Pedestrian Accidents are Out of Control in New Jersey

The United States is famous for its car culture, and sometimes it seems like many New Jersey residents have forgotten how to walk even a few blocks. Because of this car culture, it is easy to dismiss the legitimate rights of pedestrians in this state, and many of these pedestrians suffer tremendous injuries due to negligent drivers. Over the past few weeks alone, there have been numerous pedestrian accidents. Many of these accidents have resulted in fatalities, and some drivers simply fled the crash scene rather than face consequences. But what can you do if you’ve suffered injuries after being struck by a vehicle in New Jersey?

Driver Claims He “Couldn’t See” Pedestrian Standing in the Middle of Road

 On December 16, it was reported that a trucker who struck a pedestrian in North Bergen claimed innocence, insisting that he “never saw the pedestrian” despite striking him head-on in the middle of an intersection. The trucker also claims that he had no intention of fleeing the scene, despite driving for several blocks after the accident. It was thanks to an unknown good samaritan that the trucker was forced to stop and pull over. At this point, the good samaritan informed the trucker in clear terms that he had just struck a pedestrian.

Despite the questionable circumstances of this accident, it seems as though the trucker may escape charges for running over and killing the 76-year-old victim. This elderly woman was crossing legally on a marked crosswalk at the time of the crash. This represents the fourth traffic fatality in this specific area within the past year. Critics are in an uproar over the fact that this trucker will not be charged with a single criminal offense, as traffic surveillance footage seems to suggest that the trucker could not possibly have missed the old lady in the middle of the street. Perhaps in response, the prosecutor’s office quickly announced that the crash is still under investigation. Some say that the trucker might have genuinely been blind to the elderly lady because of the height of the cab, while others say that this is not a valid excuse.

Two Vehicles Sought in Connection to Deadly Pedestrian Accident

 On December 22, it was reported that police were attempting to track down two drivers who were allegedly involved in a deadly pedestrian accident in Lindenwold. This incident occurred on December 8, and police arrived at the scene of the accident to find a 53-year-old with critical wounds. This victim was transported to a nearby hospital but eventually passed away. Police believe a light-colored sedan and a dark SUV may have been involved.

Pedestrian Hospitalized After Being Struck in Warren

On December 7, it was reported that a pedestrian had been hospitalized after being struck in Warren. The accident occurred at approximately 3 PM, leaving the pedestrian with a head laceration, back pain, neck pain, and other minor lacerations. The exact circumstances of the injury are unknown, but police reported that an investigation was ongoing.

Can You Sue for a Pedestrian Accident After a Hit-and-Run in New Jersey?

 Judging by these recent stories, it seems evident that hit-and-runs are pretty common when it comes to pedestrian accidents in New Jersey. But how exactly can you pursue compensation for these incidents if you cannot track down the driver who caused your injuries? The good news is that New Jersey is a “no-fault” state, which means that you can pursue compensation through PIP insurance without actually holding anyone liable for your injuries. This is a fairly rare system in the United States, and many other states do not follow it. The bad news is that sometimes PIP insurance does not cover your total damages, which means that you may need to explore additional legal options with the help of an attorney.

 Where Can I Find a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney in New Jersey?

 If you have been injured as a pedestrian in New Jersey, one of the first things you should do is get in touch with a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney. These legal professionals can guide you toward the compensation you deserve. Book a consultation with Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., and you can hold negligent drivers accountable while covering your medical expenses, missed wages, and other damages. Remember, the statute of limitations may prevent you from taking action if you wait too long, so it is best to get started with us as soon as possible. Reach out today.