Motorcycle Fatalities Increase in New Jersey

Recently, numerous motorcyclists have lost their lives in New Jersey. While some might argue that riding a motorcycle is obviously more dangerous than driving a car, the number of riders dying on Garden State roads is shocking. Some of these riders may have contributed to their own accidents, while others crashed through no fault of their own. Still others have suffered critical injuries that left them fighting for their lives in hospitals. What can you do if your loved one died from one of these motorcycle accidents in New Jersey? What if you’re recovering from catastrophic injuries? Can a lawyer help?

Rider Rear-Ends Another Motorcycle in Salem County

While we often hear about motorcyclists rear-ending cars, it is much rarer for a rider to rear-end another motorcycle. However, these incidents do happen, especially when riders take to the roads in large groups. In late April of 2025, someone riding a Harley-Davidson in Salem County rear-ended another motorcycle on County Route 540. The rear rider suffered fatal injuries, while his passenger was critically injured. Both victims were in their 60s.

While the initial collision might not have caused these injuries, it did send the Harley-Davidson veering off the road and into thick vegetation. As the bike was going off the road, both the driver and his passenger were ejected.

Multiple Motorcyclists Crash on Route 9 Bridge Near Sayreville

In May of 2025, the Woodbridge Police Department responded to reports of several injured riders on the Route 9 bridge between Woodbridge and Sayreville. They arrived at the scene to find “multiple downed motorcycles” and quickly determined that two of these motorcyclists had suffered serious injuries. It appears that this crash also involved numerous motorcycles that may have collided with each other.

Motorcyclist Killed After Colliding With Pickup Truck in East Amwell

Also in May of 2025, another motorcyclist suffered fatal injuries after colliding with a pickup truck in East Amwell. The victim was heading west on County Route 602 when a pickup truck approached traveling east. Somehow, the two vehicles collided. The rider was ejected before suffering fatal injuries, while the pickup truck driver was unharmed.

It goes without saying that one of these vehicles must have crossed the center line to cause a head-on collision. However, local authorities did not provide any information about who might be to blame. The crash remains under investigation.

Off-Duty Police Officer Suffers Fatal Injuries After Rear-Ending Pickup Truck

Another notable accident in May came when an off-duty police officer collided with a pickup truck while riding his Kawasaki motorcycle on Route 31. The rider was just 23, and he was described by some reports as a “rookie cop.” He reportedly struck the pickup truck while changing lanes on the highway. There was no additional information about the crash. The police officer had graduated from the Mercer County Police Academy just one year prior.

Motorcyclist in Critical Condition After Colliding With Sedan on Route 22

One of the rare incidents involving non-fatal injuries occurred in early May of 2025, when a motorcyclist survived a serious crash on Route 22. The accident occurred near Readington Township, and it involved a sedan. Additional details about the crash – including who might have caused it – were not revealed by the local authorities.

While the rider survived, he was left with critical injuries. Fortunately, an air ambulance was able to transport him to a nearby hospital as quickly as possible. This may have saved his life. The victim is just 23 years old. In contrast, the driver of the sedan was completely unharmed. This highlights the relative safety of passenger vehicles compared to motorcycles, even if they are smaller sedans.

Another 23-Year-Old Rider Dies After Impact with Jeep

Another 23-year-old rider lost his life in late April when he collided with a Jeep Grand Cherokee in Ringwood. Authorities revealed few additional details, although they noted that the occupants of the Jeep were completely uninjured. The frequency of fatalities for male riders in their early 20s is no coincidence, as motorcycles are particularly popular among this demographic.

Can a New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?

After a motorcycle accident in New Jersey, it is important to take effective action. While the results of these crashes can be shocking and debilitating, you may have a limited time to file a claim. A motorcycle accident claim can provide compensation for medical costs, missed paychecks, emotional distress, and other damages. That being said, each case is different, and you might want to discuss your unique circumstances with a lawyer instead of reading online articles. Reach out to Lepenforf & Silverstein, P.C. today.