Trenton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

In New Jersey, pedestrians have the right of way, and drivers must stop to allow pedestrians in crosswalks to fully cross the road. Furthermore, drivers should exercise care around pedestrians, who have the same right to use the roads as drivers. Unfortunately, drivers often fail to share the road safely with pedestrians, leading to accidents and severe injuries. If you suffered injuries as a pedestrian due to the negligence of a driver, you may have the right to compensation through a personal injury claim. A Trenton pedestrian accident lawyer could guide you through the claim process.

How Pedestrian Accidents Occur

Pedestrian accidents often occur because of driver negligence. That can include:

  • Driver distraction
  • Speeding
  • Failure to yield
  • Ignoring the rules of the road

Pedestrians fit a different visual profile than a vehicle, and many drivers fail to notice them. Pedestrians on their own are smaller, which means a driver who does not take adequate precautions may inadvertently collide with a pedestrian on the road. Right-turn accidents are also a common cause of pedestrian accidents and injuries. When a driver behaves negligently on the road, leading to a pedestrian accident, that driver will generally bear liability for the accident, and the injured individual will pursue compensation through the driver’s auto insurance policy. An attorney in Trenton could determine the cause of a pedestrian accident and work to hold the driver responsible for the harm they caused.

Seeking Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrians involved in an accident often suffer severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries, multiple broken bones, or head trauma, since they have no protection from the vehicle that strikes them. As a result, many pedestrians injured in an accident will need to pursue substantial damages.

Personal Injury Protection Claims

New Jersey has a no-fault rule for car accidents. Drivers must carry personal injury protection insurance alongside their other coverage. Pedestrians who suffer injuries in an accident may have the right to use their PIP coverage to take care of initial medical costs related to the accident. Using PIP coverage can help streamline the claim process and make it easier to pay for immediate medical costs. PIP coverage will generally cover the cost of medical expenses directly related to the accident as well as any income losses because of the accident.

Claims Against the Driver’s Insurance

Pedestrians injured in an accident may need to file a claim against the driver’s insurance when they do not have PIP coverage, often because they do not have a vehicle, or when their injuries exceed the coverage offered by the PIP policy. A claim against the driver’s insurance policy can include compensation for the injured party’s medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Trenton could help an injured individual determine what they need to include as part of their claim and how to maximize available coverage to help cover the costs that often follow a pedestrian collision.

Reach Out to a Trenton Pedestrian Accident Attorney to Learn About Your Rights

If you suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, a Trenton pedestrian accident lawyer could help you learn more about your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for those damages. In many cases, working with a lawyer could help you recover more damages than you could when dealing with the insurance company on your own. Reach out to Garces, Grabler, & LeBrocq today for a free consultation about your injuries and your right to file a claim.