Garbage Truck Kills E-Bike Rider on Bergen Tpke in Union City, NJ

Union City, NJ (July 15, 2026) – An e-bike rider died on Wednesday morning, July 15, after a garbage truck struck them on Bergen Turnpike near John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Union City. The crash occurred around 3:30 a.m.

Emergency units and police closed the roadway for several hours. Investigators collected evidence and spoke with people nearby while the truck, which displayed the name of a commercial waste and recycling company, remained on Bergen Turnpike.

Officials have not released the identity of the person who died. The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the fatal wreck.

Our sincere condolences go out to the rider’s family during this tragic time.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Union City, NJ?

In Union City and throughout New Jersey, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may file a wrongful death claim. The representative acts for surviving relatives who relied on the deceased financially. State law generally prioritizes spouses, children, parents, siblings, and other dependents.

After a fatal traffic crash, families may face funeral costs, lost income, and financial uncertainty. A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the support the deceased would likely have provided. It may also cover lost household services, care, and guidance.

In Union City, narrow streets often bring commercial trucks close to bicyclists and pedestrians. Bergen Turnpike, John F. Kennedy Boulevard, and Paterson Plank Road carry heavy vehicles through busy neighborhoods. Families generally have two years from the date of death to file.

Before pursuing a claim, the estate usually needs a personal representative. Families may begin by opening the estate through the county Surrogate’s Court. A named executor typically serves when a will exists; otherwise, a close relative may seek appointment as administrator.

Although the representative files the claim, eligible dependents receive compensation based on their documented losses. A court may determine how compensation is divided when relatives disagree. New Jersey also allows a separate survival action for certain losses the deceased experienced before death.

With deadlines approaching, managing an estate and dealing with an insurer can feel overwhelming. A lawyer can prepare filings, obtain vehicle records, and communicate with company representatives. Acting quickly may also help preserve important evidence.

At The Law Offices of Sander Budanitsky, we help families after fatal crashes in New Jersey. We can help establish the estate, determine who may receive compensation, examine available evidence, and provide clear guidance throughout the claim process.

After your loved one's sudden passing in a crash in Union, you may be wondering who may file, what losses qualify, and which deadlines apply. We invite you to reach our personal injury lawyers at (908) 241-3445 to discuss your family’s questions and learn what legal steps may be available.

Note: This post has been prepared using publicly available secondary sources. The facts surrounding the incident have not been independently confirmed. If you believe any portion of this report contains inaccurate or outdated information, please contact The Law Offices of Sander Budanitsky, L.L.C. so we can promptly review and update the content to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute a request for legal representation. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please seek immediate medical care.
Any images included in this post are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene.