An accident can be an alarming and life-altering experience. Furthermore, because cars and motorcycles are fast and powerful machines, the consequence of even a simple accident can be deadly. Unfortunately, there are some negligent and careless drivers on the road, and accidents seem to happen all too often. Last weekend, a New Jersey man died after his motorbike was struck by a car on Route 94.
According to reports, the man was driving his Harley-Davidson bike northbound when a teenage boy in a Volkswagen attempted to make a left turn from the opposite direction. The boy did not see the motorcycle, and the bike collided with the front end of the Volkswagen. Due to the car crash, the motorcyclist was ejected onto the berm. The driver of the motorbike was pronounced dead at the scene by a local physician. The motorist of the car was transported to a nearby medical facility. He may have suffered a broken nose; however, he was treated and released shortly after.
Nothing is more difficult than unexpectedly losing a loved one. The result of a deadly accident involves emotional needs and financial concerns for the family of the victim. New Jersey law is very specific about recovery related to the death of a family member. While one generally cannot be compensated for emotional pain and suffering in injury-related cases, there is an exception for wrongful death cases.
In the context of this recent story, the family of the motorcyclist may have a claim for the wrongful death of their loved one under New Jersey law. As a result, it would probably be in the family’s best interest to speak to an attorney about recovery possibilities.
Source: New Jersey Herald, “Blairstown man dies in motorcycle accident,” Jan. 17, 2012