Pedestrian Accidents

Have You Been Hit by a Car While Walking Down the Street in New Jersey?

Drivers are responsible for watching for pedestrians on or near roadways. When they do not see pedestrians in their path, the result is often a catastrophic or fatal accident.  While adults certainly are victims of pedestrian accidents, children are at increased risk because of their height and tendency to run into the street without looking.

Injuries from a pedestrian accident, including broken bones, head injuries and spinal cord injuries, can be very severe and can lead to paralysis and even wrongful death. Pedestrian accidents can take many forms, including:

• Crosswalk accidents
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Bicycles hitting pedestrians
• Collisions in parking lots
• Taxicab collisions with pedestrians
• Truck accidents, including cars or trucks backing up into pedestrians
• Bus accidents involving pedestrians
• Pedestrians hit by garbage trucks
• Pedestrians hit in high-speed police chases

Other kinds of accidents that may befall pedestrians include dropped objects near a construction site.  A pedestrian can be walking on a sidewalk adjacent to a construction site and have a hammer or other tool hit him or her on the head causing the pedestrian brain damage.  While this type of accident is not as common as vehicle-pedestrian accidents, it is still a valid accident and should be properly researched and investigated by an experienced accident attorney at Gebhardt & Kiefer, P.C.

Leg injuries can range from torn cartilage and tendons to broken bones (fractures of the kneecap (patella), tibia and fibula of the lower leg, and femur in the upper leg).  If the pedestrian is thrown into the air, injuries can include brain damage, herniated discs, internal injuries to the kidney or spleen, and liver lacerations.

Pedestrian accidents are almost always very serious.  As a result, it's extremely important to obtain full financial compensation so the injured person can receive the medical care and rehabilitation services they will need.

Should I Wait Before Contacting a Pedestrian Injury Attorney?

If you or a loved one has been in a pedestrian accident, it is extremely important to talk to a qualified pedestrian accident attorney immediately.  If you wait too long to speak with a lawyer, evidence in your case may be lost, witnesses may disappear, and insurance companies may take advantage of you.  Once we accept your pedestrian accident injury claim, an investigation is immediately begun and swift action is taken to secure and preserve evidence relevant to your claim.

Do I Really Need a Pedestrian Injury Lawyer?

Many pedestrian accident victims think that they can resolve their injury claim directly with the other party's insurance company rather than hire a pedestrian accident lawyer.  Most who try to do this on their own end up regretting the outcome.  When an injured pedestrian is not represented by a qualified pedestrian accident attorney, the insurance company, which is in the business of paying out as little as possible, will usually lead the victim to believe they will be dealt with fairly and adequately compensated.  However, the reality is that insurance companies will usually take advantage of the unrepresented party and end up offering them a grossly insufficient settlement amount.  Do not fall for this tactic, and do not allow the insurance company to take a recorded statement from you or induce you to sign any papers or see their doctors.  Turn over all matters very early to a qualified personal injury lawyer who will zealously protect your interests.

Contact Us

The insurance company wants to settle your case as soon as possible – and for as little money as possible.  Our personal injury attorneys know how to protect you from the insurance companies and to present your claim in the best way possible to ensure your rights are protected and that you get the maximum compensation available.  Call 908-735-5161 to schedule a free consultation, or fill out the contact form on this site.  Our firm serves clients throughout central and northwestern New Jersey.