Severe injuries require highly professional representation
As we alluded to earlier, when accidents occur between pedestrians and motor vehicles, injuries are usually severe. A motor vehicle on average weighs 4,000 pounds. The human body is not built to withstand an impact from the force of such a heavy object. Severe pedestrian injuries include:
Catastrophic injuries such as these cry out for justice. They can also require a lifetime of medical treatment and personal care. The damage award you receive must cover these expenses and also compensate you for your pain and suffering and your loss of quality of life. Securing this level of compensation is no easy task. But when you retain our experienced trial attorneys, you can have confidence in our skill and determination as we work tirelessly to deliver the results you need.
What Do I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
The most important thing anyone can do after a pedestrian accident is to seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t feel like you need medical attention immediately, it’s best to visit the hospital or see a doctor right after the accident; doing so links any injuries you sustain directly to the accident. Any subsequent trips to the doctor, physical therapist or another medical professional should be recorded, and documents should be kept as organized as possible, as they represent important evidence in the case of a settlement.
At the scene of the accident, gather the contact information of the driver who hit you, as well as that of any witnesses at the site who might be able to provide testimony in your case. It is acceptable to ask a friend or relative for help if you are unable to do this. You, or they, should take photographs of the car, the intersection or traffic area, and any other potentially relevant information. Make sure to obtain the insurance policy information of the negligent driver.
The last crucial thing you can do for yourself is to hire a trusted, experienced attorney who can advocate on your behalf. Securing an attorney’s advice after your accident can simplify the entire legal process, and ensure that you file a claim before the statute of limitations runs out. In New Jersey, personal injury claims have a two-year statute of limitations.
Who is liable for my pedestrian accident?
A number of parties other than the driver may be liable for a pedestrian accident. A driver might be trying to use their brakes, horn, or steering wheel to avoid a collision. If a vehicle malfunction was the cause, or partial cause, of a pedestrian collision, it must be proved in court.
It is also possible that several different drivers or pedestrians may each hold partial responsibility; a driver may swerve to avoid an obstacle, only to find that someone or something is obstructing the road in front of them.
When all elements are considered, we sometimes find that more than one party is responsible, and these cases become more complicated. A Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers attorney will work tirelessly to find out who is liable in your case.
What if I was partially at fault for my accident?
If you were partially at fault for your accident, you can still seek compensation. New Jersey operates on the doctrine of comparative negligence, meaning that any party may seek compensation, as long as the court deems them less than 50% at fault for the accident. If you were partially at fault, the court will assign you a percentage of blame that would then be used to determine your total compensation.
Contact a determined NJ trial lawyer for your pedestrian accident claim
Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers provides dedicated representation for victims of pedestrian traffic accidents throughout New Jersey. Let us help you get the maximum amount of compensation possible for your claim. Call us today at 973-364-8300 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.