Bridgewater, NJ (June 1, 2026) – A multi-vehicle pileup in Bridgewater left a 91-year-old Bridgewater man dead and his 93-year-old passenger hospitalized. The Bridgewater Township Police Department said the accident took place on Route 22 East near Grove Street on Sunday afternoon, May 31. The crash occurred at approximately 4:06 p.m.
A white Tesla came to a complete stop in the center lane, forcing a 2018 Subaru Outback behind it to brake suddenly. A 2002 Buick LeSabre, which was traveling behind the Subaru, was unable to stop in time and struck the rear of the Subaru. The Subaru spun out and came to rest in the left lane.
The Buick lost control after the collision, crossed into the right lane, left the roadway, and entered the center median before hitting a tree roughly a quarter mile east of the initial point of impact. Officers found the Buick’s driver unresponsive inside the vehicle and immediately began CPR, continuing lifesaving efforts until medical personnel arrived. He was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where he was pronounced dead.
The 93-year-old woman riding in the Buick suffered minor injuries and was also taken to the hospital for treatment. The three occupants of the Subaru were uninjured. Police declined to comment on Tesla’s involvement or whether any summonses were issued to its driver.
Route 22 East was closed for approximately six hours following the wreck. The crash remains under active review by the Bridgewater Township Police Traffic Safety Unit and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.
We send our deepest sympathies to the family of the man who lost his life and wish the injured passenger a full recovery.
Vehicles’ Sudden Stops and Crash Liability in Bridgewater, NJ
When a vehicle comes to an abrupt, unexpected stop on a high-speed roadway, it can set off a chain reaction that injures or kills others nearby. In New Jersey, a driver whose actions directly contribute to a crash may be held liable for resulting harm, even if that driver was not physically struck. Families of those killed in such crashes may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim, while surviving passengers who were hurt may have grounds for a personal injury case.
Route 22 is one of Somerset County’s most heavily traveled corridors, running through Bridgewater, Bound Brook, and into Union County. Its mix of high speeds, frequent lane changes, and stop-and-go commercial traffic near major intersections makes it a consistent site for serious accidents.
Cases involving sudden vehicle stops can be legally complex. A wrongful death attorney can help determine whether the vehicle’s driver, the manufacturer, or another party may bear responsibility. Compensation in wrongful death and injury cases may cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and other losses, depending on the facts involved.
Families dealing with the legal aftermath of a fatal accident frequently have many doubts about what comes next. At Metro Law, we can help clear those doubts. Our team represents families and injury victims throughout New Jersey.
If you have questions about a crash involving a loved one, call Metro Law at (800) 469-6476 to speak with our team. We are available to review your situation and explain to you possible options under New Jersey law.
