Pedestrian Accidents

A pedestrian accident attorney not only represents you in court if your case ends up in front of a judge and jury, but an experienced lawyer also acts as an intermediary with insurance companies that aim to reduce settlements as much as possible. If you’re on the wrong end of an accident while you’re on foot, call the best pedestrian accident lawyer at RAM Law in New Jersey. They are among the top pedestrian accident law firms in the country.

What Is a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

A pedestrian injury lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in representing individuals who have been injured in accidents while walking, jogging or otherwise on foot. They are skilled in personal injury law, with a focus on cases where pedestrians have been struck by vehicles or harmed due to unsafe conditions. These attorneys advocate for your rights, helping you navigate the legal system to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages resulting from the accident.

Pedestrian accidents aren’t just minor incidents; they’re life-altering events that can leave you and your family grappling with physical, emotional and financial turmoil. In New Jersey, the statistics are sobering. The state’s been identified as having the most dangerous roads for pedestrians, with a staggering 30.3 percent of all vehicle fatalities being pedestrians.

At RAM Law in New Jersey, they understand the profound effects these accidents can have. Their team of dedicated pedestrian accident attorneys brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success, having secured over $170 million in compensation for their clients. They provide the best legal support to navigate the aftermath of such devastating accidents. When it comes to protecting your rights and seeking the compensation you deserve, RAM Law is a steadfast ally.

What Are the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents occur under different circumstances, many of which are not the fault of the pedestrian. Understanding these causes is crucial for preventing future incidents and establishing liability in the event of an accident. Highlighting these common causes also emphasizes the importance of legal representation for pedestrians who have been unjustly injured due to the negligence of others.

Distracted drivers are a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Activities such as texting, eating or using a GPS can divert a driver’s attention from the road, making it difficult to notice pedestrians, especially on crosswalks. Drunken driving is also a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment and reaction times, increasing the risk of failing to see or yield to pedestrians. Other common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Backing-up accidents. Vehicles backing out of driveways or parking lots may not notice pedestrians behind them, leading to accidents.
• Failure to yield or stop. Drivers who ignore stop signs or traffic lights can strike pedestrians who are legally crossing the street.
• Weather conditions. Poor weather can reduce visibility and make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, even when they’re following traffic rules.
• Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian and can result in more severe injuries.
• Poor visibility. Pedestrians may be hard to see due to inadequate street lighting or if they’re wearing dark clothing at night.
• Passenger interference. Another common cause of distracted driving occurs when passengers in the vehicle get boisterous or demanding, drawing the driver’s attention away from the road.

What Injuries Can Happen in a Pedestrian Accident?

Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, many of which have long-term consequences on your lifestyle and career. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are perhaps the most serious and catastrophic injuries that can happen. Neck and back injuries can range from mild to severe, limiting your quality of life and causing long-term pain and even disability.

Spinal cord injuries are also grave injuries that have a life-long impact on your independence, lifestyle and career prospects. You could also sustain bone fractures. Broken bones can require extensive recovery time and may lead to chronic pain or mobility issues. Other potentially devastating injuries arising from being hit by a car or truck include:

• Internal Injuries and damage to internal organs can be life-threatening and may require surgeries and long-term medical care.
• Soft tissue injuries such as lacerations, bruises and sprains can cause significant pain and require physical therapy.
• Amputations or the loss of some or all limbs can be emotionally and physically devastating, impacting all aspects of your life.
• Death is always a possibility. You have a much greater chance of being killed by a distracted motorist than if you were in another vehicle. Wrongful death suits may be brought by family or the person’s estate.
• Emotional trauma from an accident can be as debilitating as physical injuries, leading to conditions like PTSD, which can hinder your social interactions and professional life.

What’s the Role of a Pedestrian Accident Attorney?

After a pedestrian accident, a pedestrian accident attorney has multiple roles that extend from the immediate aftermath of the incident to the final resolution of the claim. Throughout the process, RAM Law pedestrian accident law firm stands by your side, offering excellent legal advice and robust representation.

With the best pedestrian accident lawyer team in New Jersey, RAM Law plays these roles capably to ensure you are fully compensated. Their immediate activities include:

• Investigating the accident. A thorough investigation is crucial to establish the facts of the case. This includes gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements and surveillance footage.
• Securing medical care. They can also assist in ensuring you receive the medical care you need for your recovery.
• Determining liability. Identifying the responsible party is essential for directing the claim. Your pedestrian hit by car attorney analyzes the evidence and gathers more, if necessary.
• Handling the claims process. Your lawyer handles the paperwork and procedures to file claims with insurance companies and, if necessary, in court, while providing skilled legal advice.
• Assessing damages. An attorney quantifies the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering by gathering reports and often relying on further investigations by trained pedestrian accident investigators.
• Negotiating settlements. Your pedestrian accident lawyer negotiates with insurers and the defense to reach a deserving settlement.
• If a satisfactory settlement can’t be reached, your attorney is prepared to take your case to trial to fight for your compensation.

What Compensation Claims Can I Make after a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident attorney can sue for general damages, including pain and suffering, which covers both the physical and emotional trauma resulting from the accident. This suit can also include loss of enjoyment of life if the injuries prevent you from your normal daily activities and hobbies.

With the support of investigators and witnesses, pedestrian accident law firms can also sue for special damages. These include:

• Medical expenses to cover all medical treatments, including future medical care related to the accident
• Lost wages, which is a demand for reimbursement for the time you were unable to work, as well as future loss of earning capacity
• Rehabilitation costs to cover payment for physical therapy and other rehabilitation services that can extend to home modification costs if your injuries require modifications to your home, such as wheelchair ramps
• Compensation for funeral and burial costs if the accident resulted in death
• Loss of consortium, which is a demand for compensation for the loss of companionship and support for the surviving family members

Why Do I Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer to Deal with Insurance Companies?

By enlisting the help of a pedestrian accident law firm, you gain an advocate who understands the process of insurance claims and is dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for you. You get a team of the best pedestrian accident lawyers in New Jersey to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation.

Your pedestrian accident lawyer starts with gathering and organizing documentation. They gather all relevant evidence, including medical records, police reports, video evidence and eyewitness accounts, to support your claim. They detail all necessary information available, even in a hit and run accident. They file the paperwork, ensuring that all claim forms and documents are correctly filled out and submitted on time.

A car accident attorney also opens a line of communication with the insurance companies. They act as a liaison, handling all communication with the insurance companies, shielding you from potential intimidation tactics. They clarify policy language and interpret the often-complex language of insurance policies to determine what coverage you’re entitled to. Other important roles in handling the insurance companies include:

• Assessing offers. Lawyers are adept at evaluating settlement offers to ensure they meet your needs.
• Negotiating settlements. They use their knowledge to negotiate with insurers for a fair settlement that covers all your damages.
• Going to court. If negotiations fail, your lawyer is prepared to take legal action and represent you in court to fight for your rightful compensation.
• Providing emotional support. While not a direct legal role, having a lawyer by your side provides peace of mind during a stressful time so you can concentrate on healing.

Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Help Injured Clients Recover Compensation

The effects of an accident on passengers can linger long after the crash, especially if you suffer serious injuries. If a negligent driver has injured you as a passenger, work with Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Our skilled pedestrian accident lawyers will help you put your life back on course. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 732-247-3600 or complete our online form. Located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.