DUI Lawyers in Milford, NJ

West Milford Twp, NJ (April 8, 2025) – An injury crash involving two cars occurred on April 8 in West Milford Township, prompting a full closure of Route 23 northbound at the intersection with CR 699/Old Ridge Road. The incident took place at approximately 7:00 p.m., causing major traffic delays and requiring emergency response from multiple local agencies.

According to preliminary reports from local authorities, the two-car collision resulted in at least one person sustaining injuries. Emergency medical services responded swiftly to the scene, providing on-site treatment before transporting the injured victim to a nearby hospital. The extent of the injuries has not yet been disclosed.

Firefighters assisted in the extraction of occupants from the vehicles involved and worked to clear the roadway. Law enforcement officers managed the traffic detour and secured the scene while investigations into the cause of the crash were initiated. All lanes of Rte 23 NB remained closed for several hours as crews cleared debris and authorities conducted their preliminary assessment.

Our thoughts are with everyone involved in this accident. We hope for a full recovery for those who were injured.

Injury Car Accidents in West Milford Township

West Milford Township, located in Passaic County, sees several motor vehicle collisions each year, many of which result in injuries. According to data from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, Passaic County recorded over 13,000 crashes in a recent year, with nearly 3,000 involving injuries. While West Milford is a more rural area compared to other parts of the county, it still experiences serious crashes on key routes like Rte 23, especially at major intersections where visibility or traffic patterns pose added risk.

For those injured in a crash, understanding the basics of personal injury law is essential. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Under New Jersey law, individuals have the right to pursue a personal injury claim when their injuries are caused by another party’s negligence. This can include distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield. Victims are advised to seek legal counsel as early as possible, as dealing with insurance companies alone can be complex and overwhelming. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help protect their rights and maximize the compensation they receive.

If you or someone close to you has been involved in a car accident in the area, our diligent West Milford Township car accident attorney at Metro Law is ready to offer you the legal guidance you need to pursue justice and collect compensation for your injuries. We take pride in our dedication to defending our clients and the personalized approach we apply to every case, always striving for the best possible outcome.

Contact Metro Law today at (800) 469-6476 to speak with one of our attorneys and schedule a consultation. Our team is committed to supporting you every step of the way and fighting for your interests with all the necessary effort.

NEWTON − For the first time in the history of the program, New Milford wrestling is a sectional champion.

The Knights defeated 25-time sectional champion Kittatinny, 38-31, in Wednesday's North 1, Group 1 final.

"It's emotional to even think about," coach Ray Cottiers said. "It's been a long road this season and the last few with this group. They've battled through injuries and setbacks and to come here against a great opponent and a legendary coach in John Gill, I couldn't be prouder."

The dual came down to the final matchup of the night, at 106 pounds, when freshman Stelios Psarianos pulled out a 5-4 decision over Kittatinny's Dylan Tighe.

"I didn't even think about it," Psarianos said. "I live for this sport and I just went out on the mat to try and do what I could do."

Leading 3-1 at the start of the third period, Tighe took down Psarianos only for the freshman to reverse and pull ahead. Psarianos then rode out Tighe for the remainder of the period to cement the win.

New Milford (16-1) built an 18-10 lead on consecutive pins by seniors Devin and Jerzey Ryan at 132 and 138 pounds. The Knights led by as many as 19 points thanks to pins at 157 and 165 pounds by senior Joseph Langschultz and junior Robbie Bianchi.

"We needed six there and it looked a little questionable at times," Cottiers said. "Another key for us was Aramis Hernandez at 120 getting a pin early. He works double sessions with us and privates and he's battled with weight issues, so getting a pin there was a huge part as well."

Kittatinny (12-11) won four straight bouts, three of them by decision, to pull the matchup to 35-31 for the final bout.

What it means

The Knights' only loss this season came in the NJIC semifinals against Hasbrouck Heights.

Cottiers is a New Milford alum himself and in his 12th season as the Knights' coach.

"It's been a full commitment from the coaches to the wrestlers to the parents that all bought in and the people who traveled an hour to be here and support us," Cottiers said. "My assistant head coach Matt Ulrich, who came on three years ago, I ceded all practice responsibilities to him. He's been running technique and pushing the guys. He's a major reason we are here right now with a trophy tonight."

Turning point

Leading 23-16 halfway through the dual, Langschultz extended the lead with a pin in 58 seconds. Bianchi then walked on the mat at 165 pounds and trailed by as much as 13-5 in the second period, but rallied late in the period to pull within one takedown against Aran Kover.

"I just kept thinking about the work I put in at practice and doing it for my team and for this community that I love," Bianchi said.

Bianchi shifted from bottom position and reversed, earning the pin with 39 seconds left in the third period. While the reversal and back points would have given Bianchi the lead, the six points proved to be crucial for New Milford.

"He's the cardiac kid with us," Cottiers said. "We have grown accustomed to matches like that with Robbie. He's been with us since he was a freshman and working hard at club. We saw it pay off today in a big way."

They said it

"Having a moment like this as a freshman gets me very excited. It makes me think about what we can accomplish between now and when I am a senior." - Psarianos.

"Jojo [Langschultz]'s pin made me hyped. I just wanted to lay it on them after that and try my hardest." - Bianchi.

As firefighters continue battling the Jennings Creek wildfire in West Milford, a local wildlife refuge has been working tirelessly to save the lives of the animals that have been affected by the fire.

"We're running on fumes here. The last few days have been challenging, to say the least. Draining and very difficult," the Last Resort Wildlife Refuge said in a post on Facebook on Wednesday night. "We're taking in animals with minor injuries and smoke inhalation today. Answering so many hotline calls and going out on continued rescue efforts."

The Last Resort Wildlife Refuge is a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation facility and nature preserve in West Milford. Its rescue facility sits on over 80 acres of preserved and protected forest in the Ramapo Mountains. The refuge rescues, recovers, rehabilitates and releases several hundred orphaned, sick or injured wild patients each year.

Throughout the last week, the refuge has been "hyper focused" on helping wildlife that has been affected by the Jennings Creek fire. According to several posts on the refuge's Facebook page, it has multiple patients in its care with minor injuries from burns and smoke inhalation.

On Thursday, in collaboration with New Jersey Fish and Wildlife and Tyco Animal Control Services, the refuge was able to save a bear that was discovered lying in the smoldering remains at the edge of the burned-up forest on the New Jersey and New York border. They were able to assess the bear's wounds and condition from a safe distance and ensure that she was out of danger and safe from further injury.

"Only some minor burns to her paws and likely some minor smoke inhalation. She's exhausted and a little defeated, but her injuries are minor," the refuge said in a post on Facebook. The refuge expects the bear to make a total recovery on its own, reporting that it has moved to safer ground and is "hopefully fast asleep, in her den."

"We're doing everything possible to help those we can reach. We're heartbroken for the wildlife, all the injured, displaced animals out there who we just cannot reach," says one post. "We're devastated for the thousands of wild souls who, already challenged by the extended drought, have now lost everything this week. They're injured, suffering, scared, hungry, confused, exhausted and hiding."

The post continued: "As they navigate this disaster, please remember if they come into your neighborhood, seeking temporary refuge, just be kind! Put water out, let them rest, give them some space and peace even if just for a while."

The refuge is currently safe. However, the smoke was "intense, even indoors," said the refuge's most recent update on Facebook.

The organization is in need of supplies, including more oxygen concentrator machines to treat smoke inhalation and large equipment such as a horse trailer and a landscaping/quad trailer for large-scale evacuation if it were to become necessary. If you would like to donate supplies, check out the refuge's Amazon wish list at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1M04S5R86IZBD/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex?fbclid=IwY2xjawGjFVxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZcc3jIoH8ybiRgoKTkoOfiVHl9OZCA5bq4z7yJhOWRxnFni977R2vG5Nw_aem_CiSklPk41NoVCuqsZjWWnA.

"We're continuing all efforts to rescue the wild victims of the fires, we expect more over the weekend as animals start returning to their den/nest areas in the burned zone," the refuge said. As of Friday morning, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the fire was 90% contained.

If you would like to make a donation to the Last Resort Wildlife Refuge, visit thelastresortwildlife.com/donate.

If you see injured wildlife, call the refuge's hotline at 973-506-4353.