What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in New Jersey

Car accidents are a common occurrence in New Jersey. But you likely never expect to be in an accident as a pedestrian. Because pedestrian accidents are less common than motor vehicle accidents, you may end up skipping necessary steps important to your wellbeing.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

If you’re in a pedestrian accident, there are a few things you should do as soon as possible, including:

• Call the police: Notify the police as soon as possible after the pedestrian accident. This way, if you need medical help, they can call an EMS for you. You also want to create a police report.
• Write down relevant information: If possible, write down important information related to the accident. This may include the driver’s license plate number and their insurance information, as well as the presence of a crosswalk. 
• Look for any witnesses: Witnesses can help prove what happened. If you notice anyone at the scene of the accident, ask them to stay behind or get their information.
• Seek medical care: Even if you feel okay at the time of the accident, it’s always a good idea to seek medical care.

Even if you have no plans of seeking compensation, it’s still a good idea to follow these steps. A lot of people may skip medical care if they don’t notice any aches or pains. The problem with this is that some injuries may not show up until later. The best way to protect yourself is to receive medical care as soon as possible after the accident.

Additionally, some injuries may not show up until later but can still be life-changing. As such, you may be stuck with medical bills and lost wages. If you don’t get medical care right after the accident, it’s possible that the driver or insurance company will believe your injury is a result of the accident. This is also why it’s important to file a police report, as this serves as important evidence of how the accident occurred. Keep in mind that the driver may talk you into skipping a police report, especially if you feel fine, however, don’t fall for this. If you notice issues later, you may be responsible for your own costs, even if the driver was at fault.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

In many cases, it’s the driver’s fault when a pedestrian accident occurs. While pedestrians should be aware of their surroundings and only cross at approved areas, the duty of care ultimately lies on the driver.

Knowing the common causes of pedestrian accidents can help you stay safe. One of the most common causes is distracted drivers. Drivers may look down at their phones or change the radio station while driving down a street. For this reason, it’s best to stop and wait to see if a driver plans to stop before crossing. Another common cause of pedestrian accidents is a lack of visibility. A driver’s visibility may be limited at night or when it’s raining. If you have to walk during these times, make sure you wear bright colors or reflective gear so that you are seen.

Other causes may include drunk driving or driver inexperience. Either way, if a driver drives in a way that is unsafe that leads to you being injured, you may have a right to collect compensation for your damages.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Near You to Discuss Your Pedestrian Accident Case in New Jersey

Were you or a loved one injured due to a pedestrian accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Drazin and Warshaw, P.C. represent clients injured because of pedestrian accidents in Middlesex, Edison, Perth Amboy, Westfield, New Brunswick, and throughout Ocean County, Monmouth County, Union County, and Middlesex County, New Jersey. Call (732) 576-8860 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3315 Route 35, Hazlet, NJ 07730 as well as offices in Red Bank, Brick, and Westfield.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.