While any type of motor vehicle accident can result in serious injuries, when a wreck occurs between an automobile and a person on foot, the resulting injuries are often devastating. Sadly, many pedestrian accidents could be prevented if people acted reasonably, such as by following the rules of the road. If you suspect your accident or the accident of your loved one could have been avoided, you might be able to pursue a personal injury claim for compensation. The well-versed pedestrian accident lawyers at Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC have extensive experience with cases involving the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Bloomfield. Reach out today to begin working with a dedicated advocate.
Negligent Driving Causes Most Pedestrian Accidents in Bloomfield
Drivers have a duty of care to operate responsibly and ensure the safety of all others sharing the roads with them, including people on foot.
Reckless Driving
Unfortunately, many drivers are in a rush and care more about making it to their destination quickly. Speeding and reckless driving pose serious risks to pedestrians. When a car is driving too fast, its driver can lose control and be unable to stop in time to prevent a crash. Failure to yield at a crosswalk or trying to illegally pass a vehicle that has stopped in a crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross the street are other examples of dangerous and reckless driving.
Distracted Driving
Drivers today are also more distracted than in the past. They frequently look down to read a text or change the music playing in the car. Drivers can be distracted by swiveling their heads to check on their child in the backseat or even by a conversation with a passenger. Anything that distracts someone’s mind, hands, or vision from their driving duties can pose a threat to unsuspecting pedestrians.
Drunk Driving
Drunk drivers lack the motor skills to be able to control their vehicles safely. If someone tries to cross the road, the driver might be unable to stop in time to avoid hitting them. Drunk drivers also can swerve out of their lane or even off the road and onto a sidewalk filled with pedestrians.
Although most pedestrian crashes in Bloomfield occur because the driver did not see the person on foot, that should not excuse the driver from liability. A dedicated legal team can investigate the crash to find evidence of the driver’s negligence.
Pedestrians’ Actions Can Contribute to Accidents
Sometimes, the negligent driver is not the only one responsible for causing a crash. Pedestrians also have a duty to obey the rules of the road. When pedestrians act carelessly or recklessly, their actions can contribute to an accident. For instance, a pedestrian can share responsibility for an accident if:
- They cross the road outside of a crosswalk
- They walk on the side of the road instead of on an available sidewalk
- They cross the road at night wearing dark clothing
- They do not wait for a walk signal before crossing the road
Even when a walker’s actions contribute to an accident, they might still be able to seek compensation in a lawsuit because New Jersey courts consider the comparative negligence of all parties. As long as the pedestrian was less than 50 percent to blame for the accident, they could still pursue a legal claim and collect damages. However, a local court could reduce their damages in proportion to their assigned percentage of blame.
A diligent Bloomfield legal team can examine the facts and help an injured pedestrian or their family determine how comparative negligence could impact their recovery of damages after one of these common causes of accidents.
Work With a Bloomfield Attorney After a Pedestrian Accident
If you or your loved one experienced severe harm after being struck by an automobile, you deserve help. The seasoned lawyers at Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC are skilled investigators, negotiators, and advocates. They have successfully helped people injured due to many of the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Bloomfield.
Work with a determined local lawyer today. Begin by scheduling a free meeting.
