New Jersey Personal Injury Blog
Category – pedestrian accident
Law Aims to Prevent New Jersey Pedestrian Accidents
A new law now requires that New Jersey drivers come to a complete stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Simply “yielding” to pedestrians is no longer adequate. The Cape May County Herald reports that the change in this traffic law was spurred by the high rate of pedestrian “knock down” accidents in New Jersey. The new law removes confusion surrounding what the term “yield” means. Many drivers tend to slow down or simply roll through yield signs when pedestrians are present. Under the newly revised law, a full stop will be required by the driver if a pedestrian is walking into or through the intersection. Fines for violators will range between $100 and $200.
There are approximately 150 pedestrian accident fatalities in New Jersey each year (click here for more information). The new law is an attempt to bring those high numbers down. The law also imparts more liability on the drivers, as it is designed to hold drivers culpable for not paying attention to pedestrian presence.
For pedestrian accident victims, medical expenses, lost wages and other costs can add up fast. If a negligent driver has caused you harm, it is important to seek legal assistance to determine if you may be entitled to compensation for your physical injuries and economic losses.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a New Jersey pedestrian accident, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Blume Goldfaden can provide you with a no-cost consultation and a thorough evaluation of your potential claim. Call us today at 973-635-5400.
New Jersey Car Accident Kills Fort Lee Resident
A 72-year-old woman was killed in a New Jersey pedestrian accident after she was struck by a motor vehicle. According to a news report in The Record, the victim was standing off the curb near Lemoine and Bruce Reynolds Boulevard in Ft. Lee, New Jersey. After being treated at the scene, she was transported to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead. The driver of the vehicle stopped at the scene and is cooperating with authorities; however, there were no other witnesses.
According to statistics, in 2008 there were 138 pedestrian fatalities in New Jersey. State law requires motorists to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are in crosswalks, and, in areas designated for pedestrians. (NJSA Section 39:4-35)
A sudden and unexpected death in the family is tragic, and, can greatly affect the emotional and financial well-being of loved ones. In cases where a pedestrian’s death or other injuries are the result of being struck by a motor vehicle, the party at-fault may be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages; and, the survivors of a fatally injured pedestrian may file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical and funeral expenses, lost future earnings, and, loss of advice, guidance, counseling, services and companionship. If you have lost a loved one in a New Jersey pedestrian accident, contact the New Jersey pedestrian accident injury attorneys of Blume Goldfaden at 973-635-5400. We will provide a no-cost consultation and a thorough evaluation of your potential claim.
New Jersey Pedestrian Accident Causes Injuries
A man recently sustained leg injuries in a New Jersey pedestrian accident, according to a report in the Ridgewood News. The accident reportedly occurred at the intersection of East Ridgewood and Maple avenues in Ridgewood. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his serious injuries. Police are still investigating the cause of the accident, and, have not cited anyone in connection with this incident.
Pedestrian accidents in New Jersey may occur due to a variety of factors, including driver error or negligence. In some cases, dangerous or defective roadways and intersections could be contributing factors; examples include visual obstructions, poorly marked or maintained crosswalks or roadways, a lack of appropriate traffic control devices, and, road debris or disrepair. Driver negligence could include a variety of factors, including impairment from to alcohol or drug consumption, driver distraction and inattention, and, speeding.
If a negligent driver causes a pedestrian accident, then he or she could be held liable for the harm caused. Similarly, if a dangerous roadway contributes to the cause of an accident, a pedestrian can file a notice of tort claim within 90 days of the date of the accident, against the appropriate governmental/municipal or other entities which are responsible for maintaining and/or designing the roadway or intersection where the injury occurred. Such a notice preserves the right of the pedestrian to file a lawsuit in the future, if warranted.
If you have been injured in a New Jersey pedestrian accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Blume Goldfaden. We have the staff and resources to handle even the most complicated pedestrian accident cases. We have a long track record of favorable verdicts and large settlements concerning pedestrian accident claims. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in New Jersey, your time to file a claim may be limited by state law. Call us at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.
New Jersey Crossing-Guard Pedestrian Accidents On the Rise
A recent news article in The Record addresses the increase in the number of New Jersey pedestrian accidents involving crossing guards. According to official reports, over a span of one week in January 2010, four crossing guards were struck by vehicles in New Jersey. Nationwide, 97 crossing guards were killed between 1993 and 2006, according to the Department of Health and Senior Services. In fact, New Jersey insurance providers note that the occupation of crossing guard is one of the most dangerous jobs in municipal government.
Recently, a 73-year-old crossing guard was struck by a van as he helped a man cross a road in Little Ferry, New Jersey. The van struck the crossing guard while making a left turn. He sustained fatal injuries, including broken bones and head injuries. The van’s driver told authorities that he did not see the crossing guard at the intersection because he was blinded by the glare of the afternoon sun.
Vehicle vs. Pedestrian accidents can easily cause catastrophic injuries, or, even death. Many of these accidents occur because of the motorist’s negligence. A driver could be impaired, speeding, or, simply not paying attention to his or her surrounding environment.
If you, or, a loved one has suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact the skilled NJ pedestrian accident lawyers at Blume Goldfaden to determine whether you have a possible claim. We have been able to secure compensation for pedestrian accident victims in New Jersey for decades. Call us at 973-635-5400 to schedule your no-cost consultation.
Route 9 Bus Rider Struck By Truck in NJ
It was recently reported by shorenewstoday.com that a woman was struck by a truck and killed after she exited a New Jersey Transit bus on Route 9. The 54-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are still investigating the accident, and have not said whether the 45-year-old driver of the truck was at fault. It was not reported whether alcohol or drugs were involved.
Tragic traffic accidents involving pedestrians too often end in wrongful death. Pedestrians stand little chance of avoiding significant injury when struck by a motor vehicle. Careless driving is a chief cause of auto accidents with pedestrian injury. Other factors, including dangerous road conditions, poor lighting, poor signage, or, poorly functioning traffic lights can also play a role in these tragic occurrences. As a result, it is also possible that a municipality in charge of the maintenance of roadways and signaling devices can be held liable for damages suffered by accident victims.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact one of the experienced New Jersey pedestrian accident attorneys at Blume Goldfaden. Our lawyers will evaluate the circumstances of your accident, and, determine if you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your financial losses and physical injuries. If you have been injured, call us today at 973-635-5400 for more information and a consultation at no cost to you.
Pedestrian Decoy Program Begins in South Jersey
On August 14th 2009 the State of New Jersey instituted a “Pedestrian Decoy Program”. The New Jersey initiative aims to spread awareness of traffic laws by enforcing the rules regarding pedestrians and motorists on New Jersey streets. Officers posing as everyday pedestrians engage in creating typical situations which would require motorists to stop or yield. When drivers do not, they are instantly pulled over by waiting traffic officers and given citations. The program was initiated by state and local authorities who were concerned over the growing number of pedestrian deaths in New Jersey.
The program does not just teach drivers to obey the rules of the road, it also forces them to consider the necessity of yielding to pedestrians regardless of whether or not pedestrians are following the rules of the road; doing so may save countless lives. The Director of New Jersey’s Division of Highway Traffic Safety has stated that the number of fatal car crashes involving pedestrians is “too high” and “unacceptable”.
Since the program’s inception in 2006, the number of fatal pedestrian auto accidents has significantly decreased. In 2006, 164 of the 771 fatal auto crashes in New Jersey involved pedestrians (21.2%). However, the following year, only 150 of 774 fatal auto accidents resulted in pedestrian death (19.3).
Pedestrian accidents in New Jersey and across our nation can be among the most severe of all traffic accidents. As there is no shield or protection from the weight and size of automobiles, these accidents very often result in catastrophic injury or death.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a traffic accident, contact the experienced New Jersey pedestrian accident attorneys at Blume Goldfaden today for a consultation at no cost to you.
Source report: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/08/nj_traffic_safety_officials_st.html
Man and NJ Transit Train Collide, Man Dies
A New Jersey Transit train headed to New York was involved in a pedestrian accident at the New Bridge Landing Station in River Edge, New Jersey. According to a report issued by nj.com, the express train was headed Northbound when the accident occurred. The victim, a 49-year-old man from Teaneck, may or may not have purposely stepped in front of the train before he was fatally struck. None of the 350 on-board passenger train riders were injured during the incident. Police are still investigating the matter. This was the 16th pedestrian death involving a New Jersey Transit train in 2009, and, the second of its kind to occur in recent weeks.
Pedestrian accidents involving trains often result in serious injury or death. While the above case suggests a possible suicide, an investigation has not yet been determined what exactly caused the man to fall in front of the train’s path. If accidental, the investigators need to precisely determine how the man was able to enter onto the tracks in the first place. If safety railing and other deterrents could have been put in place to possibly prevent such an accident from occurring, then those entities designing, controlling and maintaining, the train station may be responsible.
Transit companies have an obligation to ensure the safety of pedestrians and their riders. As a common carrier involved in the business of transportation, they owe a higher degree of care than do ordinary citizens. They must take all necessary precautions to see to it that tragic events such as the one identified herein are avoided
If you have been injured in a New Jersey train accident, contact a skilled New Jersey personal injury attorney at Blume Goldfaden. Our experienced attorneys will investigate the circumstances of your train accident to determine whether negligence by the transit company or its employees contributed to your accident and injuries. Call us today at 973-635-5400 for more information and a no cost consultation with regard to your potential case.
Source:http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/09/fatal_accident_involving_nj_tr.html