From an early age, we are taught to look both ways before crossing the street. When learning to drive, we are taught to look out for pedestrians. Despite this, pedestrians become injured by vehicles often. These accidents can result in serious injury and even death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Read on for more information regarding pedestrian accidents and what you should do in the event of an accident.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can be caused by a number of factors. These factors may include hazardous road conditions, inclement weather, and faulty car parts. But, for the most part, these accidents are caused by driver or pedestrian negligence. Some of the most common forms of negligence include:
- Speeding drivers
- Drivers who fail to pay attention to stop signs, street lights, or crosswalks
- Driving without headlights in bad weather or at night
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Pedestrians who are not paying attention while they walk
- Pedestrians who fail to cross in the crosswalk
Can I Recover Compensation?
If you are injured due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation. An injury can take a serious toll. As a result, there are two types of compensation you may be eligible to receive:
- Economic damages: medical expenses, lost wages, the cost of rehabilitation, the need to hire in-home care, and more.
- Non-economic damages: pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.
How Long do I Have to File a Claim?
If you are recovering from a serious injury, it can be difficult to consider beginning the legal process, but it is important that you do not wait too long. In order to recover compensation, you will need to make sure to file your personal injury claim in time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for a personal injury accident is generally two years. This means if you fail to file within two years, you will most likely lose your chance to recover compensation. To avoid missing any important deadlines, you should contact a skilled personal injury attorney.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our firm today to speak with a dedicated attorney.
CONTACT OUR FIRM
Retaining an attorney after an injury-causing accident is the most effective way to ensure that you receive the compensation to which you are legally entitled. To learn more about how we can help you, call the Wilton Law Firm today at 732-275-9555 or send us an email through our online contact form.
