New Brunswick Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Board-certified attorney serves Middlesex, Somerset and Mercer counties
Getting hit by a car or truck could change your life forever. You need to be sure that the attorney handling your case has the ability and experience to recover the compensation required to cover your healthcare costs, lost wages and other damages stemming from the collision. John VR. Strong, Jr. in New Brunswick is a Board-certified trial lawyer who has been assisting New Jersey residents. Our firm fights to achieve justice for people hurt in pedestrian accidents across Middlesex, Mercer and Somerset counties.
What causes vehicle collisions with pedestrians?
When litigating a pedestrian accident claim, we immediately begin to investigate what led up to the collision. Common causes of these crashes include the following:
- Distractions — A motorist checking their phone or looking at something on the side of the road might not see someone walking in front of their car.
- Speeding — Many people exceed the speed limit and therefore do not have the time to brake safely if a pedestrian is in the crosswalk.
- Alcohol and drugs — Judgment and reaction times are often compromised when a motorist consumes alcohol or drugs, even if they are not charged with driving while intoxicated.
- Failure to yield — Too many people immediately hit the gas pedal when they see a traffic light turn green without yielding to pedestrians who are crossing the street.
Whether your injury stems from one of these causes or something else, our firm will press for the compensation you deserve.
Proving a pedestrian accident claim
Every New Jersey driver has a legal duty to operate their vehicle safely, and specific statutes exist to protect pedestrians. If you were in a crosswalk and the motorist in your case failed to yield in accordance with state law, that is compelling evidence for damages in a personal injury claim. In situations where both parties are partly at fault for an accident, you can still recover damages under the state’s comparative negligence standard as long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible for your injury. So if you incurred $100,000 in damages after being hit by a car but were held to be 20 percent at fault because you were looking at your cell phone, you still would receive an $80,000 award.
Injuries frequently suffered by pedestrian accident victims
Someone walking across the street has no protection against a car or truck that runs into them. Victims could suffer a catastrophic injury even if the vehicle was traveling at a relatively low speed. Common injuries associated with pedestrian accidents include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, which can cause paralysis in severe cases
- Broken and fractured bones
- Damage to internal organs
- Excessive bleeding
Tragically, many collisions between cars and pedestrians are fatal. If one of your family members lost their life in this type of accident, our firm can advise you on the relief that could be available through a wrongful death action, including reimbursement of funeral expenses and income that the victim would have brought into the household.
Compensation available to victims who are hit by cars
If you have been hurt in a pedestrian accident, there are several types of damages that you can collect under New Jersey law. Our firm strives to maximize the payment that victims receive to address specific forms of injury-related harm, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Wages lost as a result of the accident
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The recovery period after being hit by a motor vehicle can be long, arduous and expensive. Insurance companies know this and sometimes try to persuade victims to agree to a quick settlement that turns out to be inadequate. Don’t give away your legal rights without first speaking to a seasoned New Jersey injury lawyer.
Contact a New Jersey pedestrian accident attorney to set up a free consultation
John VR. Strong, Jr. in New Brunswick seeks compensation for pedestrians who have been struck by vehicles in Middlesex, Somerset and Mercer counties, as well as other New Jersey communities. Please call 732-979-2166 or contact us online for a free consultation and case evaluation. Se habla español.
