Howell Township Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
New Jersey has the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities according to data analyzed from 2017 to 2021 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In Monmouth and Ocean Counties, nearly 80 people have been killed in pedestrian accidents since 2020. Many more have sustained severe and often permanent injuries that leave them unable to work, care for their families, and face mounting medical bills.
Trust Harrell Law Firm to fight for your right to recover compensation. In a no-fault state like New Jersey, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) kicks in to offset some of the expense, but the costs often exceed the maximum payout. It’s important to remember that injury victims have options for significant compensation beyond PIP. Schedule a free consultation with a Howell Township pedestrian accident lawyer so that you have the best chance of a successful outcome.
Pedestrian Accidents in Howell Township
A residential and commercial development boom in Howell Township has caused more motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents. While these accidents can happen anywhere, many occur on busy Route 9. In September 2023, a pedestrian was struck and killed while crossing it. In March 2024, a pedestrian was critically injured when hit by an SUV.
Other dangerous roads in Howell Township include the following:
- Route 33
- Interstate 95
- County Road 547
- County Road 524
- Lanes Mills Road
- East Aldrich Road
- County Road 549
- Fort Plains Road
- Newtons Corner Road
If you have been struck by a car, our team of New Jersey injury lawyers at Harrell Law Firm can help. Insurance companies work hard to protect their profit margins, which means they could devalue, delay, or outright deny legitimate pedestrian accident claims. Having an attorney protects your rights and ensures you get the money you are entitled to. Schedule a free consultation today.
New Jersey State Pedestrian Laws
In New Jersey, drivers must exercise due caution when approaching and passing pedestrians. Drivers must also bring their vehicles to a complete stop at marked crosswalks so pedestrians can pass.
However, pedestrians must also follow the rules of the road:
- Walk on sidewalks, where available, and not on the road.
- Walk along the extreme left side of a highway or its shoulder when possible, facing approaching traffic if there is no sidewalk.
- Yield to drivers when crossing a road at any point other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
- Yield to drivers at intersections who have a green signal.
New Jersey operates under a modified comparative negligence standard regarding liability. Even if the pedestrian was partly at fault for the accident, they could still receive compensation if they were less than 50 percent responsible. However, compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault. For example, if the pedestrian was found 30 percent at fault, a $100,000 award is reduced to $70,000.
Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents
A recent 2022 study, funded by the NHTSA and directed by the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, concluded that driver distraction was the primary cause of pedestrian accidents. Other causes include going over the speed limit, driving under the influence, failing to yield at intersections and crosswalks, ignoring traffic signals and stop signs, as well as inclement weather and poor visibility.
Common Types of Injuries
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one in six people who died in crashes in 2021 were pedestrians, with an estimated 100,000 ER visits for non-fatal injuries in 2020.
Common injuries in a pedestrian accident include the following:
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Lacerations
- Loss of limbs or digits
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
A skilled pedestrian accident attorney can ensure that insurance companies do not use bad faith tactics to minimize or deny your injuries. As noted, many injured pedestrians mistakenly believe they’ll be covered by their car insurance PIP policy after an accident. While New Jersey is a no-fault state, insurance companies often encourage individuals to accept lower coverage for lower premiums. For serious injuries, accident victims can seek compensation that includes lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
Many pedestrians are so severely injured in an accident that they must rely on a third party to call 911 for help and document the accident scene. However, if you are in a condition to do so, here are critical steps to take after being hit by a car or truck:
- Report the accident to the police.
- Obtain the name, address, insurance, and contact information of the vehicle’s driver.
- Seek immediate medical attention. Even if you believe you were not seriously hurt, go to the ER or an urgent care facility immediately. Many injuries, even serious ones, are not apparent immediately. Failing to seek prompt medical attention not only endangers your health but can result in an insurance company denying your claim.
- Take photos of the accident scene. That includes the vehicle with a visible license plate and pictures of injuries you suffered.
- If there are eyewitnesses, obtain their names, addresses, and contact information.
Finally, consult a Howell Township pedestrian accident attorney right away.
Statute of Limitations
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a pedestrian accident is two years from the accident date. If the person dies from their injuries, the personal executor of their estate has two years from the death date to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of their family.
The Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Pedestrian Lawyer
Never agree to an insurance settlement before consulting an attorney. Insurance companies will often make lowball offers to people in desperate financial straits. Once the settlement is accepted and signed, there is no going back, even if you are still at home recuperating and not working.
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer knows a fair settlement value based on the nature and extent of your injuries. While most cases are settled, we will take your case to trial if the insurance company fails to agree to a reasonable settlement amount.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Harrell Law Firm
With over 38 years of combined experience, we understand the toll accidents can take on your health, finances, and overall well-being. We look out for your best interests when handling negotiations with profit-driven insurance companies, urging them to consider the uniqueness of your claim and the totality of your losses—past, present, and future.
If you or someone you know was injured in a pedestrian accident due to a driver’s negligence or recklessness, you need our team of New Jersey injury lawyers at Harrell Law Firm. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. We work on a contingency basis, so there is no fee unless you receive compensation. Serving all of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
