New Jersey Personal Injury Blog
Category – Pedestrian Accident
DWI Driver Responsible for Fatal Pedestrian Accident Involving 13-Year-Old Girl
The driver responsible for a fatal New Jersey pedestrian accident that killed a 13-year-old Little Egg Harbor girl has been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI). An Asbury Park Press article reports that while an investigation into the incident is ongoing, it has been reported that the 47-year-old motorist hit the young girl as she was walking along a roadside to a friend’s house with another girl.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office stated that blood tests for the driver will be evaluated to determine if any additional charges will be filed in relation to the fatal pedestrian accident.
Pedestrian accidents, such as the one in this case, may result in serious injury or even the loss of life due largely to the fact that pedestrians are unprotected while along a roadway. Some factors contributing to the occurrence of these unfortunate accidents include distracted driving and inattention, vehicle defects, speeding, dangerous road conditions and drug or alcohol impaired driving. Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that in 2009, 4,092 pedestrians were killed and about 59,000 were injured in accidents throughout the United States. During this same time period, on average, a pedestrian died every two hours and a pedestrian was injured every nine minutes.
Family members of pedestrians killed or persons injured in accidents may have a legal right to recover compensation for their injuries, damages and loses from responsible parties. The New Jersey pedestrian accident lawyers at Blume Goldfaden have decades of experience protecting the rights of pedestrian accident victims. For a no-cost consultation about your possible case, call us at 973-635-5400.
Toms River Pedestrian Accident Involving SUV on Route 70 Results in 16-Year-Old’s Death
A 16-year-old boy was killed in a pedestrian accident outside of his apartment complex in Toms River, New Jersey reports The Star-Ledger. The teenager was reportedly crossing the road around 8 p.m. when struck by an SUV. Although charges have not been filed against the driver, the accident is being investigated by authorities from the Toms River Police Department, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the county Sheriff’s Department. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
Based on data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 583 total traffic fatalities occurred in New Jersey in 2009, with 157 of these fatalities involving pedestrians. It was also calculated in 2009 that in the United States, on average, a pedestrian was killed every two hours and one injured every nine minutes in traffic accidents.
Pedestrian accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, some of which can be attributed to motorist negligence. It is well-accepted that motorists must yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a cross walk. In far too many cases, an inattentive driver simply did not see the pedestrian, or, could not stop in time to prevent an accident because they were driving too fast for the circumstances existing at the time.
At Blume Goldfaden, our New Jersey pedestrian accident lawyers have decades of trial experience ensuring the rights of accident victims are protected. Our firm is also dedicated to helping family members of wrongful death victims pursue claims against responsible parties. To find out more about your potential legal rights, call us at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.
Pedestrian Injured in New Jersey Car Accident Near Teterboro Airport
A pedestrian was injured on Route 46 close to Teterboro Airport after being struck by a vehicle. According to The Bergen Record, the injured victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The extent of the pedestrian’s injuries is not known. The Bergen County Police Department as well as local police are investigating this accident.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2008, 4,378 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the United States. On average, one pedestrian is killed in a traffic accident every 120 minutes and injured in a collision every eight minutes.
It is not surprising that pedestrian accidents, where unprotected victims are struck by vehicles that weigh thousands of pounds, can cause serious injuries including head and spine trauma, fractures and injuries to internal organs. Many of these injuries may require surgical intervention for treatment and prolonged hospitalizations and/or therapy. Often, injured victims may incur extensive medical bills and lost wages because of time away from work.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, the experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyers at Blume Goldfaden can help. We understand the emotional and financial stress faced by those injured in such accidents, and, can help you seek fair and appropriate compensation for your losses. Call us at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation and a comprehensive evaluation of your potential claim.
Pedestrian Injury Accident During Storm
Two people were recently injured in a Newton, New Jersey pedestrian accident after they were hit by a car while crossing a street. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, this New Jersey pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of Sparta and Merriam avenues on September 16, 2010. A 23-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman sustained facial injuries and the female victim suffered a leg injury when struck by the vehicle. The female driver, a 23-year-old resident of Andover Township, was cited for careless driving and failure to yield to a pedestrian.
Injured victims of pedestrian accidents, if possible, should immediately call the police to respond to the scene of the accident. It is important to seek evaluation and/or treatment by a medical professional soon after an accident. Many injuries, especially head, neck, back, shoulder and knee injuries, often take time to fully manifest themselves, and may worsen over time if not properly diagnosed or promptly treated. Promptly seeking medical treatment will also create a verifiable record of the injuries sustained and their relationship to the incident. Seeking the advice of an experienced pedestrian accident attorney is also recommended.
An experienced personal injury attorney who handles pedestrian accident claims can investigate a claim to determine those responsible for the pedestrians’ injuries. In many cases, defendants may not just include the driver, but also may include municipalities and/or other property owners if a road hazard, lack of proper road signs, malfunctioning or inadequate traffic lights, or road debris/disrepair played a part in causing the accident. If a driver’s intoxication caused the accident, additional claims can possibly be made against bars, clubs, restaurants and/or hotels where the driver was permitted to consume excessive alcohol.
If you have been injured in a New Jersey pedestrian accident because of another person’s negligence, it is important to seek the counsel of a skilled New Jersey personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact the pedestrian accident lawyers at Blume Goldfaden at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation and evaluation of your potential claim.
Man Killed in New Jersey Pedestrian Accident
A man was killed in a New Jersey “hit-and-run” car accident near the intersection of McCarter Highway and Oliver Street in Newark.
According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, with the assistance of a 9-1-1 caller, police have tracked down the driver who allegedly is responsible for the fatal injury accident. The 34-year-old Brooklyn man, who police say left the scene of the accident, has been arrested on suspicion of leaving the scene of a fatal accident and driving without a license.
Under New Jersey law, it is illegal to leave the scene of an injury accident without contacting authorities. Article 39:4-129 (a) states, “The driver of any vehicle, knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close thereto as possible.”
In cases where the at-fault driver in a hit-and-run accident is not found, victims and their families may have difficulty obtaining compensation for their injuries. In such cases, it is in the best interest of the victim to consult with a New Jersey personal injury attorney who can advise those injured and their families of their legal rights, options and responsibilities, especially the potential availability of uninsured motorist coverage, or, recovery from the Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey auto accident or pedestrian accident, please contact the knowledgeable personal injury lawyers at Blume Goldfaden. We have successfully represented accident victims for decades, assisting them and their families in pursuing fair and appropriate compensation for their losses. Call us at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation and a comprehensive evaluation of your potential claim.
Boy Injured in New Jersey Pedestrian Accident
A 9-year-old boy sustained serious injuries in a New Jersey pedestrian accident after he was struck by a car outside of a music school. According to a news report in the Courier-Post, the accident occurred on Union Street in Medford, New Jersey, when the boy was exiting his music school, ran in between stopped traffic on Union Street and into the path of an oncoming vehicle on the opposite side of the street. Police say the boy suffered arm, leg and head injuries and was transported to a local trauma center. The driver of the car has not been charged.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,378 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the United States in 2008. On average, a pedestrian is killed in an accident with a vehicle every 2 hours and every eight minutes, a pedestrian is injured. In 2008 alone, 69,000 pedestrians were injured in traffic accidents. The NHTSA report also states that a majority of pedestrian accident deaths occurred in urban areas (72 percent) in 2008.
Some pedestrian accidents are the fault of the pedestrian and not the driver. However, there are a significant number of pedestrian accidents which are caused by distracted, impaired or negligent motorists. Hazardous sidewalk and roadway conditions may also contribute to such accidents (e.g., slick surfaces, poor, absent or malfunctioning traffic controls and signs). If such a hazard existed at the time of the accident, the city, municipality, and both private property owners or public/private entities responsible for maintaining that roadway may also be held accountable for the accident and resulting injuries.
Pedestrian accident victims and their families can seek compensation related to the cost of unpaid medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, disability and lost earnings. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact the experienced New Jersey pedestrian accident injury lawyers at Blume Goldfaden for a no-cost, comprehensive consultation. Call us at 973-635-5400 for a complimentary evaluation of your potential personal injury claim.
New Jersey Pedestrian Hit by Truck
According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, a pedestrian was hospitalized with injuries after he was struck by a truck at the 2200 block of 74th Street in North Bergen, New Jersey. The cause of the accident and extent of the injuries were not noted in the article.
Many pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles are the result of negligent driving. Most pedestrian accidents occur near intersections where motorists often fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. New Jersey law requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections.
A December 2009 article in The Record cites NJ State Police statistics which indicate that pedestrian fatalities rose in the state from 138 in 2008 to 155 in 2009. Approximately half of the deaths were of pedestrians under age 50.
Transportation and environmental advocates believe that (aside from driver negligence) part of the reasons for these accidents are poorly designed streets, sidewalks and crosswalks, or, the lack of other features to protect non-motorized travelers. In cases where poor street design, etc., contributed to or caused the accident, municipalities and other entities may be held liable for damages.
Pedestrian accidents in New Jersey can result in serious personal injuries including brain and spinal cord injuries, fractures, injuries to internal organs and significant soft tissue trauma. Where catastrophic injuries are involved, injured victims often require long-term care. Victims may also incur significant medical expenses, disability and loss of earnings.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a New Jersey pedestrian accident, contact the experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyers at Blume Goldfaden by calling 973-635-5400 for a free and comprehensive consultation. Our New Jersey pedestrian injury attorneys have extensive experience in personal injury and auto accident litigation. Call us today to discuss your potential claim.
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.