Ford SUV lost control near milepost 13.4 and caught fire after accident
May 07, 2026 | Hainesport, NJ
A tragic head-on collision unfolded on State Highway 38 in Hainesport Township, resulting in one fatality and serious injuries to another driver.
The incident occurred around 9:18 p.m. on May 7, involving two SUVs that collided near milepost 13.4, with one vehicle erupting into flames.
Jaclyn Seader, 40, suffered severe injuries after a Ford SUV collided head-on with her Chevrolet SUV on State Highway 38 in Hainesport Township, Burlington County.
What Happened in the Crash?
The New Jersey State Police reported that the crash began when a westbound Ford SUV lost control near a U-turn area. It veered into the eastbound lane and struck a Chevrolet SUV head-on. The collision caused the Ford to catch fire, intensifying the scene's chaos.
- Location: State Highway 38, Hainesport Township, New Jersey, near milepost 13.4
- Time: Approximately 9:18 p.m. on May 7
- Vehicles Involved: Eastbound Chevrolet SUV driven by 40-year-old Jaclyn Seader of Cherry Hill, and westbound Ford SUV driven by a 28-year-old from Westampton
- Outcome: The Ford driver was pronounced dead at the scene, and Seader sustained severe injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital
- Agency: New Jersey State Police is leading the investigation
An ongoing investigation aims to determine the exact cause, including potential factors like speed, road conditions, or vehicle malfunctions.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Head-on collisions on highways like State Highway 38 often stem from factors such as distracted driving, speeding, or loss of control in curves or U-turn areas. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), such crashes account for a significant portion of fatal incidents nationwide.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Total motor vehicle crash injuries in 2023 |
2.2 million |
NHTSA |
Percentage of fatal crashes involving head-on collisions |
Approximately 13% |
Federal Highway Administration |
Average annual roadway fatalities in New Jersey |
Over 500 |
CDC |
These figures underscore the persistent risks on U.S. roads, emphasizing the need for vigilant driving and infrastructure improvements.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, thorough investigations are crucial to establish liability and support affected parties. Andrew G. Finkelstein, managing partner at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices, highlights the importance of professional 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."
- Reconstructing the scene helps pinpoint the fault and involved parties.
- Victims should avoid immediate statements to insurers, as shock can impact outcomes.
- Legal representation maximizes compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain.
- Personal injury claims can address broader impacts on health, finances, and daily life.
Pending investigation results, individuals like those affected may pursue claims to seek justice and recovery.
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(Andrew G. Finkelstein, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices to help you, please call 855-976-8163 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).