Over the past month, New Jersey has seen numerous fiery crashes. These accidents are always concerning, as the presence of fire creates serious injury hazards. In many cases, fire leads to fatalities – often with occupants trapped inside their burning vehicles. Some say these accidents are becoming more common with the rise of EVs, but this has been a threat since the invention of the first automobile. What can you do if you were injured in a fiery wreck? Can you get compensation for burn injuries in New Jersey?
Police Officer Manages to Pull Driver Out of Burning Vehicle
In March of 2025, ABC Action News reported that a motorist had been miraculously saved from a burning wreck in Bridgewater. A police officer arrived after a collision and managed to pull the victim out of his burning vehicle, thereby saving his life. The victim was unconscious at the time, and he probably would have perished if not for the officer’s quick arrival.
Authorities say the victim was driving his Hyundai Elantra down Route 22 when he lost control and crashed into the back of a tanker truck. This sparked a fire that spread to both vehicles. The truck driver pulled over and immediately exited the tanker, while a passenger in the Elantra did the same. However, the driver of the Elantra remained inside the vehicle – having been left behind in an unconscious state.
At this moment, the police officer arrived and pulled the victim free. This act is particularly noteworthy due to the fact that the tanker truck could have exploded at any moment. These vehicles carry large quantities of extremely flammable fuel – and this situation could have been much worse. In the end, the driver and the victim were both treated for non-life-threatening injuries – probably burns.
High School Fight Leads to Fiery Crash in South Brunswick
Also in March, 94.5 PST reported a major crash in South Brunswick involving fire and 10 injuries. Police say that the incident began in the Whispering Woods Development when one of the drivers involved confronted a juvenile. These youths had allegedly been involved in a fight earlier in the day at South Brunswick High School.
This confrontation led an 18-year-old and several passengers to flee the scene, pursued by police officers. During the pursuit, the teen driver ran a red light and subsequently caused a massive, fiery car accident on Route 1. First, the teen’s pickup truck impacted a Kia. Next, the Kia flew into a Hyundai and a Toyota.
Meanwhile, the truck did a full roll and landed upright. But although the truck landed upright, its three occupants were ejected onto the roadway. Reports seem to indicate that the truck was absolutely filled to the brim with passengers at the time of the accident, and some were riding in the bed of the truck with virtually no protection. 10 people were injured as a result of the crash, and some of the injuries were very serious. A few of the vehicles also reportedly caught fire after the crash.
Wrong-Way Route 70 Crash Causes Serious Burns
A third fiery accident in March occurred on Route 70, involving no less than eight vehicles. Police say that a driver was heading the wrong way down Route 70 when it sparked a multi-vehicle wreck, impacting seven other vehicles and causing at least one fire. The accident occurred at around 5:50 AM.
The wrong-way driver suffered the worst of the injuries. First responders arrived to find this driver burning in his own vehicle, and they had to pull him free. Although they were quick to arrive at the scene, they could not prevent the driver from suffering serious burns. As a result of these serious burns, he was transported to the nearest hospital in an air ambulance helicopter.
Severe Car Fire Breaks Out in Bergen
Back in February, a severe car fire broke out in North Bergen, prompting a major response from first responders in the area. Video footage from the scene shows flames billowing out of the sides of the burning vehicle. However, this incident does not appear to have caused any injuries.
Can a New Jersey Injury Attorney Help After a Fiery Wreck?
If you are struggling with injuries after a fiery wreck, consider contacting an experienced auto accident lawyer in New Jersey. Disfiguring burns, smoke inhalation, and fatal injuries are all possible after a fiery crash. If you believe that someone else might have caused these life-altering consequences, you may be able to pursue compensation. Speak with Lependorf & Silverstein about your legal options – and get started with an action plan today.

The firm’s principals, Gabriel R. Lependorf and David E. Silverstein, have each been representing injured victims in the State of New Jersey for over thirty years.
Call Our Office At (609) 240-0040 Today for Help