Why Are Pedestrian Accidents on the Rise in Hudson County and NJ?

Recent data and news reports have highlighted an alarming increase in pedestrian fatalities and injuries across New Jersey, with urban areas like Hudson County often seeing a disproportionate share. Several factors contribute to this dangerous trend:

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- Distracted Driving: Drivers using cell phones, adjusting infotainment systems, or otherwise not paying full attention to the road are a primary cause of pedestrian accidents. A moment of inattention can have lifelong consequences for an unsuspecting pedestrian.

- Failure to Yield: Many accidents occur at crosswalks or intersections where drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, as required by New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-36).

- Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Vehicles traveling at excessive speeds have less time to react to pedestrians and cause more severe injuries upon impact.

- Poorly Lit or Designed Roadways: Inadequate lighting, lack of marked crosswalks, or confusing intersection designs can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.

- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s judgment and reaction time, posing an extreme danger to pedestrians.

- Increased Foot Traffic: As more people choose to walk for commuting, exercise, or recreation, the sheer number of pedestrians increases the potential for accidents if safety measures don’t keep pace.

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New Jersey’s “Target Zero” and Hudson County’s “Vision Zero” Initiatives

Recognizing this crisis, New Jersey has launched the “Target Zero Commission,” aiming to eliminate all traffic fatalities in the state. Hudson County has its own ambitious “Vision Zero” plan, which seeks to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, including those involving pedestrians, by improving road design, enforcement, and public education.

These initiatives are vital steps towards creating safer streets, but they also underscore the severity of the current problem. While these programs work towards long-term solutions, pedestrians injured today need immediate help and legal guidance.

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Your Rights as an Injured Pedestrian in New Jersey

If you’ve been hit by a car or truck while walking in New Jersey, you have legal rights. Generally, pedestrians injured due to a driver’s negligence are entitled to seek compensation for:

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- Medical Expenses: Including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and future medical needs.

- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost income and diminished future earning capacity.

- Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the accident and your injuries.

- Property Damage: If any personal property was damaged in the accident.

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New Jersey’s “no-fault” auto insurance system means that your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will typically be the primary source for covering your medical bills, regardless of who was at fault. However, if your injuries are serious and meet a certain threshold (the “verbal threshold”), or if the driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering and other damages not covered by PIP.

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What to Do If You’re Involved in a Pedestrian Accident in Hudson County

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel okay, some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

2. Report the Accident to the Police: Ensure an official police report is filed. This document is crucial for any future insurance claim or legal action.

3. Gather Information: If possible, get the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle license plate number. Also, try to get contact information from any witnesses.

4. Document Everything: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage. Keep detailed records of all medical treatments and expenses.

5. Do Not Speak to the Driver’s Insurance Company Without Legal Counsel: Insurance adjusters may try to get you to make statements that could harm your claim.

6. Contact an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney: Navigating the legal complexities of a pedestrian accident claim, especially in a busy area like Hudson County, requires skilled legal representation.

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How Sarofiem & Antoun Can Help

At Sarofiem & Antoun, we understand the devastating impact a pedestrian accident can have on your life. We are committed to protecting the rights of injured pedestrians in Hudson County and throughout New Jersey. Our empathetic and experienced attorneys will:

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- Thoroughly investigate your accident to determine fault.

- Help you navigate the complexities of PIP claims and pursue further compensation from at-fault parties.

- Deal with insurance companies on your behalf.

- Fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

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Hurt as a pedestrian in Hudson County or anywhere in NJ? Know your rights. Contact Sarofiem & Antoun for a free case evaluation. We are here to provide the compassionate support and aggressive legal representation you need to move forward.

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