>Date Published: 2019/12/15
A woman was killed when she was struck by a vehicle while crossing a street in Belleville last Monday, December 9.
Police say that Nora Hernandez, a 56 year-old resident of Newark, was crossing Washington Avenue near Mill Street at approximately 6:37 p.m. when she was struck by a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The force of the impact threw Hernandez a several feet away from the point of impact.
Hernandez sustained heavy injuries from the accident and was rushed to Clara Maass Medical Center by emergency medical services. Hernandez was pronounced dead at 7:20 p.m.
The driver of the Jeep Cherokee stayed at the scene and cooperated with police investigation. No charges have been filed.
First and foremost,we would like to send out sincerest condolences to the bereaved family.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are one of the most fatal types of crashes that happen on the roadways of New Jersey. In a report compiled by the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Investigation Unit says that in 2017, there was a total of 179 pedestrian crashes which resulted in 35 injuries and 183 fatalities. 91 of these fatalities happened because the pedestrian was crossing at a prohibited area, and 40 fatal crashes happened while the pedestrian was crossing at a marked crosswalk.
New Jersey law states that a driver of a vehicle must stop and stay stopped for a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk, but shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except at crosswalks when the movement of traffic is being regulated by police officers or traffic control signals. Pedestrians must also obey pedestrian signals and use crosswalks at signalized intersections. Drivers and pedestrians who fail to follow these laws may face a hefty fine.
We urge drivers and pedestrians alike to observe and follow laws so that the roadways can be safer for everyone.
Written by: Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers