If you live in New Jersey, you know that sidewalks and crosswalks are virtually everywhere, from the suburbs to the city. Rather obviously, the roads of New Jersey are very heavily-traveled on foot, from children playing with their friends to adults walking to work. However, just because you are not driving an automobile does not mean you are safe from automobile accidents. If you have been struck by an automobile as a pedestrian, you are most likely in a great deal of pain. If this has happened to you, here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents?
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, there is a good chance your accident has been caused by one of the following scenarios:
- Inclement weather conditions, such as black ice, causing a motorist to lose control of his or her vehicle
- Poor road conditions, such as potholes or negligent road design
- Cars backing out of a parking space or driveway very often pose a threat to pedestrians when they do not look before moving
- Poorly lit parking lots or roads may contribute to pedestrian accidents, especially if a pedestrian is wearing dark clothes and it is nighttime
- Overgrown vegetation very often prevents motorists from seeing pedestrians who are turning a corner
While these are all common causes of pedestrian accidents, the most common cause is driver negligence. Backing-up accidents are a good example of negligent driving. Here are some additional examples of negligent driving behavior:
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Texting or using any other electronic device without hands-free technology while driving
- Smoking while driving
- Eating while driving
- Excessively speeding
- Driving while drowsy
- Ignoring traffic signs or lights
- Disregarding other rules of the road
How do I know if I am entitled to compensation?
In order to recover financial compensation following a pedestrian accident, you must prove you were injured due to another party’s negligence. In order to prove your claim, you must hire an experienced attorney. Additionally, you may wish to recover security camera footage that recorded the incident as it happened. Seeking medical attention is also a crucial step in the personal injury claim process, as you will need treatment and may use the medical documentation regarding your injuries to help prove your claim.
Contact our New Jersey firm
If you or someone you know sustained an injury in a car accident and wishes to speak with a skilled attorney, contact Mattleman, Weinroth & Miller, P.C., today.
The law firm of Mattleman, Weinroth & Miller, P.C., is composed of experienced defense attorneys throughout the state of New Jersey. Please contact the office for a free initial consultation and get any questions answered regarding criminal charges and procedures.