Wrong-Way Crashes in New Jersey Are Becoming a Major Issue

Few things are more worrying for drivers than head-on collisions. Unfortunately, these accidents seem to be quite common in New Jersey. Within the past month, these accidents have caused injuries and deaths throughout the Garden State. Driving on the wrong side of the road is one of the most obvious examples of negligence, and you may be intent on pursuing accountability after experiencing one of these accidents. Can a New Jersey auto accident lawyer help you recover compensation for your injuries after a head-on collision?

Drunk Driver Goes Wrong Way Down I-80 Before Head-On Collision With State Trooper

In December of 2025, the NY Daily News reported that a drunk driver had driven the wrong way down I-80 before smashing into a State Trooper. The 67-year-old was driving west on the eastbound lanes at about 12:30 AM at the time of the accident, which miraculously only caused minor injuries for the law enforcement officer.

At the time of the collision, the trooper had his sirens and lights active in an attempt to warn other drivers of the approaching drunk driver. After the crash, police took the defendant into custody. He now faces charges of assault by auto and DUI, and he could face many years behind bars if convicted.

Local authorities noted that this is not the first time a wrong-way crash has occurred on I-80, and it probably will not be the last. Earlier this year, in October, a 29-year-old driver lost his life after driving the wrong way down I-80. Fortunately, no one else died in the collision.

Man Indicted for Causing Wrong-Way Crash on the Garden State Parkway

Also in December, Jersey Shore Online reported that a Brick Township man had been indicted by a grand jury in Monmount County for causing a wrong-way collision in 2024. The collision claimed the life of a New Jersey woman, and it led to second-degree vehicular homicide charges for the driver responsible.

Like the aforementioned I-80 crash, the driver was intoxicated before smashing into the victim’s vehicle. He initially faced charges of DUI and reckless driving, but prosecutors subsequently brought additional homicide charges after a lengthy investigation. Aside from the deceased victim, another individual also suffered injuries after smashing into the first two vehicles.

Although some might assume that homicide charges ensure accountability for wrong-way drivers, no amount of prison time can ever bring back lost loved ones. Surviving family members may incur considerable losses in the form of funeral costs, missed future earnings, and other damages. This is why wrongful death lawsuits can add accountability in these situations.

Wrong-Way Drivers Are Not Always to Blame

While it is easy to blame wrong-way drivers, we should remember that they are not always responsible for these kinds of collisions. For example, a vehicle might be pushed or knocked into oncoming traffic by another negligent driver.

According to NBC News, a recent accident in Vineland involved a driver who struck the back of a pickup truck before veering into oncoming traffic. The pickup truck was making a left-hand turn at the time of the collision, and it is unclear who had the right of way. In any case, the driver of the vehicle that veered into oncoming traffic subsequently struck a third vehicle and died as a result. Local authorities are continuing to investigate the exact circumstances of the collision.

Drivers who start driving into oncoming traffic may also do so because they are struggling with a medical emergency. This is what happened in Randolph when a man suffered a medical emergency and veered into oncoming traffic earlier in 2025. The vehicle then collided with a Honda CR-V and a Dodge Caravan carrying special needs children at approximately 96 miles per hour. The Caravan suffered the worst of the collision, with its driver and adult passenger killed by the impact. A four-year-old child also perished in the crash, as did the driver who was allegedly having a medical emergency.

Can a New Jersey Auto Accident Lawyer Help Me Pursue Compensation After a Head-On Collision?

A New Jersey auto accident lawyer may be able to offer assistance as you pursue compensation and accountability after a head-on collision. Those who drive on the wrong side of the road should face real consequences for their misconduct. Perhaps most importantly, families affected by this negligence should also receive fair compensation to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, emotional distress, and other damages. Contact Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., today to learn more about your next steps.