Young Students Suffer in Numerous New Jersey Traffic Accidents

Although every traffic fatality is tragic, there are few victims more innocent than children. Unlike adult drivers, children are completely at the mercy of whoever is behind the wheel. They have no control, and many of them are transported back and forth across highways like pieces of luggage. Numerous recent car crashes in New Jersey have led to fatalities and injuries for young students, causing unimaginable grief and trauma for their families. With so many of these crashes occurring in such a short period, communities are raising serious concerns about traffic safety in the Garden State. If your child was harmed in a car crash, consider speaking with an experienced auto accident lawyer in New Jersey.

Major Semi-Truck Crash on Route 31 Kills High School Student

In late May of 2025, headlines were dominated by reports of a major semi-truck crash on Route 31. The crash claimed the life of one high school student and injured two others. Authorities say that the teens were heading down Route 31 at about 12:30 PM in Hopewell Township when their sedan veered out of its lane and impacted a semi-truck. The crash killed one occupant and caused serious injuries to two others.

The crash was described as a “head-on collision,” implying the sedan veered into oncoming traffic. Local authorities noted that another fatal collision had occurred on Route 31 in Hopewell Township earlier in May. The local community is shattered, and staff at the victim’s school have instructed students to seek counseling if necessary.

Yeshiva Students Killed After Fiery Crash Involving Deer

Days earlier, Israel National News reported that two yeshiva students had been killed in a fiery New Jersey crash. Three other students were also injured in the collision, which occurred after a deer ventured onto a Lakewood road. The vehicle carrying the students collided with the animal before veering into a tree. The vehicle then caught fire, and witnesses called 911 after seeing the blazing inferno.

The two deceased students appear to have been killed instantly by the collision. The three injured individuals may have suffered burn-related injuries, and two of these victims were in critical condition after the crash. The third injured student also suffered injuries, but his condition was “stable” upon reaching a nearby hospital.

New Jersey Man Arrested After Killing Pedestrian

Also in late May, a New Jersey man was arrested after fatally striking a pedestrian in North Brunswick. Police say the defendant fled the scene of the crash after striking the female victim at about 10:30 PM. Although first responders transported the woman to a nearby hospital, she died shortly after arriving. If the driver had stopped to call 911, perhaps healthcare workers would have had more time to save the woman’s life.

After locating the man responsible, investigators discovered frontal damage to his pickup truck that was allegedly caused by the pedestrian impact. As a result, he was charged with leaving the scene of the accident, a second-degree crime in New Jersey.

School Bus Crashes Before Scheduled Pickup of Autistic Children

Earlier in May, a special needs school bus crashed shortly before a scheduled pickup of autistic students at what NJ.com describes as a “special needs school” in Paramus. The vehicle in question slammed into several utility poles at about 2:00 PM, and no students were on board at the time. However, two adult staff members were on the bus, and one of them was hospitalized after the incident.

It is not clear why the bus driver crashed, although this has become an alarming trend in the Garden State over the years. It is difficult to imagine what might have happened if this vehicle had been filled with autistic students at the time of the accident. Paramus Police say that they are continuing to investigate the incident.

Can a New Jersey Auto Accident Lawyer Help Me Sue on Behalf of My Injured Child?

Negligent drivers endanger everyone on the road, including small children. While the death or severe injury of a child can be shocking, families have every right to take decisive action in the aftermath of these incidents. An auto accident lawsuit in New Jersey could provide families with some degree of closure and justice. Although no amount of legal action will ever bring back deceased young ones or undo critical injuries, this process can make the road ahead easier to bear. Contact Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., to learn more about auto accident claims.