New Jersey Crosswalk Accidents Attorney

group of students crossing to go to school

Nagel Rice LLP is a prominent personal injury law firm serving crosswalk accident victims throughout New Jersey. If you or a family member has been seriously injured or killed in a crosswalk accident, contact us for a free initial consultation so we can advise you regarding the viability of a possible lawsuit. Once you become our client we will charge you no attorneys’ fees until we win your case.

Crosswalks are designed to provide a safe pathway for pedestrians to cross urban streets congested with traffic or winding rural roads on which cars may approach unexpectedly from around the bend. Unfortunately, crosswalks do not always provide the safety intended. All too often pedestrians are obediently crossing the street with a green light or a walk signal when they are hit by a negligent or reckless driver. It takes a skilled crosswalk accident attorney to help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve.

What increases the risk of a crosswalk accident?

Nearly 6600 pedestrian fatalities occurred in the U.S. in 2019, up 50 percent during the last decade, and 137,000 more were treated for nonfatal injuries during the same year. Not all of the victims were jaywalking or inebriated. Many of them were obeying the law and crossing the street at designated crosswalks.

There are, however, several factors that heighten the risk of a pedestrian being hit while walking in a crosswalk, including:

  • Darkness, often coupled with dark clothing, lack of streetlights or headlights
  • Weather that interferes with visibility: heavy rain, snow, sleet, fog, wind that blows debris
  • Alcohol or drug impairment of either the pedestrian or driver*
  • Age of the victim: children 15 and younger and adults 65 and older are at greater risk
  • Distraction of either the driver or the pedestrian by a cell phone, headset, toddler, etc.
  • Being in a wheelchair, most likely because the disabled person is lower and less visible

*Nearly half of all fatal pedestrian accidents involve alcohol consumption by the pedestrian, the driver, or both.

Are pedestrians ever at fault in crosswalk accidents?

Although the common perception is that pedestrians “always have the right of way,” this is not always the case. Most of the time, verdicts in crosswalk accidents tend to favor the pedestrian. After all, drivers have the ability to move far more quickly and are expected to exercise extreme caution in regard to pedestrians (especially at crosswalks). Nonetheless, there are cases in which the pedestrian may be considered, at least partially, to be at fault. Such incidents may include the following actions on the part of the pedestrian:

  • Crossing near, but not in, the demarcation of the crosswalk
  • Crossing against the light or walk signal
  • Being alcohol-impaired or under the influence of prescribed or illegal drugs

Fortunately for you, the laws of New Jersey benefit the pedestrian in a crosswalk accident. Although an injured plaintiff cannot recover damages if his or her own negligence is greater than that of the defendant, it is almost unimaginable that any court would hold a pedestrian more accountable than a driver, particularly in a crosswalk accident. 

Besides, your odds of winning damages are far better with an experienced crosswalk accident attorney advocating for you. Nagel Rice has an impressive history, having won over a billion dollars in settlements and verdicts during our 3 decades in practice. 

Crosswalk Injuries Are Most Often Severe or Catastrophic

Because as a pedestrian you are impacted twice — once by the car and once by the unforgiving road surface — the likelihood of traumatic injuries is increased. You may have suffered one (or even more than one) of the following:

  • Dislocated or broken bones, including fracture of the hip, pelvis, shoulder, or limbs
  • Severe lacerations or muscular strains or sprains
  • Spinal cord injuries that may cause partial or complete paralysis
  • Internal bleeding and/or organ damage or loss
  • Traumatic brain injuries that may result in loss of vision, hearing, taste, smell or tactile sensation, cognitive damage, balance problems, or other neurological issues

Even the less serious of these injuries will incapacitate you for a long time, possibly making it necessary for you to undergo surgery and prolonged rehabilitation. The worst of these, such as paralysis or traumatic brain injury, may mean that you will never be able to resume your normal lifestyle and that you will require constant long-term nursing care. 

At Nagel Rice, we understand the shock and pain of your life-altering injury and are here to help right this wrong. We have the skills and determination to win you the compensation you need and deserve.

Damages We Will Fight to Win for You and Your Loved Ones

Depending on your particular circumstances, we may be able to recover for

  • Medical and rehabilitation costs
  • Lost income, present and future
  • Property damage or loss
  • Pain and suffering
  • Permanent disability
  • Extended nursing care
  • Permanent scarring or other disfigurements
  • Loss of household services
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

If you have lost a loved one to wrongful death in a crosswalk accident, we will fight vigorously to give you some sense of justice by obtaining compensation for final medical costs, funeral costs, and loss of financial and emotional support.

Contact Our Experienced New Jersey Crosswalk Accident Attorneys Today

During this difficult period of your life, having a strong team of professionals at your side can make a tremendous difference, both in lowering your stress level and in increasing your chances of a positive outcome. The sooner you contact our office, the sooner we can get to work on your crosswalk accident claim.

Nagel Rice LLP helps their clients with their crosswalk accident claims throughout New Jersey including Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Sussex County.