Severe injuries can occur when motor vehicles collide with pedestrians. Many of these crashes happen because of motorists’ negligence. For example, a driver may hit a pedestrian because of distractions or speeding.
Those who strike pedestrians may be sued for the injuries they cause. Plaintiffs in pedestrian injury lawsuits can obtain several different categories of monetary damages. However, for their cases to succeed, they must show that their collisions occurred because of a defendant’s carelessness.
In the aftermath of an accident in Montclair, NJ, get help going after the compensation you deserve. Connect with our pedestrian accident attorneys by contacting The Carrion Law Firm today at (718) 841-0083. Our team can provide a free case evaluation.
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Typically Occur in Montclair, NJ?
Pedestrian accidents can occur in many different locations, some more common than others. The following are locations where pedestrian accidents typically occur in Montclair, NJ:
Parking Lots
There are often many people walking through parking lots or going from the building to their cars. Therefore, when drivers do not check their surroundings before pulling out of and into parking spaces, serious pedestrian crashes can happen. Victims of such accidents can call our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys for support.
Crowded Urban Areas
Crowded city streets are another common place for pedestrian accidents. During periods of peak traffic congestion in these areas, there are often a high number of people and vehicles travelling in close proximity. Accordingly, drivers who commit careless maneuvers in crowded urban streets are likely to cause collisions with pedestrians.
Intersections
Many pedestrians are hit at intersections when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way. For example, someone legally using a crosswalk might be hit by a motorist attempting to turn right on red or a pedestrian might be struck during an improper left turn. These crashes often lead to severe injuries, but victims may pursue payment from at-fault parties for these harms.
Common Injuries Facing Victims of Pedestrian Accidents in Montclair, NJ
There are many different types of harm suffered by victims of pedestrian accidents. In some cases, injuries may heal relatively quickly. However, other victims may require expensive, long-lasting medical care. The following are examples of injuries often experienced in pedestrian accidents in Montclair, NJ:
Fractured Bone
Many people who suffer pedestrian accidents suffer fractured bones. These injuries can cause a wide array of damages. Many plaintiffs who leave an accident with broken bones cannot return to work until they recover. Furthermore, these injuries often severely disrupt peoples’ daily routines during recovery.
Head Injuries
Pedestrians often suffer head injures because their heads strike against vehicles or the ground. These impacts can produce several different types of harm like skull fractures and concussions. In severe cases, those with head injuries resulting in traumatic brain injuries (TBI) will experience highly debilitating symptoms. For example, someone with a severe brain injury may have trouble communicating with friends and family. Our team of experienced pedestrian accident attorneys can help plaintiffs with severe head injuries obtain compensation from at-fault parties.
Sprains, Strains, and Tears
Furthermore, pedestrians can also suffer sprains, strains, and tears because of a crash with a negligent driver. These injuries can be excruciatingly painful. Furthermore, these victims may experience severe limitations during their recovery. If you suffered a sprain, strain, or tear from a pedestrian crash, then you may be able to recover monetary damages.
Spinal Cord Damage
Lastly, many people who suffer pedestrian accidents sustain damage to their spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries can produce several forms of detrimental symptoms. In many cases, victims who injure their spinal cords are prevented from participating in the activities and hobbies that they enjoyed prior to the accidents. Our pedestrian accident lawyers will aim to assist plaintiffs with spinal cord damage navigate the complex route to recovery.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit for Injuries to a Pedestrian in Montclair, NJ?
The time limit to bring your pedestrian injury case to court in Montclair can be found under N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-2. Under this law, you generally have two years from the date your pedestrian accident occurred to file your case. Waiting too long to file can cause you to miss out on the payment available to you. Therefore, you should call our law firm quickly after suffering a crash. Our team will help file your claim in a timely manner.
Additionally, complex evidence may be required to prove fault in your lawsuit. For instance, expert witness testimony may be necessary to prove that the defendant is at fault. Furthermore, certain evidence can even deteriorate as time goes on. The sooner you reach out to our lawyers, the more efficiently we can gather evidence and build your case.
What if You Share Some of the Blame for Your Own Pedestrian Accident in Montclair, NJ?
If you are partially to blame for your pedestrian accident, you can still recover damages, but you may be restricted in the amount of compensation you can recover. Courts in Montclair will follow the rules of modified comparative fault. Simply put, damages in pedestrian accident cases will be apportioned based on each party’s percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% responsible for your accident while the defendant is 70% to blame, then the defendant will pay for 70% of your costs while you are left paying for the leftover 30% on your own. However, if you are considered to be over 50% responsible for your pedestrian crash, then your case will be dismissed.
Many defendants in pedestrian accident cases will attempt to shift blame onto plaintiffs. Our pedestrian accident attorneys will seek out maximum compensation for you and work to shut down these victim-blaming tactics.
Call Our Attorneys After Your Pedestrian Accident in Montclair, NJ
If you became injured in a pedestrian accident, call The Carrion Law Firm to speak with our pedestrian accident lawyers. Do not delay; contact us at (718) 841-0083.