Bicyclist Killed in Crash With State Trooper
Bicycles can be a great source of exercise, as long as they don’t crash. A collision with any object can cause serious injuries or even death. This is especially true if the cyclist is hit by a car.
A man was killed after his bike was hit by a state trooper. The fatal accident occurred on the morning of February 12 in Hackettstown.
The incident happened on Willow Grove Street in the area of Brook Hollow Drive. A New Jersey State Police trooper in an unmarked SUV collided with a bicycle. The cause is unknown.
The bicycle rider, an unidentified man, was taken to Hackettstown Medical Center, where he later died. The crash is under investigation.
What Happens if You Are Hit by a Police Car?
If you are hit by a car, you typically can file a claim against the liable party and recover compensation. However, if the vehicle that hit you was a police vehicle, the process may be different and more complicated.
After any car accident, fault is typically assigned to the driver who acted negligently. However, it can be hard to determine if a police officer is acting negligently because sometimes they can break the laws if there is an emergency situation they need to tend to.
For example, a police officer may be exempt from traffic laws if they were:
- Responding to an emergency when the accident occurred.
- In pursuit of a criminal suspect.
- Displaying emergency lights and sirens.
In an emergency situation, police car accidents commonly involve the following:
- Speeding
- Running through a red light or stop sign
- Wrong-way driving
- Illegal U-turns
- Failure to yield
If you are involved in a crash caused by a police officer, there are multiple entities that could be liable. You may be able to seek damages from the following:
- The officer who hit you
- A police department
- State, city, county, or federal government
New Jersey and most other states have traffic law exemptions for emergency vehicles. For example, a police car, ambulance, or fire truck has the right to speed or illegally pass other cars when there is an emergency and lives are in danger.
However, it is important to note that police officers are not above the law. They do not get to violate laws without a valid reason. If a police officer is driving recklessly when there is no emergency or causes a wreck due to distracted driving, they can be held liable for your injuries.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Riding a bicycle can be a healthy but also dangerous activity. Bikes are much smaller than cars, so they are susceptible to extensive damage.
Involved in a bicycle crash? Get the legal help you need from a Morristown bicycle accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. We can assist you in getting full and fair compensation for all your physical and mental damages. To schedule a free consultation, fill out the online form or call (973) 455-1567.
Source:
newjersey.news12.com/cyclist-killed-collision-with-state-trooper-hackettstown-nj
