River Edge, NJ (June 27, 2026) – A sanitation worker suffered a severe head injury after a driver who told police he had fallen asleep struck the back of the truck he was riding on. The crash occurred at approximately 6:55 a.m. on Friday, June 26, on Bogert Road near Monroe Avenue.
The worker, in his 30s, and a coworker were riding the back of a Ricova USA truck when a sedan struck the vehicle. The first was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Witnesses said he was conscious but not alert at the scene.
Authorities continue investigating the exact cause of the crash.
We hope the worker receives the best possible care and recovers completely.
A sanitation worker seriously hurt by a driver who fell asleep behind the wheel may have significant legal options available, as drowsy driving is widely recognized as a form of negligence under New Jersey law that can support a strong personal injury claim.
When a driver admits to falling asleep at the time of a crash, this admission can serve as powerful evidence establishing that the driver failed to exercise reasonable care while operating their vehicle, particularly if there is any indication the driver knew they were fatigued before getting behind the wheel or had been driving for an extended period without adequate rest.
Beyond a standard personal injury claim against the driver, the fact that the worker was injured while performing job duties means workers' compensation benefits will likely also apply, providing coverage for medical expenses and lost income regardless of fault.
However, because a third party, the driver of the sedan, caused the crash rather than the worker's own employer, a separate civil claim against that driver may be pursued alongside workers' compensation benefits, potentially providing access to a broader range of compensation than workers' compensation alone would offer, including damages for pain and suffering.
The long-term effects of this injury might not be fully understood for a long time, given the severity of a head injury described as life-threatening, with the worker reported as conscious but not alert. Long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional effects of traumatic brain injuries may necessitate intensive rehabilitation and continuing medical care.
In addition to identifying all relevant insurance coverage and ensuring that any settlement reached takes into account the immediate and long-term effects of this serious injury, a personal injury lawyer may be able to assist the employee in navigating both the workers' compensation process and a possible third-party claim against the driver.
If you were hurt in a workplace incident involving a vehicle in New Jersey, the Law Offices of Sander Budanitsky can review your situation and explain what legal options may be available.
We have experience handling personal injury cases throughout Union County and can walk you through the claims process from start to finish. Contact our personal injury lawyers at (908) 241-3445 for a free consultation and learn more about your options.
Note: This post has been prepared using publicly available secondary sources. The facts surrounding the incident have not been independently confirmed. If you believe any portion of this report contains inaccurate or outdated information, please contact The Law Offices of Sander Budanitsky, L.L.C. so we can promptly review and update the content to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute a request for legal representation. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please seek immediate medical care.
Any images included in this post are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene.
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