Protecting Pedestrians Across New Jersey
Every seven minutes, a pedestrian is injured by a vehicle. Every two hours, one loses their life. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most pedestrian accidents happen in urban areas, often at night — and New Jersey’s pedestrian fatality rate remains among the highest in the country.
Our New Jersey pedestrian accident attorneys understand how quickly a walk home or a crosswalk can turn into a tragedy. We’re here to hold careless drivers and their insurance companies accountable — and we don’t back down until justice is served.
New Jersey Laws That Protect Pedestrians
The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety enforces strict laws to protect pedestrians and penalize negligent drivers. Under NJ Statute 39:4-36, motorists must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in marked crosswalks. Violators face fines, license points, and even community service.
Pedestrians also share responsibilities: using marked crosswalks, avoiding distractions, and wearing reflective gear at night. Yet, when a driver fails to yield, speeds through intersections, or drives impaired, they are legally and financially liable for the resulting harm.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian injuries stem from driver negligence. Our firm routinely handles cases involving:
- Distracted driving (texting or using a phone)
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Running stop signs or red lights
- Failing to yield at crosswalks
- Driving under the influence
- Poor weather or low visibility
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Unsafe turns at intersections
Even when environmental conditions (like glare or icy roads) contribute to an accident, negligent drivers — and sometimes municipal authorities responsible for road maintenance — can still be held accountable.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
What to Do Immediately After an Accident
- Call 911 and seek immediate medical help.
- Report the accident to police and ensure a formal record.
- Exchange information with the driver and any witnesses.
- Document the scene — photos, videos, clothing damage, and visible injuries.
- Avoid making statements to insurance adjusters.
- Call Sarofiem & Antoun Law Firm at (201) 792-3333 before signing or accepting any settlement.
Quick action ensures valuable evidence is preserved and your rights are protected.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A successful pedestrian injury claim can help you recover for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost income and diminished earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one
Our lawyers consult with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and financial analysts to calculate the true value of your losses — not what insurance companies try to minimize.
Understanding Comparative Negligence in New Jersey
New Jersey follows a comparative negligence system under NJSA 2A:15-5.1, meaning your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault — but you can still recover damages if you were less than 50% responsible.
For example, if a driver is found 80% at fault for failing to yield in a crosswalk, and the pedestrian is 20% at fault for jaywalking, the victim can still recover 80% of their total damages. Our attorneys know how to prove driver negligence and minimize comparative fault claims used by insurers to reduce payouts.
Pedestrian Safety Tips and Prevention
The NHTSA Pedestrian Safety Program emphasizes the following steps to reduce risk:
- Use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever available
- Avoid distractions — especially headphones or mobile devices
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing
- Wear bright or reflective clothing at night
- Walk facing traffic in areas without sidewalks
Even with precautions, pedestrian accidents happen — often because drivers fail to respect the rules of the road.
Why Choose Sarofiem & Antoun Law Firm
At Sarofiem & Antoun, we combine deep local knowledge of New Jersey’s pedestrian and traffic laws with decades of trial experience. Our firm stands out for:
- No fees unless we win
- Aggressive negotiations with insurance carriers
- Access to accident reconstruction and medical experts
- Proven success in high-value settlements and jury verdicts
- Compassionate, personalized representation every step of the way
We’re not intimidated by large insurers — we fight until our clients receive the justice and recovery they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m hit by a car as a pedestrian?
Call 911, seek medical attention immediately, report the accident to police, document the scene, and contact a pedestrian accident lawyer before speaking with insurance companies.
Who is liable for a pedestrian accident in New Jersey?
Liability often falls on the negligent driver, but it may also include employers, vehicle owners, or government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Under New Jersey’s comparative negligence law, you may recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault, though compensation may be reduced.
What damages can I recover in a pedestrian accident claim?
You may recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disability damages, and wrongful death compensation for families.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in New Jersey?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Acting early helps preserve evidence.
Do I need a lawyer for a pedestrian accident case?
Yes. Pedestrian accident claims often involve serious injuries and aggressive insurers. An experienced lawyer can protect your rights and pursue full compensation.
Contact Our New Jersey Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Don’t let an insurance company decide what your case is worth. Our dedicated New Jersey Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at Sarofiem & Antoun Law Firm are ready to protect your rights and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries or loss.
📞 Call (201) 792-3333 or contact us online for your free case evaluation today.
We proudly serve clients throughout Jersey City, Hoboken, Newark, and all of New Jersey.