Pedestrian accidents in Manalapan, New Jersey, can lead to life-altering injuries that affect your physical well-being, finances, and mental health. Every year across New Jersey, more than 70,000 pedestrians are injured in motor vehicle crashes. If a vehicle struck you, leaving you overwhelmed with medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma, the dedicated pedestrian accident lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. are here to help you pursue justice and compensation.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
When a vehicle strikes a person, the unprotected body absorbs massive force. Common injuries include:
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) from impact to the head
Spinal cord damage, potentially causing paralysis
Broken bones and fractures requiring surgery and rehabilitation
Internal injuries to organs
Severe lacerations and scarring
Emotional trauma and PTSD that disrupt daily life
These injuries often require emergency intervention and long-term medical care.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Manalapan Pedestrian Accident?
Liability is typically assigned based on applicable traffic laws:
Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
The driver who struck you is usually the primary party responsible.
Vehicle owners may share liability if they entrusted the vehicle.
Employers may be liable if the incident occurred during work duties.
Government entities may be responsible if poorly designed or poorly maintained roadways contributed to the crash.
Vehicle manufacturers may be held liable if mechanical defects played a role.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If negligence is proven, New Jersey law allows victims to potentially recover:
Economic Damages: Medical bills, future treatment, rehabilitation, lost income, and reduced earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Property Damage: Costs related to damaged personal belongings.
The amount depends on the injury’s severity, long-term prognosis, and case specifics.
What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident in Manalapan
Seek medical attention immediately—even minor injuries can worsen later.
Report the crash to the police and request a copy of the report.
Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries.
Obtain contact information from drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
Avoid recorded statements with insurance companies until you consult a lawyer.
Keep all medical and financial records related to your injuries.
How Do New Jersey’s Insurance Rules Impact Your Case?
New Jersey’s no-fault insurance system requires you to file claims through your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) regardless of fault. However:
Serious injuries—such as displaced fractures or permanent scarring—allow you to step outside the no-fault system and pursue full compensation from the at-fault party.
Insurance companies may try to limit your recovery. An experienced lawyer can help you step out of no-fault coverage when eligible.
What Is Comparative Negligence, and How Can It Affect You?
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re partially at fault:
Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of blame.
If you’re found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.
For instance, if you win a $100,000 verdict but share 20% fault, your award would be reduced to $80,000. Insurance companies often try to assign blame to reduce payouts—counsel can protect you.
What Evidence Strengthens Your Case?
To build a strong pedestrian accident claim, look for:
Police reports detailing facts and officer observations.
Surveillance or traffic camera footage capturing the incident.
Photographs preserving road conditions, intersections, and injuries.
Medical records clearly linking injuries to the accident.
Cell phone or driving logs proving driver distraction.
Vehicle maintenance logs showing defects or failures.
Gathering this evidence promptly can make the difference in your claim.
When Do You Need to File a Claim?
New Jersey law requires most pedestrian injury lawsuits to be filed within two years of the crash. Delaying even slightly may result in forfeiting your right to compensation. Physical evidence—such as skid marks or witness recollections—can disappear over time. Contacting a lawyer right away ensures preservation of key evidence and proper filing deadlines.
Why Hire a Manalapan Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer can:
Launch an immediate investigation and collect evidence.
Work with medical professionals to document injuries, treatment, and prognosis.
Communicate with insurance providers and counter low settlement offers.
Accurately assess the value of your case.
Represent you in court if needed.
Studies show that those represented by attorneys tend to secure higher settlements than those who go it alone.
How to Choose the Right Lawyer for Your Case
Look for:
Proven success in pedestrian accident settlements or verdicts.
Experience in navigating New Jersey’s no-fault and comparative negligence rules.
Transparently communicative and client-focused service.
Willingness to take your case to trial if insurers refuse to settle fairly.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Manalapan Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P.
