What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in New Jersey
Being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian can result in devastating injuries and overwhelming financial burdens. The steps you take after an accident can play an important role in protecting both your health and your legal rights.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, it is critical to seek medical care as soon as possible. Pedestrian accidents often cause serious injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
Report the Accident
Call 911 and ensure law enforcement responds to the scene. A police report can provide important documentation regarding how the accident occurred and who may have been at fault.
Gather Information if Possible
If your condition allows, collect the driver's contact and insurance information and obtain contact information for any witnesses. Photographs of the accident scene, vehicle, roadway conditions, and visible injuries can also be valuable evidence.
Preserve Evidence
Save medical records, bills, photographs, and any other documentation related to your injuries and recovery.
Contact a New Jersey Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian accident victims often suffer serious injuries that require extensive treatment and rehabilitation. An attorney can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Often Result in Severe Injuries
Unlike drivers and passengers, pedestrians have no protection during a collision. Even accidents occurring at relatively low speeds can result in life-changing injuries.
Pedestrian accidents frequently involve:
Crosswalk collisions
Intersection accidents
Distracted drivers
Failure-to-yield accidents
Backing-up accidents
Speeding vehicles
Drunk or impaired drivers
Hit-and-run crashes
Because pedestrians absorb the full force of impact, injuries are often catastrophic.
Common Injuries Caused by Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accident victims frequently suffer serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment.
Common injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries
Concussions
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones and fractures
Internal organ damage
Neck and back injuries
Pelvic injuries
Crush injuries
Severe lacerations
Permanent disability
Wrongful death
Recovery can often take months or years, and some victims may never fully recover from their injuries.
Compensation Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims
If you were injured by a negligent driver, compensation may be available for:
Medical expenses
Future medical treatment
Rehabilitation costs
Lost wages
Reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful death damages
An experienced attorney can help evaluate both your current and future losses.
Who May Be Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident?
Determining liability is one of the most important parts of a pedestrian accident claim.
Potentially liable parties may include:
Negligent Drivers
Many pedestrian accidents occur because drivers fail to:
Yield at crosswalks
Obey traffic signals
Watch for pedestrians
Avoid distractions while driving
Follow speed limits
Commercial Vehicle Operators
Delivery drivers, rideshare drivers, bus operators, and other commercial drivers may be responsible when their negligence causes an accident.
Government Entities
Poorly designed intersections, malfunctioning traffic signals, inadequate lighting, or unsafe road conditions may contribute to a pedestrian accident.
Other Third Parties
Depending on the circumstances, property owners, contractors, or other parties may also share liability.
Challenges and Important Considerations in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Serious Injuries Often Lead to Significant Damages
Pedestrian accident victims frequently require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
Hit-and-Run Accidents Are Common
Unfortunately, some drivers flee the scene after striking a pedestrian. Even when this occurs, there may still be avenues for compensation.
Insurance Companies May Dispute Liability
Insurance companies sometimes argue that a pedestrian was outside a crosswalk or failed to exercise reasonable care. A thorough investigation can help establish what actually happened.
Evidence Must Be Preserved Quickly
Traffic camera footage, surveillance video, witness statements, and accident scene evidence can disappear quickly if not preserved.
Why Choose Our New Jersey Injury Attorneys?
Pedestrian accident victims often face some of the most serious injuries seen in personal injury cases. Our firm is committed to helping injured pedestrians and their families pursue the compensation they deserve.
We investigate every case, identify all liable parties, and aggressively advocate for our clients throughout the legal process.
You pay no attorney's fees unless we win your case.
Contact a New Jersey Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our office today for a free consultation. We are ready to review your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.