Pedestrian accidents are serious. However, they are often avoidable. When drivers and pedestrians alike take precautions, deadly accidents can be prevented. Read on to learn more about how these accidents occur and what to do if you are injured in a pedestrian accident.
How do pedestrian accidents occur?
The majority of pedestrian accidents are due to driver negligence, such as:
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Texting while driving
- Smoking, eating or navigating directions while driving
- Yelling at misbehaving children while driving, causing the motorist to take his or her eyes off the road
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued
- Failing to comply with traffic signs or lights
- Excessively speeding
- Disregarding other rules of the road
- Backing-up accidents, such as neighbors backing out of their driveway without looking
Other factors are outside of a driver’s control, such as:
- Unmarked crosswalks
- Arterial roads
- Inclement weather conditions, such as heavy rain or black ice
- Overgrown vegetation obstructing a motorist’s line of sight
- Poorly lit parking lots or roads
In some cases, the accident can be caused by a pedestrian. For example, if a pedestrian wears dark clothes at night, it may be impossible for a driver to spot them. Additionally, when pedestrians cross without paying attention, drivers may not be able to stop in time. It is important that pedestrians look both ways and never use their phones while crossing the street.
What is the statute of limitations in New Jersey?
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation. However, in order to take legal action, you will have to file your personal injury claim on time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is typically two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within two years will mean forfeiting your right to take legal action, therefore losing your opportunity to recover the compensation you need and deserve. In order to avoid missing any important deadlines, contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may experience lost wages, expensive medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. Our firm is here to help you recover compensation to help ease these burdens. Reach out today to discuss your case.
Contact our Experienced New Jersey Firm
If you have been injured due to the negligence of another party and wish to speak with an attorney, contact the Law Office of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. today.
