Pedestrian accidents are very serious. They can cause detrimental injuries to those involved, and sometimes they can even result in death. A new report released from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) suggests that pedestrian fatalities are on the incline, reaching its highest levels in 2019 in over 30 years. These cases are taken very seriously, as it is important to recover the rightful compensation that is owed after they take place. If your loved one died as a result of a pedestrian accident, it is crucial that you retain the services of an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney for legal assistance during this time.
What are the Facts of the Report?
The report, “Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State,” provides preliminary data by all states’ highway traffic safety offices and the District of Columbia. The 2019 numbers based on this data would show that the number of pedestrian deaths reached its highest level in the country since 1988. The numbers would show a 5% increase from 6,283 pedestrians killed on U.S. roads in 2018 to 6,590 killed in 2019.
It is an unfortunate reality that the majority of pedestrian accidents are caused by negligence. The report cites this as such, stating that the accidents occurred as a result of unsafe road crossings, distracted or impaired driving, and large SUVs and trucks on the road. GHSA suggests a need to make pedestrians and vehicles more visible in the dark at night. This is because nighttime pedestrian fatalities rose 75% over the last 10 years, as opposed to 16% during the daytime.
What Do I Do if I am Involved in a Pedestrian Accident?
When a person is involved in a pedestrian accident in New Jersey, it is important to implement certain steps in order to have a future claim in court to recover compensation for any damages. This includes the following:
- Call the necessary emergency services (police and an ambulance)
- Obtain contact information from any witnesses to the incident
- Take pictures and videos of the scene of the accident
- Obtain medical documentation after receiving treatment
- Retain the services of a skilled personal injury attorney to recover additional evidence for a case
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one sustained an injury or died in a pedestrian accident, legal action can be pursued for compensation. However, it is important to not wait too long to do so. This is because there is a statute of limitations in place. This is a deadline that the injured party or their loved one is required to meet when filing a claim. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for a personal injury case is two years from the date of the injury. Similarly, the statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is also two years from the date of the person’s death.
Contact our Firm
If you have been injured as a result of a personal injury accident and wish to speak with an attorney, contact the Law Office of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. today.
