Cherry Hill Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrians are vulnerable when they are walking on the street or crossing the road. Accidents in which they’re struck can happen on busy streets, at intersections, and within crosswalks.

You expect vehicle operators to see you, but they may not and crash into you. As a result, you could be left with substantial medical bills, lost wages, and other losses from the incident.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash, you may need the help of a skilled Cherry Hill pedestrian accident lawyer. At Folkman Law, we can help you get the compensation you need during these financially difficult times. Find out how we can help you during a consultation with one of our attorneys.

Why Motorists Strike Pedestrians in Southern New Jersey

Cherry Hill is a populated suburban area with a bustling commercial district. Pedestrian accidents tend to occur more frequently during nighttime or in areas with limited lighting. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, nearly 183 traffic fatalities in 2022 in New Jersey claimed pedestrians’ lives.

Despite our area’s well-maintained streets and pedestrian-friendly districts, accidents involving pedestrians occur frequently due to a variety of reasons, including:

• Distracted driving: Drivers texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car technologies may fail to notice pedestrians.
• Speeding: When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to pedestrians. Even a pedestrian struck by a car traveling at 23 mph will increase their chances of a fatality by 10%, per AAA data.
• Failure to yield: Drivers are legally required to yield to pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks. When drivers don’t, that failure can result in severe accidents.
• Driving while intoxicated: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, endangering everyone on the road, including pedestrians.
• Left-hand turns: Drivers making left turns may not see pedestrians crossing the street.

These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and often long-term care. In severe cases, a pedestrian accident may result in permanent disabilities or even death.

In rare cases where the at-fault party’s behavior was extremely reckless or egregious, the court may award punitive damages. These damages are separate from those listed above and were designed to punish the defendant.

Challenges in Pedestrian Injury Cases

Pedestrian accident cases are complicated due to unique challenges involving liability, severe injuries, and insurance limitations.

Along with that, establishing fault can be difficult. Many times, drivers may argue that the pedestrian was not following traffic laws, and an injured walker may allege a motorist was negligent.

If you were at fault somehow, then comparative negligence may come into play. In these situations, your compensation might be reduced by the amount of your fault. Also, if you’re more than 50% liable for what happened, you may be unable to secure any compensation at all for your losses.

Since there are severe injuries that can lead to costly medical bills and long-term impacts, you can expect any insurer you deal with to attempt to deny liability or to make a low settlement offer.

Additionally, evidence can be limited if there are no cameras or witnesses, making proving liability more difficult. For these reasons, working with an experienced Cherry Hill pedestrian accident attorney is almost essential for these claims.

What Can a Cherry Hill Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Do For You?

After a pedestrian accident, you might be dealing with significant medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Navigating through this entire process can be stressful. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Cherry Hill can help you with every aspect of your case. These are a few reasons to consider getting legal assistance:

Experience in Personal Injury Law

A skilled and knowledgeable lawyer will have the legal knowledge and experience to handle personal injury cases like your pedestrian accident claim. They understand how New Jersey’s laws, including comparative negligence and statutes of limitations, can impact your claim. You can be assured that they will protect your rights throughout the process.

Accurate Valuation of Damages

Costs can vary, and you want to make sure that you get your deserved compensation. They can assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, future treatment needs, lost income, pain and suffering, and any potential long-term impact on your quality of life. Some noneconomic damages, such as emotional trauma, can be difficult to quantify. However, a Cherry Hill pedestrian accident lawyer will ensure you get what you deserve.

Proving Liability

If you want to have a successful pedestrian accident claim, you must prove another party’s negligence. An attorney will take the time to investigate the accident by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and collaborating with experts. This approach can help establish liability and strengthen your case.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize the compensation they pay out by disputing liability or downplaying the severity of your injuries. Your lawyer can handle all communications with insurers. They will make sure you get a settlement that meets your needs.

Litigating Your Case

While many cases settle out of court, some may require litigation if a fair settlement cannot be reached. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Cherry Hill like ours will be prepared to take your case to trial.

Protecting Your Rights After a Driver Struck You in NJ

After seeking medical attention, you need to take steps to protect the validity of your claim. First, you will want to call the police to create an accident report. The report will not only document details about your motorcycle crash but also contain witness statements and other important information that can help to solidify your claim.

If you can, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Evidence can show that the driver was at fault, and it can help you show that you were severely injured in the accident.

Once you get home, you will want to avoid speaking to insurance adjusters. Remember that insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or claim you were partially at fault for your own motorbike wreck. Your lawyer should handle all communications with insurance adjusters to ensure the integrity of your case.

If you want to learn more about how to protect your rights in these claims, contact the Folkman Law team to discuss your case.