Adam Paduszynski Killed in Truck Accident in Union County, NJ

Linden, NJ — October 23, 2025, Adam Paduszynski was killed due to a truck accident soon after 8:30 p.m. along the New Jersey Turnpike.

According to authorities, 72-year-old Adam Paduszynski was traveling in a southbound Mercedes on Interstate Highway 95 (New Jersey Turnpike) in the vicinity of the 97.1 mile marker when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a collision took place between the right side of the Mercedes and the front of a southbound Freightliner tractor that apparently had no trailer in tow. Paduszynski reportedly sustained fatal injuries over the course of the accident. No other injuries have been reported. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a passenger vehicle is struck along its right side by the front of a tractor traveling in the same direction, the key question becomes which vehicle changed position—and why? A crash like this on a major highway suggests either a lane-change misjudgment or a failure to maintain proper lane discipline, and determining which applies depends entirely on physical evidence and vehicle data.

Authorities report that the Freightliner was operating without a trailer, meaning it may have been more responsive to steering and braking than a fully loaded rig—but also potentially less visible or less stable in certain situations. Whether it was the tractor or the Mercedes that moved into the other’s lane remains unclear, but that will be central to any legal analysis.

In cases like this, dash cam footage, witness accounts, and especially ECM data from the Freightliner will be essential. Investigators should be looking at whether the truck was maintaining a steady lane, accelerating, or reacting to something when the impact occurred. If the passenger vehicle drifted or merged into the truck’s path, fault may rest there—but if the truck initiated a lane change or failed to account for the car’s presence, that shifts the burden back.

It’s also worth noting that this occurred around 8:30 p.m., when reduced visibility is a legitimate concern. Was the Mercedes in the truck’s blind spot? Did either vehicle have lighting or reflective visibility issues? These factors matter when assessing whether the truck driver should have seen the smaller vehicle in time to avoid the collision.

Finally, driver attentiveness and company oversight come into play. If the truck driver was fatigued, distracted, or unfamiliar with the route, that could have contributed to an unsafe maneuver. And if the company failed to ensure proper training, rest scheduling, or equipment readiness, then responsibility could extend beyond the cab.

Key Takeaways:

• The central issue is which vehicle moved out of its lane—or failed to maintain it—leading to the side-front collision.
• ECM data and dash cam footage will help clarify lane position, speed, and driver input at the time of impact.
• Time of day raises questions about visibility and whether either driver failed to see or anticipate the other’s position.
• A bobtail (trailerless) tractor handles differently than a full rig and may require more caution in lane changes or merging.
• Company policies, driver rest schedules, and training may be relevant if the truck initiated the contact.