A pedestrian accident can have serious consequences. If you are injured by a vehicle, you may suffer a great financial loss when it comes to medical bills and lost wages at work. Additionally, you can suffer serious and debilitating injuries. For these burdens, 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.
What are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
For the most part, pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence. This negligence may include:
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Texting while driving and other forms of distracted driving
- Bad weather
- Obscured visibility
To avoid an accident as a pedestrian, you should make sure to:
- Wear reflective gear
- Always look both ways before crossing the street
- Avoid using your phone while walking
- Utilize crosswalks and sidewalks
What do I do if I am Injured?
If you become injured in a pedestrian accident, the first thing you should do is call 911. The police can file a report, gather witness statements, and conduct chemical tests. If possible, you should gather evidence of negligence. This may include taking photos and videos of the scene of the accident and obtaining the contact information of anyone who may have witnessed the accident occur. You may not feel like you have been seriously injured, but you should go to the hospital regardless. It is possible to sustain an injury without realizing it. At the hospital, make sure to ask your doctor for a copy of any documents related to your injury.
How Long do I Have to File a Claim?
If you are injured due to the negligence of another party, you may be eligible to recover compensation. To do so, you will have to file a personal injury claim. Generally, in the state of New Jersey, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years. This means that if you fail to file within two years from the date of the accident, you may lose your opportunity to recover compensation.
If you or a loved one is injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our firm to speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney. We understand the toll an injury can take and we want to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW JERSEY FIRM
Stathis & Leonardis, LLC is an experienced personal injury law firm in Middlesex County, New Jersey that is committed to helping clients who have been hurt due to another party’s negligence. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident or were injured on another person’s property, please do not hesitate to contact our firm today.
