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Jersey City Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users. This means they are prone to the most severe injuries in traffic accidents. When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the damage can be life-changing for the latter. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in New Jersey, call the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C. at (201) 928-0300 to request a free case consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. We will listen to your story and help you understand your legal rights. 

Why Choose Us for This Case?

  • Our attorneys are passionate about bringing negligent drivers to justice. We will work closely with you through every phase of the claims process to seek an optimal outcome.
  • Our law firm has the resources to go to trial for a pedestrian accident case, if necessary. We have over 90 years of combined experience going up against powerful adversaries.
  • We have secured millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for our clients. With us, you won’t pay your pedestrian accident attorney unless we win your case.

How a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help 

Working with a pedestrian accident attorney in New Jersey can allow you to relax and focus on healing while your attorney handles the complicated claims process for you. Insurance companies may try to take advantage of you as an injured pedestrian. An insurance provider may offer significantly less than your injuries are worth, for example, or attempt to delay or deny your payout. The best way to protect yourself is by hiring a qualified pedestrian accident lawyer.

High-quality legal representation can prevent an insurance claims adjuster from unfairly blaming you for the accident or using a pre-existing injury against you. Your lawyer can return to the scene of the crash, search for and collect evidence, recreate the accident, hire experts, negotiate with an insurance company for a fair settlement, and represent you during a personal injury trial, if necessary. You can trust your attorney to advocate for your best interests from start to finish.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrian-vehicle collisions can be deadly for the pedestrian. The victim could be thrown into the road or strike the hood and windshield of the car. This can cause broken bones and serious injuries to the legs, hips, pelvis and chest. The pedestrian may end up beneath the tires of the vehicle, as well, suffering crush injuries and internal organ damage.

Some of the most common injuries associated with pedestrian accidents include:

The probability of causing a critical injury to a pedestrian is why motor vehicle drivers have the utmost duty of care behind the wheel. Unfortunately, not all drivers take their responsibilities seriously. Many engage in dangerous and careless acts that increase the odds of a pedestrian accident, such as distracted driving or speeding. If you or a loved one suffered an injury from getting hit by a car in New Jersey, the at-fault driver may be financially responsible.

Who Pays When a Car Hits a Pedestrian in New Jersey?

New Jersey uses a no-fault car accident rule. This law states that when a motor vehicle collision occurs, the parties involved will turn to their own insurance companies for coverage, regardless of who is at fault. After a pedestrian collision, the injured pedestrian should determine if he or she has first-party coverage. This can include motor vehicle insurance or health insurance coverage. 

Although the pedestrian was not in a vehicle at the time of the accident, his or her car insurance policy may cover medical bills and other losses. This coverage can come through personal injury protection (PIP) insurance without the injured pedestrian needing to prove fault. Without an automobile insurance policy, the pedestrian may still have health insurance coverage to pay for medical expenses. Another option could be holding the at-fault driver liable, depending on the circumstances.  

If a pedestrian suffers injuries that are listed in New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 39:6A-8a, he or she may have the right to seek benefits from the driver’s insurance company. A lawsuit may be available for a bodily injury that results in death, dismemberment, significant scarring or disfigurement, displaced bone fractures, the loss of a fetus, or a permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability. In these cases, the injured victim can file a claim against a negligent driver outside of the state’s no-fault system.

Damages Available

Filing a first-party car insurance claim as a pedestrian after getting hit by a car in New Jersey could lead to PIP benefits being paid for your medical expenses. The minimum required amount of PIP insurance in New Jersey is $15,000, but you can pay for coverage of up to $250,000. If you have the right to hold the driver liable, your financial recovery will depend on his or her insurance limits. You can anticipate at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage, but this can extend to up to $250,000 with a standard car insurance policy.

If you have the right to file a lawsuit against a negligent driver, you may be entitled to damages or financial compensation for the following: 

  • Past and future medical expenses 
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Lost income and earning opportunities
  • Permanent disability
  • Scarring or disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress or post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Wrongful death damages if you lost a loved one

The potential value of your pedestrian accident case in New Jersey will depend on factors such as the extent of your injuries, how long it will foreseeably take you to recover from the crash, whether you had to miss time at work, and your age and overall health. The type of claim and insurance coverage available can also affect the financial outcome of your case. Discuss how much you may be eligible to receive with an attorney. 

Request a Free Pedestrian Accident Case Review  

It is important to speak to a lawyer before you accept a fast insurance settlement. A lawyer can let you know if it is a fair amount and advocate for maximum financial compensation from an insurance provider on your behalf. An attorney from the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C. will be dedicated to you, your case and your future every step of the way. 

Contact us online or call (201) 928-0300 for a free case consultation today. We accept cases in Teaneck, Bergen County, Clifton, Elizabeth, Hackensack, Hudson County, Jersey City, Newark, Passaic County, Paterson, Union City, Union County and Essex.