Recently, a mother was pushing her 15-month-old baby in a stroller across Martin Luther King Avenue in Morristown when they were hit by a taxi. The taxi driver said the mom and child “suddenly” appeared in front of him. He hit his brakes, but he couldn’t stop in time.
After investigating the accident, police believe that the pedestrian did not cross in the crosswalk. Since the driver was going the speed limit of 25MPH, it seems that this NJ car crash was caused by the actions of the pedestrian.
While drivers have the obligation not to hit pedestrians, jaywalking puts you at increased risk for serious injury or even death. It is best to use crosswalks whenever possible. Before crossing, you should still look both ways. Don’t assume drivers will look out for you; many won’t acknowledge that you have the right of way.
Legally, pedestrians in New Jersey are required to use crosswalks whenever available. If you are hurt in an accident while jaywalking, you may think you are unable to recover your damages. However, it’s possible that the driver was distracted, texting, speeding, or intoxicated at the time of the accident. If the driver is partially at fault for your accident, you may have a right to compensation for your injuries.
Determining liability for a New Jersey pedestrian accident can be extremely difficult. It’s best to hire an experienced NJ personal injury lawyer for help. Manfred Ricciardelli has over 20 years of experience handling injury claims in New Jersey. He will determine if you have a case and guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim. To set up a free consultation, call 973-285-1100 or fill out our online contact form today.