Fairview, NJ — March 10, 2025, three people were injured in a truck accident at about 2:20 p.m. on Bergen Boulevard.

Authorities said a tow truck crashed into the back end of a Honda Odyssey that was stopped at a red light. The collision pushed the Honda about 60 feet into a Volkswagen Tiguan, then the Volkswagen spun into a Honda Civic.

Two people in the Odyssey and one person in the Volkswagen were hospitalized with undisclosed injuries after the crash, according to authorities.

The tow truck driver is expected to be cited for speeding, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Bergen County crash at this time. The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Rear-end crashes involving commercial vehicles often raise concerns about speed, following distance and whether the driver had enough time to stop safely. In this case, reports indicate that a tow truck crashed into the back of a stopped Honda Odyssey at a red light, causing a chain reaction that injured multiple people. The fact that authorities expect to cite the tow truck driver for speeding suggests that this crash may have been entirely preventable.

One of the first issues investigators should examine is how fast the tow truck was traveling and whether the driver attempted to stop before impact. Tow trucks, like other commercial vehicles, require more time and distance to come to a complete stop. If the driver was exceeding the speed limit or following too closely, that would explain why they were unable to react in time. Black box data, skid marks and witness statements should help confirm whether the driver even braked before the crash.

Another key factor is whether distraction played a role. Speeding alone doesn’t necessarily cause a crash; failing to notice stopped traffic in time is often a bigger problem. Was the tow truck driver looking at their phone, adjusting equipment or otherwise distracted in the moments before impact? Investigators should check phone records and any available dashcam footage to determine whether inattention was a factor.

The severity of the crash also raises questions about the weight and condition of the tow truck. Tow trucks can carry heavy loads, which affects stopping distance. Was this truck hauling another vehicle? Was the truck’s braking system in good working order, or was there a mechanical failure that contributed to the crash? A full inspection should be conducted to rule out any equipment issues.

At this stage, there isn’t enough public information to determine exactly what led to this crash. But if authorities focus only on issuing a citation without investigating why the tow truck driver failed to stop in time — whether due to excessive speed, distraction or mechanical failure — they risk overlooking key details. A thorough investigation should take all contributing factors into account to ensure a full understanding of what went wrong.