Pedestrians are susceptible to severe harm in the event of a traffic accident. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, an estimated 70,735 pedestrians were injured or killed due to traffic-related crashes in the United States. Knowing the laws of the road is the first step in building your pedestrian accident claim. If the driver who hit you committed a legal violation in the process, then it is a near guarantee that your claim is valid and will hold up under the scrutiny of the insurance company and the court. If you have been seriously injured in a New Jersey pedestrian accident, you should consider your legal options going forward. For strong legal representation when you need it most, contact The Wilton Law Firm today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Understanding New Jersey’s Pedestrian Laws
Both pedestrians and drivers must abide by the rules of the road. When these laws are not followed, pedestrians can become seriously injured or even killed. New Jersey’s right-of-way laws regarding pedestrians are as follows:
- At crosswalks and intersections: Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-36, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are legally crossing the road at an intersection or on a marked crosswalk. Furthermore, drivers must come to a complete stop at crosswalks when pedestrians are on the roadway. Pedestrians, however, are not allowed to dart into the roadway.
- Outside crosswalks: Pedestrians are legally required to yield the right-of-way to motorists when trying to cross where there is no crosswalk. That does not excuse drivers from exercising due care to avoid pedestrians who are in the roadway. A driver may still be found at fault if a pedestrian accident is the direct result of reckless or negligent action.
Recovering Compensation After an Accident
If you have been seriously injured in a New Jersey pedestrian accident, you must consider your legal options, as you may be entitled to significant compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial burdens caused by the accident. With the help of The Wilton Law Firm, you may recover compensation for both economic and noneconomic damages. These can include your medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and more. However, you should understand that under New Jersey law, you must file your claim within two years of the date of the accident. If you fail to meet this deadline, which is referred to as the statute of limitations, you may be unable to pursue damages against the negligent party.
Contact a Monmouth County Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by another party, please reach out to the experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyers at The Wilton Law Firm. We can help you file an injury claim or lawsuit in pursuit of full and fair compensation for the damages you have suffered. To learn more about your rights and legal options, contact The Wilton Law Firm today and schedule a free initial consultation with our skilled team of attorneys.
