Pedestrian Accidents in New Jersey

Pedestrian accidents can happen frequently and  can be caused by a number of various reasons. The majority of pedestrian accidents are caused by negligence either by the driver or the pedestrian. But there are also other factors that are contributory to causing accidents. Some of these common causes of pedestrian accidents include the following. 

Failure to Yield Right of Way 

Right-of-way law aims to provide order on the road and prevent accidents from happening in areas or situations where there are traffic merging, crossing paths, or pedestrians crossing the roadways. Yielding the right of way allows another vehicle or pedestrian to cross the road before you. It also helps mitigate accidents, especially at intersections where there are no traffic lights. 

Failure to yield the right of way spells chaos. Worst, it could mean pedestrian accidents. It can also result in traffic violations on the right of way. For instance, when approaching an intersection, drivers need to yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing roadways, reduce speed, and exercise due care. Car drivers are also expected to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians walking down the sidewalks.

Improperly Crossing Roadways or Intersections 

Even if a car driver exercises caution and observes yielding the right of way while on the road if the pedestrian will not do his duties, accidents can still occur. A person may try to cross the street even if the traffic lights are red. He can cross somewhere other than the designated pedestrian crosswalk. Or he may attempt to cross the street at the last minute before the traffic light changes. 

These scenarios give drivers little to no time to react and step on the brake pedal. And this irresponsible act of the pedestrian can lead to car and pedestrian accidents causing minor to severe injuries and possible wrongful deaths. 

Road Construction 

Road construction projects cause inconvenience both to motorists and pedestrians. And aside from the inconveniences, it’s a common cause of pedestrian accidents. Road constructions force pedestrians to walk in areas not intended for safe walking and in areas where drivers do not expect them to walk. 

It is also not safe for the construction workers who are considered pedestrians. If the road construction site does not follow protocols like placing signs on the road to notify drivers or assigning someone to manage traffic, accidents can occur.  Roadside workers, pedestrians passing by, and motorists are all at risk and need to practice extra caution to avoid getting hurt while on the road. 

Playing, Standing, or Lying in the Roadway

Motorists may have difficulty avoiding accidents with pedestrians who are lingering in the roadway – either playing, lying, or just simply standing. The roads are not meant for these activities. 

If an accident happens because someone is playing in the street and suddenly crossed the road without caution, the pedestrian not the motorist will be held accountable. Even if the driver was able to swerve and successfully avoided the pedestrian but collided with another vehicle behind, the pedestrian will still be liable.  

Having Poor Visibility

There are several factors that can impact visibility on the road. These elements can lead to drivers and pedestrians getting into an accident. 

• Bad weather conditions
• Vehicles or objects parked on the side of the road 
• Poor lighting on the roads
• Pedestrians in dark clothing at night 
• Poor vehicle headlights 
• Bright headlights of vehicles 

If poor visibility is the main cause of the pedestrian accident, proper investigation is needed in order to identify who is at fault – the motorist, pedestrian, city government, other parties (illegal parking) or road workers. In situations where there is bad visibility, everyone is expected to observe and exercise caution in order to avoid any accidents. 

Intoxication – Drugs, Alcohol, or Medication

Drugs, alcohol, or medication intoxication can lead to accidents. It does not matter who is intoxicated, either the motorist or the pedestrian or both, it can cause accidents. 

Drugs, alcohol, or medication can impair judgment whether you are driving or walking on the street. Intoxication can also affect your reflexes, balance, vision, senses, mood, and emotions which can cause changes in your behavior. Changes in behavior can either lead you to cause an accident or leave you unable to avoid it. 

Distracted Driving

Drivers texting or talking on their phones do not only put themselves and the pedestrians at risk but other motorists too. Pedestrians who are focused on their phones while crossing the street or walking on the sidewalk are also calling for pedestrian and car accidents. 

Impatient Driving

Drivers who are not capable to keep their cool attract accidents. They can either cause a car accident with another motorist or hit a pedestrian. Whether you are running late, wants to reach home early, have a bad day, or are just simply not in the mood, it is very important to exercise patience while on the road.

Recklessness

Recklessness can be a fault by the driver, the pedestrian, or both. Drivers need to observe traffic rules at all times including extending due care to pedestrians. Pedestrians should also ensure to obey traffic rules and exercise caution while at crosswalks or sidewalks. 

It should always be a two-way street between the motorists and the pedestrians being responsible and obedient to the traffic rules. 

Running or Darting into the Road 

Darting or running into the road is very dangerous. This is very common, especially with children running onto the road out of nowhere leaving the driver with insufficient time to step off the brake or make a swerve. The possibility of being hit and severely injured is high. It’s always recommended to follow traffic rules and always look left and right before crossing the street. 

Arterial Roads / Multi-Lane / Left Turns

Roads are always busy. Drivers need to pay attention not only to traffic lights but also to pedestrians and other drivers. They have to deal with other motorists changing lanes, speeding, and tailgating which can impact the people walking on the sidewalks. They need to look out and pay attention to pedestrians while doing left turns. On the other hand, pedestrians need to look out for drivers who are over-speeding and doing left turns to avoid any potential collision. 

Vehicle Malfunction / Mechanical Failure

Another cause of pedestrian accidents in New Jersey is vehicle malfunction. Possible mechanical failure or malfunction includes the following.  

• Seatbelts not working 
• Brakes failure 
• Defective accelerators
• Air bags malfunction 
• Electrical system issues (fires or loss of lights)
• Crack or break on wheels
• Steering components problems 
• Fuel system leakage 
• Defective windshield wipers
• Seats or seatbacks failures
• Tires or other critical vehicle components that blows out, fall apart or separate

While some of these mechanical issues can be considered minor like flat tires or dead car battery, some vehicle malfunction like brake failure, defective accelerators, and tire blowouts can cause lethal outcomes. If your accident was proven to be caused by manufacturing defects, consult with your experienced pedestrian accident lawyer to pursue product liability claims.