Old Bridge, NJ (February 15th, 2022) – Officials say that traffic was backed up in both directions of Route 9 following a serious traffic accident that happened on Tuesday morning in Old Bridge.
As a result of the accident, the highway was shut from south Ferry Rd. to north Spring Valley Rd. This was reported on the state Department of Transportation’s traffic web page 511nj.org.
A ramp from northbound Route 18 to Route 9 was also closed.
A school district on Old Bridge sent an alert shortly before 8 a.m. warning commuters to expect delays throughout the day pending a police investigation.
Traffic cameras placed in the area show delays stretching from Monmouth County to Middlesex County around 8 a.m. SigAlert.com also mentioned that heavy traffic was also reported on northbound Route 18 through Marlboro.
According to the Old Bridge Police Department, a deceased middle-aged man was found on the median of Route 9 between Spring Valley and Ferry roads.
The victim was discovered by a motorist who contacted police dispatch shortly before 7 a.m. The motorist reported a person laying on the median, according to police reports. Once officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the man’s body.
Police indicate that the deceased appears to have been a victim of a hit-and-run accident. The cause of the accident has not been determined by authorities but the case continues to be investigated by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Just last month, 69-year-old Harvey Berse was fatally struck while in the vicinity of Route 9. Authorities responded to the scene of the accident that happened around 1:25 a.m. on January 28th. The prosecutor’s office determined that the deceased pedestrian was struck by at least one motor vehicle.
Whenever a person is out for a walk, jog, or run, they are at risk of being injured by a motor vehicle. Anytime a person shares the road with moving vehicles, they are no match for the size and immense weight of these vehicles. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are on the rise across the nation, and when a person is struck by a vehicle, the injuries can be fatal. Even if a pedestrian survives the impact, the accident can cause catastrophic injuries from which the victim may never really recover.
In the State of New Jersey, motorists owe others they share the road with a duty of care to drive their vehicle in a reasonably safe and responsible manner that is consistent with the rules of the road. Wherever a driver fails to drive reasonably responsible, an injury-causing accident can happen.
One of the main causes of accidents that result in the preventable injury of a pedestrian is driving while intoxicated. Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol plays a significant role in a vast majority of pedestrian vs. auto accidents. It is irresponsible for a person to operate a vehicle while intoxicated as this can result in blurred vision, slowed reaction time, lack of coordination, and drowsiness.
In addition to intoxication, driving while distracted is another major cause of pedestrian accidents. According to a Transportation Safety report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 people are killed every day across the nation as a result of accidents that reportedly involve at least one distracted driver. The report goes on to say that even when traveling at relatively low speeds, a person sending or reading a text message can expect to travel the length of a football field without ever looking at the road. Distracted driving can involve a plethora of actions, such as looking up an address, texting, talking with passengers in the vehicle, and adjusting the radio.
Driving erratically and too fast for road and weather conditions are other factors that contribute to the cause of avoidable pedestrian accidents. These reckless actions are not only illegal but are also considered negligent. When a person speeds through an intersection, runs a red light or violates other traffic laws, he or she runs the risk of injuring a pedestrian. It is important to note that pedestrian accidents are usually deadly when the incident involves speeding.
When a person is struck by a moving vehicle, it is likely that the person driving the vehicle will be considered at least partially responsible for the accident. A person who was struck by a moving vehicle has the right to pursue legal action against the at-fault parties for monetary compensation for the injuries he or she sustained.
Drivers in the State of New Jersey owe a duty of care to others they share the road with, but in particular to pedestrians. Drivers have to remain vigilant of the road and look out for people walking on the road. When a person is crossing the street at a designated crosswalk, the driver will certainly be considered liable since pedestrians always have the right-of-way.
If you or someone you love was struck by a vehicle, it is very important to take swift action and seek legal counsel from an attorney who is well-versed in pedestrian accident cases. Pedestrian accidents are usually very serious and often result in catastrophic injuries, such as loss of limb, permanent disability, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. With the right legal support, you may be able to obtain monetary compensation for all of the damages you incurred as a result of the negligent accident.
New Jersey’s premier pedestrian accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. are prepared to aggressively advocate on your behalf. They are proud to represent clients who have been injured as a result of another party’s careless actions, advocating for their interests through and through.
The compassionate attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. will handle the communication between aggressive insurers and the client, ensuring the client receives the highest amount of compensation possible. When an agreeable negotiation cannot be reached, the firm will never shy from taking the case to court. Allow the experienced attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. to represent your case. Consider contacting the law firm today to schedule your complimentary case evaluation.
The firm’s principals, Gabriel R. Lependorf and David E. Silverstein, have each been representing injured victims in the State of New Jersey for over thirty years.
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