South Jersey Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrians have little chance of escaping an accident with a car or truck unscathed. Even the smallest passenger vehicles weigh thousands of pounds and when they crash into a pedestrian who has no protection, catastrophic injuries can result. If you have been hurt, now is the time to focus on your recovery. A New Jersey and Pennsylvania pedestrian accident lawyer can file a claim with the appropriate insurance company to help you claim the full and fair damages you deserve.
For over 25 years, I, Joseph Monaco, as a South Jersey pedestrian accident lawyer have been representing clients and their families who have been seriously injured or killed in pedestrian accidents throughout New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania including cases in such cities as Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, Freehold, Norristown, Millville, Doylestown, Hackensack, Media, Allentown and Cape May. Unfortunately, needless pedestrian accidents occur more than we would like. Drivers are always talking on the phone or texting, or simply not paying attention, especially pedestrians. As a result, a family’s well being can be changed forever if a family member is seriously injured or killed. Pedestrian fatalities nationwide are on the rise having increased 10 percent in 2015. In New Jersey, one out of every three wrongful deaths from traffic accidents involves a pedestrian.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
The vast majority of collisions involving pedestrians and motor vehicles are caused by negligent drivers. This negligence can take many forms, but the most common are as follows:
- Impaired driving
- Distracted driving
- Improper turns
- Speeding
- Improper reversal of vehicle
- Violation of traffic laws
Common Injuries Caused by Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians do not have any protection when they are out walking on the roads. When they are hit by a car or truck, the sheer weight of the vehicle is enough to cause some of the most serious types of injuries. The most common of these include:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Accidental or surgical amputations
- Nerve damage
- Damage to internal organs
- Internal bleeding
- Emotional distress
Are Drivers Always at Fault for Pedestrian Accidents?
It is a common misconception that drivers are always automatically at fault for pedestrian accidents. Drivers do have a legal obligation to take the proper care and to watch for pedestrians so no one becomes hurt. Drivers must stop for pedestrians lawfully using crosswalks and they must provide them with the appropriate amount of space on the roads. Motorists are also prohibited from trying to overtake, or pass, a vehicle that is stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross a crosswalk.
However, pedestrians also have a certain duty of care. Whenever possible, pedestrians should only use crosswalks to cross a road. In the event that there are no marked or unmarked crosswalks available, pedestrians should look both ways before they cross a street. If a pedestrian jumps out in front of traffic, or otherwise does not look where they are going and they are in a crash, they can be held at least partially liable for the accident. Pedestrians who walk while distracted or that are impaired can also be held partly liable for a crash.
Usually when a pedestrian holds some degree of fault, the driver involved in the crash does, too. Injured individuals can still file a claim if they are partly to blame, but they must carry a lower percentage of fault than the other party. Any damages they are awarded will then be reduced by the same percentage of fault.
Serving Atlantic City, Marlton, Cherry Hill, Vineland, Bridgeton, Millville, Camden, Trenton
There are a myriad of legal issues when someone is involved in a pedestrian auto accident. A common initial concern is not knowing who is responsible for paying medical bills. Should it be the injured person’s health insurance or the careless and reckless driver’s auto insurance? Another issue that has to be addressed when a pedestrian is struck by an auto is determining which lawsuit option was selected in the applicable auto policy. In New Jersey, you have to select the lawsuit limitation or zero limitation. Oddly enough, your selection of a lawsuit option affects whether you or a family member may bring a claim against the person who caused the pedestrian accident. In Pennsylvania, pedestrians are deemed to have chosen the full tort option. To help put you and your family at ease, you need an experienced New Jersey & Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accident Lawyer to help you navigate through these issues.
Contact An Experienced South Jersey Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
At Monaco Law, PC, our New Jersey & Pennsylvania pedestrian accident lawyer knows the devastating injuries caused by these crashes and is dedicated to helping accident victims. If you have been injured, call us now or contact us online to schedule a free review of your case.
As a seasoned New Jersey and Pennsylvania pedestrian accident lawyer, I have vast experience handling pedestrian accidents. I will utilize the latest technology and consult with the best experts to prove your case. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, contact me to learn how a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can help you and your family during these difficult times. Your initial consultation is free. Because I am a 2nd Generation Trial Lawyer, I only get paid if you win because I work solely on a contingency fee basis with the No Recovery, No Fee Guarantee.
