Car accidents are an everyday occurrence. Some of those accidents involve pedestrians. No matter how pedestrian-friendly an area may be, there is always a risk that a motorist may fail to operate their vehicle cautiously and in accordance with vehicle and traffic laws and standards. When a motorist operates their vehicle in an unreasonable manner, they are being negligent. If that negligence results in an injury to a pedestrian, it may be the basis for litigation to recover for the injury and other damages associated with that injury.
Statistically, senior citizens and children tend to be more vulnerable to negligent drivers.
CAUSES OF PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS
- Distracted driving (texting, talking on the phone, looking in another direction, engaging with a passenger, eating, smoking, etc.)
- Driving under the influence of illegal drugs, alcohol or prescribed medications
- Failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, especially at intersections, crosswalks and street corners
- Running stoplights and stop signs
- Failing to heed signs and road markings and proceed accordingly
- Speeding
- Failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians at marked or unmarked crosswalks (where pedestrians have the right of way)
Pedestrians typically have no way to protect themselves from the impact of a motor vehicle. As such, injuries can be quite severe, or, in the extreme may cause loss of life.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a New Jersey pedestrian accident, the attorneys at Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari can evaluate your potential claim to see if pursuance of a civil lawsuit is warranted. Contact us at 973-845-4421.