Elizabeth Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you were hit by a vehicle while walking in Elizabeth, you need an experienced Elizabeth pedestrian accident lawyer to fight for your rights. Pedestrian injuries often lead to serious consequences, from long-term medical bills to lasting emotional trauma. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers helps injured pedestrians hold negligent drivers accountable and recover full compensation.

Elizabeth is one of the busiest cities in Union County. Its populated streets, major intersections like Broad Street, and routes near the Midtown train station create risky conditions for people on foot. When a distracted or reckless driver strikes a pedestrian, victims deserve clear answers and strong legal advocacy.

We know what it takes to build a successful case. Our Elizabeth personal injury lawyers will handle everything—from collecting evidence to negotiating with insurers—so you can focus on healing. Call (908) 460-7277 or contact us online today for a free consultation. 

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Elizabeth

Busy streets and intersections increase the risk of pedestrian injury in Elizabeth. In most cases, driver error plays a key role. Common causes include:

• Failure to yield at crosswalks
• Distracted driving, such as texting
• Speeding in residential areas
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Driving under the influence

Elizabeth also has a high rate of pedestrian traffic around commercial areas, schools, and parks. Intersections such as East Jersey Street and Spring Street are perilous. Pedestrians pay the price when drivers ignore right-of-way laws or fail to stay alert.

If you were hit by a vehicle while crossing legally, walking along the shoulder, or even on a sidewalk, it’s essential to speak with a pedestrian injury lawyer as soon as possible. 

Injuries Commonly Seen in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often lead to devastating, life-altering injuries. Without the protection of a vehicle, victims are more vulnerable to trauma, including:

• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Severe lacerations or road rash
• Disfigurement or amputation

These injuries can result in long-term disability, chronic pain, and steep medical bills. Victims may require multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing emotional support. A strong legal claim should consider both the immediate impact and future care needs.

At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we work closely with medical experts to document your damages. We fight for compensation that truly reflects your financial burden, physical recovery, and emotional hardship so you’re not left carrying the weight alone. 

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Taking the proper steps after being hit by a car protects your health and legal claim. Here’s what to do:

• Call 911 to get medical help and report the crash.
• Document the scene with photos of your injuries, the vehicle, the location, and debris.
• Collect witness info, including names and contact details.
• Avoid giving statements to the driver’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.
• Contact a pedestrian accident attorney in Elizabeth right away.

Acting quickly helps preserve valuable evidence that could disappear within hours or days, like security footage, tire marks, or traffic light data. Your lawyer will use this information to build a strong case, prove the driver’s fault, and protect your right to compensation while you focus on healing. 

Who Is Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?

In many cases, the driver who hit the pedestrian is at fault. Examples of driver negligence include:

• Speeding through a crosswalk
• Turning without checking for pedestrians
• Driving distracted or impaired

However, liability can be shared. Under New Jersey’s comparative fault rule, a pedestrian can still recover compensation if they were less than 51% responsible for the crash (N.J. Stat. §2A:15-5.1).

If you were not in a crosswalk when hit, the insurance company might try to blame you. Elizabeth’s skilled car accident lawyer can push back against unfair fault claims.

Other potentially liable parties may include:

• Employers (if the driver was on the job)
• Government entities (if a defective sidewalk or traffic signal played a role)
• Car manufacturers (in rare product defect cases)

A thorough investigation can uncover all contributing factors, helping you pursue compensation from every responsible party. 

Evidence Needed in a Pedestrian Accident Case

Substantial evidence is key to winning your pedestrian injury claim. To prove fault and seek full compensation, your attorney may gather:

• Police reports and crash reconstructions
• Video footage from cameras or dashcams
• Witness statements
• Photos of the scene and your injuries
• Medical records and billing statements
• Cell phone records to show distracted driving

Each element helps build a clear picture of what happened and how the driver’s negligence harmed you. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we take an aggressive, detail-oriented approach to securing and presenting this evidence, so your case stands on solid ground. 

Compensation for Pedestrian Injuries in Elizabeth

If you have auto insurance, your own personal injury protection (PIP) policy should pay your medical expenses up to the limits of your policy. Should you have a standard policy, your PIP will also cover your lost wages. If you have no auto insurance, the at-fault party’s PIP coverage should cover your medical expenses. When your medical expenses exceed the at-fault party’s PIP policy limits, you can file a claim against their liability insurance for the remainder of your expenses.

Depending on your injuries, you may be entitled to seek compensation for other accident-related losses, which may include:

• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement or permanent disability

Your lawyer will be able to advise you about your options for pursuing compensation after a pedestrian accident. The value of your pedestrian injury settlement depends on the severity of your injuries, available insurance coverage, and how clearly the evidence shows the driver was at fault. A strong legal strategy can make all the difference in pursuing full compensation. 

What Happens If I Was Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident or by an Uninsured Driver?

If the driver fled the scene or doesn’t have insurance, you may still have options. A hit-and-run attorney can help you file an uninsured motorist claim through a household member’s policy or pursue compensation through the New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association.

An experienced attorney can guide you through complex insurance issues and work to protect your rights and recovery every step of the way. 

Time Limits to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit

Under New Jersey law, you must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident date. If the case involves a government entity, a Notice of Claim must be filed with the organization within 90 days.

Do not delay. Valuable evidence can disappear fast. Contacting a vehicle vs. pedestrian legal claim attorney early gives you the best shot at success. 

How Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Can Help

Pedestrian accident claims can be complex, and insurance companies often work hard to reduce or deny payouts. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we take a hands-on, aggressive approach to every case. Our team will:

• Review crash reports, surveillance footage, and witness accounts
• Prove the driver’s failure to yield or follow traffic laws
• Calculate your current and future losses
• Handle all negotiations with the insurance company
• Take your case to trial if necessary

Whether your accident happened on South Broad Street, near Kean University, or while walking to a Fairmount Avenue bus stop, having a lawyer with local knowledge and strong legal experience can make a meaningful difference in your case. 

FAQs About Pedestrian Injury Claims in Elizabeth, NJ

Do you have questions about filing a pedestrian injury claim in Elizabeth? You’re not alone. These frequently asked questions break down what to expect and how to protect your financial future after a serious accident.

How do I file a pedestrian injury claim in Elizabeth, NJ?

Start by contacting a qualified Elizabeth pedestrian accident lawyer. Your attorney will gather medical records, police reports, and witness statements. Then, they will submit a demand to the at-fault party’s insurance company. If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer may file a personal injury lawsuit in Union County civil court.

Can I still get compensation if I was not in a crosswalk in Elizabeth?

Yes. While being injured while walking outside a crosswalk may impact liability, it does not automatically bar recovery. New Jersey’s comparative fault law allows you to recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault. Your lawyer will investigate and present evidence showing the driver’s negligence. 

How does insurance affect a pedestrian accident claim in Elizabeth?

Your personal injury protection (PIP) may cover your medical expenses if you have auto insurance. If not, the at-fault driver’s PIP policy should provide coverage. In hit-and-run cases, you may need to file an uninsured motorist claim. A lawyer can advise you about which insurance options apply.

An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can walk you through every step, handle insurance negotiations, and fight to maximize your compensation so you are not left alone with the aftermath. 

Speak with an Elizabeth Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

Pedestrian crashes can turn your life upside down—but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and act swiftly.

Call (908) 460-7277 now for a free consultation with an Elizabeth pedestrian accident lawyer. You can also fill out our contact form to get started.