Newark, NJ (August 11, 2025) – On Saturday evening, August 9, a motorcyclist was killed in a collision with a car around 5:15 p.m. at the intersection of Thomas Street and Dawson Street.
Surveillance footage showed the motorcycle traveling westbound on Thomas Street at a high rate of speed toward the intersection when it struck the car, which was traveling northbound on Dawson Street.
According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the motorcycle’s driver, Leandro Cardoso Da Costa, 40, of Elizabeth, lost control of the vehicle after hitting the car’s bumper. Da Costa was pronounced dead at University Hospital in Newark. The driver of the car and a passenger were not injured, and the driver remained at the scene.
The investigation remains ongoing.
We offer our sincere condolences to the deceased victim’s family members.
Risks of High-Speed Accidents in New Jersey
Speeding remains one of the leading contributors to severe and fatal crashes in New Jersey. According to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, higher speeds not only increase the likelihood of a collision but also intensify the force of impact, making injuries far more severe. For motorcyclists, the danger is even greater. Without the protection of a vehicle’s frame, airbags, or seatbelts, riders traveling at excessive speeds have a much lower chance of surviving a crash.
Intersections, like Thomas Street and Dawson Street in Newark, are particularly dangerous for high-speed travel. Even if a rider or driver has the right of way, speeding reduces reaction time and limits the ability to respond to unexpected hazards, such as another vehicle entering the roadway or a sudden change in traffic signals. High-speed collisions at intersections often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities due to side-impact forces and secondary crashes.
New Jersey law imposes strict penalties for speeding, including fines, license points, and possible license suspension for excessive speeds. In addition, drivers and riders involved in high-speed crashes may face criminal charges if reckless driving can be proven.
Safety experts urge all motorists to reduce their speed, remain alert, and adjust to traffic and weather conditions. Slowing down not only improves control but can make the difference between a near miss and a life-threatening collision.
Losing someone in a sudden crash is devastating, and navigating the aftermath can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to go through it alone. A Newark motorcycle accident lawyer can guide your family through the legal process, address insurance challenges, and work to secure fair compensation for your loss.
At Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq, we have been helping families across New Jersey for decades. We are committed to treating every client with compassion, respect, and a steadfast dedication to justice. Call us at (800) 923-3456 for a free and confidential consultation. We’re here to stand with you during this difficult time.
Notes: Our accident news pieces utilize secondary sources like police and fire accident reports, news articles, and eyewitness testimonies. We have not independently verified this information at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq. If you find inaccuracies, please contact us for correction. To request post-removal, please inform us, and we will promptly comply.
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