Wrong-Way Driver Strikes Rig on Rte 55 in Gloucester Twp, NJ

Gloucester Township, NJ (July 14, 2026) – A tractor-trailer driver was hurt on Monday night, July 13, when a pickup truck traveling the wrong way struck his rig head-on on Route 55.

The New Jersey State Police say 24-year-old Favian Cruz was driving north in the southbound lanes near milepost 52 around 10:30 p.m. when his Dodge Ram collided with the oncoming tractor-trailer. Cruz died in the wreck.

The truck driver suffered minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital. He is expected to recover.

Investigators have not said why Cruz was driving in the wrong direction before the collision. The wreck remains under active review. 

Our condolences go out to Cruz's family, and we hope for a full recovery for the injured driver.

Can a Driver Recover Damages After a Wrong-Way Crash in Gloucester Township, NJ?

Yes, a commercial driver hit by a wrong-way vehicle can generally pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver's estate or insurance, separate from any workers' compensation benefits tied to his job. 

When the at-fault driver died in the crash, recovery usually depends on whatever auto insurance policy he carried, which may not fully cover the truck driver's medical bills, lost wages, or vehicle damage.

In these situations, the injured driver's own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can step in to fill gaps left by an inadequate or nonexistent policy on the other side.

Since a workers' compensation claim may also apply here if the truck driver was on the job, sorting out how the two systems interact takes some care; workers' comp can cover immediate medical costs, but a truck accident lawyer can help determine whether a third-party claim offers additional recovery beyond what comp provides. New Jersey generally allows two years to file this kind of claim, so early evaluation matters.

Commercial drivers dealing with both a workers' comp claim and a possible third-party case tend to have more options than they realize. At Metro Law, we can help sort out how those two paths work together after a crash in New Jersey. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a wrong-way crash, our team at Metro Law can go over what compensation might be available for you. Call us at (800) 469-6476 to speak with our team about your situation.