Blog by Linda Khorozian

What Happens When a Truck Hits a Cyclist in New Jersey?

Posted by Linda O. Khorozian | Jun 01, 2026 | 0 Comments

A serious crash involving a truck and a juvenile cyclist in Matawan is raising important questions about bicycle safety, truck accident liability, and the legal rights available to injured victims under New Jersey law.

According to News 12 New Jersey, police are investigating a collision that occurred around 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of Route 34 and Broad Street in Matawan. Authorities reported that a 2019 Hino moving truck traveling eastbound on Broad Street collided with a BMX-style bicycle ridden by a male juvenile. The cyclist was reported to be in critical but stable condition. News 12 further reported that the truck driver remained at the scene and, at the time of reporting, no charges or summonses had been issued.

While investigators continue to determine exactly what happened, the incident highlights a reality many New Jersey families face after a serious crash involving a commercial vehicle: bicycle accidents involving trucks often result in catastrophic injuries and complex insurance and liability questions.

Unlike a typical car accident, a collision between a cyclist and a commercial vehicle may involve federal trucking regulations, commercial insurance policies, corporate defendants, and multiple potential sources of compensation. That is why many families turn to an experienced truck accident lawyer , or personal injury lawyer when a serious injury occurs.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, truck accident, or other serious collision in New Jersey, call Khorozian Law Group at (201) 944-9200 or use our Online form for a free consultation. Hablamos español.

Quick Answer

When a truck hits a cyclist in New Jersey, liability may depend on factors such as driver negligence, traffic law violations, distracted driving, roadway conditions, visibility, and compliance with federal trucking regulations. Injured cyclists may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Why Bicycle Accidents Involving Trucks Are Often So Severe

The size difference between a bicycle and a commercial truck creates an obvious safety imbalance.

Even relatively low-speed collisions may result in:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Internal injuries
  • Fractures
  • Permanent disability
  • Catastrophic injuries

This is one reason many injured victims seek guidance from Bicycle Accidentstruck accident lawyer , or personal injury lawyer mmediately following a crash.

🚨 Common Causes of Truck vs. Bicycle Accidents

Many bicycle accidents involving trucks occur because drivers fail to recognize how vulnerable cyclists are near commercial vehicles.

Common causes include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Failure to yield
  • Unsafe turns
  • Blind spot collisions
  • Speeding
  • Following too closely
  • Driver fatigue
  • Improper lane changes
  • Failure to check mirrors
  • Violations of traffic laws

Commercial drivers must also comply with regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) , which can become important during accident investigations.

Who May Be Liable After a Bicycle Accident Involving a Truck?

Determining fault is not always straightforward.

Potentially responsible parties may include:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company
  • Vehicle owners
  • Maintenance contractors
  • Cargo loading companies
  • Other negligent drivers

Evidence often includes:

  • Police reports
  • Witness statements
  • Surveillance footage
  • Vehicle inspections
  • Driver records
  • Black box data
  • Medical documentation

Many cases require a detailed investigation before liability can be fully determined.

Learn more about our Personal Injury Claims Process  and how liability investigations can affect injury claims.

💰 What Compensation May Be Available?

Depending on the circumstances, injured cyclists may be entitled to recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical treatment
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Permanent disability

Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different

Truck accident cases often involve:

  • Federal trucking regulations
  • Commercial insurance policies
  • Corporate defendants
  • Electronic logging devices
  • Driver qualification records
  • Maintenance records

Because of these complexities, bicycle accident cases involving commercial vehicles frequently require a deeper investigation than standard motor vehicle collisions.

Learn more about Federal Truck Regulations  and how they may affect truck accident claims.

New Jersey Roads Continue to Present Risks for Cyclists

Cyclists throughout New Jersey regularly share the road with passenger vehicles, delivery trucks, box trucks, and tractor-trailers.

Communities across Monmouth County, Bergen County, Hudson County, Essex County, and Middlesex County continue experiencing heavy traffic volumes that increase risks for vulnerable road users.

Drivers and cyclists alike benefit when everyone follows traffic laws, remains alert, and shares the road safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do after a bicycle accident involving a truck?

Seek medical attention immediately, report the accident, preserve evidence, and speak with an attorney regarding your legal rights.

Can a cyclist recover compensation after being hit by a truck?

Yes. Depending on the facts, injured cyclists may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Are truck accident claims different from regular car accident claims?

Yes. Truck accident claims frequently involve federal regulations, commercial insurance coverage, and additional evidence not found in ordinary car accident cases.

What if the cyclist was partially at fault?

New Jersey's comparative negligence laws may still allow compensation depending on the circumstances.

How do I find a bicycle accident lawyer near me in New Jersey?

Look for an attorney experienced in bicycle accidents, truck accidents, and New Jersey personal injury litigation.

Source

📞 If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident, truck accident, or other serious collision in New Jersey, call Khorozian Law Group at (201) 944-9200or use our Online form for a free consultation. Hablamos español.

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