Ridgefield Park, NJ – Serious Crash on NJ Tpke near MM 117.8 Claims One Life

Ridgefield Park, NJ (January 7, 2026) – A deadly early-morning collision on the New Jersey Turnpike claimed the life of a Pennsylvania driver and left another man seriously injured, according to New Jersey State Police. The crash occurred on January 3, shortly before 3:00 a.m., in the northbound lanes near mile marker 117.8 in Ridgefield Park, Bergen County.

State police said a Ford pickup truck was traveling on the highway at the time of the crash. Authorities identified the driver as 44-year-old Bruce Canfield of Pottstown, Pennsylvania. As the pickup moved against traffic, it collided head-on with a Honda sedan traveling northbound.

The Honda was driven by 39-year-old Guillermo Mollins of Poughkeepsie, New York. The impact caused severe damage to both vehicles. After the collision, the pickup truck struck a concrete barrier. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found that Canfield sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mollins suffered serious injuries in the crash. Paramedics transported him to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials have not released details about his current condition or the extent of his injuries.

Investigators closed portions of the New Jersey Turnpike while they documented the scene and gathered evidence. Authorities confirmed that the investigation remains active.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of the man who lost his life, and we wish the injured driver a rapid recovery as he continues medical treatment. 

The Aftermath of Car Crashes in Bergen County

Serious crashes on major highways in Bergen County and across New Jersey often result in devastating consequences for families. Head-on car accidents, especially those involving wrong-way driving, carry a high risk of fatal and life-altering injuries.

Survivors of serious crashes may face long hospital stays, surgeries, and extended rehabilitation. Families who lose a loved one often deal with sudden grief, financial stress, and unanswered questions about how the crash happened. These cases frequently involve complex investigations and insurance issues.

Wrong-way collisions raise serious safety concerns. Investigators often examine roadway design, signage, driver behavior, and possible impairment. These reviews take time, especially when a crash results in a fatality.

Many families speak with a car accident lawyer to better understand their legal rights after a serious crash. These discussions often focus on accountability, financial stability, and long-term support rather than quick outcomes. Legal guidance can help families navigate insurance claims and protect their interests during a difficult time.

If you or someone you love has been affected by a serious car accident in Bergen County or anywhere across New Jersey, help is available. At Stern & Stern, we work closely with those impacted by tragic crashes to explain their options and next steps. 

We are available to listen and provide guidance. Call Stern & Stern at (201) 569-2222 to speak with our legal team and request a free consultation today.

Notes: Stern&Stern, LLP utilizes secondary sources to create this post. The facts surrounding this specific accident have not been independently verified. If you find any information that is inaccurate or incorrect, please contact Stern&Stern, LLP. We will update the post promptly to reflect the most accurate details available.

Disclaimers: None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene.

Hackensack, NJ – Two-Vehicle Crash With Injuries Reported Near Essex St

Hackensack, NJ (December 29, 2025) - A two-vehicle wreck occurred on December 28 in Hackensack. The wreck took place near Essex Street, around 2 p.m.

At least one person suffered injuries as a result of the accident, and they were transported to a city hospital by Bergen County EMS. The extent of their injuries has not been disclosed so far. Police in Hackensack are investigating the incident.

We wish those hurt in this wreck a fast and complete recovery.

Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents in Hackensack

Multi-vehicle accidents in Hackensack can happen for a variety of reasons, often involving a combination of driver behavior, environmental conditions, and traffic patterns. One of the most common causes is driver distraction.

Drivers who use cell phones, adjust navigation systems, change music, or attend to other in-car tasks can fail to notice sudden stops, changing traffic signals, or vehicles slowing ahead. Even a momentary lapse in attention can set off a chain-reaction crash, especially on busy streets or intersections where traffic is constantly moving.

Another significant factor is speeding and aggressive driving. Vehicles traveling too fast or following too closely may not have sufficient time to brake safely when the car in front slows down. This is particularly dangerous in high-traffic areas, school zones, or residential neighborhoods, where the risk of collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists is higher.

Failure to yield while merging or changing lanes is also a frequent contributor to multi-car accidents, as it can lead to sideswipes, rear-end collisions, or vehicles being forced off the roadway.

Impaired driving is another major cause of accidents in Hackensack. Drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even prescription medications have slower reflexes, reduced coordination, and impaired judgment.

Fatigue can be just as dangerous as drowsy drivers may experience microsleeps, brief moments of lost attention, resulting in collisions that could have been avoided with full alertness.

Understanding these causes highlights the importance of defensive driving, staying alert, maintaining safe distances, and adjusting speed according to road conditions.

Victims of multi-vehicle crashes may face medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Compensation may cover hospital bills, surgeries, medications, therapy, and long-term care.

Families of injured children may also pursue damages for pain and suffering and other losses.

A skilled car accident lawyer can help victims navigate insurance claims, gather evidence, and ensure full compensation under state law. At Stern & Stern, we assist accident victims across Bergen County in recovering medical costs, lost income, and damages for physical and emotional injuries.

We are ready to review your case and explain your options for compensation. Medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are only some of the damages we will work to get you compensation for.

Call Stern & Stern at (201) 569-2222 to schedule your free consultation. No fees are charged unless we secure compensation on your behalf.

Notes: Stern&Stern, LLP utilizes secondary sources to create this post. The facts surrounding this specific accident have not been independently verified. If you find any information that is inaccurate or incorrect, please contact Stern&Stern, LLP. We will update the post promptly to reflect the most accurate details available.

Disclaimers: None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene.