Four-Car Crash on I-78 Near Garden State Pkwy in Union, NJ

Union, NJ (November 13, 2026) – Four vehicles were involved in a collision on westbound Interstate 78 near the Garden State Parkway exit on Thursday, November 12. 

Emergency units and New Jersey State Police went to the highway. Early reports said one person had a leg injury, and one of the vehicles was possibly smoking.

Officials have not disclosed the full scope of the injuries. 

What caused the four vehicles to come together is still being looked into. 

We wish those involved a strong and full recovery. 

How Is Fault Decided After a Multi-Car Pileup in Union, NJ?

In New Jersey, fault is decided by comparing what each driver did and giving each one a percentage of blame. A person can recover damages from others as long as their own share is 50 percent or less, and any award is reduced by that share. However, medical bills usually go first through a driver's own PIP coverage, regardless of fault.

Fault matters most for losses that PIP does not cover, such as pain and suffering, wage losses above policy limits, and future medical costs. Whether a person can seek pain and suffering at all may also depend on the lawsuit option chosen on their own auto policy. 

When several vehicles are involved, blame can be split many ways. One driver might be found 50 percent responsible, another 30 percent and a third 20 percent. A person's own share is compared against the combined fault of everyone they bring a claim against. A driver found 60 percent or more at fault can be required to pay the entire award, while drivers below that line usually pay only their own portion.

Chain-reaction accidents can make those percentages hard to sort out. A driver who hits a car from behind is typically presumed to have been following too closely. That presumption can shift if the driver's vehicle was shoved forward by another car. Sudden lane changes, speeding and poor visibility can also factor in. 

Fault in a multi-vehicle crash is rarely as simple as it first looks. At the Law Offices of Sander Budanitsky, we can review the available evidence on your case and explain how New Jersey's fault rules may affect your options. 

To talk through your questions, you can contact our Union car accident lawyers at (908) 241-3445. We are here to help you understand where you stand before you speak with an insurer.

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.