New Jersey Rocked by Numerous Pedestrian Crashes

Within the past few days, numerous reports have highlighted pedestrian crashes across New Jersey. All of these incidents have been fatal, leaving grieving families in their wake and raising questions about traffic safety in the Garden State. If your loved one was killed by a pedestrian accident in New Jersey, you may have legal options. It may be possible to file a wrongful death claim, and this could provide your family with compensation for various damages. These damages may include funeral expenses, missed future income, unpaid medical bills, and more. Reach out to an experienced injury lawyer in New Jersey to learn more. 

Driver Faces Hit-and-Run Charges After Killing Pedestrian in Galloway Township

In September of 2024, traffic authorities announced that a man was facing felony charges after committing an alleged hit-and-run. The collision left a pedestrian dead, and he is now being charged with second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident. The victim was a 33-year-old woman from Barnegat.

Police note that this accident occurred on a particularly busy part of Route 30 in Galloway Township. It is believed that the victim was walking on the shoulder when she was fatally struck. After striking the woman, the driver pulled over and jumped out of his vehicle. He then attempted to flee on foot but was ultimately apprehended.

Fatal Pedestrian Crash Reported in Manchester Township

At around the same time, traffic authorities reported another pedestrian fatality in Ocean County. The Manchester Township Police Department states that officers found the body of a pedestrian and a car with extensive frontal damage. The driver remained at the scene and suffered no injuries. A preliminary investigation determined that the pedestrian was standing in the westbound lane for unknown reasons. Police also noted that there was minimal lighting on the road, seemingly implying that the pedestrian was difficult to spot. 

The driver pulled over and called 9-1-1 immediately after the crash. While the preliminary investigation seems to indicate that the pedestrian was jaywalking at the time of the crash, it is important not to jump to conclusions until the police have concluded their official investigation. 

Pedestrian Killed by Train in Red Bank

Also in September of 2024, a pedestrian lost their life after being struck by a New Jersey Transit train in Red Bank. Authorities say that the man was trying to cross Monmouth Street at the designated crossing area when he was struck and killed by the New Jersey Coast Line train. No one else was injured in the crash, and further details on this incident are sparse. Although it is difficult to draw conclusions, this marks yet another New Jersey transit fatality during a period of numerous train and bus accidents. 

How Can New Jersey Limit Further Pedestrian Fatalities?

With so many pedestrian fatalities in the Garden State, people are asking what the government can do to make our streets safer. One potential solution comes from Hoboken, a city that recently enacted numerous traffic laws to limit pedestrian deaths. These include lower speed limits, staggered traffic lights, and daylighting. 

Daylighting has become something of a buzzword across the nation, and numerous states are creating new daylighting laws in the modern era. For those who don’t know, this process involved removing parking spots from streets. This has the effect of improving visibility for both drivers and pedestrians – helping them spot each other before impacts. 

Street parking often blocks visibility – especially when vehicles park too close to crosswalks. Pedestrians are forced to tentatively peek around parked vehicles to spot upcoming traffic. Those who forget to cross with caution are often struck. Eliminating street parking makes it easier to cross in a safe manner – and daylighting is a key component of Hoboken’s success story. This city has not seen a traffic fatality for seven years. Not a single person has died in traffic accidents during this period – including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. 

Can a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in New Jersey Help?

If your family is recovering from the loss of a loved one after a fatal pedestrian accident in New Jersey, an injury lawyer could help. You may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim against negligent parties responsible for this fatal accident – and you could receive compensation for the hardship your family was forced to endure. Legal action begins with a consultation, and you can schedule your first meeting with Lependorf & Silverstein today. Reach out now to get started with an action plan.