A New Jersey motorcyclist was killed when he struck another motorcycle rider in Hope Township on April 15. According to authorities, the accident occurred at 6:34 p.m.
New Jersey State Police said the victim, a 27-year-old Phillipsburg man, was riding a 2006 Honda CBR west on County Route 609 when a man on a 1996 Suzuki motorcycle pulled out of his driveway to turn around, cutting the other motorcyclist off. The Honda rider hit his brakes, but his vehicle overturned and clipped the Suzuki, causing the Honda to hit a curb and a wooden fence. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash at 7:02 p.m. Authorities said he was wearing a helmet.
The Suzuki rider, a 47-year-old Hope Township man, was ejected from his motorcycle on impact. He was taken to Pocono Medical Center in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, for treatment of moderate injuries. He was apparently not wearing a helmet.
Route 609, also known as Delaware Road, was shut down for close to two hours as authorities investigated the accident. Police said that an undisclosed amount of marijuana was found on the decedent. It is not known if he was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash. Toxicology results are pending, and no charges have been filed.
Motorcycle accidents often occur because another driver does not carefully observe their surroundings and fails to yield. When a motorcycle accident is caused by a negligent party, the victim may wish to consult with an attorney. It may be possible to file a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, property damage, loss of income and other damages.
Source: NJ.com, “Two-motorcycle crash kills Phillipsburg man, State Police say,” Emily Cummins , April 16, 2015
