There are a variety of different ways to legally utilize the roadways in the United States. For example, some people choose a bicycle as their preferred form of transportation. While it is legal to ride bikes on many New Jersey roads, the negligent behavior of drivers of motor vehicles could put bicyclists as risk. In fact, a recent fatal bike accident remains under investigation.
The accident reportedly happened one evening on a day in early September. According to reports, a 20-year-old student at New Jersey Institute of Technology was riding his bicycle when he was struck by a excavation vehicle. The vehicle was reportedly driven by an employee of NJ Transit.
Though the bicyclist was transported to the hospital, he passed away soon after the accident. Police say the other driver remained at the scene. Though no charges were filed in the immediate aftermath of the accident, the investigation is ongoing. In the meantime, the prosecutor’s office is asking anyone with information regarding the accident to contact them.
Unfortunately, a family is now mourning the tragic and apparently preventable death of their loved one due to the bike accident. While investigators work to determine what exactly caused the accident, surviving family members must cope with both the emotional and financial ramifications of their loss. While filing a wrongful death lawsuit may do little to alleviate their emotional burden, a successfully presented case could result in a monetary award that will help with with the financial consequences. An attorney with experience with such cases in New Jersey can help the deceased victim’s surviving family members identify all parties who may hold responsibility, potentially including the driver’s employer.