Bill
Bill > S3949
NJ S3949
Allows persons operating bicycle, low-speed electric bicycle, or low-speed electric scooter involved in accident to be eligible for personal injury protection benefits; requires crash reports for accidents.
summary
Introduced
12/12/2024
12/12/2024
In Committee
12/12/2024
12/12/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill provides that the operator of a bicycle, low-speed electric bicycle or low-speed electric scooter is a "pedestrian" for purposes of determining eligibility for personal injury protection benefits under an automobile insurance policy. Under current law, only certain persons, including those who are "pedestrians," are eligible to receive personal injury protection benefits for injuries resulting from a motor vehicle accident. The term "pedestrian" is defined in current law to mean any person who is not occupying, entering into, or alighting from a vehicle propelled by other than muscular power and designed primarily for use on highways, rails and tracks. This bill is in response to a recent decision by the New Jersey Supreme Court, Goyco v. Progressive Ins. Co., A-12-23, 088497, 2024 N.J. Lexis 388 (May 14, 2024), in which the Court determined that the operator of a low-speed electric scooter is not a "pedestrian" and is therefore ineligible for personal injury protection benefits. In addition, the bill incorporates low-speed electric bicycles and low-speed electric scooters into the various parts of existing law requiring crash reports.
AI Summary
This bill addresses personal injury protection benefits and crash reporting requirements for cyclists and electric mobility device users in New Jersey. Specifically, the bill expands the definition of "pedestrian" to include operators of bicycles, low-speed electric bicycles, and low-speed electric scooters, making them eligible for personal injury protection benefits under automobile insurance policies. This change is a direct response to a New Jersey Supreme Court decision that previously excluded low-speed electric scooter operators from such benefits. The bill also updates existing laws to require crash reports for accidents involving these types of vehicles, ensuring that operators of bicycles, low-speed electric bicycles, and low-speed electric scooters must follow the same reporting procedures as motor vehicle drivers. This means they must stop at the scene of an accident, provide identifying information, render assistance to injured parties, and submit accident reports to local law enforcement within specified timeframes. The legislative changes aim to provide greater protection and legal clarity for users of these alternative transportation modes, treating them more equally with traditional motor vehicle operators in terms of insurance coverage and accident reporting requirements.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 12/12/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3949 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4000/3949_I1.HTM |
Loading...