New Jersey State Police Investigating Egg Harbor Tow Truck Accident That Critically Injured Teen Cyclist
EGG HARBOR, NEW JERSEY (May 10, 2024) – A teenage cyclist was critically injured in an Egg Harbor tow truck accident by Ocean Heights Avenue and Blackman Road.
Egg Harbor police officials are saying that the incident took place on Wednesday. A 15-year-old was riding a bicycle when they were hit by a 2021 Ford Tow Truck heading northbound on Ocean Heights Avenue.
Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. The cyclist was taken to Cooper Hospital in a medical helicopter.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Egg Harbor Tow Truck Accidents
Tow trucks can be very dangerous, especially for their operators. According to CBS News, “[a] study found roadside assistance workers were struck and killed nearly four times more than reported. Their researchers determined that 123 roadside assistance providers were killed by passing vehicles between 2015 and 2021, which is higher than the approximately 34 occurrences reported in national crash data.” There are a number of measures that tow truck drivers should take in order to avoid accidents.
- Tow truck drivers should be well rested before the start of their shift.
- Tow truck drivers should slow down during periods of inclement weather.
- Tow truck drivers should abstain from alcohol and other intoxicating substances.
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid pedestrians and cyclists. If a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a bicyclist, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. The company that the tow truck driver worked for could also be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees, insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. Victims of tow truck accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
It can be hard to know what to do after a car accident. Many victims are left with high medical bills. In many situations, victims will suffer permanent and life-altering injuries. Sadly, tow truck companies will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility if one of their drivers injures a cyclist. Any person injured in a tow truck accident may have legal recourse through a civil claim.
Investigating New Jersey Tow Truck Accident
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C., extend our best wishes to the cyclist injured in this Egg Harbor tow truck accident. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in an Egg Harbor tow truck accident? Our team of tow truck accident attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the support and justice that they deserve under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
