Our Family Has Given A Voice To The Injured For Over 50 Combined Years
For those who enjoy the beautiful fall weather in New Jersey, going for a walk should not be risky. Yet, it is, at increasingly high rates. Pedestrian safety tips in NJ are critical to know before you head out on your next trip.
October Is National Pedestrian Safety Month
From 2018 to 2022, 915 people died in pedestrian accidents in the Golden State. That is 31.5% of all fatal car accidents. Additionally, in 2024, 221 pedestrians suffered a fatal collision, which is a 29% increase from just the year before.
These accidents can happen anywhere, though they are most prevalent in urban areas. That includes areas like Newark, East Orange, and Jersey City. No matter where you are hurt in such an accident, you have rights, and you should know what those pedestrian rights in New Jersey are.
New Jersey Is One of the Most Dangerous States for Pedestrians
There are various reasons why these accidents happen, but many are asking why they are growing instead of improving. To prevent pedestrian accidents, it is critical to truly understand what causes them. Some examples include:
- Distracted driving is a big concern. Phones, navigational tools, and other distractions behind the wheel are the most common and growing cause of such accidents.
- Speeding is also a factor. Drivers who are traveling above the speed limit have less opportunity to stop fast enough when they need to do so
- Poor visibility is also a concern, especially when the weather is a factor or it is dark outside.
- Failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians is also a consistent reason for these accidents. Some drivers simply do not know when pedestrians have the right of way.
- Poorly maintained or otherwise unsafe crosswalks and intersections are another factor that contributes to these injuries and losses.
We encourage you to consult with an experienced, trusted New Jersey personal injury legal team if you are a pedestrian who has been injured in an accident.
Legal Rights of Pedestrians in New Jersey
Drivers have every responsibility to stop when they can to avoid striking a pedestrian. There are several pedestrian laws that make that clear. Here are some of the most common factors that play a role in this process.
- Right-of-way laws: Pedestrians have the right-of-way in a crosswalk. That means drivers must stop as a pedestrian enters the crosswalk.
- Duty to pedestrians: Even if a pedestrian steps off the curb outside of a crosswalk, the driver still maintains the responsibility to stop and avoid striking the pedestrian if they can do so. By paying attention to the roadway, it becomes possible.
- Potential liability: If a driver fails to yield the right of way and strikes a pedestrian, the victim may be able to pursue financial compensation for their losses.
If you believe you were hurt due to the negligence of a driver, turn to a personal injury law firm in NJ for the guidance you need. Do not assume you will receive fair treatment otherwise.
How to Prevent Pedestrian Accidents
It is possible to avoid most pedestrian accidents. Doing so requires everyone to take steps to monitor roadways and avoid mistakes that lead to injuries.
Consider the following safety tips for pedestrians to remain safe on the roadway:
- Avoid crossing the street outside of a crosswalk.
- Always wear bright, reflective clothing when in dark or low-visibility situations.
- Avoid distractions while walking, including removing earbuds and putting your phone away.
These tips can help drivers be safe around pedestrians:
- Slow down when driving through areas with a high concentration of pedestrians. That is especially true in school zones.
- Avoid distractions such as the radio, phones, eating, or engaging in any activity outside of driving the vehicle.
- Yield to crosswalks. Look both ways twice before you move through them.
- Notably, cities also play a role in this process of keeping pedestrians safe by ensuring proper city planning and maintaining roads.
These pedestrian safety tips in NJ can help you avoid such incidents. But you also need to know what to do if you are hurt.
Common Pedestrian Injuries After Accidents
Some of the most common injuries in pedestrian accidents include the following:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries resulting in temporary or permanent paralysis
- Long-term effects such as catastrophic injuries due to loss of mobility, emotional trauma, and loss of vision
Recovering from these accidents can be equally challenging. The need for ongoing support is very high. Unfortunately, thousands of victims lose their lives across the country each year from such accidents.
What to Do If You Are Injured in a Pedestrian Accident
Prioritize your safety in these situations. Get out of the way of additional risk, call 911, and get medical care. If it is safe for you to do so, document the scene by taking photos of the surrounding area, the vehicle, damage to the vehicle, and your injuries. If possible, gather witness information as well.
This is also the best time to contact a Newark pedestrian accident attorney. Let your attorney step in to start providing you with guidance immediately.
FAQs About NJ Pedestrian Accidents
Who is liable when a car hits a pedestrian?
In many situations, a driver is held responsible if they cause an accident involving a pedestrian. There are some exceptions to this, such as when the driver had the right of way because the pedestrian was jaywalking or crossing unlawfully.
How much compensation will you receive from a pedestrian accident?
Compensation is dependent on the severity of your injuries and losses. You can expect to receive both economic and non-economic damages.
Do drivers have to give way to pedestrians in NJ?
Yes, a driver must defer to a pedestrian when they are in a crosswalk and cannot strike a pedestrian if it can be avoided.
Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP Is the Newark Pedestrian Accident Lawyers You Need
At Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP, our Newark pedestrian accident lawyers protect the rights of injured victims. We are happy to offer you a free consultation to discuss your case. Call 973-675-8277 or contact us online. We are located in East Orange, NJ.
