Route 55 Fatal Crash in Glassboro NJ: Understanding Legal Options After a Bicycle Accident

Tragically, accidents happen, and when they involve vulnerable road users like bicyclists, the consequences can be devastating. Recent reports of fatal crashes on Route 55 in Glassboro, NJ, such as the one on March 9, 2025, which claimed the lives of three young people, highlight the critical need for awareness and understanding of legal options available to accident victims and their families. While this particular accident involved motor vehicles, it underscores the dangers all road users face and the importance of knowing your rights if involved in a bicycle accident. In 2022, New Jersey recorded 646 fatal collisions resulting in 689 deaths. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident on Route 55 or anywhere in New Jersey, understanding your legal options is crucial.

New Jersey Bicycle Laws: What You Need to Know

Bicyclists in New Jersey have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators. This means they must obey all traffic laws, including:

Riding in the same direction as traffic: Bicyclists must ride with the flow of traffic, not against it.
Obeying traffic signals and signs: Just like cars, bicyclists must stop at red lights and stop signs.
Using hand signals: Bicyclists must use hand signals to indicate turns and stops.
Staying to the right: Bicyclists should ride as near to the right side of the road as practicable, but not so close as to risk “dooring” from parked cars or encountering hazards.
Proper equipment: Bicycles must have a bell or other audible device, and brakes that can cause the wheels to skid on dry pavement. At night, bicycles must have a white front headlight and a red rear reflector or light.
Helmet Law: In New Jersey, anyone under 17 years of age that rides a bicycle must wear a safety helmet.

It’s important to note that while some municipalities may have ordinances prohibiting bicycle traffic on certain sidewalks, the state generally does not prohibit riding a bicycle on a sidewalk. However, it is generally discouraged, especially for older cyclists, as sidewalks are primarily for pedestrians.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can occur for various reasons, often involving negligence on the part of a motor vehicle driver. Some common causes include:

Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted may not see a bicyclist in time to avoid a collision.
Failure to yield: Drivers must yield the right-of-way to bicyclists when required, such as when a bicyclist is already in the intersection or when the driver is turning left.
Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents.
Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations, such as a bicyclist entering the roadway.
Unsafe lane changes: Drivers who fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes may collide with a bicyclist.
Dooring: Opening a car door into the path of an oncoming bicyclist can cause serious injuries.

Legal Options for Bicycle Accident Victims

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Legal options include:

Personal Injury Claim: You can file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company to recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claim: If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company.
Personal Injury Lawsuit: If a settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, you may need to file a lawsuit to pursue your claim in court.

Understanding Negligence and Liability

In a bicycle accident case, establishing negligence is crucial. Negligence means that the other party failed to exercise reasonable care, which resulted in your injuries. To prove negligence, you must show:

Duty of Care: The other party had a duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid causing harm.
Breach of Duty: The other party breached that duty by failing to act reasonably.
Causation: The other party’s breach of duty directly caused your injuries.
Damages: You suffered damages as a result of your injuries.

New Jersey follows the principle of comparative negligence. This means that you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your percentage of fault is not greater than 50%. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, you can only recover 80% of your damages. However, if the cyclist is found to be more than 50% at fault, they may be barred from recovering any damages.

Types of Compensation Available

If you are successful in your bicycle accident claim, you may be entitled to compensation for the following types of damages:

Medical Expenses: This includes past and future medical bills, such as hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy, and medication.
Lost Wages: You can recover lost income if you have been unable to work due to your injuries. This includes both past and future lost earnings.
Pain and Suffering: You can be compensated for the physical pain and emotional distress you have experienced as a result of the accident.
Property Damage: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged bicycle and other personal property.
Punitive Damages: In some cases, you may be able to recover punitive damages if the other party’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless.

The Importance of Seeking Legal Representation

Navigating the legal process after a bicycle accident can be complex and overwhelming. An experienced New Jersey bicycle accident lawyer can help you:

Investigate the accident: Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the accident scene to determine liability.
Negotiate with the insurance company: Handle all communications with the insurance company and fight for a fair settlement.
File a lawsuit: If necessary, file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Maximize your compensation: Ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.
Understand your rights: Explain your legal rights and options in clear, easy-to-understand terms.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

If you are involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to take the following steps:

Call the police: Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the police report.
Seek medical attention: Even if you do not think you are seriously injured, it is important to see a doctor to get checked out. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Gather information: Exchange information with the other driver, including their name, address, insurance information, and driver’s license number. Also, get contact information for any witnesses.
Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your bicycle and the other vehicle.
Contact a lawyer: Talk to a qualified New Jersey bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Recent Accidents on Route 55

Route 55 has been the site of several serious and fatal accidents in recent years. For instance, in March 2025, a crash in Glassboro resulted in the deaths of three teenagers. While this specific incident didn’t involve a bicycle, it highlights the potential dangers of this highway. Other accidents, such as the wrong-way collision in Mantua Township in September 2024, which killed two drivers, further underscore the need for caution and awareness on Route 55.

Staying Safe While Bicycling

While you cannot control the actions of others, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of being involved in a bicycle accident:

Wear a helmet: A helmet can protect you from serious head injuries in the event of a crash.
Be visible: Wear bright clothing and use lights and reflectors, especially when riding at night or in low-light conditions.
Follow traffic laws: Obey all traffic laws and signals.
Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to traffic and potential hazards.
Use bike lanes when available: If there is a designated bike lane, use it.
Ride defensively: Assume that drivers do not see you and be prepared to react to their actions.

Conclusion

Bicycle accidents can have devastating consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident on Route 55 in Glassboro, NJ, or anywhere else in the state, it is important to understand your legal options and take steps to protect your rights. Contacting an experienced New Jersey bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve. Remember, you don’t have to face this difficult time alone.