Pedestrian Accidents in New Jersey: Protecting Your Rights After Being Hit by a Vehicle

Pedestrian accidents can change a life in seconds. A walk to work, a trip across a parking lot, or a stroll through a neighborhood can turn into a serious injury when a vehicle fails to yield or a driver is distracted. In a densely populated state like New Jersey, where traffic congestion and busy intersections are part of everyday life, pedestrian accidents remain a serious concern.

If you have been hit by a vehicle, understanding your legal rights is essential. Whether you are dealing with medical bills, lost income, or long-term recovery, guidance from a trusted auto accident lawyer in New Jersey or personal injury attorney in New Jersey can make a meaningful difference.

This guide explains how pedestrian accidents happen, how New Jersey law applies, and what injured pedestrians should know about protecting their rights and future.

The Reality of Pedestrian Accidents in New Jersey

New Jersey consistently ranks among states with higher pedestrian injury rates, particularly in urban and suburban areas with heavy traffic. National transportation safety data shows that pedestrian crashes increase in areas with poor visibility, high speeds, and frequent intersections.

Common contributing factors include distracted driving, failure to yield at crosswalks or intersections, speeding in residential and commercial zones, poor lighting or adverse weather conditions, and driver impairment due to alcohol or drugs.

Because pedestrians have no physical protection, even low-speed collisions can result in severe injuries. Many victims later require help from personal injury law firms in New Jersey to recover compensation and manage long-term effects.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often occur due to preventable driver behavior. Establishing how the crash happened is key when working with a New Jersey auto accident lawyer or auto accident attorneys New Jersey.

Common causes include drivers turning without checking crosswalks, vehicles running red lights or stop signs, cars backing out of driveways or parking areas, speeding through school zones or neighborhoods, and failing to stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks.

When negligence is involved, an experienced auto accident lawyer in New Jersey can help identify liability and pursue a claim.

New Jersey Pedestrian Laws You Should Know

New Jersey law offers strong protections for pedestrians. Drivers are legally required to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and intersections where pedestrians have the right of way.

Key points include that pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked crosswalks, drivers must yield when pedestrians cross with a signal, speed limits must be adjusted for traffic and weather conditions, and drivers must exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians.

Even if a pedestrian shares some responsibility, New Jersey’s comparative negligence law may still allow compensation. A best personal injury lawyer in New Jersey can explain how fault impacts recovery.

What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident

The moments after a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. Taking the right steps protects both your health and your legal claim.

If possible, call 911 and request medical assistance, report the accident to law enforcement, seek medical care right away, take photos of the scene, vehicle, and injuries, collect witness contact information, and avoid discussing fault.

Prompt medical care strengthens both recovery and any claim handled by personal injury attorneys in New Jersey.

Understanding Injuries and Long-Term Impact

Pedestrian accident injuries are often severe and may include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones and fractures, spinal cord injuries, soft tissue damage, and internal organ injuries.

Beyond physical pain, victims often face emotional distress, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation. These damages are central to claims handled by the best personal injury law firm in New Jersey.

How Insurance Works in Pedestrian Accident Claims

New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state, which means pedestrians may initially rely on Personal Injury Protection benefits. This is where help from a personal injury protection lawyer or PIP claims attorney becomes essential.

Coverage may include Personal Injury Protection benefits, driver liability insurance, and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. A skilled New Jersey auto accident lawyer helps ensure coverage is applied correctly.

Proving Fault in a Pedestrian Accident Case

To pursue compensation beyond no-fault benefits, fault must often be proven. Evidence may include police reports, traffic or surveillance footage, witness statements, medical records, and accident reconstruction analysis.

These cases often involve disputes, making experienced auto accident lawyers in New Jersey critical to building a strong claim.

Compensation That May Be Available

An injured pedestrian may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and future treatment, lost income and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and rehabilitation costs.

Each case is unique, and outcomes depend on injury severity and available insurance.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Pedestrian accident claims can involve complex insurance rules and liability disputes. Working with Daniel Sagiv Law Group gives injured individuals access to experienced legal guidance focused on New Jersey law.

While researching, many people also encounter related services such as motorcycle accident lawyer New Jersey, New Jersey truck accident lawyer, Uber accident lawyer New Jersey, Lyft car accident lawyer, or slip and fall lawyers in New Jersey. These areas of practice highlight how personal injury law protects victims across many types of accidents, including bicycle, motorcycle, dog bite, boat, and trucking cases.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim in New Jersey

New Jersey law generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Claims involving public entities may require notice much sooner.

Missing these deadlines can prevent recovery entirely, even with strong evidence. Early action allows personal injury law firms in New Jersey to preserve evidence and protect your claim.

Supporting Recovery Beyond the Legal Process

Recovery involves more than legal action. Many injured pedestrians benefit from following medical treatment plans, keeping records of pain and recovery, staying organized with medical bills, and relying on family and support systems.

These steps support both physical healing and legal claims.

Taking the Next Step With Confidence

Being struck by a vehicle can leave you shaken and uncertain about what comes next. Understanding your rights under New Jersey law provides clarity and direction during a difficult time.

If you or a loved one has been injured, Daniel Sagiv Law Group helps pedestrians and accident victims understand their options and pursue fair outcomes with care and professionalism.

To learn more or speak with a legal professional experienced in New Jersey pedestrian accident cases, visit https://danielsagivlaw.com/ and take the next step toward protecting your future.