Union County, NJ (May 31, 2026) – A 44-year-old Harrison man lost his life on Thursday evening, May 29, in a five-vehicle crash on Interstate 78 in Union Township. The collision happened around 6 p.m. near mile marker 52.3.
Authorities said Victor R. Fajardo was riding in the back seat of a car traveling eastbound when a chain-reaction crash unfolded. According to investigators, a box truck struck a Nissan SUV from behind, setting off a series of collisions involving multiple vehicles. The impact pushed a Jeep SUV into the car where Fajardo was seated.
Fajardo suffered fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead. Two other drivers were taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
The investigation into the collision remains ongoing.
We extend our deepest condolences to Victor Fajardo’s family and all those who loved him.
What Should Families Know After a Fatal Chain-Reaction Crash in Union County, NJ?
When someone loses their life in a chain-reaction crash, determining who is legally responsible can be far more complicated than in a typical two-vehicle accident. In collisions involving several vehicles, investigators must carefully examine how the crash unfolded and whether the actions of one or multiple drivers contributed to the sequence of impacts.
Under New Jersey law, liability can be shared among several parties, meaning surviving family members may have legal claims involving more than one driver, insurance policy, or potentially even a commercial vehicle operator if one was involved.
These investigations often take time because authorities must review physical evidence, vehicle damage, witness statements, and crash reconstruction findings to determine how the collision began and why it escalated. In some cases, one driver’s negligence may have triggered the initial impact, while in others, multiple drivers may share responsibility for failing to avoid subsequent collisions.
Because chain-reaction crashes can involve several insurance companies and competing accounts of what happened, establishing fault is often one of the most important aspects of a wrongful death claim.
Beyond the legal questions, families are frequently left facing significant emotional and financial challenges. The sudden loss of a loved one can create immediate concerns about funeral and burial expenses, medical costs incurred before death, and the loss of income and support that person provided to the household.
In addition to these financial burdens, families must often navigate complex insurance and legal processes while grieving. Depending on the circumstances, New Jersey law may allow surviving family members to pursue compensation for certain losses resulting from a wrongful death.
A lawyer may be able to help families understand what legal options are available and identify all potentially responsible parties. They can also help preserve evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and ensure that important deadlines are met while the case is being evaluated.
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in Union County, you do not have to navigate this process alone. The Law Offices of Sander Budanitsky is available to help families understand their rights, explore available legal options, and pursue accountability.
For legal guidance and dedicated support, contact our personal injury lawyer today at (908) 241-3445.
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.
