Every year, thousands of pedestrians across New Jersey are injured in traffic accidents, often with life-altering consequences. With bustling streets and busy intersections, understanding your rights and knowing how to stay protected is essential for everyone in the Garden State.
Pedestrian Safety Concerns in New Jersey
New Jersey’s densely populated counties, such as Bergen, Essex, and Hudson, see a high volume of pedestrian accidents yearly. Suburban roads and urban crosswalks alike can be hazardous due to a variety of factors, including:
• Distracted Driving: Drivers often fail to notice pedestrians due to texting or other distractions.
• Failure to Yield: Many accidents occur at intersections when drivers don’t stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Poor Lighting: Nighttime accidents are more likely due to reduced visibility.
These risks highlight the need for vigilance and awareness of your legal rights as a pedestrian.
Your Legal Rights as a Pedestrian
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in New Jersey, you have strong legal protections designed to help you recover.
Key Legal Rights:
1. Statute of Limitations:
• New Jersey gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Filing promptly ensures your case remains valid.
2. Comparative Negligence Rule:
• New Jersey uses a comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as you were less than 51% responsible.
3. Compensation:
• Victims may seek compensation for:
• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Future medical care
4. Crosswalk and Yielding Laws:
• Drivers must stop for pedestrians at marked crosswalks, and failure to do so can result in serious legal consequences for the driver.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim in New Jersey
Filing a claim after a pedestrian accident may feel overwhelming, but understanding the process can help ease the burden. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
1. Immediate Medical Care (Days 1–7)
• Your health is the top priority. Seek treatment immediately and document your injuries.
2. Investigation Begins (Weeks 1–4)
• Your attorney will gather key evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage.
3. Insurance Negotiations (Months 1–3)
• Attorneys negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company to secure a fair settlement.
4. Settlement or Litigation (Months 3–6)
• If a settlement isn’t reached, your attorney will prepare your case for court.
How The Law Offices of Eric A. Shore Can Help
At The Law Offices of Eric A. Shore, we understand the challenges of recovering from a pedestrian accident. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are committed to helping New Jersey residents navigate the legal system and reclaim their lives.
Here’s how we can assist you:
• Thorough Case Investigation: We’ll collect all the evidence needed to strengthen your case.
• Insurance Advocacy: Our team handles negotiations with insurance companies to relieve your stress.
• Accurate Damage Assessment: We ensure your compensation reflects medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
• Skilled Representation: Whether through negotiation or litigation, we fight for maximum compensation.
Our familiarity with New Jersey’s legal system ensures that you receive the best possible representation for your case.
Take Action Today
Don’t let the aftermath of an accident leave you feeling powerless. The Law Offices of Eric A. Shore has helped countless pedestrian accident victims in New Jersey secure the compensation they deserve.
Call us today at (856) 761-1225 for a free consultation. Our dedicated team is here to:
• Launch a detailed investigation into your accident.
• Preserve crucial evidence to strengthen your case.
• Handle aggressive insurance adjusters on your behalf.
• Fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.
With offices conveniently located in Cherry Hill, we are ready to assist clients throughout New Jersey, including Bergen, Essex, and Hudson counties. Contact us now and let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery.
