Bicyclist Killed in Gloucester County Crash
A bicyclist was recently killed in New Jersey after getting hit by not one, but two vehicles. The fatal accident occurred on the evening of March 30 in Deptford Township.
Police officers responded to a call from the first driver, who reported the crash in the 1700 block of Delsea Drive near Brenner Avenue. According to the driver, they hit the bicyclist and the impact caused them to fall into the road. The rider was then hit by another vehicle.
The second driver did not stop. He continued north along Delsea Drive. A witness saw the driver stop briefly in the road before leaving.
The driver, an 18-year-old man from Deptford, returned to the scene about two hours later. He admitted to police that he was the driver of the second vehicle. He also told police he saw a bicycle and another vehicle in the roadway. While driving through the area, he felt his vehicle strike an object.
The driver thought he struck a rock and continued driving. He later pulled over and saw damage to the lower grille of his vehicle, but was still unaware of what he hit. The driver returned home and spoke to a family member about what happened. That was when he came back to the accident scene.
The man has been charged with one count of second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in state prison.
Why Are Bicycle Accidents So Dangerous?
Bicycle accidents are especially dangerous because riders have very little protection and are often exposed to high-risk conditions on the road. Unlike people in cars, cyclists do not have seat belts, airbags, or a protective frame. This means that even a minor collision can lead to serious injuries.
One major issue is vulnerability to head trauma. Injuries like traumatic brain injury are common in bike crashes, especially if a rider does not wear a helmet. Even at low speeds, a fall can result in long-term cognitive or neurological damage.
Speed and impact also play a role. When a bicycle collides with a motor vehicle, the force difference is huge. A cyclist can be thrown onto the pavement or into traffic, increasing the risk of broken bones, spinal injuries, or internal bleeding.
Visibility is another factor. Cyclists are smaller and harder to see than cars, particularly at night or in poor weather. Drivers may fail to notice them when turning or changing lanes, leading to sudden, unavoidable crashes.
Road conditions are also a factor. Hazards like potholes, gravel, wet pavement, or debris can cause a cyclist to lose control instantly. Bike riders do not have the stability of four wheels to help recover, unlike passenger vehicles.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Bicycle accidents are often devastating due to the impact involved. Riders are often killed or left with lifelong injuries.
A Morristown bicycle accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff can assist you through the legal process after such a crash. We are here to provide legal solutions that address your individual needs and concerns. Call (973) 455-1567 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation with our office today.
Source:
6abc.com/post/bicyclist-hit-killed-delsea-drive-brenner-avenue-deptford-township-nj/18812871/
