New Jersey Roads are Becoming Safer – Unless You’re a Pedestrian
Claims for Pedestrian Accidents in NJ
A recently published report reveals that auto-related accident deaths declined last year. However, fatalities for pedestrians have increased 50% over the past 10 years, and the experts don’t know why.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a study [https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/roadway-fatalities-2018-fars] in October 2019, which revealed that deaths from car accidents dropped almost 2.5%. Fatalities involving DWIs, motorcycle crashes, and speeding were all down.
But the study didn’t have good news for everyone. There was almost a 3.5% rise in pedestrian deaths in 2018. Bicycle fatalities also increased by more than 6% in 2018. And the worst part is that traffic engineers and experts cannot explain the increase in traffic deaths for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Why Are Pedestrian Accidents on the Rise in New Jersey?
While car accident deaths have decreased, pedestrian deaths are on the rise. One explanation may be distracted driving. Smart phones are equipped to do more than just make calls. People use their phones for text messages, internet, social media, music and GPS. People have become so dependent on their phones that they continue to use them while driving. A driver who looks at his phone for 5 seconds at 55 miles per hour can travel over 300 yards – all while not looking at the road!
Distracted Driving in New Jersey
New Jersey takes distracted driving and using a hand-held device while driving extremely serious. A driver can be fined up to $400 for a first cell phone violation. A second violation can cost up to $600. A third cell phone violation can cost up to $400, 3 points on your license, and a driver’s license suspension of up to 90 days.
Tips for Drivers to Avoid New Jersey Pedestrian Accidents
- Never drive while distracted, and always expect the unexpected pedestrian on the roadways. Put down the cell phone and just drive.
- Keep close attention to blind-spots and during nighttime.
- Give extra time and attention when driving with sun glares or during bad weather. If it is too bright, or too dark, you may not notice the pedestrian right next to your car.
- Avoid local speed limits and prepare to yield or stop when approaching crosswalks.
- Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. If they are stopped for a pedestrian, you may hit, injure or kill the person they are politely letting cross the road.
- Do not drive under the influence of intoxicating liquors or drugs. Not only may you injure a pedestrian, but you could lose your license or face a lengthy prison sentence in New Jersey.
- Remember, as soon as you get out of your car, you too will become a pedestrian! Treat pedestrians the way you want to be treated when you are walking!
What to do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you or a family member is an accident victim as a pedestrian, you should immediately contact the police. If you are injured, you should notify the police so that an ambulance is dispatched to the accident scene. As with any other motor vehicle accident, you should note the license plate for the car that hit you and get the license and insurance of the driver if you are able. When you are able to speak with the officer, either at the scene or after you leave the hospital, make sure you include all details as to how the accident unfolded and how the car hit you. It is important to note where you were in the street when you were hit, and how fast the car was going upon impact. Do not leave out the impact from the collision and how you were thrown or fell to the ground after the accident. Lastly, take pictures of the scene and the conditions, again, only if you are able to do so.
An experienced NJ injury lawyer can assist you with your claim after your pedestrian accident. A pedestrian accident can cause significant, serious injuries and trauma. You can suffer broken bones from the impact, crushed bones if run over, closed-head injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Pedestrians also suffer from emotional and psychological injuries after being hit by a car. My NJ Injury lawyer can assist you with your medical bills, lost wages if you miss work, and compensation for your pain and suffering for any damages suffered from the accident.
How Much Is My NJ Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
The value of any pedestrian accident claim depends on many different factors. These include the extent of the injuries suffered, pain and suffering, and economic expenses including lost wages, property damage and medical bills, At MyNJInjuryLawyer, Howard P. Lesnik has vast experience in handling numerous pedestrian accident cases. This allows me to evaluate the value of your claim to obtain the fairest settlement or jury verdict. In claims of significant injuries, I hire with medical experts, economic experts for lost and future wages, and functional capacity experts if you are no longer able to work due to your injuries. These experts prepare reports to calculate your damages for the insurance company or jury to advocate for your maximum compensation.
Why Hire My NJ Injury Lawyer Howard P. Lesnik
- I always offer a free strategy session with no obligation.
- I never charge a client a fee unless I recover cash settlement.
- I personally provide exclusive one on one devotion to each client.
- I handle all insurance communication, applications and forms at no charge.
- I have obtained countless successful verdicts and settlements for my clients.
- My office provides accident investigation services, including obtaining police reports, ambulance reports, 911-calls, witness statements, surveillance video, and all medical reports and records.
- I will litigate your case. If your case cannot be settled with the insurance company, I will file a lawsuit for your accident claim. Most cases settle before trial. But I also look forward to presenting any claim before a jury if necessary.
- I have almost 20 years of experience handling New Jersey pedestrian accident cases.
About My NJ Injury Lawyer Howard P. Lesnik
Howard Lesnik began practicing personal injury law in 2001, and is vastly skilled in pedestrian accident claims, including taking depositions, motion practice, and trial experience. Howard personally handles every car accident case himself and does not farm them out to other attorneys or offices. He brings almost 20 years of experience, countless successful settlements and verdicts, and a drive to help NJ car accident victims get justice they deserve against enormous insurance companies.
Howard is extremely excited by his record of success stories both in and out of the court room. However, he is also honored about how his clients’ experiences with his firm. Howard has 100% positive reviews on Google, Martindale, AVVO and Lawyers.com. Howard is a member of the Ethics Committee and makes sure that all his clients get the attention they deserve and strives to make sure they are satisfied throughout the entire process.
Contact MyNJInjuryLawyer
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a New Jersey pedestrian accident, you should contact an attorney familiar with handling these claims. My NJ Injury Lawyer Howard P. Lesnik, Esq. offers free strategy sessions to address any issue or questions you may have about your injury, medical bills or your car accident claim.
Please contact NJ Injury Lawyer Howard Lesnik, Esq., immediately if you were involved in a pedestrian accident and were injured or suffered damages. I personally handle NJ personal injury cases on a regular basis. Please contact me now by email, by phoning 908.264.7701, or by completing the form to the right to schedule your complimentary 30-minute strategy session.
