Pedestrian accidents are a common occurrence. Some of these accidents are caused by driver negligence, but in some cases, a pedestrian may not take proper precautions, resulting in an accident. If you are injured in a pedestrian accident due to driver negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Read on to learn more about pedestrian accidents in New Jersey and what to do in the event of an injury.
Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Most pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence. The majority of pedestrian accidents occur due to:
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Texting while driving and other forms of distracted driving
- Bad weather
- Obscured visibility
How Can I Protect Myself as a Pedestrian?
There are some steps to take to protect yourself if you are a pedestrian. One of the most obvious but often overlooked steps is to simply look both ways before crossing the street. Often, we are on our cell phones, or in a rush to get somewhere, and it is easy to cross the street without the necessary vigilance. Remember to use a crosswalk, rather than jaywalking. Additionally, you should make yourself visible to cars. This may include wearing bright colors, reflective gear, and more. While most accidents are caused by driver negligence, it is important to do your part to keep yourself safe.
Can I Recover Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident?
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident due to the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to recover compensation. To do so, you will have to prove that some form of negligence occurred. This may include taking pictures and videos of the scene of the accident and gathering the contact information of anyone who witnessed the incident occur. A skilled personal injury attorney may be able to provide further evidence, such as security camera footage and police reports.
How Long do I Have to File a Claim?
If you are involved in an accident, you will have to file your personal injury claim in time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for a personal injury accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you fail to file your claim within two years, you will most likely lose your opportunity to recover compensation. Work with an experienced personal injury attorney to avoid missing any important deadlines.
If you or a loved one is involved in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Contact our firm to speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney.
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
