Imani Furman killed in head-on crash on Interstate 80 in Totowa

Wrong-way Honda driver veered into path of westbound Buick SUV near milepost 54.1

January 05, 2026 | Totowa, NJ

A devastating head-on crash on Interstate 80 in Totowa, New Jersey, claimed two lives and left two others injured early on Jan. 5. The incident involved a wrong-way Honda colliding with a Buick SUV, highlighting the dangers of Interstate 80 traffic accidents.

Imani Alexis Furman, 24, of Norwich, Connecticut, was killed in a wrong-way head-on crash on Interstate 80 in Totowa after a Honda struck the Buick SUV carrying her, injuring Joanne Furman, 60, and a 2-year-old.

What Happened in the Totowa I-80 Crash?

New Jersey State Police reported that the collision occurred around 2:08 a.m. near milepost 54.1. A Honda traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes struck a westbound Buick SUV head-on.

• Location: Interstate 80, Totowa, Passaic County, New Jersey
• Time: Approximately 2:08 a.m. on Jan. 5
• Vehicles Involved: Eastbound Honda, wrong-way, and westbound Buick SUV
• Initial Response: State troopers arrived promptly to secure the scene and assist the victims

The crash shut down parts of the highway, causing significant delays for morning commuters.

Who Was Affected by the Crash?

The collision resulted in two fatalities and two injuries:

• Fatalities:

  • Imani Alexis Furman, 24, of Norwich, Connecticut (passenger in Buick)
  • Unnamed 30-year-old male driver of the Honda

• Injuries:

  • Joanne Furman, 60, driver of the Buick (serious injuries, hospitalized)
  • 2-year-old passenger in the Buick (moderate injuries)

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances, including potential factors like impairment or road conditions.

Why Do Wrong-Way Crashes Like This Occur?

Wrong-way driving remains a leading cause of severe accidents on highways like I-80. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), up to 75% of such crashes involve drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Common contributing factors include:

• Driver impairment from alcohol or substances
• Distracted driving, such as phone use
• Fatigue or medical emergencies
• Poor signage or road design flaws

In New Jersey, traffic fatalities rose sharply in recent years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 695 deaths in 2024, a 14.7% increase from the prior year.

This table underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures on interstates.

Legal Insights on Handling Wrong-Way Crash Cases

In cases such as this involving motor vehicle collisions, thorough investigations are crucial to determine liability and protect affected families. Andrew G. Finkelstein, managing partner at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices, emphasizes the importance of professional legal guidance.

"It is essential to reconstruct the accident to identify all the vehicles involved and determine the circumstances that led to the accident or the driver at fault," said Finkelstein. "Insurance companies are never on the side of a victim injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident. According to the Insurance Research Institute, on average, an injured person who receives help from a lawyer ends up receiving three and a half times more money than those who do not."

Key takeaways:

• Engage a competent attorney early to handle investigations and negotiations
• Avoid immediate statements to insurance companies, as shock can affect outcomes
• Families may pursue wrongful death claims for loss of companionship, pain, and emotional distress
• Legal professionals can guide you through every step to secure fair compensation

Pending the ongoing investigation, the family of the deceased may explore options for justice.

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