Pedestrian accidents are not as common as, say, car accidents, however, they do happen. Whether you’re walking for fun, exercise, or out of necessity, there is a very slim chance you started your day thinking you would be injured on your way to work. However, if you were struck by an oncoming vehicle as a pedestrian, you are most likely now severely injured and are seeking financial compensation. If you find yourself in this situation, here are some of the questions you may have regarding your legal options going forward:
What most commonly causes pedestrian accidents?
The most frequent causes of pedestrian accidents are as follows:
- Unmarked crosswalks
- Negligent road design
- Poorly lit parking lots or roads
- Poor road conditions
- Inclement weather conditions
- Overgrown vegetation
- Defective car parts
Unfortunately, the most common cause of pedestrian accidents is driver negligence.
What is driver negligence?
A motorist behaves negligently when he or she deliberately disobeys the rules and regulations of the road. Some examples of driver negligence are as follows:
- Texting and driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Smoking while driving
- Eating while driving
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued
- Speeding
- Ignoring traffic lights or signs
- Navigating directions while driving
- Unsafely changing lanes
How do I recover financial compensation following a pedestrian accident?
To recover compensation in any personal injury claim, you must first prove that you were injured due to another party’s negligence. To do so, your attorney will work to obtain security camera footage of your accident, witness statements verifying your claim, police reports, and more. Additionally, you should always seek medical attention immediately after your accident, as a physician will treat your injuries accordingly and provide you with medical documentation detailing their extent, which you may also use to prove your claim.
What is the statute of limitations in New Jersey?
That statute of limitations in New Jersey is two years, which means you have two years from the date of your accident to pursue a personal injury claim. If you fail to file a lawsuit in this window of time, you will be denied your right to file one. Hiring a knowledgeable attorney can make all the difference when it comes to recovering compensation. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to prove your claim. Reach out to our firm today so we can get the ball rolling.
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.
