Nun Dies in New Jersey Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrians lose their lives all the time in New Jersey, but the deaths of some individuals are more shocking than others. Communities tend to mourn when children lose their lives after being struck by passing vehicles, and the same logic applies to seniors. These individuals are seen as vulnerable, and humans are hardwired to protect them at all costs. The death of a nun also elicits the same general response, and this is exactly what happened in a recent New Jersey pedestrian accident. What can you do if your loved one has lost their life in a pedestrian accident? Can you file a lawsuit against the driver responsible? Although online research can provide basic answers to these questions, a consultation with a lawyer may prove more productive and insightful.

96-Year-Old Former Nun Struck and Killed While Crossing New Jersey Crosswalk

In July of 2024, Patch reported that a former nun had lost her life while attempting to cross the street in New Jersey. The senior citizen was 96 years old, and she spent 25 years with the Franciscan Order. A longtime resident of Newton, the woman was also an active member of the Roman Catholic Church.

The incident occurred in Newton, and it left her with critical injuries. Although first responders were able to transport her to a nearby hospital, medical staff quickly pronounced her dead.

The driver who struck her was issued a summons for failing to yield. Because the senior citizen was in the middle of the crosswalk when she was struck, she clearly had the right of way. The driver reportedly attempted to turn left, evidently without paying enough attention to the pedestrian who had already entered the crosswalk. These kinds of accidents are quite common, and they can cause fatal injuries for virtually anyone of any age.

Can I File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Losing a Loved One to a Pedestrian Accident?

Yes, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit if you have lost a loved one to a fatal pedestrian accident in New Jersey. Although New Jersey is a no-fault state for the most part, you may still file a lawsuit for serious injuries – including death. In this type of situation, you are allowed to pursue additional compensation for non-economic damages. In contrast, a no-fault claim can only provide compensation for economic damages.

While economic damages include funeral costs, missed wages, and lost income, non-economic damages include emotional losses. These include grief, humiliation, depression, anxiety, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. In other words, families may be able to recover compensation for the psychological issues caused by a death.

You may only qualify to file a wrongful death lawsuit if you were closely related to the deceased victim. For example, you might be the victim’s parent. Perhaps you are their sibling or their child. Spouses may also sue on behalf of their deceased partners. If none of these relatives are available, more distant family members may become eligible to sue. Contact an experienced injury lawyer to determine whether you might be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

What if the Pedestrian Was Jaywalking?

In the aforementioned fatal pedestrian accident, the victim was clearly in the crosswalk. But what might have happened if she had been crossing outside of a crosswalk? Also known as “jaywalking,” this is technically unlawful in New Jersey. More importantly, in the context of a personal injury claim, this is considered a type of negligence.

New Jersey follows a comparative negligence system, which means that you can still sue even if you were partially to blame for your accident. However, this system has limits. If you were more than 50% to blame for your own injuries, you cannot file a lawsuit.

Jaywalking may or may not be considered more than 50% fault. Each situation is different, and your lawyer can prove that you were not the primary cause of the accident. For example, you might have been struck by a drunk, speeding, or reckless driver. In this type of situation, your decision to jaywalk may constitute a relatively minor level of fault.

Find an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in New Jersey

If you have been searching for an experienced pedestrian lawyer in New Jersey, look no further than Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. We know how serious pedestrian accidents can be, and we know that they often prove fatal. If you lost someone you love to one of these accidents, a wrongful death lawsuit may be possible. The death of a nun in a crosswalk represents a shocking development for the New Jersey community, but these kinds of stories are unfortunately all too common. Book a consultation today to discuss the specifics of your situation – and pursue compensation with confidence.