SUV Strikes Police Vehicle in I-80 Crash in Mount Olive, NJ

Mount Olive Township, NJ (September 16, 2026) – A collision on Interstate 80 west in Morris County, near milepost 23.8, left several people hurt Monday night, September 14, after a Nissan SUV struck a marked state police vehicle and another car.

New Jersey State Police said that troopers were positioned nearby around 7:55 p.m. Monday when a Nissan SUV traveling west lost directional control. The SUV struck the rear of a marked Ford SUV patrol vehicle before it hit the side of an Infiniti passenger car, based on a preliminary investigation.

The people involved in the collision were left with non-life-threatening injuries. 

The cause of the accident has not been determined yet and continues to be investigated. 

We hope everyone involved has a full and speedy recovery.

What Should You Know About Claims Involving a Government Vehicle in Mount Olive Township, NJ?

Claims that involve a state-owned vehicle follow different rules than a typical car accident claim in New Jersey. Under the state's Tort Claims Act, anyone seeking compensation from a government entity generally must file a formal notice within 90 days of the accident. If a person misses that window, it can bar their claim entirely, regardless of how strong the underlying facts are.

This aspect is very important to keep in mind since this notice requirement exists on top of, not instead of, the standard rules that apply to any New Jersey crash. 

Drivers involved in these types of crashes still deal with the state's comparative negligence framework, which can reduce or eliminate compensation if a person is found more than 50 percent responsible. 

When a government vehicle is part of the equation, though, the added procedural layer can catch people off guard, especially if they assume they have the usual two-year statute of limitations to act.

To determine fault, documentation matters more in these situations. Police reports, photos, and witness contact information can all become relevant to establishing what happened, particularly since government entities may have their own internal review process running alongside any civil claim.

Many people find it useful to have a car accident lawyer review the situation early. An attorney can help determine whether a claim involves a government entity, calculate the applicable deadlines, and outline what documentation may support a claim moving forward. 

At Metro Law, we have experience working through New Jersey's Tort Claims Act requirements for drivers in situations like this. If you have been involved in this type of collision, we can help you understand what details to keep in mind for your specific case. 

To learn more, call Metro Law at (800) 469-6476. We're available to talk through the options and the applicable timelines for you.