Recent Traffic Accident Resulted in a Pedestrian Fatality in Princeton, New Jersey

Princeton, NJ (November 1st, 2020) – A traffic accident reported on the late evening of September 1st claimed the life of a pedestrian. On Monday, August 31st at approximately, 11:08 p.m., the West Windsor Division of Fire and Emergency Services were dispatched to a serious traffic accident involving a pedestrian that occurred in the U.S. Route 1 North near Princeton Service Center. According to the WWPD’s Traffic Bureau & Detective Bureau, the pedestrian was reported deceased at the scene.

Preliminary investigations concluded that the pedestrian, a resident of Piscataway, was on the left lane of U.S. Route 1 North, just south of the Meadow Road overpass when struck by a driver of a 2005 Nissan Murano. Consequently, the pedestrian was thrown to the center lane and was struck again by a second driver in a 2018 Honda Accord. There were no other injuries reported in the accident. U.S. Route 1 was closed on north and southbound lanes for nearly three hours while the investigations took place.

The identities of those involved were not disclosed at the time of the report. Lead Investigator, Traffic Officer LaRocca, is requesting anyone with any information about the accident to contact the West Windsor Police Department.

Traffic accidents involving pedestrians are a very serious concern throughout the country. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration, since 2009, pedestrian accidents have been steadily increasing. In 2017 alone, the administration reported nearly six thousand pedestrian fatalities caused as a result of motor vehicle collisions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further reports that on average, there is one pedestrian casualty caused by a traffic accident every 88 minutes. Additionally, about 137,000 pedestrians received treatment in emergency medical departments for non-fatal injuries in 2017.

In order to raise safety awareness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has highlighted the risk factors associated with pedestrian accidents. The agency reports that almost half of all pedestrian fatality accidents involved alcohol on behalf of either the pedestrian and/or the driver. Roughly 33 percent of all pedestrian accidents involved a pedestrian with a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.08. Moreover, 17 percent of all pedestrian accidents involved a motorist with at least 0.08 percent of a blood alcohol concentration. Unfortunately, some fatal accidents involved both.

Other prevalent risk factors pedestrians should be cognisant of are age factors. Those over the age of 65 as well as children under the age of 15 have higher death rates in pedestrian accidents when compared to the general population. Furthermore, speeding vehicles tend to lead to catastrophic injuries or death for the pedestrian. Generally, most pedestrian accident fatalities occur at non-intersection locations during low-visibility conditions, such as night time or when there is heavy fog.

Whether pedestrians take adequate precautions or not, a collision can be unavoidable when the motorist is driving erratically and without regard for others on the road. Pedestrian accidents can impact a person’s life in a number of ways, including physically, emotionally, and financially. If you or someone you know has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Princeton, it is important to take quick action and seek the legal guidance of a proficient attorney. Reckless drivers should be held accountable and maximum compensation for those injured should always be pursued.

The New Jersey accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., are highly versed in complex pedestrian accidents. The law firm handles the most challenging cases, providing unparalleled tailored service for all clients. To ensure your case obtains the representation it deserves, consider scheduling a no-obligation consultation with the law firm today. Call (609) 240-0040 today to learn more about legal options.