A tragic fatal crash in Cranford, New Jersey, has renewed concerns over the safety of e-bike riders on New Jersey roads. According to the Union County, NJ, Prosecutor’s Office, two teenagers were riding e-bikes when they were struck by a driver at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Monday evening.
The e-bike accident occurred on the 40th block of Burnside Avenue, where Cranford Police, Fire, and EMS units responded, along with first responders from Westfield, New Jersey. The victims were transported to nearby hospitals but were later pronounced dead. The crash remains under investigation, but it highlights the importance of safety surrounding e-bike use in New Jersey and the obligations of drivers when sharing the road.
The Growing Popularity and Risks of E-Bikes in New Jersey
E-bikes have surged in popularity in recent years, offering an efficient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. However, their rise in popularity has also caused a surge in serious accidents and injuries. According to Harvard Health, E-bike injuries have more than doubled every year, going from 751 cases in 2017 to 23,493 cases in 2022. Their speed, affordability, and ease of use make them appealing to all ages, but they also raise concerning safety risks.
In New Jersey, e-bikes are legally classified as “low-speed electric bicycles.” Riders are not required to have a license, insurance, or registration, but they are granted the same rights and responsibilities as traditional cyclists under state law.
This means that motorists must:
- Yield to e-bikes when required by traffic laws.
- Maintain at least four feet of passing distance.
- Exercise caution when turning across bike lanes or opening vehicle doors.
- Obey all traffic signals and signs when e-bikes are present.
Despite these protections, e-bike riders remain especially vulnerable to injuries and accidents due to the lack of physical protection an e-bike provides compared to a traditional vehicle. Unfortunately, accidents occur when motorists fail to follow these rules, which can lead to devastating consequences for riders.
Some of the most common e-bike injuries are:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries, herniated discs, and fractured vertebrae
- Fractures and broken bones (wrists, arms, and collarbones)
- Dental trauma and facial injuries
- Internal bleeding and injuries
- Emotional damages, like PTSD
- In extreme cases, death
Recovering from serious injuries or a wrongful death can take time, money, missed work, medical bills, and support. Having a team of skilled New Jersey e-bicycle accident attorneys with experience handling cases caused by negligence will help to recover losses clients and families suffered due to the accident and get them the justice they deserve.
Staying Safe on New Jersey Roads
For e-bike riders, taking safety precautions is critical. Helmets, while not required by law for riders over 17, are strongly recommended for riders of all ages. Reflective gear, lights, and signaling devices can also help to reduce the risk of not being seen by drivers, especially at night or during poor weather conditions.
Drivers, also, must play their part in safety. Motorists are legally required to treat e-bikes as vehicles and give them space to maneuver. Distracted driving, speeding, and aggressive lane changes are especially dangerous when cyclists are present. The recent e-bike tragedy in Cranford, New Jersey, is a reminder of how a moment of negligence or carelessness can change lives forever.
New Jersey Wrongful Death Laws
When a loved one is killed due to another person’s negligence, New Jersey’s Wrongful Death Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1) allows them to seek compensation for the losses they suffered. Family members have the legal right to pursue damages for financial compensation and hold at-fault parties accountable for their negligence.
Compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit can include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support and benefits
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and care
- Pain and suffering prior to death
Because the legal process is complex and filled with deadlines and statutes to stay ahead of, it is essential to work with an experienced New Jersey wrongful death lawyer who understands how to navigate these cases.
New Jersey law sets a two-year statute of limitations for filing wrongful death claims. This deadline is critical; if families wait too long, they may lose the right to seek justice. Due to these strict timeframes and the complexity of proving negligence, working with an experienced New Jersey wrongful death lawyer is essential.
How an Experienced New Jersey E-Bike Lawyer Can Help
Losing a loved one in a tragic e-bike accident is overwhelming. Families not only face unimaginable grief but also financial uncertainty and legal confusion. At Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., the attorneys have over 40 years of proven experience, having helped more than 35,000 families and recovered over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements.
A dedicated New Jersey e-bike attorney will:
- Investigate the accident and gather crucial evidence
- Work with experts to prove liability and negligence
- Handle insurance companies on your behalf
- Pursue maximum compensation under New Jersey law
While no amount of money can replace a life, financial recovery can help ease the burdens left behind and provide stability for the future.
Contact Our NJ E-bike Accident Attorneys for Help
E-bike riders deserve safety, and families deserve justice when negligence leads to tragedy. If your loved one has been killed or seriously injured in an e-bike crash, consulting a New Jersey e-bike wrongful death lawyer can make a life-changing difference.
With decades of experience representing injured cyclists, e-bike riders, and pedestrians across New Jersey, the attorneys at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. are here to help. With over 35,000 clients served and more than $1 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements, the firm has the resources and experience to handle even the most complex wrongful death and e-bike accident cases.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an e-bike accident or has lost a loved one due to another’s negligence, our compassionate team is ready to listen, guide you through your options, and get you back on your feet. The team at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. are experienced personal injury lawyers in Teaneck, NJ, or the surrounding Bergen County area can contact Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. at 1-800-LAW-2000 or via email at info@dsslaw.com. Our firm offers free, no-obligation, consultations and second opinions, and has offices throughout New Jersey and New York City.
