Numerous Children Killed in New Jersey Bicycle Accidents

Today, children and youths have access to a vast array of vehicles. These include e-bikes, e-scooters, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), golf carts, and normal passenger cars. Unfortunately, the sense of freedom and mobility provided by these vehicles comes at a cost. All too often, teens and children are struck and killed by negligent drivers. This has happened many times over the past month in New Jersey, and the community wants answers. How did these crashes happen? Who is to blame? What can you do if your child was struck and injured in a New Jersey bicycle accident?

Teen Charged With Murder After Mowing Down Two Girls on E-Bikes

In October of 2025, the community of Cranford saw a shocking incident involving a fatal hit-and-run. Two teen girls were riding on e-bikes when another teen approached in his vehicle, struck the two victims, and drove away. Neither teen survived the crash. Police later confirmed that the assailant was stalking the victims at the time of the crash, and that the incident might have stemmed from a breakup or argument.

Fortunately, local police quickly took the teen into custody, despite his attempts to flee the scene in his Jeep. The families of the victims claim that this defendant had planned the attack “for months.” Local police are urging anyone with information or video footage of the crash to come forward. By all accounts, this incident seems fully intentional.

Teen on E-Bike Dies After Being Struck by Landscaping Truck

Also in early October, another New Jersey teen was killed while riding an e-bike in Scotch Plains. Officials say that at about 2:00 PM, a landscaping truck struck the 13-year-old as he was riding through an intersection. Unlike the previous incident, however, this crash seems to have been completely accidental. The driver of the truck also stopped after the impact and cooperated fully with local law enforcement.

With all that said, it is not clear how the accident occurred. The fact that it happened in an intersection means that one of these two vehicles probably failed to yield. If the driver of the landscaping truck was to blame, then the family may be able to pursue compensation. However, a claim may be possible even if the child was partially responsible for the collision. This is thanks to New Jersey’s “modified comparative negligence” system, which allows plaintiffs to take action as long as they were not the main cause of their own accidents.

Four 18-Year-Olds Die After Semi-Truck Crash on the New Jersey Turnpike

Another stunning incident in October also claimed the lives of multiple teens, and it involved a wrong-way semi-truck crash on the New Jersey Turnpike. The incident occurred at about 1:00 AM, and it began when a 41-year-old man started driving his Dodge pickup truck the wrong way down the highway. The pickup subsequently collided with a Mazda with a 19-year-old driver and four 18-year-old passengers.

The impact caused the Mazda to veer into the path of a semi-truck. The semi-truck then struck the Mazda, causing the deaths of all four 18-year-old passengers. The 19-year-old driver survived with critical injuries. The driver of the pickup truck was also seriously injured, while the semi-truck driver was completely unharmed. As of this writing, police officers have not announced any criminal charges.

However, one would expect the pickup truck driver to face consequences for ostensibly causing this crash. After all, he was driving north in the southbound lanes. The police may be waiting for the man to recover before pressing charges.

Whatever the case may be, it is clear that too many New Jersey teens and children have lost their lives in completely preventable accidents as of late. These deaths send shockwaves through communities. While every death is tragic, the death of a child is something that no family should ever have to endure. Although nothing can ever bring these children back, wrongful death lawsuits can at least provide some degree of financial support, closure, and justice.

Can a New Jersey Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?

A New Jersey bicycle accident lawyer may be able to assist you if your child was struck by a negligent motorist. Many of these accidents are completely preventable, and those responsible should experience accountability. Even if your child partially contributed to the accident in some way, your family may still have the right to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Contact Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., to learn more about your legal options.