Injured in the NJ Transit Train Collision? What Passengers Need to Know About Their Rights

Just after rush hour on December 19, 2025, two NJ Transit commuter trains collided on the Montclair-Boonton Line in Montclair, New Jersey, injuring at least 17 people, including six NJ Transit crew members.

The crash occurred at approximately 6:47 p.m., resulting in a minor derailment, emergency response activity, and hours-long service disruptions near Bay Street.

While NJ Transit has since resumed service and confirmed that none of the injuries were life-threatening, the incident has left many passengers shaken and unsure of what to do next.

If you were on one of the trains involved, or if you were injured as a result of the collision, it’s important to understand your legal rights before speaking with NJ Transit or signing anything.

What Happened in Montclair With the Commuter Trains?

According to NJ Transit officials, the collision involved two commuter trains traveling on the Montclair-Boonton Line. Emergency responders arrived quickly, and injured passengers and crew members were transported to local hospitals. All six crew members have since been released.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was on site by Saturday morning and completed a preliminary investigation, though officials have not yet released details about the cause. NJ Transit has also begun removing the damaged rail cars from the area.

Eyewitnesses described chaos and confusion in the moments following the crash. One nearby resident, 17-year-old Ashley Agudelo, said the collision happened just feet from her home.

“There was so much chaos and craziness,” she said. “You hear about other derailments, but you never think something like this is going to happen right in front of you.”

Train Collisions Are Not “Just Accidents”

While NJ Transit has not yet released a full explanation, commuter train collisions typically raise serious safety concerns. Modern rail systems rely on strict operating procedures, signal systems, centralized control, and trained personnel to prevent exactly this kind of incident.

When two trains collide on the same line, potential causes can include:

• Operator error
• Failure to follow safety protocols
• Signal or communication failures
• Inadequate supervision or dispatching
• Mechanical or system malfunctions
• Insufficient safety safeguards

These are not random events, and they are often preventable. That’s why federal agencies like the NTSB step in to investigate whether safety rules were ignored or systems failed.

If the crash resulted from NJ Transit’s actions or inactions, injured passengers may have the right to seek compensation.

If You Were Injured, Protect Yourself First

After transportation accidents involving government-run or public transit systems, injured passengers are often contacted quickly, sometimes within days, by claims representatives.

What you do next matters.

1. Don’t Sign Anything

You may be asked to sign an incident report, medical authorization, or settlement paperwork. These documents can limit your rights, even if you don’t fully understand them.

2. Don’t Accept a Quick Settlement

Early settlement offers are often far lower than what injured passengers may actually be entitled to. Once you accept, you typically give up the right to pursue further compensation, even if your injuries worsen.

3. Don’t Assume Your Injuries Are “Minor”

Soft-tissue injuries, concussions, back pain, and joint damage often take days or weeks to fully appear. What feels manageable now could require long-term treatment later.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Depending on the findings of the investigation and the circumstances of your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages or missed work
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation or physical therapy costs

Claims involving public transportation systems can involve shorter deadlines and special notice requirements, which makes it especially important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

At Morgan & Morgan, we represent people injured due to negligence, including accidents involving buses, trains, and public transportation systems. We have the resources to investigate large-scale incidents, work with transportation safety experts, and stand up to government agencies and their insurers.

We know how quickly transit authorities move to protect themselves after a crash. Our job is to protect you.

If you were injured in the NJ Transit Montclair-Boonton Line collision, you don’t have to navigate the process alone, and you shouldn’t feel pressured to settle before understanding your options.

Speak With Morgan & Morgan Before Making Any Decisions

Train passengers trust transit systems with their safety every day. When that trust is broken, accountability matters.

If you or a loved one were injured in this NJ Transit collision, contact Morgan & Morgan for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We’ll review your situation, explain your rights, and help you determine the best path forward.

Because when corporations or agencies put people at risk, Morgan & Morgan’s motto, For the People, means standing up for passengers, every step of the way.