Trenton, NJ — March 2, 2025, Two people were injured following a car accident that occurred at around 6:00 A.M. on Route 29.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left two people injured during the morning hours of March 2nd. According to official reports, a Jeep Gladiator was traveling on Route 29 when a Toyota Highlander that was driving in the opposite direction crossed the dividing line and collided with the front of the Jeep. The Jeep was then struck in the rear by an SUV which caused both vehicle to overturn, followed by the Jeep catching fire.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that two people had sustained serious injuries and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including the status of their injuries, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my immediate concern is whether investigators are examining every possible factor that may have contributed to the wreck. With multiple vehicles involved, including a head-on collision, a rear-end impact, and a fire, it’s clear that this is a complex crash that demands a thorough investigation. While some might assume that the Toyota Highlander’s driver simply lost control or made an error, experience has shown me that many other factors can play a role. To ensure that no detail is overlooked, three critical questions need to be addressed.

The first question is whether authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Multi-vehicle crashes can be especially complicated, and determining what led to the initial impact—and how the chain reaction unfolded—requires careful accident reconstruction. Why did the Highlander cross the dividing line? Was the driver avoiding something in the road, experiencing a medical emergency, or was there a mechanical issue with the vehicle? Investigators must also examine whether road conditions, visibility, or external factors played a role. Given that both the Jeep and the SUV overturned, understanding the force and angle of impact is also crucial to piecing together what happened.

The next question—one that is often overlooked—is whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash. Modern vehicles are equipped with safety systems like lane departure warnings, emergency braking, and stability control, all designed to help prevent accidents. If any of these systems malfunctioned, that could explain why the Highlander veered into oncoming traffic. Additionally, the fact that the Jeep caught fire raises important concerns. Did the crash damage a vulnerable fuel system component, or was there a mechanical or electrical failure that caused the fire? Fires in crashes are relatively rare, and when they do occur, they warrant close scrutiny. Unfortunately, potential defects frequently go undiagnosed because vehicles are often repaired or scrapped before they can be properly examined. Preserving all involved vehicles for further inspection is crucial.

The final question is whether all relevant electronic data has been collected. The vehicles’ electronic control modules (ECMs) may contain key information about speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to the crash. This data can help determine whether the Highlander driver attempted to correct their path, if the Jeep driver tried to avoid the impact, or if any mechanical failures occurred. Additionally, dashcam footage, surveillance video, and cell phone data could provide crucial insight into the moments leading up to the collision. Preserving this evidence as soon as possible is critical before it is lost or overwritten.

At the end of the day, getting answers to these questions isn’t just about understanding this crash—it’s about making sure those affected have the full picture. Serious crashes leave people searching for explanations, and the least we can do as a community is ensure that every possible factor is investigated so that no question is left unanswered.