New Jersey Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Motor vehicles are a part of our everyday lives, but they can also cause serious injury, particularly when one person is in a vehicle and hits someone who is walking on foot. If you were hit by a vehicle while walking, a New Jersey pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and seek payment for your injuries and losses. A personal injury attorney with experience in pedestrian accidents knows how to navigate the legal process and advocate for your best interests.
Understanding Pedestrian Accident Laws
Pedestrian accidents are governed by a set of specific laws that are aimed at protecting those on foot. N.J. Rev. Stat. § 39:4-36 requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks and yield the right of way to those pedestrians. If a driver fails to follow these rules and causes an accident, they can be held liable for the pedestrian’s injuries.
Of course, drivers are not the only ones with responsibilities. Pedestrians have responsibilities, too. By law, they must obey traffic signals and use crosswalks when they are available. If a pedestrian is injured while crossing outside of a crosswalk or against a signal, their compensation might be reduced under the state’s comparative negligence rule. This rule means that if the pedestrian is found partially at fault, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. If the pedestrian is over 50 percent at fault, they might recover nothing for their injuries.
New Jersey’s no-fault insurance system can also complicate pedestrian accident cases. In some instances, the pedestrian’s own personal injury protection insurance might cover medical costs first, even if a driver was at fault. A New Jersey attorney could help a person understand the laws that may affect their pedestrian accident claim.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can happen in a variety of ways, but most cases involve some sort of driver inattention. They can also involve speeding, drunk driving, or poorly designed intersections. Each type of case might involve a different scope of investigation.
Since many of these accidents involve drivers who have violated the law, they often also involve police reports as well. The driver’s criminal case and the information uncovered might have an impact on an injured pedestrian’s claims for damages. An experienced New Jersey attorney understands how the criminal case might impact a pedestrian accident lawsuit.
The Role of a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
A New Jersey pedestrian accident lawyer plays a crucial role in helping injured individuals seek justice for their losses. They investigate cases, identify the applicable law, and guide the injured person through the legal process. Their work often includes negotiating with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and representing a person in court if necessary.
Oftentimes, an attorney in these cases is first focused on negotiating with the driver’s insurance company. In cases where the insurance company disputes the claim, the lawyer will advocate for a person’s claim and rights. They understand the tactics that insurance companies use to reduce payouts and will work to secure fair compensation. This compensation can cover medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
Call a Practiced Pedestrian Accident Attorney in New Jersey
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you do not have to go through the legal process alone. A New Jersey pedestrian accident lawyer could help you pursue the compensation you deserve and navigate dealing with insurance companies and, if necessary, the courts. If you think you have a case, seek legal advice as soon as possible. Contact GGL today to start building your case.