63-Year-Old Bicyclist Injured In Closter Car Accident By Knickerbocker Road and Harrington Avenue
CLOSTER, NEW JERSEY (March 9, 2020) – A bicyclist was seriously injured in a car accident that took place near the intersection of Knickerbocker Road and Harrington Avenue.
Closter police officials are saying that the accident took place around 1:39 p.m. For reasons that remain under investigation a bicyclist was hit by a Toyota Camry while riding northbound. The driver was making a left-turn at the time of the accident.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident in order to help the victim. The victim was not conscious but still breathing as he was taken to the Hackensack University Medical Center.
Authorities interviewed the driver of the Toyota Camry who remained at the scene. An investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Closter Car Accidents
Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable in car accidents due to their lack of protection. They are also much more likely to be overlooked. According to the NHTSA, “There were 857 bicyclists killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2018. As you might expect, when a crash occurs between a vehicle and a bike, it’s the cyclist who is most likely to be injured. ” There are a number of common causes of bicycle accidents including:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Intoxication
- Fatigued driving
All drivers have a legal responsibility to take measures to avoid hitting pedestrians. According to New Jersey Vehicle Code 39, “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except at crosswalks when the movement of traffic is being regulated by police officers or traffic control signals, or where otherwise regulated by municipal, county, or State regulation, and except where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided.” A disproportionate number of accidents occur when drivers make dangerous turns.
Drivers are supposed to yield the right of way to bicyclists and other drivers before making left turns. Drivers that hit bicyclists while making left turns will typically be held at fault. Any person that is injured in a car accident with a driver may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Closter Bicycle Accident
We at Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson extend our thoughts and prayers to the bicyclist injured in this accident. Any person that may have seen what happened should reach out to police as they continue their investigation. It is our sincere hope that measures are being put in place to help prevent additional accidents like this. Protected intersections and bicycle lanes can go a long way towards keeping bicyclists safe.
