New Jersey Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable travelers on American roads. Unlike drivers, they don't have a reinforced steel cage or safety restraints to protect them in an accident. When a pedestrian is hit by an automobile, the laws of physics almost guarantee that he or she will be badly hurt; flesh and bone are simply no match for the weight and force of an oncoming vehicle. And because so many pedestrians are children or the elderly, groups that injure more easily than healthy adults, the consequences of an accident may be very severe.
Like all drivers, New Jersey drivers have a legal duty to watch for pedestrians on the road, especially children and the disabled. Unfortunately, statistics show that many do not. More than 20% of New Jersey traffic deaths in 2005 were deaths of pedestrians, while the national percentage was just 11.2%. Due to inattention, intoxication, sleepiness or other completely avoidable distractions, some drivers carelessly fail to watch the road. A few even deliberately ignore traffic laws designed to safeguard pedestrians, such as speeding near a school.
Common ways drivers cause pedestrian accidents include:
- Failing to check for pedestrians when making a turn.
- Distracted by a hand-held device or a passenger.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Ignoring a marked crosswalk.
- Excessive speed.
Just as drivers have a legal duty to take care on the road, the law gives pedestrians a duty to take reasonable care to avoid an accident. That means staying on sidewalks; crossing only at intersections or crosswalks; and checking carefully for cars before crossing a street.
Just over 20% of pedestrian deaths in 2005 were caused by pedestrians who cross in the middle of the street, appearing without warning from between parked cars that hide them from drivers' view. Other common ways pedestrians can cause an accident include ignoring traffic signals, walking, playing or working in the road and severe intoxication.
Pedestrians hit by cars die or sustain very serious injuries, including brain and spinal injuries, and multiple bone fractures. They may be left with long-term disabilities, including paralysis, brain damage, amputation, serious scarring and mobility issues. Victims may not be able to work at all after the accident, or may need to radically change an established career. In addition to causing catastrophic changes in the lives of victims and their families, these injuries could require years of medical treatments, surgeries and therapy. And this can be extremely expensive for an ordinary family.
A pedestrian hit by the careless driver of a car, truck or other motor vehicle may have a legal claim against that driver and his or her insurance company.
In a New Jersey pedestrian accident lawsuit, victims must show a jury that the carelessness of the driver caused the accident -- and fight attempts from the driver's insurance company to blame the pedestrian for the accident.
The New Jersey pedestrian accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein can help. We have won millions for auto accident victims and other personal injury clients. For a free evaluation of your case, call the Princeton New Jersey pedestrian accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein today.