Hackensack, NJ – Multi-Vehicle Crash Sends SUV to Hackensack River
Hackensack, NJ (May 19, 2026) – A multi-vehicle crash that took place on Monday, May 18, on eastbound Interstate 80 at milepost 66.9 in Hackensack sent an SUV into the Hackensack River. The accident involved as many as four vehicles and prompted a large emergency response.
Crews recovered the vehicle from the water on arrival. The SUV was believed to be a BMW X5, though officials have not released all confirmed details about the vehicle or the people involved.
Reports indicate that the SUV was empty when crews pulled it from the river, but police have not confirmed that information. Those same reports also stated that a soaking wet man was detained near a train yard and may have been carrying a handgun, though police have not confirmed those details.
Authorities said some occupants involved in the crash were reportedly taken to a hospital. Officials have not released confirmed details about the number of people injured or the extent of their injuries.
The crash remains under investigation as law enforcement works to determine what led to the collision and how the SUV entered the river. Updates may be released as officials provide more information.
We hope everyone injured in this crash makes a full and swift recovery.
How Insurance Claims Work After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Hackensack, NJ
After a multi-vehicle crash in Hackensack, the insurance claim process usually starts with notifying your insurance company. From there, insurers may review coverage, investigate fault, document losses, and respond with an offer. When several vehicles are involved, more than one insurer may review the same crash.
Once the crash happens, you should notify your insurance company as soon as possible. The insurer may ask for basic crash details, driver information, vehicle photos, and any available report number. After that, the company can open a claim and assign an adjuster.
After the claim is opened, the insurer reviews what coverage applies. This may include personal injury protection, property damage coverage, liability coverage, or uninsured motorist coverage, depending on the facts. Your policy limits can affect what benefits may be available.
When several drivers are involved, each insurance company may review fault separately. Adjusters may compare vehicle damage, statements, photos, reports, and the sequence of impacts. In a multi-vehicle crash, fault may fall on one driver or be divided among several drivers.
During the claim review, you may need to submit proof of your losses. Medical bills, repair estimates, towing receipts, rental car costs, wage records, and photos can help show the impact of the crash. Strong records can make the claim easier to evaluate.
If your vehicle was damaged, the insurer may inspect it before approving repairs or declaring it a total loss. When a vehicle enters the river, water damage inspections may also affect the claim. Repair estimates and tow records can help support this part of the process.
Before you agree to any settlement offer, you should speak with a New Jersey car accident lawyer. An attorney can review the offer and help you understand whether the amount reflects your losses. Legal guidance can also help if several insurers dispute responsibility.
At Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq, we have experience helping injured people across New Jersey after serious multi-vehicle crashes. Our team can help you understand how insurance issues, crash evidence, and medical records may affect your claim.
If you were injured in a multi-vehicle crash in Hackensack or anywhere in Bergen County, you can contact Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq at (800) 923-3456 to discuss your options.
Notes: Our accident news pieces utilize secondary sources like police and fire accident reports, news articles, and eyewitness testimonies. We have not independently verified this information at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq. If you find inaccuracies, please contact us for correction. To request post-removal, please inform us, and we will promptly comply.
Disclaimer: This content is not a business solicitation, and none of the information provided should be construed as legal or medical advice. Additionally, the featured image in this post is not from the actual accident scene.
