These tragic accidents increased by almost 10%. Tragic pedestrian accidents are a problem in New Jersey. A Google search can show just how serious the issue is in the state. The search will yield multiple recent reports of pedestrian accidents. At the time of this piece, there were three tragic accidents at the top of the search in October of 2019 alone.

How common are pedestrian accidents in NJ?

Unfortunately, these accidents are not uncommon. The most recent data from the New Jersey State Police report pedestrian fatalities increase by almost 10% from 2016 to 2017. This translates to 183 pedestrian fatalities in New Jersey in 2017 alone. As noted above, an Internet search will quickly yield multiple examples of these tragic accidents. The examples noted above include an accident that occurred in a parking lot of a local retail store. The crash occurred at 7:30 in the evening and resulted in the victim’s death. Another fatal accident occurred at 2:45 a.m. when the pedestrian was crossing a busy roadway. In the third, a driver struck an 11-year-old boy who was walking to school. The investigation of the crash found the boy was “in or near” the crosswalk at the time of the accident. He suffered severe injuries and is in critical condition.

How can pedestrians reduce the risk of getting hit by a car or other vehicle?

Pedestrians can proactively reduce their risk of involvement in an accident by crossing in walkways, avoiding distractions like their phones and watching for vehicles. Unfortunately, even when these precautions are taken serious accidents can happen.

What remedies are available to victims of serious pedestrian accidents?

If the accident results in serious injury or death, the driver may be liable for the costs that result from the accident. In most cases, the victim will need to establish the legal theory of negligence. This generally requires four elements: duty, breach, causation and damage. The duty is often satisfied by the fact that the driver owes a duty to operate the vehicle safely. The breach would require the victim to show the driver did not meet this duty. Perhaps the driver was violating a traffic law or otherwise acting careless at the time of the accident. The victim must next show that this breach caused the accident and that the accident led to serious injuries. Medical records and expert medical testimony can help establish these final elements. There is often a time limit for these claims. As a result, after first seeking medical care it is wise to promptly discuss your options with an attorney. A lawyer experienced in pedestrian accidents in New Jersey can review the details of your case and discuss your options.