like the New Jersey Turnpike are not uncommon, and the involvement of commercial trucks often raises complex questions about which parties bear legal responsibility.
When a tractor-trailer is involved, damages can extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company, its insurers, and potentially the cargo owner depending on the circumstances. Commercial carriers that operate in New Jersey are required to carry substantial liability coverage, which can affect the total amount available to a surviving family. In crashes that involve multiple vehicles, the determination of each party’s share of fault requires a detailed reconstruction of the sequence of events.
A wrongful death lawyer with experience in fatal truck crash cases can help a surviving family understand the full scope of what may be available to them. A lawyer can gather black box data from the tractor-trailer, review hours-of-service records, and work with reconstruction professionals to establish how the collision unfolded.
After a fatal crash, families not only have to deal with the grief of losing a loved one but also with the burden of the legal aftermath. At Metro law, we have extensive experience working with fatal crashes across New Jersey and our team can guide you through the process.
If your family has lost someone in a crash and you want to understand what legal options may be available, contact Metro Law at (800) 469-6476.
