New Jersey Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Compassionate Legal Advocacy for Injured Pedestrians

Every year, thousands of pedestrians are injured and killed in preventable accidents.

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you may be eligible for compensation. At DeZao & DeZao, P.C., our New Jersey pedestrian accident attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for accident victims across the state. You can count on our firm to advocate for your rights.

Did you suffer serious injuries in a pedestrian accident? Call (973) 358-6134 or contact us online to get started on your case with a free consultation. Our pedestrian accident attorneys in NJ offer English, Spanish, Polish, and Italian services.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences, with injuries often being catastrophic or fatal for the person on foot. Pedestrians are vulnerable to collisions with motor vehicles due to their lack of protection. Even at relatively low speeds, the force of a car, truck, bus, or motorcycle hitting a pedestrian can cause serious and lasting injuries.

Injuries commonly suffered in pedestrian accidents include:

• Brain injuries
• Back, neck, and spine injuries
• Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
• Broken bones and fractures
• Soft tissue injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Amputation/loss of limb
• Cuts, bruises, and scrapes
• Dental injuries
• Eye injuries/loss of vision
• Fatal injuries

Leading Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in New Jersey

Pedestrian accidents can occur for many reasons, frequently due to driver negligence or unsafe road conditions. Recognizing the key causes of these accidents is essential for increasing awareness and encouraging safer behavior among drivers and pedestrians. Some of the most common factors contributing to pedestrian accidents in New Jersey include:

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is among the most common causes of pedestrian accidents. When drivers are distracted, they can easily miss a pedestrian crossing the street or fail to stop at a crosswalk. 
• Speeding: When drivers are going too fast for the conditions, they may not have enough time to react if a pedestrian appears in front of them or if they need to make a sudden stop. Additionally, pedestrians can be seriously injured if they are hit by a vehicle traveling at high speeds due to the increased force of impact.
• Poor Visibility: Poor visibility is also a common cause of pedestrian accidents. It can occur when drivers don't turn on their headlights at night, when weather conditions reduce visibility, such as fog or rain, or when pedestrians wear dark clothing, making it difficult to see in low-light situations.
• Failing to Yield: Drivers must always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks or intersections, even if there isn't a traffic signal present. They must also be aware of any pedestrians who may be crossing outside of designated areas, such as in parking lots or driveways.
• Disobeying Traffic Signals: Drivers should always obey posted speed limits and traffic signals and pay close attention when approaching intersections with marked crosswalks so that they can react quickly if necessary.
• Alcohol Impairment: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and reaction times, which can lead to drivers failing to spot potential hazards such as pedestrians crossing the street.

Establishing Fault in Pedestrian Accident Claims 

Establishing negligence is essential for seeking compensation in a pedestrian accident case. Negligence refers to the failure of an individual or entity to exercise reasonable care, which leads to the harm or injury of another party. 

To prove negligence in a pedestrian accident case, one must establish four elements: 

• Duty of care
• Breach of duty
• Causation
• Damages

The first element involves proving that the defendant was legally responsible for exercising care towards the victim. The second element involves demonstrating how the defendant breached this duty by violating a traffic law or driving while distracted. The third element involves proving that the breach of duty caused the harm the victim suffered. 

Finally, the fourth element requires demonstrating the extent of damages incurred due to the negligent behavior. 

Proving negligence in a pedestrian accident case can be complex; however, with a New Jersey pedestrian accident lawyer from DeZao & DeZao, P.C. on your side, you can trust that your case is in good hands.

Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims

Victims of pedestrian accidents may qualify for significant compensation to help cover their losses. The impact of a serious injury can be overwhelming—financially, physically, and emotionally. However, filing a legal claim can provide relief. Compensation in pedestrian accident cases may cover the following areas:

• Medical Expenses: Includes hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and future medical care.
• Lost Wages: Income payment lost due to the inability to work, along with any reduced earning potential if the injuries prevent returning to prior employment.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of life’s enjoyment caused by the accident.
• Permanent Disability: Compensation for lasting impairments that hinder a person's ability to carry out daily activities or continue working.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If the accident results in death, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial support the deceased would have provided.

Filing Deadlines for Pedestrian Accident Claims in New Jersey

New Jersey law establishes a statute of limitations for filing a pedestrian accident claim. Generally, injured pedestrians have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to file within this period, you may forfeit the right to seek compensation. However, certain exceptions may alter or extend this deadline, including:

• Minors Involved: If the pedestrian is under 18 at the time of the accident, the two-year statute of limitations typically does not begin until they turn 18.
• Claims Against the Government: If the accident involves a government-owned vehicle or unsafe public infrastructure, a notice of claim may need to be submitted within 90 days of the incident.

Because missing a deadline can prevent you from recovering damages, consulting with our pedestrian accident lawyer in New Jersey as soon as possible is crucial to ensure your case is filed on time.

Contact Our New Jersey Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today

The initial consultation is free of charge, allowing you to discuss your case without financial obligation. If we decide to take on your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you don't pay any legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This ensures that our interests are aligned with yours—our priority is to help you secure the compensation you deserve, and we only get paid when you do. We are committed to providing dedicated legal representation throughout every process step, offering peace of mind as you focus on your recovery.

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, reach out for a free consultation today. Fill out our online form to get started and let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve!