TAP TO CALL
Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Colonia, NJ
Were you injured in a pedestrian accident in Colonia? If a negligent motorist injured you, you have the right to demand fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. A Colonia pedestrian accident attorney will understand how devastating being hit by a motor vehicle is. We have the skills, experience, and resources to help you seek the full compensation you’re owed if you were hit in a crosswalk, on the sidewalk, in a parking lot, or elsewhere in Colonia at no fault of your own.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation to learn more about your legal options.
Colonia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Serving Middlesex County
The pedestrian accident lawyers of Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. have been serving victims injured while walking in New Jersey for more than 35 years. We understand that many of our clients have never worked with a lawyer before coming to us. That’s why our attorneys take the time to sit down and get to know you personally before moving forward with your case.
Our firm exclusively handles cases for individuals and families, never corporations or other big businesses. Since our personal injury law firm was established in 1981, we have helped more than 30,000 people and families recover more than $1 billion verdicts and settlements. We’re eager to help you, too.
New Jersey Pedestrian Accident Statistics
The following statistics from the New Jersey State Police show just how common and devastating pedestrian accidents can be:
- In a single recent year, nearly 180 pedestrian fatalities occurred, which was over 30 percent of the accident fatalities in New Jersey.
- That year, more than 70 percent of hit-and-run crash fatalities were pedestrian fatalities.
- When these fatal pedestrian accidents occurred, about 15 percent were crossing marked crosswalks, 5 percent were crossing unmarked crosswalks, 48 percent were crossing the road at non-intersection locations, 19 percent were doing “other pedestrian actions” in the roadway, and 2 percent were off of the road entirely.
- About 35 percent of pedestrians who died in fatal New Jersey accidents that were tested had alcohol present in their systems.
- Around 24 percent of the pedestrians who died in fatal New Jersey accidents that year tested positive for drug use, and 14 percent tested positive for alcohol and drug use.
Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Colonia, NJ
Although pedestrians are responsible for following the rules of the road just like everyone else, driver negligence is a major contributing factor in most pedestrian accidents. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Colonia, New Jersey include the following:
- Distracted driving — When drivers are distracted by phone calls, text messages, or other distractions, they are far less likely to notice pedestrians around their vehicles and more likely to cause pedestrian accidents as a result.
- Impaired driving — Drivers who are impaired by alcohol, drugs, or even extreme fatigue tend to have trouble with depth perception, spatial awareness, and reaction time, all of which are necessary to avoid colliding with pedestrians.
- Reckless driving — Common reckless driving behaviors that can endanger pedestrians include speeding, driving too fast for conditions, tailgating, lane weaving, running red lights or stop signs, and being generally impatient.
- Driver error — Teen drivers, elderly drivers, and those with limited experience are more likely to commit dangerous driving errors that put pedestrians at risk. Examples of dangerous driving errors include negligent left-hand turns, “rolling” stops, and not yielding the right-of-way.
- Defective car parts — When critical car components such as brakes, tires, or airbags are poorly manufactured or maintained, they can fail and lead to devastating loss-of-control accidents.
- Poor road conditions — Poorly-maintained roads with inadequate drainage, large potholes, or missing road signs can also contribute to loss of driver control.
Common Injuries Suffered in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians do not have steel vehicle frames, airbags, or even helmets to protect themselves from a traffic collision. As a result, pedestrians are extremely vulnerable in car accidents and frequently sustain serious injuries such as the following:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Facial injuries and dental trauma
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Partial or total paralysis
- Dislocated or fractured bones
- Abdominal injuries and internal bleeding
- Amputation and loss of limb
- Soft tissue strains, sprains, and tears
- Burns and road rash
- Bruises and cuts
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Other emotional and mental injuries
- Wrongful death
What Should I Do After a Being Hit as a Pedestrian?
It’s common to feel shocked and uncertain about what to do after a pedestrian accident. You can protect your health and your legal rights by taking the following simple steps:
- See a doctor — Seek prompt medical attention to ensure your injuries are diagnosed, treated, and added to your official medical records.
- Continue medical treatment — Follow your doctor’s recommended care plan to maximize your recovery and demonstrate to interested parties that you are taking your health seriously.
- Collect evidence — Gather evidence such as photographs, driver contact information, insurance details, and eyewitness statements from the accident scene.
- Document your losses — Keep track of crash-related documentation such as medical bills, pay stubs showing missed time at work, and receipts from incidental expenses.
- Watch what you say — Be careful when talking to others about the accident, never agree to provide a recorded statement, and avoid social media while your case is pending.
- Talk to a personal injury lawyer — Contact a knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney in Middlesex County as soon as possible.
Who is Liable in Colonia Pedestrian Accidents?
When it comes to pedestrian accident cases, most people automatically assume the driver is at fault. However, this is not always true. When liability is unclear, investigators rely on evidence to determine how the collision occurred and who was liable. Common types of evidence in Colonia pedestrian accident cases include the following:
- Police accident reports
- Toxicology test results
- Photos of the accident scene
- Video footage from traffic cameras or dash cams
- Driver or pedestrian cell phone records
- Eyewitness statements
- Testimony from expert witnesses
Compensation Available in Colonia Pedestrian Accidents
Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for crash-related losses such as the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Out-of-pocket costs for incidental, accident-related expenses
- Lost wages from missed time at work
- Projected losses in future earning potential
- The intangible costs of pain and suffering
A compassionate pedestrian accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries. They can handle determining liability, talking to the insurance companies, and demanding justice while you focus on recovering.
Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Claims in Colonia, New Jersey
If you suspect you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit after a Colonia pedestrian accident, it’s essential to understand how the statute of limitations could impact your case. A statute of limitations is a law that limits the amount of time you have to pursue certain types of legal action.
Under New Jersey law, you have just two years from the date of a pedestrian accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you wait to file until after the two-year deadline has passed, the court will likely dismiss your pedestrian accident lawsuit. You will lose your right to demand compensation for your losses. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand the restrictions that apply to your case and make sure everything is taken care of promptly.
Contact an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Colonia, NJ Today
Contact a pedestrian accident attorney if you’ve been injured while walking in Colonia, NJ.
