Every year, pedestrian accidents involving vehicles occur in New Jersey, leading to severe injuries and sometimes fatalities.
Understanding what to do if you or someone you know faces such an incident can be invaluable.
1. What should a pedestrian do after a car accident?
After a vehicle hits a pedestrian, the immediate priority is seeking medical attention. Contact emergency services and ensure that both the pedestrian and the driver involved are safe. It is important to gather information from the driver, such as their name, contact details and insurance information. If possible, obtain statements or contact details from witnesses. Moreover, documenting the scene with photographs can provide valuable evidence.
2. Does New Jersey have specific laws that apply to accidents involving pedestrians?
New Jersey state law emphasizes pedestrian rights. Motorists must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks and exercise due caution to avoid colliding with them. The law also dictates that pedestrians must follow traffic signals and use crosswalks where available. Understanding these laws can help determine liability in a pedestrian-car accident.
3. What kind of compensation can a pedestrian expect?
Following a pedestrian accident, various forms of compensation may be available, such as medical expenses, lost wages due to injury, and pain and suffering. In some cases, compensation for long-term disabilities or emotional distress might also be sought. the statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit, including those involving pedestrian-car accidents, is generally two years from the date of the incident.
In 2022, 2,182 injury crashes happened in Burlington County, some of which involved pedestrians. If involved in such an incident, it is important to note that the injured has the right to seek compensation.