The parents of a motorcyclist killed in a West Creek collision back in May 2012 has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver of the SUV involved in the fatal accident.  The case will be heard by the Superior Court of Monmouth County.

The accident took place on Route 9 when the victim attempted to pass a vehicle while riding his motorcycle southbound. The driver of the SUV was driving northbound attempting to turn into a parking lot when the victim collided with the right fender of the SUV, throwing him from his motorcycle.  The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim’s family claims the driver of the SUV was negligent by failing to properly check and make sure there were no oncoming vehicles before attempting to make the turn into the parking lot. Court papers submitted by the driver deny the negligent driving and state that the victim contributed to his own death.

Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are prevalent in New Jersey.  Motorcyclists are more susceptible to injuries stemming from common driving hazards such as poor weather conditions, driving errors of other vehicles, and defects and imperfections in the road, just to name a few. These risks increase when motorcyclists are traveling at great speeds, such as on highways and other major roads.  The injuries are also sometimes more severe because there is little protection shielding the rider.  Of course helmets and protective gear should be warn at all times, but these limited safeguards are sometimes not enough to withstand the great impact that is often a result of a collision.