NJ Transit bus struck the pedestrian in North Bergen during early morning hours
December 09, 2025 | North Bergen, NJ
A 66-year-old man from Hackensack lost his life after being struck by an NJ Transit bus in North Bergen.
The incident occurred near Bergenline Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard East, highlighting ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in urban areas.
Alan Harris, 66, of Hackensack, died after an NJ Transit bus struck him as a pedestrian near Bergenline Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard East in North Bergen.
What Happened in the North Bergen Bus Crash?
Authorities from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office reported that the collision involved a No. 84 line bus at around 6:30 a.m. The pedestrian was transported to Palisades Medical Center but passed away the following day due to his injuries. The investigation into the circumstances remains active.
- Victim: Alan Harris, 66, of Hackensack
- Location: Intersection of Bergenline Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard East, North Bergen, NJ
- Date and Time: Dec. 9, 2025, early morning
- Vehicle Involved: NJ Transit No. 84 bus
- Outcome: Fatal injuries leading to death on Dec. 10
- Investigating Agency: Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Buses pose significant risks to pedestrians because of their size and the limited visibility for drivers. Common factors include driver distraction, failure to yield, and high-traffic intersections.
According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, pedestrian fatalities have risen in recent years. In New Jersey, state police records show 221 pedestrian deaths in 2024, a 29% increase from the prior year.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual U.S. Bus Crashes |
About 60,000 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
NJ Pedestrian Fatalities (2024) |
221 |
New Jersey State Police |
Increase from Previous Year |
29% |
New Jersey State Police |
Common Cause: Driver Negligence |
Primary Factor |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crashes
Newsline consulted Andrew G. Finkelstein, managing partner at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices, for a perspective on incidents involving large vehicles and pedestrians.
“In cases such as this, driver negligence often plays a key role, whether from distractions like cell phones or simply not paying enough attention. These crashes lead to devastating outcomes for victims and their families,” Finkelstein noted.
Key takeaways from the analysis:
- Reconstructing the scene is crucial to identifying all parties and the fault.
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims for loss of companionship, pain, and emotional distress.
- Insurance companies frequently attempt to shift blame to reduce liability—avoid direct statements without representation.
- Hiring an attorney experienced in pedestrian cases ensures rights are protected against powerful insurers.
Finkelstein emphasized the importance of thorough investigations to hold responsible parties accountable in motor vehicle incidents.
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If you or a loved one were involved in an incident like the one in this article and wish to speak with our national legal analyst Andrew G. Finkelstein at no cost, please use the contact details provided on this page.
(Andrew G. Finkelstein, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices to help you, please call 855-976-8163 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).