What to do After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian Accident Laws
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that each year, over 4,000 pedestrians are killed in accidents, which is why it is important to understand that pedestrians are at risk of being seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents. Unlike motor vehicle operators, pedestrians are not protected by any type of padding or protective layer. This means that if you are involved in an accident as a pedestrian, you are much more likely to end up facing life-changing injuries. As a result, if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident and another person is responsible, it is a wise idea to understand how to respond to obtain the compensation that you deserve.
How to Respond After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrians accidents can leave you feeling uncertain about how to proceed. As a result, it is critical to review some of the important steps that you should remember in case you are injured in a pedestrian accident. Some of the steps that you should remember to follow include:
- Contacting law enforcement and emergency workers
- Noting the license plate number of the vehicle involved
- If you believe that you have been injured in any way, receive medical screening
- Contact your insurance company
What No-Fault Insurance Means for Injured Pedestrians
If you are a pedestrian who is struck by a motor vehicle, the vehicle’s driver will likely be found responsible by insurance companies and courts of law for the accident. If a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle while legally crossing the road, the driver will likely be found responsible for the accident. In regards to compensation for injured pedestrians, New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state, which means that an injured party’s motor vehicle insurance company will pay for some or all of a person’s medical bills as well as other certain types of damages, even if the motor vehicle driver caused the accident. If a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle but does not own a car or live with a family member who owns a car, personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will be paid by New Jersey’s state insurance fund.
Other Options to Obtain Compensation
In addition to pursuing compensation from the motor vehicle operator, pedestrians who are injured in accidents can also sometimes pursue compensation from vehicle manufacturer who provided the driver with a defective vehicle that caused the accident. In other situations, you might be able to pursue compensation from a government agency or municipality. These lawsuits against the government and municipalities, however, can sometimes be challenging because these entities are often protected by the law or have caps that reduce the amount of compensation an injured pedestrian can receive.
Speak with a Skilled New Jersey Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one is injured in a pedestrian accident and another party is responsible, it is common to feel uncertain about how to proceed to obtain the compensation that you deserve. Contact Ferrara & Gable today to begin taking the steps necessary to make sure that your case resolves in the best possible manner.