Lakewood Accident: Investigating Auto-Pedestrian Collisions

Each year, countless individuals in Lakewood, New Jersey, rely on walking as a mode of transportation, for leisure, or simply to navigate their neighborhoods. Unfortunately, this also means that pedestrians are frequently exposed to the risk of accidents involving motor vehicles. In fact, New Jersey sees a higher-than-average number of pedestrian injury crashes and fatalities when compared to national statistics. Understanding the factors that contribute to these incidents is crucial for promoting safety and preventing future collisions. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s essential to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation.

The Frequency and Severity of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can result in severe injuries and even fatalities, underscoring the importance of understanding the circumstances that lead to these incidents. According to the New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety, the state experiences a disproportionate number of pedestrian injury crashes and fatalities compared to the national average. Several factors contribute to this concerning trend:

Population Density: New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states in the U.S., leading to increased pedestrian traffic and interactions with vehicles.
Urban Infrastructure: Many areas in New Jersey, especially around cities like Lakewood, have complex urban infrastructure, with high traffic volumes, numerous intersections, and diverse transportation modes, increasing the risk of accidents.
High Traffic Areas: The state’s proximity to major metropolitan areas results in heavy traffic flow and congestion, heightening the likelihood of pedestrian accidents.

In Lakewood Township, the number of pedestrians struck by vehicles increased considerably in December 2023 compared to November. This increase highlights the need for continued efforts to improve pedestrian safety in the area.

Common Causes of Auto-Pedestrian Collisions

Several factors can contribute to auto-pedestrian collisions, ranging from driver negligence to environmental conditions. Some of the most common causes include:

Distracted Driving: The use of mobile devices and other distractions can take drivers’ attention away from the road, increasing the risk of accidents involving pedestrians.
Speeding: High vehicle speeds, especially in busy urban areas, reduce a driver’s reaction time and ability to stop quickly, making it more challenging to avoid collisions with pedestrians.
Failure to Yield: Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks or intersections is a significant cause of accidents. New Jersey law requires drivers to stop and stay stopped for pedestrians in marked crosswalks and yield to pedestrians in unmarked crosswalks.
Intoxication: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s reaction time and coordination, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Alcohol also plays a significant role in pedestrian injuries and deaths, with a considerable percentage of fatal crashes involving alcohol impairment for either the driver or the pedestrian.
Poor Visibility: Weather conditions such as fog, rain, snow, or ice can reduce visibility and affect stopping distances, contributing to accidents.
Negligent Pedestrian Behavior: Pedestrians not crossing at crosswalks, disobeying traffic signals, or walking in roadways can also cause accidents.

Legal Considerations and Liability

Determining liability is a critical aspect of pedestrian accident cases. In Lakewood, New Jersey, several factors contribute to establishing fault for the incident:

Traffic Violations: Identifying if the driver committed any traffic violations, such as speeding, running red lights, or failing to yield, can help establish liability.
Pedestrian Right of Way: Understanding whether the pedestrian had the right of way, particularly in crosswalks and designated walking areas, is crucial for determining liability.
Negligence: If a driver fails to exercise reasonable care and that failure causes an accident, the driver may be considered negligent and held liable for the resulting damages.

New Jersey Laws and Pedestrian Safety

New Jersey has numerous pedestrian-related rules and guidelines in place to protect pedestrians and ensure their safety. Some of the most notable laws include:

Right-of-Way in Crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks, including at all intersections. New Jersey’s Stop and Stay Stopped Law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at crosswalks to allow pedestrians to pass.
Pedestrian Signals: If an intersection is controlled by a traffic light or pedestrian crosswalk signal, pedestrians can only cross when signaled to do so. Turning drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing at intersections when the pedestrians have the right-of-way.
Safe Passing Law: Drivers must approach and pass pedestrians and other vulnerable road users with due caution. If possible, they must move over a lane or allow at least four feet of space. Otherwise, drivers must reduce their speed to 25 miles per hour and be prepared to stop.
Pedestrian Responsibilities: Pedestrians also have responsibilities, including exercising due care for their safety, yielding to drivers when crossing a road at points other than those within a marked/unmarked crosswalk or at an intersection, and obeying traffic signals.

Seeking Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Lakewood, New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. A Lakewood pedestrian accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities of these cases and pursue the compensation you deserve. Compensation may include:

Medical Expenses: Coverage for past and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medication.
Lost Wages: Reimbursement for lost income due to being unable to work as a result of your injuries.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident.
Other Damages: Additional damages may include compensation for property damage, loss of enjoyment of life, and punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.

Promoting Pedestrian Safety in Lakewood

Promoting pedestrian safety requires a collaborative effort from drivers, pedestrians, and local authorities. Some steps that can be taken to improve pedestrian safety in Lakewood include:

Increased Awareness: Educating drivers and pedestrians about traffic laws, safe practices, and the importance of sharing the road.
Improved Infrastructure: Enhancing pedestrian infrastructure, such as crosswalks, sidewalks, and traffic signals, to create safer walking environments.
Enforcement: Increasing police presence and enforcement of traffic laws to deter negligent behavior and protect pedestrians.
Community Initiatives: Implementing community-based programs and initiatives to promote pedestrian safety and encourage responsible behavior.

Conclusion

Pedestrian accidents in Lakewood, New Jersey, can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. Understanding the causes of these accidents, the relevant laws, and the available legal options is crucial for protecting your rights and seeking the compensation you deserve. By working together, drivers, pedestrians, and local authorities can create a safer environment for everyone in the community.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Lakewood, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance from a qualified attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you need to recover and rebuild your life.